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 !