Chapter 132
Chapter 132
After Richard hung up the phone, he was left utterly bewildered and full of self–blame. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn’t understand how Lydia, the daughter he had raised so carefully, had ended
up
this.
like
In contrast, Zina, who had grown up away from the Lambert family, had turned out so graceful, earning admiration from everyone.
When Richard returned to the dining table, he looked lost in thought. The others immediately noticed his odd behavior but refrained from asking what had happened, instead continuing with their meals.
After a few seconds, Richard spoke up. “Lydia just called me. She’s changed so much that I barely recognize her
anymore. It’s like she’s not even the daughter I raised. Or maybe she’s always been this way, and I just never noticed.”
He trailed off, his gaze falling on Zina, who was sitting composed and elegant. The contrast between her and Lydia was so stark it almost felt unsettling.
He never expected the gap between his biological daughter and his adopted daughter to be so vast. He pressed his lips together and looked at Zina, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
Noticing Richard’s gaze, Zina didn’t speak right away. She simply set her fork down, then slowly lifted her head to glance over at Kellan.
“I remember you mentioned wanting to discuss a potential partnership with the Lambert family,” she said casually. “Since we’re all here, why don’t you tell us more about it?”
Kellan Carter immediately understood Zina’s unspoken message. He set down his fork and looked at Richard with a polite smile.
“Mr. Lambert,” he said respectfully, “now that our families are on good terms, it’s time to revisit the partnership we put on hold ten years ago. There have been a few adjustments, but the overall scope of the partnership is still similar.”
Kellan, who usually had a rebellious streak, now exuded a calm and polished air.
As Kellan spoke, Richard furrowed his brow slightly. But when their eyes met, Richard felt a deeper sense of inner conflict. “You mean that overseas acquisition plan Patrick Carter and I discussed ten years ago?” Richard
asked.
Kellan nodded earnestly. “Yes. Although things have shifted a bit in both domestic and international markets, I just returned from overseas, so I’m up to date with the policies. We can sit down and discuss it in more detail.”
As Kellan spoke, Richard’s expression softened, and he looked at Kellan with admiration.
Zina felt a slight weight lift off her shoulders as she watched.
Now that dinner was settled, it was time to see what Lydia was planning to stir up.
