Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 448

Lucinda glanced up at Connor and Lydia, watching them share those sweet glances that made her blood boil. The anger she felt was like a spark catching dry grass, spreading so fast she barely remembered where it started. Her lips curled into a cold, sharp smile as she texted Grace back. [Okay. We’ll talk face to face later.]

When Grace saw Lucinda’s message, she just snorted and immediately pulled up an old contact no one else knew about.

“Lydia, your dad and I are so proud of you.” Kylie’s voice was filled with excitement. “When we get home, we want to throw a party. It’s time everyone knows you’re back with the Norwood family. Your grandfather thinks so too. He said you’ve been back long enough and everyone should know who you really are.”

Blake jumped in right away. “She’s right. Lydia’s return is a big deal. We should tell everyone.”

Lucinda’s face went pale in an instant. Her hands clenched so tight her knuckles turned white. Lydia swore she didn’t want this out yet. Why were her parents bringing it up now? And her grandfather was on board too? When did they all talk about this without her? Why was she the last to know?

If Lydia’s identity got out right now, what would happen to her? When she went to Capital College, everyone would know she was just a fake. Who would want to hang out with her then?

Lucinda had been worried about her plan with Grace, but hearing Kylie talk about announcing Lydia’s identity made her feel sure she was right to go through with it. Lydia needed to be knocked down a peg.

Cameron chimed in, “This works out perfectly. Blake will be home too, and we’ll get your other brothers, Garrett, Arthur and Elliot, to come back. We’ll invite all our relatives and friends and do a proper homecoming for you. How does that sound?”

Everyone was looking at Lydia with so much warmth and hope, and for a second, she just sat there thinking. Then she shook her head, her voice gentle but steady. “I’d rather wait a little longer.”

The room went quiet. Only Connor and Blake seemed to understand. Lucinda, on the other hand, was practically glowing. As long as Lydia kept her secret, everyone else would keep thinking Lucinda was the real Norwood heiress. Once she got engaged to Mikey, even if Lydia’s secret came out, it wouldn’t matter anymore.

“Dad, Mom, Blake’s right. If everyone finds out who I am, it’ll just bring more trouble. I just want to spend some time with you guys, without all that attention.”

Kylie and Cameron both let out little sighs of relief. They’d been so worried Lydia was upset with them, and that was why she didn’t want to go public.

“Alright, Lydia. We’ll wait,” Kylie said.

“Of course,” Cameron added.

Lucinda finally let herself breathe, her heart settling for the first time all night.