She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 39

Everyone turned. Aside from the brothers who’d already met Loyce, the branch relatives had imagined a sickly, poorly dressed country girl.

Instead, a young woman in a leather jacket and black pants walked in—skin fair and luminous, face cool and striking. She resembled the Lonsdale brothers so strongly it was impossible to deny. And the three brothers were each rare, standout looks in their own right.

Sybil’s heart sank. Her hands clenched on her knees.

“My precious granddaughter!” Gordon couldn’t hold back anymore. Years of longing and excitement pushed him to his feet, cane and all. He reached for Loyce. “Come here, let me look at you!”

The brothers near him had reddened eyes, forcing their emotions down.

Loyce hadn’t felt family affection in years. Gordon’s warmth left her awkward and unsure what to do. His wrinkled, aged hand gripped hers tightly.

“You’re back… you’re finally back.” Gordon’s eyes shone. “If we hadn’t found you, I wouldn’t have known how to face your parents when my time comes.”

Loyce didn’t know how to comfort him, but the feeling still warmed her. She squeezed his hand back and said softly, “Grandpa.”

“Yes!”

That one word seemed to melt Gordon completely. He looked like he wanted to hand her every treasure in the world and spoil her rotten.

“I’m Forrest, your oldest brother,” Forrest said from the sofa, his tone full of emotion. “I never thought I’d end up owing my own sister my life. Funny how things work out.”

Loyce remembered the wooden token he’d given her. “Forrest” she said, then added, “Didn’t you have surgery coming up? Why are you back?”

Forrest answered like it was obvious. “Because I wasn’t going to miss your homecoming. We searched for you for years. This matters to me. The surgery can wait a few days.”

Loyce had never imagined anyone could care about her like that. Was this what it felt like having real family at your side? Her expression softened. “Thank you. But your health comes first.”

“And me! I’m Morris, your second brother.” Morris wore a gentle smile as he stepped forward and gave her a brief, polite hug. “When I called you “Sis” that day… I wasn’t wrong, was I?”

Loyce smiled faintly.

Her third brother was the one who’d picked her up. Loyce turned and said, “Thank you, Hank.”

Alicia nodded quickly and shot Sybil an approving look. “Yes. I’m getting it ready.”

Leroy immediately frowned. “Mom, why? Just clean up a guest room for her. Why mess with Sybil’s piano room? She’s currently composing the opening theme score for Logan Ludlow’s film.”

Logan Ludlow’s movies were always major productions, the kind that swept awards. An opening theme for one of his films was a big deal.

Alicia put on an exaggerated look of surprise. “Sybil, you’re that good now? No wonder you’ve been skipping dinner and locking yourself in the piano room.”

Sybil blushed slightly and stole a glance at Morris. “It’s because Morris inspired me. I’m only qualified to compose for Director Ludlow because of him.”

Alicia turned back with a soft, apologetic tone. “If Sybil needs the piano room, then Loyce… how about a guest room for now? Later I’ll arrange something else. If you don’t like it, we can always change—”

Sybil cut in sweetly, all gentleness. “Mom, it’s fine. My work is nothing important. Give Loyce the piano room. She’s been out there for so many years… she probably hasn’t slept well in ages.”

Sybil meant to use Leroy’s comment to highlight her own generosity. But things didn’t go the way she expected.