Nala couldnât hold back a scream of agony.
With a dismissive snort, Lucinda stood and made her way to the exit.
âReflect on your actions here in the basement.
Iâll arrange for a paternity test soon.
Iâm certain youâre eager to see the results.
â
The mention of a âpaternity testâ sent a wave of panic through Nala.
âLucinda, wait!â 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 Nalaâs voice.
After seizing Nalaâs hair, she promptly walked away, her steps firm and laced 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 yet comforting as a brisk autumn morning.
âLucinda, whatâs the matter?â
Her gaze lingered on the strands of Nalaâs hair as Lucinda spoke.
âWhen are you coming back? Did you get my last message?â
There was a brief pause on the l
ine as Hilliardâs memory jogged, realizing he had forgotten to answer Lucindaâs previous message.
âIâve secured a flight.
Barring any unforeseen delays, Iâll land at Stastleâs airport before midday tomorrow.
â
Hearing the specifics, a wave of relief washed over Lucinda.
âAnd will your fiancée be joining you?â
Hilliardâs response came after a momentâs hesitation, a touch of shyness in his tone.
âYes.
â
That shyness brought a smile to Lucindaâs face.
âGreat.
Iâll have my security team meet you at the airport.
Youâll stay at the Peace Mountain villa.
Iâll ensure itâs ready for you.
â
âOkay, see you tomorrow then.
â
âSee you tomorrow,â Lucinda echoed, ending the call.
She then turned to her six bodyguards with clear instructions.
âKeep the basement secure.
No one, Graham included, is allowed inside except for me.
â
âUnderstood.
â
With her orders given, Lucinda departed from Peace Mountain to continue her treatment at the lab.
The therapy was yielding results, slowly but surely easing the manic episodes that had long plagued 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 villa.
Violeta was there too, meeting Jennifer for the first time in a gesture of goodwill, eager to foster a warm relationship with Hilliardâs soon-to-be wife.
Despite the differences in their familyâs standings, Jennifer felt nothing but warmth from Violeta, who showed no hint of condescension.