82 +8 Pearls Claudia didn't want to come home , but Wilson had told her they needed to talk about her grandmother's house . In Claudia's long , suffocating childhood , there had once been a single ray of light . Even when everyone said it was her fault Zoey had died , that she owed Lydia everything , her grandmother had been the only one who never demanded that little Claudia yield to Lydia in all things . Grandma always said , " Accidents aren't something people can control . She's just a child . She shouldn't have to carry the weight of a life at such a young age . " Her grandmother's small courtyard had been the only place Claudia could breathe for over a decade . And because the Lancasters ' guilt had slowly twisted into favoritism toward Lydia , Grandma's heart ached for Claudia all the more . Perhaps foreseeing that Claudia would one day rebel , she had wanted to leave her a way out when she eventually broke from the family . She had even declared in front of everyone that she would leave the house to Claudia . But Grandma had passed suddenly , without a will . The deed now rested in Lottie's hands . They had planned to transfer it to Claudia as part of her dowry once she married . " Miss Lancaster . " The maid who opened the door froze for a moment at the sight of her . She truly was a daughter rarely seen in the house . The maid had joined the family late , after Claudia had already moved out . She had once thought Lydia was the Lancasters ' only daughter , assuming her surname came from her mother . The first time she saw Claudia return home , she had mistaken her for a distant relative mooching around , and had been scolded harshly by the butler . The Lancasters hardly ever spoke of Claudia . What kind of parents never mentioned their grown daughter , who had moved out so young ? No wonder she had misunderstood . The maid glanced again at the unwanted Claudia . By looks alone , Claudia resembled the Lancasters more than Lydia ever did . 1/4 9:35 Tue , Oct 7 The family was blessed with beauty , and Claudia had inherited the best of both parents . Were it not for her reputation as malicious , her beauty would have been widely celebrated . Lydia was lovely too , but standing beside Claudia , she paled like a firefly before the moon . Fortunately , the two were seldom seen together . But seeing Claudia's stormy expression now , the maid sighed inwardly . Tonight's dinner would not end well . When Claudia stepped in , Lottie rose at once . " Claudia , come . We made your favorite - BBQ ribeye ." Claudia glanced at the table , her face cold . " You remember wrong . Lydia's the one who likes BBQ ribeye . " She herself had always loved spice . As a child , Wilson and her brothers would tease her with peppers , laughing as she squealed at the heat , only to pour her milk and juice in pity afterward -until Lottie yanked their ears in scolding . But after Lydia came , her frail health required a careful diet , and the Lancaster table had become bland ever since . Lottie's face tightened with embarrassment , then smoothed into a smile . " No matter . There are plenty of dishes tonight . If you don't like them , the kitchen can prepare more . " Claudia didn't press the point . She dropped into a chair and met Wilson's eyes . " You said we were talking about Grandma's house . Say it now . " Wilson's expression soured . " Must you bring that up the moment you walk in ? Can't you sit down and eat first ? You look like a debt collector . " Claudia's lips pressed together . " Hey , you're in the wrong seat . " Zane , coming down from gaming , frowned . " That's Lydia's spot ." At the table , Wilson and Lottie sat on one side , their three children on the other . Lydia's place was between Clarence and Zane . It had once been Claudia's , until it was taken from her at six years old . " I didn't know seats in this family came with name tags . And what if I insist on sitting here ? " " Never mind . It's just a seat . Let Claudia have it . " Lydia smiled to smooth things over . Zane glared at Claudia , about to argue , then remembered what the officer had said about her 2/4 But with the family still guilty for misjudging Claudia , it wasn't the time to pick a fight . She forced herself to swallow her displeasure . Clarence , unwilling to quarrel with his biological sister , offered , " Lydia , I'll switch with you ." " No need ," Lottie cut in , calling for a maid . " Move Lydia's chair next to me . " When the outer seat had been left for Claudia , no one had thought it strange . But when Lydia was shifted , it was treated as if she had suffered some great injustice , the whole family bending to her . Claudia's eyes glinted with scorn . As Zane shot her a smug look , she suddenly stood and plopped down in Clarence's chair instead . " I like it better here ." The seats were now lined , Claudia - Clarence - Zane . Zane gaped . " What's that supposed to mean ? " Claudia shrugged . " Isn't it obvious ? I don't want to sit too close to you and catch your stupidity ." Zane nearly leapt from his chair . " Claudia ! " " Enough , both of you , " Lottie chided gently . Yet seeing them bicker again after so long , she couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia , a smile tugging at her lips . " Claudia , how are your injuries ? Are they serious ? I'll have Dr. Larrabee come look at you after dinner , all right ? " Dr. Larrabee was the Lancasters ' family physician . Wilson's tone softened as well . " And why not move back home this time ? With everyone here , you'll be well cared for . " Clarence and Zane both silently agreed . Zane even looked at her with anticipation . Before her stood a family full of sincere faces , their concern seemingly heartfelt . Claudia knew this routine all too well . It never changed - first the slap , then the sugar . Just enough false warmth to keep her hooked , unable to break free . Until the next time , the next time she clashed with Lydia , they would abandon her without 3/4 Lydia's smile was gentle , her eyes mocking . " She's right , Claudia . This is your home . We're family . There are no grudges here ." She had emphasized the word " your . " Claudia knew exactly what she meant . " Heh . " Claudia's smile curled . " Speaking of grudges , aren't you all forgetting something ? " " What ? " Zane blinked , confused . " Hiring a driver to kill someone - that's no small crime . " Her tone was soft , but every word cut . " If I hadn't insisted on calling the police , that charge would have followed me for life . Doesn't that deserve an apology ? " She had never been one to plaster over the cracks . Send Gifts 10 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!