Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 288

Cameron burst out laughing at what Lucinda said. Honestly, he and Kylie had stressed themselves out for nothing last night. Clearly, Lucinda had zero interest in Connor.

Kylie felt the tension melt away too. Turns out, she’d been making a big deal out of nothing. “Lucinda, your dad, your grandpa, and I just want to find someone who’ll treat you well. We want you to be happy, that’s all.”

Lucinda felt her frustration rise. What was that supposed to mean? Were they still hinting that she should move out? Did they not want her at home anymore?

“Mom, I’m only eighteen. I don’t want to get married yet.” Lucinda clung to Kylie’s arm, her voice turning sweet and whiny.

Kylie just nodded, giving in. “Alright, alright, whatever you want. It’s your choice.”

At that moment, Lydia appeared at the top of the stairs and started coming down.

Lucinda saw her and immediately held onto Kylie’s arm even tighter. With her face full of fake happiness, she called out, “Morning, Lydia. You’re finally up. We’ve all been waiting for you to have breakfast.” She made it sound like Lydia was the last one up and keeping everyone waiting.

Kylie jumped in right away, “It’s fine, Lydia. You’ve been working so hard lately. You deserve to sleep in. If Garrett wasn’t leaving this afternoon, I wouldn’t have the heart to wake you.”

Cameron glanced at Lydia with concern. “Lydia, if you’re exhausted, just drop the work and take a couple of days to rest. It’s fine, really. Your health matters more than anything.”

“I know, Dad, Mom. Things will slow down soon.” Lydia’s voice was soft but steady.

Garrett noticed the faint redness in her eyes. “You stayed up late again, didn’t you?” He looked both worried and a little helpless. His sister was such a workaholic. Girls Lucinda’s age were usually off playing piano, painting, or hanging out at cafes and shopping malls with their friends. They made life look so easy.

After that, Garrett asked, “Hey, after breakfast, do you have time to come with us to the hospital? I visited Grandpa last night but he was already asleep.”

Before Lydia could answer, Lucinda butted in, “Lydia has been super busy. She hasn’t had time to visit Grandpa since his surgery.” She made it sound like Lydia didn’t care about their grandfather at all.

Kylie stepped in to clear things up. “Lucinda, your sister is busy, sure, but she was the one who did Grandpa’s surgery. And when he choked and tore his stitches, she was the one who guided Dr. Hady through the operation over a video call.”

To Lucinda, though, it all sounded like another excuse for Lydia.

Garrett, who’d heard the story at the hospital, turned to Lucinda. “Lucinda, Grandpa’s getting older, and you’re not a doctor. You have to be really careful about what he eats from now on. His body can’t handle any more scares.”