N couldn’t hold back a scream of agony.


    With a dismissive snort, Lucinda stood and made her way to the exit.


    “Reflect on your actions here in the basement.


    I’ll arrange for a paternity test soon.


    I’m certain you’re eager to see the results.


    ”


    The mention of a “paternity test” sent a wave of panic through N.


    “Lucinda, wait!” she called out, her voice echoing off the basement walls with a mix of fear and desperation.


    Lucinda turned a blind eye to the plea in N’s voice.


    After seizing N’s hair, she promptly walked away, her steps firm andced with an air of superiority.


    Once she emerged from the dim confines of the basement, she wasted no time in reaching out to Hilliard.


    The phone barely had time to ring before he answered, his voice as chill yetforting as a brisk autumn morning.


    “Lucinda, what’s the matter?”


    Her gaze lingered on the strands of N’s hair as Lucinda spoke.


    “When are youing back? Did you get myst message?”


    There was a brief pause on the l


    ine as Hilliard’s memory jogged, realizing he had forgotten to answer Lucinda’s previous message.


    “I’ve secured a flight.


    Barring any unforeseen dys, I’llnd at Stastle’s airport before midday tomorrow.


    ”


    Hearing the specifics, a wave of relief washed over Lucinda.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    “And will your fiancée be joining you?”


    Hilliard’s response came after a moment’s hesitation, a touch of shyness in his tone.


    “Yes.


    ”


    That shyness brought a smile to Lucinda’s face.


    “Great.


    I’ll have my security team meet you at the airport.


    You’ll stay at the Peace Mountain vi.


    I’ll ensure it’s ready for you.


    ”


    “Okay, see you tomorrow then.


    ”


    “See you tomorrow,” Lucinda echoed, ending the call.


    She then turned to her six bodyguards with clear instructions.


    “Keep the basement secure.


    No one, Graham included, is allowed inside except for me.


    ”


    “Understood.


    ”


    With her orders given, Lucinda departed from Peace Mountain to continue her treatment at theb.


    The therapy was yielding results, slowly but surely easing the manic episodes that had long gued her.


    She harbored hopes of full recovery, yearning for a day when she could lead a serene life alongside Nathan.


    The following noon found Lucinda returning to Peace Mountain, where Hilliard and Jennifer had already made themselves at home in the vi.


    Violeta was there too, meeting Jennifer for the first time in a gesture of goodwill, eager to foster a warm rtionship with Hilliard’s soon-to-be wife.


    Despite the differences in their family’s standings, Jennifer felt nothing but warmth from Violeta, who showed no hint of condescension.