Chapter 36 Old Wounds 4508 Finished Wilson muttered to himself , " Forget it . That girl is always so stubborn . Who knows if she's really okay ? I'll have her mom check on her later . " Lydia watched his back as he rushed off to find Lottie . Her face stayed blank as she stood and knocked over the teacup . Hot tea spilled onto the carpet , soaking into the scams . On Zoey's memorial day , Claudia woke with a heavy heart . She stood in front of the mirror , dressed in a black dress , her face pale and distant . Suddenly , she lifted her hand to block her reflection , as if she couldn't bear to see herself . When she arrived at the family house , the family of five was quietly enjoying breakfast together . When they saw Claudia , Lydia smiled sweetly and turned to the maid . " Bertha , bring a chair for Claudia . " Claudia glanced at the five matching chairs around the table and shook her head . " No need . I already ate . " Her silence , paired with the somber day , kept even Zane - the one most likely to tease - from making jokes . For once , the house felt calm instead of tense . Lottie hadn't seen her daughter in a long time . She wanted to talk with her . But that cold expression kept her from opening her mouth . When everyone was ready to leave , Lydia suddenly smacked her forehead . " Oh no , I forgot the gift I prepared for Mom . It's still upstairs . " She turned to Claudia and asked , " Can you come with me ? I might not be able to carry it alone . " Her eyes sparkled with innocence and warmth . On this day , the sharp - edged Claudia always seemed to soften , like a tame rabbit , never fighting back . Lydia had known this pattern after years of their disagreement . Sure enough , when Zane jumped up and said he was strong enough to help , Lydia shook her head quickly . " No thanks . Boys are too clumsy with delicate things . " Claudia stayed silent and 1/3 20:06 Wed , Oct 8 Chapter 36 Old Wounds walked upstairs . Finished Lydia turned back and gave her parents a playful wink , as if to say : See ? Didn't I tell you I'd make it work ? She had promised that today she would try to find a chance to case things with Claudia . Wilson and Lottic naturally thought this was Lydia's way of reaching out , of trying to make peace . The two looked on with relief as their daughters went upstairs together . Zane wanted to follow , but Clarence - who had already guessed their parents ' intentions - held him back . Upstairs . Instead of going into her room , Lydia stopped in front of Claudia's door . That room had once been a guest room . After Lydia moved into the household , Claudia gave up her bedroom so Lydia could have it . Lydia had said she wanted Claudia's room because from its window she could see the tree her mother had planted in the garden . As a little girl , Claudia had felt hurt , but Lydia no longer had her mom . So Claudia gave in . If it made Lydia happy , that was enough . And what was meant to be temporary lasted more than ten years . But Lydia's ambition had grown far beyond just a bedroom . " I'm sorry , Claudia , " Lydia said lightly . " My closet was too small , so Dad had workers expand it . Mom asked me to stay in your room for now . You don't mind , do you ? " She pushed the door open . Inside , there was no sign of anyone living there . The room didn't get much sunlight . Lydia had long since moved downstairs near Clarence . This place was only used for storage now . Claudia hadn't stayed at home in years . At first , Lottie had asked the maids to keep it clean every day. But once Lydia claimed the room , she never allowed anyone inside . The air carried a faint trace of dust . Lydia wrinkled her nose and waved her hand in front of her face , then walked over to the bed . The bedding was still in place , though old and faded . Resting on the bed was a portrait , about 2/3 20:06 Wed , Oct 8 Chapter 26 the wand three feet tall . Claudia recognized the face instantly . It was Zoey - Lydia's mother . Finished A gentle woman with soft , delicate features , smiling kindly . Her eyes seemed alive , meeting Claudia's gaze as if watching her from across time . Send Gifts Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!