Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 862

Kylie remembered encouraging Elliot to go after Lorelei. Now it all made sense—why Elliot had acted so cagey, always saying Lorelei had a boyfriend or something. That sneaky guy! He must have known Lorelei was Lydia the whole time and just kept it a secret from everyone.

Cameron looked like he was about to burst with pride. He laughed out loud. “See, I told you, whenever Lydia’s on stage, she never lets us down.”

Connor just watched Lydia with a soft smile, his eyes locked on her, afraid even to blink. She was stunning—so beautiful, he honestly didn’t have words for it.

Luke was totally floored. It had never crossed his mind that Lydia could be Lorelei, the most mysterious star in the music world. He’d always been a huge fan of her songs.

Down in the crowd, Fiona and Monica stared at the stage, feeling like the gorgeous woman up there looked way too familiar.

Monica leaned closer to Fiona, her voice barely above a whisper. “Fiona, do you think... is it possible that Lorelei is actually Lydia?”

Fiona had the same thought, but it sounded so unreal she hadn’t dared say it. Now, hearing Monica voice it, she froze. “I... I think they look exactly alike.”

But nobody was more stunned than Lucinda. She’d never once imagined Lorelei could be Lydia. In her mind, there was just no way someone could be that talented in so many ways. Besides, Lydia was always busy, never seemed to have time to sing, and since she’d come back to the Norwood family, no one had ever heard her sing at home. How could she possibly be Lorelei? Was this even possible?

Lucinda had actually been waiting for Lydia to embarrass herself, waiting for the fans to boo her off the stage. But the crowd’s reaction was the total opposite. Lorelei’s name echoed everywhere.

Elliot spotted the steps on stage and walked over, taking Lydia’s hand and steadying her with such elegance that the audience went absolutely wild.

Screams broke out. “Oh my god, Elliot and Lorelei! They’re perfect together!”

“What if they actually started dating?”

“Is there something going on between them? Why else would Lorelei show up to support Elliot like this?”

“So that was Lorelei at the company the other day! Are they together? If they are, I’m all for it!”

“If Elliot dated anyone else, I’d be devastated, but if it’s Lorelei, I totally support them!”

The music began. Elliot turned to Lydia, his eyes warm, and sang the first verse.

Elliot joined in, his voice growing stronger with every word.

“I’ll burst from this shell, break every chain.

Like a bird in flight, I’ll soar through the rain.

With sweat and tears, I’ll write my own lane.

On this road to growing up, I’ll never refrain.”

His voice rose, powerful and bright, like he was gathering all his strength for a leap. The high notes soared, full of longing and determination, while the lower tones were steady and deep, like drums beating straight to the heart, telling of struggle and hope.

Then Lydia took over, her voice soft but unyielding.

“Every setback, a sharpening stone, making me new...”