Mr. Norman, She's Out of Your League Now novel Chapter 75

Lydia froze for a moment, clearly caught off guard. Brian's left side was occupied by Maryanne, which meant the seat on his right should have been hers. She had already discussed it thoroughly with Estelle. Tonight was supposed to be her chance to sit beside Brian and show the best version of herself.

After all, this dinner had replaced what was originally meant to be a birthday banquet for Wayne. The real purpose behind the intimate dinner was to quietly bring up the marriage between her and Brian. Given the setting and the family pressure, she was certain he would not refuse.

Everything had been arranged perfectly. But in the end, Kayden had swooped in and ruined the plan.

Lydia kept smiling, though it did little to hide her frustration. "Kayden, your seat is over there next to your grandmother. They even brought over a special chair just for you."

Kayden ignored her completely. "I don't need it. I'm already a big boy and can sit in a regular chair. Besides, I'm here to take care of my daddy tonight. A children's seat will only get in the way."

Lydia's smile stiffened. She tried to reason with him and softened her voice. "Kayden, you're still so small. You need someone to look after you. How could you possibly take care of your father? Why don't you be a good boy?"

Kayden's expression immediately darkened. "Are you saying I'm not capable? I've been taking care of Daddy these past few days. I'm the one who helps him with his meals."

The seriousness in his tone and the determination in his gaze left no room for argument.

Lydia hurried to explain, "That's not what I meant…"

Trying to ease the tension, Estelle stepped in, her voice gentle but firm. "Kayden, why don't you come sit with me? Let Lydia help your father tonight."

Kayden was on the verge of losing his temper. He could hardly stand how his grandmother kept pushing this woman onto his father.

Just as he was about to voice his refusal, Brian spoke calmly from his seat. "There's no need. Let Kayden handle it. It's a small task, and he can manage."

With Brian's words so clear, even if Lydia was fuming on the inside, she had no choice but to swallow it. The rest of the Perry family dared not argue either.

"Of course, she is. Dr. Mandy is amazing," Kayden chimed in proudly. It was as though he was the one being praised instead.

Lydia could barely hide the sour expression flickering across her face. How could he be so eager to defend that woman? They had only known each other for a short time, yet he spoke as though she were some beloved hero.

After all these years of trying to win his affection, Lydia had never seen even a fraction of that enthusiasm directed at her. But she could not say this out loud. Forcing herself to remain composed, she forced a soft smile.

"Well, when your recovery is complete, you should make sure to properly thank that doctor."

Then, turning the conversation back toward herself, she added with a soft sigh, "By the way, Brian, I spent quite a bit of time gathering those medical herbs for you. They were carefully chosen and are good for your health. Why did you have them sent back?"

Her voice held a faint trace of hurt.