Collecting herself, Lucinda steadied herself with the railing and made her way downstairs.
In the hall, Graham sat at the center, beside Violeta. Hilliard and Cyrus occupied the left sofa, while Florrie claimed the right.
They all wore solemn expressions and the atmosphere was heavy.
Across the coffee table, Valerie stood quietly. Tears streamed down her young and beautiful face.
When Cyrus spotted Lucinda, he stood up and made room for her to sit beside him.
Once she was seated, Valerie began to speak sorrowfully.
“I’m sorry! I know, as an illegitimate daughter, I have no place in the Simmons family tree, and I shouldn’t be present in such an occasion. But when I heard about Dad’s accident, I was truly worried about him, so I came here regardless of everything. I’m truly sorry.”
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Hilliard furrowed his brow at her words.
With surprise and anger, Cyrus retorted, “You’re not my sister! Dad’s illegitimate daughter? How could I have never heard of this all these years? Lucinda is my only sister, and that’s an undeniable fact.”
Valerie’s eyes welled up with tears.
“If my presence upsets you, I’1l leave immediately.”
“ALL right! She’s not lying. Dad personally informed me about this matter,” Graham intervened.
He narrowed his eyes and added, “Since you’re already here, and you’re a member of the Simmons family after all… Please, have a seat.”
“Thank you, Graham.” Valerie sat beside Florrie.
Lucinda kept her head lowered, concealing the anger in her eyes, and remaining silent.
The hall fell into an uneasy silence. Each person lost in their own thoughts, their inner musings a mystery.
It wasn’t until Graham broke the silence that the tension eased.
“Lucinda, considering Dad’s critical condition, I think we should focus on his treatment and taking care of him for now. We can talk about other matters once he awakens.”
The implication was clear. Graham wanted to postpone the inheritance issue.
Lucinda raised her head, meeting his gaze.
“Graham, I don’t agree with you. Hilliard is a skilled doctor, and he will see to Dad’s recovery. We know little about medicine, and can do nothing to help.
As for confirming the inheritance, the lawyer will be present on Dad’s behalf, and all I have to do is sign the agreement. After all, someone has to take charge of the Simmons Group.”
Graham stared at her with concern.
“You’re pregnant now. You need to consider not just yourself, but also the two babies inside you. If you claim the inheritance at this time, the burden will fall solely on your shoulders. It will exhaust you.”