Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 865

The bodyguards in black suits didn’t stick around even a second longer. They scrambled away, practically tripping over themselves in their hurry to escape. Seriously, who would dare mess with Connor’s girl? You’d have to be out of your mind.

Lincoln looked like he wanted to argue, but the moment Connor shot him a look, he caved right away. “I… I’m doing it, I’m doing it now.” He dropped to the floor and started doing push-ups on the spot.

Katie doubled over with laughter, barely able to stand up straight. “You’re too cute, little guy. Looking for a girlfriend? If you’re interested, I’ll take care of you.”

Hearing that, Lincoln flopped onto the ground and played dead. He wanted a girlfriend, sure, but he definitely wasn’t signing up for an older lady.

Katie huffed, pretending to be hurt. “Typical. Men only ever want them young.”

Lydia just raised an eyebrow and looked at Connor.

Connor’s answer was immediate. “Not me. You’re the only one I love. Forever.”

Lincoln silently begged for someone to just knock him out already. He couldn’t deal with this level of public affection.

Katie also thought Connor’s sweet talk didn’t really match his usual vibe, but there he was, saying it anyway.

Lydia just smiled and said, “We’ll see.” Then she turned and walked away. Connor hurried after her, gently lifting the train of her dress so she wouldn’t have to drag it behind her.

Lydia headed for the dressing room to take off her makeup. As soon as she walked in, Leo burst in, practically bouncing with excitement. He waved his phone at her.

“Lydia, look! You and Elliot are trending number one right now. Isn’t that crazy?”

He kept going, barely pausing for breath. “This is wild. You’ve gone viral all over the world, too. My friends abroad are so jealous. They wish you could go on tour with Elliot.”

Katie heard that and snorted. “Don’t push your luck. Lorelei has a packed schedule. She doesn’t have time to tour the whole country with you, let alone the world.”

Leo looked crushed, but he’d already half-expected that answer.

Leo was over the moon. Back when they’d tried to book Lorelei, there were so many people laughing at them behind their backs. Now that they’d actually pulled it off, all those same people were scrambling.

“I do want to help. It’s just that Elliot and Lorelei have a real friendship, that’s the only reason she agreed. Me making an introduction won’t help.”

“Oh, Lorelei came because Elliot asked her personally. If your artist doesn’t have the same pull, there’s nothing I can do.”

“Come on. Elliot and Lorelei are legit friends. Just because you can’t book her doesn’t mean you should start making up stories. That’s not cool.”

Leo was grinning so hard his face hurt.

About ten minutes before the concert ended, Luke wanted to find Lydia and Connor, so Juna left early with him. When they reached the backstage entrance, they spotted a guy in a white suit doing push-ups.

He was counting out loud. “Eighty-one, eighty-two, eighty-three…” He groaned, “Why am I so unlucky? Every time I try to flirt with someone, that devil shows up!”