Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 487

Richie just stared at her, his face blank, not saying a single word.

Kylie and Cameron exchanged worried glances, neither of them wanting to see the sisters at odds. Kylie spoke up, trying to smooth things over. “Lucinda, if your sister says she plays better, then so be it. There’s no need to turn this into a competition.”

Lucinda bristled, refusing to back down. She lifted her chin. “Mom, if Lydia insists she’s better, then let her prove it. I think we all deserve to see just how amazing her skills are.”

Juliette and Richie were both curious to hear Lydia play. They decided to sit back and let things happen, quietly waiting for Lucinda to deal with the consequences of her own challenge.

Connor and Chris had no plans to interfere. Lucinda was asking for it, and they didn’t feel the need to step in.

Blake watched Lucinda dig herself into another bet with Lydia and just shook his head. If Lucinda wanted to learn the hard way, so be it. Maybe Lydia’s lesson would finally get through to her.

She hadn’t even started copying out Lord of the Rings one hundred times, yet here she was, jumping into another reckless wager.

It wasn’t even much of a risk. Lydia really was her grandmaster. Even if Lucinda lost, what did she have to lose?

Lydia smiled, already heading for the stage. “Alright, it’s settled. Just don’t come whining later, making excuses when it’s time to pay up.”

Lucinda scoffed. “Don’t worry, I keep my promises. But if you lose, you’ll be the one kneeling and serving me tea, calling me grandmaster.”

Lydia didn’t even turn around. She tossed back a clear, confident, “Deal.”

Unlike Lucinda, Lydia wasn’t dressed up in an elegant gown. She walked onto the stage in her simple outfit, but there was something about her—a quiet confidence, a beauty so cool and striking it turned every head in the room.

The audience sat frozen, caught in the music’s spell, each note shining like a star and lighting up something inside them.

Lydia swayed with the rhythm, completely lost in her performance, her hands weaving a bright tapestry of sound. She pulled everyone along with her, letting them feel every shift in mood, every twist of emotion.

In this sea of music, joy mixed with sadness, calm tangled with passion. Lydia played like she was unleashing a storm and, by the end, everyone in the hall felt the power and beauty of it in their bones.

The last note lingered, echoing through the hall. For a moment, nobody moved. It felt like waking up from a beautiful dream, hearts pounding with awe at Lydia’s talent.

Melody Mastro really was the greatest pianist of her time. She deserved every bit of her reputation.