Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 488

Connor couldn’t take his eyes off Lydia. He watched every subtle change in her expression, every graceful movement of her hands. The music, the atmosphere, everything about this moment felt overwhelming, almost unreal.

He knew he wasn’t a bad pianist, but to catch up to Lydia’s level? He’d probably need ten more years of practice, minimum. Just how incredible was she?

Juliette kept watching Lydia with a look of pure pride, smiling the way only a proud mom could. Melody Mastro truly lived up to her reputation. She never let anyone down.

The performance was breathtaking. When Lucinda played the piece, it sounded basic, almost like an exercise. But when Lydia played, it was something else entirely. Like magic.

It was like two people wearing the same dress. On one person, it was nothing special. On another, it was impossible not to stare.

“Oh my god, Lydia is amazing! That was insane!” Kylie gasped, her voice barely above a whisper, eyes wide with awe. She sounded just like a fangirl who couldn’t help herself.

Her words seemed to snap the audience out of their trance. Someone started clapping, and then the whole room erupted in applause. It was the kind of response you only see when something truly unforgettable happens.

The cheers just kept coming, louder and louder, all for Lydia.

Lucinda stood frozen in place.

Grace looked completely stunned.

How was this possible?

How could Lydia know how to play the piano? And not just know, but play like she was born to do it?

Lucinda felt ridiculous, her body stiff and awkward, almost like she wasn’t even in her own skin. Was this real? Was she dreaming? The thing she was most proud of, the one thing she thought she’d always have over Lydia, had just been shattered in front of everyone.

Lydia stood up from the piano, calm and collected. She walked over and stopped right in front of Lucinda, who looked like she’d just seen a ghost.

“Well? Isn’t it time for you to serve me tea and call me Grandmaster?” Lydia said, eyebrows raised, just a hint of a smile on her lips.

Lucinda’s face felt numb. She couldn’t even react.

Chris, always quick to read the room, handed Lucinda a cup of water. “Lucinda, go ahead,” he said, his voice steady.

Lucinda was too proud. Having to go through with the bet in front of everyone felt impossible. She wanted to back out, again.

Cameron and Kylie exchanged helpless looks. The bet was between the sisters, and they couldn’t interfere. Besides, Lucinda had already lost twice and never kept her word.

Lucinda was fuming on the inside.

This had to be on purpose. Lydia must have set her up. How was she supposed to know Lydia could play piano—let alone at this level? It felt like Lydia had done everything just to embarrass her.

Richie stepped forward right then. “Melody Mastro is my mentor,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “It’s only right for you to call her Grandmaster.”

It hit Lucinda like a bolt of lightning. She just stood there, stunned, the reality finally sinking in.