Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 267

Louise just stood there, frozen by Lydia’s words. Tears spilled down her cheeks before she even realized she was crying.

Was she really the one who messed up?

All her life, her mom had told her she could do whatever she wanted, that if she got into trouble, the family would always handle it for her. Her uncle always said nobody would ever cross them, and if someone did, he’d make sure they ended up behind bars.

But now, somehow, it was their turn to face prison.

Lydia just glanced at Louise, who was crying quietly. She signed the case file and left without saying another word.

In the break room, Anthony and Connor were sitting together.

“Connor, are you feeling any better these past couple of years? You really don’t want to come back?” Anthony asked. He couldn’t help feeling a little regret every time he thought about Connor stepping away.

A rare smile softened Connor’s usually serious face. “I’m good. Honestly, life’s been great.” And it was true. He was happy now, especially after meeting Lydia. She felt like fate’s way of making up for everything he’d been through. If he’d gone back to his old life, he’d just be running mission after mission with no time for the girl he loved.

Anthony could see it—Connor was genuinely content. The guy had done well for himself in the business world too. Some people just shine wherever they are.

“That’s good to hear.” Anthony hesitated for a second before asking, “So, what’s going on with you and Miss Norwood?”

Connor’s mouth curved into a smile the moment Lydia’s name came up. “She’s my fiancée.”

Anthony stared at him. “Wait… her?”

Anthony hesitated, unsure if he should say more. He hadn’t meant to let that slip. He hoped Miss Norwood wouldn’t be upset—her identity was a closely guarded secret, mostly to keep her safe from revenge. The events from three years ago had impacted so many people. Honestly, he’d only learned today that L was just a young girl. He figured Connor would already know, since they were engaged, but apparently not.

“Uh, Connor, maybe just forget I said anything,” Anthony said, a little embarrassed.

Connor’s expression grew serious. “Who else knows about her?”

Anthony sighed. “Because of what happened with the Fifth Division, her identity might have gotten out… but only within our own people. No one on the outside knows. Lydia only put the footage on the Capital’s police system.”

Connor’s voice was calm but firm. “It’s fine if our people know L was involved, but no one can know that she’s L. It has to stay secret.”