Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 322

Lydia hadn’t expected her family to see things exactly the way she did. She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Thanks, Dad. I know this has been a lot for you guys. Don’t worry, I’ve got it handled.”

“Silly girl. Just remember, no matter what, we’ve always got your back.”

“I know,” Lydia said, her voice quiet but steady.

Once she hung up, Connor glanced over, curiosity written all over his face. “So, what’s your plan?”

Lydia grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Eat your seafood. You’ll find out soon enough.”

After all, a girl needed a full stomach to tackle big problems.

Meanwhile, back at school, Aiden delivered Lydia’s message. Ms. Santoro nearly fainted from rage.

“Lydia! She’s completely out of line. She wants me to kneel and call her Daddy? The nerve of that girl.”

Mr. Colton looked just as scandalized. “Sir, we’re only asking Lydia to retake the exam to clear her name. The whole country’s watching. If she refuses, doesn’t that make her look guilty?”

Aiden’s smile was icy. “Mr. Colton, do you have any real proof that Lydia cheated? If not, you’re just slandering her. And let’s not forget, Ms. Santoro posted Lydia’s scores online without permission, stirring everyone up and causing her to get harassed. That’s against the law.”

“If she’s so innocent, why won’t she just take the test again?” Ms. Santoro snapped, her face twisted with frustration. “She talks big, but can’t back it up. I think the stress has made her lose it.”

She was seething. How could some nobody dare tell her to get on her knees and call her Daddy?

Aiden turned to Ms. Santoro, his tone sharp. “You’re a teacher, but you’re spreading rumors about your own student just because she did well? We’ll see you in court.”

Andrew caught Cameron’s eye and nodded. Lydia wasn’t retaking anything. This was heading straight for a legal battle.

Ms. Santoro was losing it. She spun to Mr. Colton. “Principal, say something. It’s obvious she cheated. If she won’t retake the exam, she’s just scared she’ll mess up and get exposed.”

Mr. Colton looked over at Grayson, who frowned, thinking hard. “Alright, we’ll do it Andrew’s way. We’ll let the courts decide.”

That sent a wave of panic through Ms. Santoro. Court was the last thing she wanted.

“Not now, let’s finish what we started.”

“No, tell me now. Am I going to win ‘Teacher of the Year’ this time? I can’t stand Class 19 anymore. They’re a bunch of idiots. Just thinking about them makes me sick. I want to teach the honors class.”

“Fine, fine, you little slut. Make me happy now and I’ll put you in the honors class next semester.”

Every head in the room turned to stare at Ms. Santoro and Mr. Colton, who looked absolutely flabbergasted.

Ms. Santoro finally snapped out of it, shrieking, “Who did this? Who’s messing with us? Turn it off, now!”

She rushed to the control panel, jabbing every button she could find, but nothing worked. The footage kept playing, the system stuck on a loop.

It was Mr. Colton who finally moved, running over to the main power switch and flipping it off. The screens went dark, silence falling over the room.

Ms. Santoro sagged in relief, as if turning off the monitors could make everyone forget what they’d just seen.