During their departure, Jennifer voiced her concerns.
âWill Hilliard be returning to Peace Mountain tonight?â
Lost in thought over Grahamâs assistance, Lucinda responded without much thought, âHeâs tending to Norton.
Itâs unlikely heâll return tonight.
â
Jenniferâs subsequent query revealed her apprehension about staying alone in the villa.
Realizing the oversight, Lucinda understood the importance of not leaving Jennifer, a guest and soon-to-be family member, by herself.
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Due to her own struggles with manic episodes that could disrupt the peace of the night, Lucinda could not accommodate Jennifer at N&L Fairy Land.
After a brief moment of consideration, Lucinda reassured her, âNo need to worry.
Iâll get in touch with Hilliard and request his immediate return tonight.
â
With Nathanâs return, he assumed control of the situation at the Paynesâ house.
With Nortonâs condition remaining stable, Lucinda considered Hilliardâs departure inconsequential, allowing him to spend some private time with Jennifer.
Following her conversation with Hilliard, Lucinda selected a car from the Simmons family garage and drove back to N&L Fairy Land.
Upon arriving, instead of stepping out of the car, she retrieved the DNA test report and captured a photo of the results.
Sending the image to Grahamâs provided number, she appended a message.
âYour girlfriend is a member of the Simmons family.
Surrender her to me, and you may return to Zephyria without delay.
Otherwise, I shall find myself with an abundance of time to deal with you.
As a noble of Zephyria, imagine the repercussions if the world discovered your girlfriendâs true identity.
Consider your reputation.
â
Though Lucinda refrained from issuing direct threats, Danilo, being of noble lineage, understood implicitly the consequences of defying her.
Despite
his affection for Nala, the expectations of other noble clans would not tolerate his willfulness.
He couldnât afford a tarnished reputation.
As such, Lucinda considered that he would easily give in to her.
After sending the message, Lucinda waited for a while.
Within ten minutes, her phone buzzed with an incoming call from an unidentified number.
It was Daniloâs number, a contact shared by Graham.
Upon answering, silence stretched between them, punctuated only by the audible weight of the Daniloâs breath on the other end of the line.
Lucinda smiled.
âMr.
Brewer, letâs not dance around the issue.
Speak your mind.
â
Danilo sighed heavily, his voice rough with emotion.
âMs.
Simmons, neither Nala nor I were aware that she is a member of your family.
When we met, she was injured and had no recollection of her past.
Though she may be deemed illegitimate, she remains your half-sister.
Can you not find it in your heart to let her go?â
Lucinda couldnât help but find irony in his plea.
âShe feigns amnesia simply because she could no longer conceal her true identity? Does she take me for a fool?â
Danilo earnestly responded, âItâs the truth.
If you doubt me, I implore you to take her to a psychiatric evaluation.
â
Lucinda waved off the suggestion.
âThereâs no need.
Her mastery of deception is her true accolade.
Her acting prowess may even confound psychiatrists.
â
Danilo let out a resigned sigh.
âMs.
Simmons, must you wield such unwavering resolve?â
âI didnât intend for this.
Sheâs part of our family, and as the head of the Simmons family, itâs my responsibility to correct her mistakes.
â