Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 268

Anthony got exactly what Connor meant. Three years ago, L had crossed too many powerful people, and even now, everyone was still trying to figure out who L really was. So it made sense that Connor was worried.

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it. There’s no way L’s identity will get out,” Anthony said.

Connor nodded. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

They really had managed to take down the world’s biggest trafficking syndicate back then, but plenty of criminals had slipped away. Those people were ruthless, willing to do anything shady for money or power. If anyone found out Lydia was actually L, trouble would come crashing down on her. Connor wasn’t scared for himself, but for her.

He and Anthony chatted a little longer, and then Lydia came out to meet them.

She immediately picked up on something odd in the way Connor looked at her. She couldn’t say exactly what had changed, but something was definitely different.

“I’ll take you home,” Connor said.

He didn’t explain further. Instead, right in front of Anthony, Officer Byrne, and the others, he took Lydia’s hand, said a quick goodbye, and walked her out of the police station.

Anthony watched them go and couldn’t help but sigh. “I never thought those two would end up together.”

Officer Byrne felt a pang in his chest. He’d spent ages hoping Lydia would become his daughter-in-law, and now she’d been swept away. He couldn’t even complain. Honestly, someone as special as Lydia deserved someone from the Jefferson family. The two of them looked perfect together.

Outside, Connor still held on to Lydia’s hand as they walked to the car, not saying a word the whole way.

Lydia found it strange. What on earth had Connor and Anthony been talking about?

Meanwhile, Aiden was stressing over the assignment Grandpa Samuel had given him. The old man had just called to demand an update, and Aiden felt completely stuck.

When he saw Connor and Lydia leaving, he’d wanted to sneak a photo to send back home, but Connor looked so serious he hesitated. He knew his boss too well. When Connor was in a mood, it was best to keep a low profile. Otherwise, he might end up shipped off to somewhere far away, and he really didn’t want to spend the rest of his life there. So, he kept his head down and stayed out of trouble.

When they got in the car, Connor still didn’t let go of Lydia’s hand. In fact, once the car started moving, he only gripped it tighter.

She met his gaze, hesitated just a second, then nodded. “Yeah.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Connor’s eyes went soft and a little hurt, like he was half mad and half ready to just pull her into his arms.

Lydia laughed quietly. “You never asked.”

Connor stared at her in disbelief. Was that really her answer?

“Everyone else knows who you are, but not me.” He sounded genuinely upset. It stung that he, of all people, was the last to know about his own fiancée. If Anthony hadn’t mentioned it just now, he’d still be clueless.

Lydia thought he actually looked kind of cute when he was sulking like that.

“I just didn’t think it was a big deal, so I never brought it up. If it weren’t for this case, my identity would still be a secret. It’s not like I was hiding it from you on purpose. Even my family doesn’t know.”