Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 777

William barely spared Lucinda a glance all day, so it made sense she’d feel upset. The room went quiet, awkward tension hanging in the air.

Grace jumped in right away. “Mr. Norwood, Mrs. Norwood, Lucinda was just feeling a little hurt. She lost her temper for a second and snapped at a servant. It’s not the end of the world.”

Blake shot her a cold look. “Who said you could speak?”

Grace clamped her mouth shut, but she was fuming inside. The Norwoods were way too much sometimes. They treated Lucinda unfairly, and no one was even allowed to point it out.

Kylie turned to Lucinda, her disappointment clear. “Lucinda, William came by for the first time today, but he was in a rush. He barely spoke to you, or to me, or to your dad. I told you we’d take you to meet the Robinsons tomorrow and introduce you properly. You agreed, remember?” She still couldn’t believe how Lucinda had acted. They’d just talked things through outside, but then Lucinda took it out on the staff. Was this really the daughter she knew?

Lucinda’s eyes filled with tears. “Dad, Mom, it’s my fault. I was being selfish. Punish me however you want. I’ll accept it.”

Seeing her like that, Cameron and Kylie’s anger started to melt away.

Mr. Norwood stepped in at just the right moment. “The matter’s settled. Let’s leave it. I’m tired.”

He’d poured so much effort into Lucinda, hoping she’d grow into her best self. Now, it seemed he’d been hoping for too much. She still couldn’t get over Lydia’s return, still refused to see things as they were. But he didn’t have the energy to say more.

Lucinda’s heart lifted. “Grandpa, does that mean you’ve forgiven Grace and me?”

Mr. Norwood stood up, his face stern and serious. “Lucinda, you’re still a Norwood. You admitted your mistake, and as family, of course we’ll forgive you.”

With nowhere else to turn, Grace pleaded with Kylie and Cameron. “Please, Mr. and Mrs. Norwood, I love this job. Don’t fire me. I promise I’ll do better. It’ll never happen again.”

They didn’t answer. It was clear they agreed with Blake’s decision.

Grace’s tears spilled over as she turned to Blake. “Blake, please. Don’t let them fire me. I swear I’ll change. I’ll work hard. I need this job. I can’t lose it!”

Lucinda stepped forward, her anger flaring. “Dad, Mom, Blake, Grace didn’t do anything unforgivable. Why are you making her leave?”

Suddenly, Lydia slid her laptop in front of Kylie and the others, a sly smile on her lips. “Remember how I kept getting trashed online at school? I did a little digging. Turns out, one of the IP addresses came from our own house.”