Ready to Rule The Real Heiress Strikes Back (Lydia and Connor) novel Chapter 1207

He looked over at Nina. “Miss Powell, I really am sorry about today.”

Nina offered a few polite words in return, then stepped out the door with Lydia by her side.

Lucinda watched them leave, her face twisted in frustration. She could practically feel herself boiling over. She had been right all along. Lydia and Nina definitely knew each other from before. How else could they be so close, so at ease together? And, of course, Lydia even had Nina’s number. Lucinda could only regret her choices now. If she had realized they were already friends, she never would have gone to Nina last night and tried to drag Lydia’s name through the mud. Talk about shooting herself in the foot. But there was no turning back. The damage was done. All she could do was force herself to stick around the Norwood house, hoping things didn’t get worse.

The whole mess made her think of Grace. When Grace still lived at home, she always looked out for Lucinda. Now that Grace was gone, the only person left was Mr. Norwood, and everyone else had sided with Lydia. Nothing was easy anymore. The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. Maybe she should find a chance to visit Grace. For old times’ sake. If Grace came back and helped her deal with Lydia, that would be perfect. Being on her own was miserable.

Outside, Nina looked at Lydia, guilt written all over her face. “I’m really sorry. I acted out of turn today. If it weren’t for me, your grandfather wouldn’t have gotten sick. I’m just glad it wasn’t serious. If something had happened, I honestly wouldn’t know what to do.”

Lydia smiled. “There’s nothing to apologize for. I should be thanking you. You really helped me put Lucinda in her place today.”

Nina burst out laughing. She liked Lydia more and more. Lydia was nothing like those delicate, fake girls. She was straightforward and sharp, and Nina respected that.

“So, what do you want to eat? My treat,” Lydia offered.

Nina grinned. “You’re actually going to treat me?”

Lydia nodded. “Of course.”

She paused, then asked, “Should we ask Carter to join us? Let’s all have dinner together.”

They picked a restaurant known for its great food, and booked a private room, since they needed to talk about something sensitive. Lydia sent Carter the location, then followed up with a message: [About the clone issue. Let’s meet and talk.]

Carter was having a lazy day off at home, with nothing much to do, when Lydia’s message popped up. It felt like getting a call from the boss—he jumped up, quickly changed, and headed out without a second thought.

Mrs. Shaw was at home too. She saw Carter rushing around and called out, “What are you so busy about? Lunch is almost ready.”

Carter answered without stopping, “Miss Norwood asked me to meet her. We need to talk about something. I won’t be back for lunch.”

He said it so casually, but Mrs. Shaw’s eyes lit up. “Miss Norwood? You mean Lydia?” She clapped her hands, grinning. “Oh my, are those two finally getting together?”