The Rebellious Blood

The echo of the heavy cane striking the marble floor still hung in the air when a bright, cheerful voice broke the suffocating tension.

"Wow, everyone is here! Grandma, what is the gossip?"

Lydia strolled into the grand foyer, her presence instantly deflating the heavy atmosphere. The dark storm clouds brewing on Mrs. Montell's face vanished, replaced by a rare, fawning smile.

"Lydia, my dea