Chapter 7 The Only Rational Mind
“So, you must be Nancy.”
The woman’s voice rang clear, laced with an unmistakable note of command as she regarded Nancy.
Though a vague suspicion lingered in Nancy’s thoughts, she asked nonetheless, “And who might you be?”
“I’m
your grandmother, Martha Hadley,” Martha said.
Her eyes roamed over Nancy’s figure before she added thoughtfully, “You carry the bearing of the Lidells.”
Nancy’s face betrayed no emotion. She sensed that Martha lacked the cold, calculating snobbery that marked Andrew and Regina.
“Is there something you want?” Nancy asked calmly.
Martha’s face bore a look of solemn authority as she held out a beautiful emerald bracelet to Nancy. “Consider this a gift to mark our meeting.”
int
A
At a glance, Nancy knew it was crafted from the finest emerald–deep, vivid green, with remarkable translucence and clarity. Its market value easily exceeded a million.
Still, she didn’t accept it immediately.
Martha’s brow knitted in slight displeasure. “What’s the matter? You don’t like it?”
Nancy chose her words with care. “Mrs. Lidell Senior, the Lidell family already has its heiress. Perhaps I’m no longer needed.”
Though Martha seemed forthright, Nancy had long since abandoned any hope of rekindling ties with the Lidells, especially with someone as cherished as Raine holding their favor.
“How dare you?” Martha questioned.
Martha’s face darkened, her presence immediately intensifying with a commanding weight.
Nancy narrowed her eyes, wondering if Martha’s anger was sparked by her defiance.
A wave of disappointment and sadness washed over Nancy. It seemed the Lidells and she were fated to remain apart.
Martha’s fury surged forth. “Raine has claimed what doesn’t belong to her, yet the Lidells have kept her near out of lingering sentiment. To cast you aside in her favor would be a grievous wrong!
“Know this- you alone are the true heiress of the Lidells. No one else.”
Nancy’s breath caught.
Staring at Nancy, Martha added, “If you have any other concerns, speak them all. And as for your ungrateful parents, I’ll see to it they receive a stern reckoning.”
Her expression darkened, chilling and nearly ruthless, but Nancy caught an unforeseen warmth beneath the sternness, and her gaze softened ever so slightly.
“I’ll think it over,” she replied.
“Forget all doubt. You’re my granddaughter, abandoned and wronged through the years. If you come home, I’ll personally make amends to you,” Martha said, her gaze steady and unwavering.
Nancy found herself unable to refuse, not from any desire for the Lidell fortune, but because she sensed the genuine care behind Martha’s words.
The very fact that Martha had come today spoke volumes about the depth of thought and effort she’d invested.
In the hush that followed, Martha added, “Besides, do you really want Raine to hold what belongs to you?”
“It’s not the fortune! care about. Mrs. Lidell Senior, since you’ve said that, I’ll go home for now,” Nancy said quietly.
Then, she took the emerald bracelet.
A subtle joy flickered in Martha’s eyes. “And yet, you still call me Mrs. Lidell Senior?”
Nancy paused for a moment before replying, “Grandma.”
Martha responded withra soft hum, the smile holding in her eyes for a moment before the familiar sternness reclaimed her face. “There’s a family dinner tonight. You should join me.”
After a moment’s thought, Nancy nodded. “Alright, but I have some work left to finish.”
“That’s fine. I’ll be waiting for you here,” Martha said.
Nancy returned to her office, her fingers lightly grazing the emerald bracelet. An unfamiliar stirring awakened deep within her.
Was this what family truly felt like?
At 530 pin, Nancy wrapped up her work and made her way toward the reception room.
Chapter 7 The Only Rational Mind
212
Martha stood by the vast floor–to–ceiling window, her gaze fixed on the view beyond. Hearing Nancy’s footsteps, she turned and asked, “Finished with
work?”
Nancy responded with a soft hum.
“Let’s go,” Martha said.
Waiting at the company entrance was a sleek black Mercedes.
As Nancy settled into the car, she immediately noticed the interior was different, unmistakably customized. She glanced at Martha, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
Ten minutes later, they pulled up in front of Solara Hotel, Riversdale’s most renowned establishment.
Nancy followed Martha. As they walked, Martha introduced the members of the Lidell family, and Nancy listened attentively in silence.
Meanwhile, everyone from the Lidell family had already gathered in the private room.
“Why has Martha called us all together so suddenly?”
“I don’t know. I’m just as curious as you!”
The room hummed with subdued conversation.
Raine’s eyes widened with innocent curiosity as she asked, “Does Grandma know I took first place in the Riversdale Piano Competition?”
Act Fast: Free Bonus Time is Running Out!
