Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 768

Neal just smiled at Connor, polite and unbothered. “Sorry, Mr. Jefferson. I’ve always sat here.” The way Neal looked at him, it was almost a dare. Connor could feel his blood pressure rising, but before he could say a word, Lydia stepped in. She glanced between them, noticing the tension. “Sit across from me, Connor. Let’s eat. We still need to visit Grandma later.”

Connor opened his mouth, but Neal was placing a piece of foie gras on Lydia’s plate. “Lydia, please try this.” His tone was full of respect, maybe a little too much.

Connor couldn’t help thinking Neal was putting on a show. “Fine. If you want me across from you, Lydia, then I’ll sit right here. Makes it easier for you to keep an eye on me.”

Luke sat down next to Connor, trying not to laugh.

“So, how is it?” Connor watched Lydia, waiting for her reaction as she tasted the foie gras.

She chewed, then looked up, her eyes bright with surprise. “It’s really good.”

Neal cut in, deadpan as ever. “You always tell us to be honest. Actually, this foie gras is pretty average.”

Connor’s smile froze. Was Neal here just to ruin his night?

Lydia coughed softly. “Honestly, I think it’s delicious.”

That was Neal’s style, saying the most infuriating things with a straight face. Connor was sure the meal was great—he’d tried every dish himself before bringing them out. The flavors were spot on. It was obvious Neal was just pushing his buttons.

“I just hope you’ll like it. But if Neal thinks it’s just so-so, maybe he’ll appreciate something from the Royal Court’s star chefs. I’m sure that’s more his taste.”

Neal nodded, his expression unchanging. “That sounds perfect.”

Luke had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing. Dinner looked peaceful, but the air was thick with silent competition.

Afterwards, Neal offered to clean up. He turned to Lydia, gentle as ever. “You’re in a hurry to see Mrs. Smith. Let me handle this.”

“Thank you, Neal. I appreciate it.”

“It’s nothing.”

“See you soon.”

After hanging up, Lydia turned to Connor. “Take Luke to your place tonight. I’ll bring him to school tomorrow afternoon.”

She didn’t want to bring Luke to the Norwood house just yet. There were too many people—he might not be comfortable.

Connor nodded. “Alright, I’ll have Aiden drive you home.”

“Thanks.”

When Lydia got back to the Norwood estate, she found Blake sitting with the family, chatting. Lucinda was right next to him, gazing up at him like he was her hero. Elliot sat on Lucinda’s other side, the two brothers flanking her like she was their little princess.

The moment the staff announced Lydia, everyone looked toward the door. As Lydia walked in—cool, confident, impossible to miss—Blake, Elliot, and Kylie all jumped up from the couch at once.

“Lydia!” they called, voices blending together.