Ready to Rule The Real Heiress Strikes Back (Lydia and Connor) novel Chapter 1254

Marilyn just stared, eyes wide in shock.

Lydia shook her head and sighed. “Do you even think before you act? How could you do something so unbelievably stupid?”

Marilyn’s knees buckled, and she sank to the floor. She always knew someone might find out the truth, but she never thought it would happen this fast. She and Yara did it for one reason—they couldn’t stand the idea of Lydia winning, of her making it into the top three.

But now, everything was ruined.

“Marilyn, you’ve let us all down. I can’t believe Capital Med School produced students with such questionable character.” Dr. Tomlinson’s voice shook with disappointment.

Footsteps pounded down the hallway. Two staff members from the international medical competition rushed over, faces tense.

Marilyn’s tears fell faster than she could wipe them away. “I just… I just don’t get it. It’s not fair. Why should I accept this? We’re in the lab every single day, working nonstop, but Lydia? She’s never even around. You barely see her at school. Why does everyone think she’s so amazing? Is it just because she’s Mr. Moore’s favorite? Is that why you all treat her so differently?”

Lydia let out a cold laugh and crouched down to meet Marilyn’s eyes. “You really can’t figure out why I’m never around but I’m still better than you?”

Marilyn glared back at her, furious and desperate.

Lydia just shrugged. “It’s because when nobody’s watching, I’m working ten times harder than you. Maybe a hundred times.”

“No, that can’t be. You’re never even at school…”

Lydia’s smile was quiet, almost sad. “Did it ever cross your mind that while you were still in elementary school, I’d already learned everything you’re struggling with now?”

Marilyn stared at her, stunned, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Lydia didn’t bother to explain further. She stood up and walked away without looking back.

Just next door, Yara waited. She’d heard everything when Dr. Tomlinson and Mr. Russo knocked on Marilyn’s door. She knew it was over. So when someone knocked on her door, she managed to keep her cool.

Marilyn and Yara would have to face whatever consequences waited for them back at school.

Chief examiner Emerson looked around the room, then announced, “Everyone, take your places. The competition starts now.”

In an instant, robotic arms moved with perfect precision, opening up the simulated surgical field. Lydia fixed her gaze on the 3D display, her left hand adjusting the electrocautery hook, her right hand micro-tuning the forceps.

A quiet wave of admiration swept through the observation area when the robotic arm clamped onto a simulated blood vessel.

The folds in the vessel wall were crystal clear on the screen, every move she made smooth and precise.

Then, without warning, the screen went dark.

A gasp rippled through the crowd. “The power’s out!”