Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 449

Perfect. This was exactly what she hoped for. Lydia’s move played right into her hands. She had to get engaged to Mikey before Lydia’s true identity came out.

Meanwhile, Grace showed up at the hotel. It was the same place Lydia was staying. If Lucinda had been choosing, she’d never have picked somewhere this average. But Kylie and Cameron heard Lydia was here, so they booked rooms on the same floor. The Norwood family actually owned property in France, but everyone gathered here simply because of Lydia.

Grace rolled her suitcase to Lucinda’s room and, as soon as she opened the door, she spotted the mountain of gifts stacked inside. She walked over for a closer look. There were so many, definitely more than what Lucinda usually got, and piled almost waist-high. All designer brands. But Grace had seen the video Blake sent Kylie. Lydia got way more than this.

So unfair. She pursed her lips, snapped a photo, and sent it to Lucinda along with a message: [Lucinda, these are the gifts Blake gave you. Looks like about a third of what Lydia received.]

She didn’t need to explain further. Lucinda would get the point.

Just as she expected, Lucinda’s smile froze the second she saw the picture. A third? She only got a third of what Lydia did? Why? Just because Lydia is the real daughter and she’s not? Blake was really showing his favoritism now. It was infuriating. How could they do this to her? Lucinda was about to explode.

Grace texted again: [Lucinda, don’t get upset. As long as Blake still cares about you, that’s what matters. Keep calm, don’t let them see you’re bothered, and I’ll make sure someone teaches Lydia a lesson soon.]

Lucinda gave a cold little laugh and replied with one word: [Okay.]

During dinner, Lydia’s plate was always full, like the food never disappeared. Eventually, the staff brought out a gorgeous bowl of truffle soup. The main ingredient was truffle, but there were plenty of variations. Each had its own distinct flavor.

Everyone could pick the one they liked best. They let Lydia and Lucinda go first.

Lucinda put on her sweetest face. “Lydia should pick first.”

Lydia didn’t hesitate. She glanced at the choices. “I’ll have the sea cucumber with mushroom.” It was light and nourishing, just the way she liked it.

“Miss, which would you like?” the waitress asked.

Lucinda thought for a second. “Is there no more truffle and mushroom soup?”

“I’m sorry, miss, there’s only one of each,” the waitress replied.

Lucinda’s face fell in disappointment. “Could you make another one? I want the same soup, too.”

Suddenly, Lydia spoke up. “Sorry, I’d like to change my order. I’ll have the pumpkin flavor instead.”