Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 511

“What a coincidence,” Mrs. Smith said, raising her brows in surprise.

“It really is. How have you been feeling lately?” Iceblade asked, pulling up a little stool to sit right beside her. He looked so well-behaved it was almost comical.

“I’m doing well. But you, being on your own in a foreign country, that can’t be easy,” she replied, looking at him with genuine concern.

To Mrs. Smith, Iceblade was that poor kid who lost his parents young, scraping by collecting scraps, taking odd jobs just to make ends meet. She’d watched him grow up, and she’d always admired his determination. At least all that hard work had paid off—he’d gotten into a good university overseas.

“It was tough… but honestly, the hardest part is behind me,” Iceblade said quietly, a faraway look in his eyes.

Mrs. Smith nodded. “I know. Your parents passed so early, you were just a little boy…”

“That’s why I’m so grateful to you,” Iceblade interrupted, half teasing, half serious. “You took care of me back then, always made sure I had something to eat, even slipped me some cash. From now on, you’re my grandma.”

Mrs. Smith laughed, shaking her head. “You’re such a sweet talker. If you want to call me grandma, nothing would make me happier.”

Iceblade had always known how to make her smile. The two of them slipped easily into conversation, laughing and reminiscing. Lydia sat nearby, quietly peeling an apple for Mrs. Smith, not saying a word but fitting right in. The whole scene felt familiar, like this had always been their little world.

Meanwhile, back in the Capital, someone who was supposed to be resting couldn’t sit still. He kept glancing at his phone, getting more and more restless.

Earlier, his men had called to report that someone had forced their way into Mrs. Smith’s house. He’d demanded more details, and that’s when he learned the intruder was Jay. And Lydia was there, too.

His phone buzzed again. This time it was a photo—Mrs. Smith, Iceblade, and Lydia, all chatting and smiling together. The old lady looked happier than he’d seen in ages.

Aiden had sent the picture, along with a message: [Boss, looks like Mrs. Smith really likes this Jay guy. What do we do?]

Even Aiden was starting to get anxious on his boss’ behalf. He had to admit, Jay and Lydia looked good together, almost like they belonged. Of course, he’d never say that out loud. If his boss ever heard him, he’d be in serious trouble.

Connor just rolled his eyes. “Call her.”

“Her? Who?” Aiden blurted out before he could stop himself.

Connor’s expression turned icy cold.

Suddenly, it clicked for Aiden. “Oh! Lydia, right! She’s been handling your injury.”

Seeing that Aiden finally got the message, Connor’s scowl softened a little. Aiden scrambled to dial Lydia’s number.

She picked up almost instantly, her voice cool and calm. “What is it?”

Aiden nearly shouted, “Lydia, it’s bad! Mr. Jefferson’s wound opened up, and the gauze is soaked in blood. Could a blood vessel have burst? Is he going to bleed out?”