Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 492

Grace’s words only made Lucinda’s anger burn hotter. Everything she’d been holding in seemed to find an escape all at once. Of course Lydia set her up on purpose. She wanted her to look like a fool in front of everyone. Malicious was too kind a word for it. How could someone like Lydia possibly deserve to be Melody Mastro? Lucinda’s reputation was in ruins and it was all Lydia’s fault.

“Grace, I hate her. I really do! What am I supposed to do?” Lucinda’s voice trembled as she sobbed, desperate and frustrated. She hated Lydia with everything she had, but there was nothing she could do to get back at her. That helplessness only made it worse.

Grace’s eyes turned hard. She took out a tissue and gently wiped Lucinda’s tears away. “Don’t worry, Lucinda. I’ll find a way to get Lydia out of your life. For now, just hang in there. Please.”

Lucinda had hit rock bottom today. She’d thought winning the piano championship would be enough to put Lydia in her place, to make sure Lydia could never stand tall around her again. But nothing had gone as planned. Lydia turned out to be the legendary Melody Mastro, her own grandmaster. Even the music Lucinda played during the competition had been tweaked by Lydia herself.

She cried for what felt like forever in her hotel room, until her eyes were puffy and raw. Then, suddenly, someone knocked on the door. She quickly wiped her face, guessing it was Kylie and Cameron. Grace hurried over and opened the door.

It was Blake.

Grace’s heart skipped. “Mr… Blake.”

There was something about Blake that always put her on edge, a kind of pressure she never felt with Kylie or Cameron. Maybe it was because those two trusted her and let her get away with more. But Blake was different. He was the Norwood family’s successor, cold and impossible to read. Just being around him made Grace straighten up and stay cautious.

Blake’s gaze narrowed. He’d seen enough of Grace’s meddling at the event today, getting involved in things that weren’t her business. It had pushed him past his limit.

“How long have you worked for the Norwood family?” Blake’s voice was icy.

Grace’s nerves spiked. “I… I’ve been with the Norwood family for eighteen years, sir.”

“Blake, I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful. I’m still healthy enough to take care of Lucinda. Please let me stay.”

“Blake, Grace hasn’t done anything wrong. She’s never made me look bad. I won’t let you fire her.” Lucinda stared at him, her eyes stubborn and fierce. Usually, she would never talk back to Blake like this. But she couldn’t have Grace leave. Not like this.

Blake’s gaze was unreadable as he looked at Grace. “Step outside. I need to talk to Lucinda alone.”

Grace glanced at Lucinda, worry written all over her face. Lucinda stood her ground, even more determined. “I’m not going to let you fire Grace. No matter what.”

Grace looked like she wanted to say something else, but one look from Blake made her fall silent.