Ready to Rule The Real Heiress Strikes Back (Lydia and Connor) novel Chapter 1154

Mandy prided herself on being tough. There was no way she’d humble herself to beg Lydia for anything. Besides, Lydia wasn’t someone who would just let things go because they asked. If they wanted out of this mess, they’d have to figure it out on their own.

She fixed Rosie with a sharp stare. “If you won’t go ask Lydia for help, then you need to tell me everything that happened. Start from the beginning. No secrets, not even the smallest detail.”

Rosie looked away, guilt written all over her face. But at this point, hiding anything wouldn’t help. So she told Mandy exactly what happened at the restaurant the night before, leaving out only her feelings for Carter.

But Mandy was her mother. She knew her daughter better than anyone. If Rosie’s only goal was to get the internet to turn on Lydia, then why had she made sure Carter wasn’t in the photos she took?

“You are into Carter, aren’t you?” Mandy said, her voice sure and steady.

The words stunned not just Rosie, but Benjamin too. His mouth dropped open, like he was trying to catch flies.

“What? Rosie, you have a crush on Carter?” Benjamin’s voice was full of disbelief, like his world had just turned upside down. He never thought his daughter would have feelings for Carter. Of all people, why Carter from the Shaw family?

The Shaws and the Hydes were basically sworn enemies. She could have fallen for anyone, but she had to pick him? Now, because of her, their reputation was trashed, and everyone was caught in the fallout.

Benjamin’s anger boiled over. He raised his hand, and the sound of his palm connecting with Rosie’s cheek cracked through the room.

Rosie stared at him, shocked. “Dad, you hit me?”

“Is Carter even worth it? Didn’t you see? He called you out, told everyone you were the one who took those photos and started rumors about Lydia. Are you thinking at all?”

Tears streamed down Rosie’s face as she cried, “But I can’t help it. I just love him. I can’t control it. What am I supposed to do?”

Even though she knew Carter had been the one to expose her, even though he’d made everything worse, Rosie couldn’t stop her feelings. She was angry, she blamed Lydia, but her heart just wouldn’t let go of Carter. It felt like she was obsessed with him, past the point of reason.

Benjamin was so furious, he looked like he might slap her again.

Rosie saw his arm start to rise. She lifted her chin and stared him down, her voice trembling but stubborn. “Go ahead. Hit me again. Maybe it’d be better if you just killed me.”