Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 435

If you asked Lydia what scared her most, it was the Azure Alliance.

“So, which faction did they want you to join?” Connor asked, curiosity clear in his voice.

Lydia arched a brow. “You know about them too?” She paused, then nodded. “Makes sense. You work for the government. The government goes to them for help sometimes, right? Of course you’d know.”

The Azure Alliance was based somewhere in the southern hemisphere. It was a collection of different groups, but they all answered to the main organization, the Azure Alliance. Rumor was, they trained national armies, took on military contracts, and handled jobs all over the world—anything from security to peacekeeping. Every single member was supposed to be three, five, even ten times stronger than your average soldier.

That’s why Lydia called them a bunch of maniacs. And for the past three years, these maniacs had been on her case nonstop. She was so over it.

Connor looked thoughtful. “So what’s your plan for dealing with them?”

Lydia let out a little huff. “No idea what sort of super freak runs the Azure Alliance, but he’s got all these other freaks following his lead. Every time I send them packing, it’s after a fight. They lose, and they leave.”

But the next time, they’d just send someone even tougher. Lydia had no clue what kind of maniac was showing up this time.

The maniacs followed close behind, parking their cars before a group of mercenaries in all black stepped out. They moved like shadows, quiet and dangerous, carrying an air of mystery and threat. Their clothes fit tight, like a second skin, perfect for slipping through the dark. Most wore masks or hats that hid their faces, but their eyes—sharp and cold, like hawks—were visible, scanning everything. They looked like they could spot danger in a heartbeat.

Each one had a heavy-duty belt loaded with gear—pistols, knives, grenades—glinting in the weak light. Their moves were quick, efficient, not a single wasted gesture. When they walked, you could barely hear a sound, almost like big cats stalking through tall grass. They worked together so well, they barely needed to talk. Just a glance or a signal, and everyone knew what to do.

At the front of their formation was a man who didn’t match the others at all. He looked relaxed, even a little lazy. His handsome face wasn’t covered, and he carried a black sniper rifle slung over one shoulder. He walked right toward Lydia and Connor, his smile just a little wild, a little reckless.

“Northruler Theodore, reporting in. Here to meet the legendary hacker, L.”