Ready to Rule The Real Heiress Strikes Back (Lydia and Connor) novel Chapter 1215

The living room was the kind of place that made you stop and stare. Everything shimmered with a quiet, jaw-dropping luxury. Underfoot, the Italian wool rug was so plush Mikey felt like he might sink straight into it. Sunlight bounced off the crystal chandelier overhead, turning the whole space bright and inviting, even though it was nearly evening outside. The walls were lined with artwork that probably cost more than a new car, and the mahogany furniture brought this old-school, elegant vibe that somehow blended perfectly with the buttery-soft leather sofas.

Mona led Mikey over and nudged him gently onto the sofa, then poured him a cup of tea herself. “Here, try this. It’s Dad’s special stash, picked before the spring rains,” she said, offering him the delicate porcelain cup. She sat down close, close enough that their knees almost touched. “Sorry about today. Dad got called away for some last-minute government thing. Something about welcoming a delegation from the Capital’s Supervisory Department. He couldn’t be here to greet you. Please don’t take it personally.”

Even though she sounded apologetic, Mikey caught a flicker of annoyance when she mentioned her dad. He lifted the teacup and took a careful sip. The tea was fragrant and mellow, calming his nerves. “Mr. Brown’s got a lot on his plate. I completely understand,” he said politely.

But Mona wasn’t done. She slipped her arm through his and leaned in, her eyes sparkling. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll take care of you while you’re here. Maple Town is way more fun with me as your guide.” Then she gave him this long, meaningful look. “Don’t go home tonight. Stay with me, okay? I’ve really missed you.”

Mikey almost spit out his tea. Was Mona seriously saying this in front of everyone? She wasn’t even trying to hide it. Did she want people to get the wrong idea about them? He started to sweat a little, not sure how to respond.

Mrs. Brown noticed and jumped in, clearing her throat and tugging at Mona’s sleeve. “Mona, that’s enough. Girls should be more reserved. Don’t be so forward,” she scolded gently. Then she turned to Mikey and gave him a sheepish smile. “Don’t mind her, Mikey. We’ve spoiled her too much and now she just says whatever comes to mind.”

Meanwhile, at Maple Town International Airport’s VIP arrivals, Lydia stepped through the doors looking like she’d just walked out of a fashion shoot. Sunglasses, black trench coat, sharp black boots. She moved with so much confidence that people actually stepped aside as she passed. The local officials waiting at the entrance all straightened up and greeted Malcolm, falling over themselves to be polite. Nobody even glanced at Lydia. In their eyes, she was just a young woman, probably Malcolm’s assistant. It made sense, since Malcolm was the big boss from the Supervisory Department. Having a young assistant or two was totally normal.

One of the officials stepped forward, still apologizing as he spoke. “Secretary Malcolm, Mayor Brown is waiting for you and your team at city hall.”