Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 454

Grace’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“I… I’m not feeling well. I don’t really smell anything,” she mumbled.

Lucinda’s frown deepened. She sounded more annoyed than ever. “I’m pretty sure. There’s a horrible stink in here. What kind of hotel is this? Isn’t Lydia supposed to be the founder of LYLX? She comes all the way to France and picks a dump like this? Typical country girl move. You can smell the cheapness in the air.”

Lucinda remembered the fancy hotels she used to stay at when she visited France. This place didn’t even compare. The air felt heavy and stale and she was starting to feel a little sick.

Grace wanted to disappear. How could she ever explain that the weird smell was from what she and a man had done here last night?

Lucinda kept complaining. “As soon as I get downstairs, I’m telling Mom and Dad we need to switch hotels. Or we could just stay with Blake instead.”

Grace stayed silent, terrified she’d say something wrong.

Then Lucinda paused, her brow furrowing as if she’d just remembered something important. No wonder last night felt like a total blur.

“Grace, didn’t you promise good news this morning? Did you get someone to deal with Lydia last night?”

Lucinda had been so tired when she got back that she’d just showered and crashed.

Grace hesitated. “I was going to… but my body… well, I wasn’t feeling up to it.”

Lucinda eyed Grace for a moment, then sighed. “Fine. We’ll wait until you’re better. Mom and Dad are around anyway. Not a good time.”

“You’re right, Lucinda. I didn’t think it through.”

Lucinda nodded and turned to get ready, but Grace called after her. “Oh, by the way, I heard the truffle soup at your hotel last night was really popular. Did you try it?”

Lucinda’s face twisted at the memory. “Yeah, I had some. It wasn’t anything special, honestly. Not as good as people say.”

Cousin? Was this Lydia’s cousin?

Lydia just looked annoyed.

Connor narrowed his eyes, giving Iceblade a hard stare. For some reason, he instantly disliked the guy.

“Lydia, who is this? Your cousin?” Kylie asked, breaking the silence.

Before Lydia could speak, Iceblade grinned at her. “Ma’am, I’m from Lakeview Town too. Same village as Lydia. We’re distantly related, kind of like cousins.”

Kylie brightened up when she heard that. “Really?”

“Yeah. Lydia and I basically grew up together. My parents died when I was little, and Mrs. Smith always looked out for me in the village. Lydia and I are closer than most real siblings.”