Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 881

Lydia glanced up, not recognizing the girl. The one next to her, though—she looked familiar. That had to be Yara. She really did look good, Lydia had to admit.

“Tina, don’t say that,” Yara murmured, her voice soft and gentle, like she hated the idea of anyone getting hurt. “Everyone’s just messing around.”

Tina shot Lydia a quick glare. “Yara, everyone knows you’re the only one who’s actually a good match for Mr. Norwood. No one else stands a chance.”

Yara caught Tina by the wrist. “Come on, Tina. Let’s just go.”

Lydia let out a quiet laugh. She looked at Monica and Fiona, who were staring at her like they wanted to argue. “Garrett told me himself he isn’t interested in dating right now. He just wants to focus on work. Honestly, I don’t know which genius decided to put my name up there with his. It’s ridiculous.”

The second Lydia finished, Tina’s eyes flashed. She looked ready to snap, but before she could say a word, Yara pulled her away.

“Yara, what are you doing? Why won’t you let me say something?” Tina asked, staring at Yara’s suddenly pale face.

“Tina, we don’t really know her. And everyone knows the stuff on the forum is just because people are bored. Let’s not pay attention to it.”

Still, Yara felt a sting she couldn’t ignore. Was Lydia telling the truth? Did she actually know Garrett?

“Yara, don’t be stupid. Mr. Norwood is amazing, and he’s the son of the richest guy in the country. Most people wouldn’t even get to meet him, and he’s right here, at our school. I heard he’s staying for a while, too. If you don’t take your shot now, you’ll regret it forever.”

Tina had woken up that morning to the forum exploding with news about the research institute visitors, including the genius Garrett. Someone had even started shipping Garrett and Yara. When Tina saw how happy Yara looked, she’d jumped in, posting everywhere about how perfect Garrett and Yara would be together. But then, some idiot paired Lydia with Garrett. She couldn’t believe it.

Yara knew Tina wasn’t wrong. Still, Lydia’s words had embarrassed her. She was the campus queen. Guys chased after her all the time, but she never cared. Now, she’d finally fallen for someone hard and she didn’t even know if he liked her back.

“Yara, if you ask me, you should just talk to your grandpa and get permission to join the advanced lab. Then you could see Garrett every day.”

Lydia nodded. “Not really. Hardly ever.”

Desmond grinned. “Doesn’t matter if Lydia goes to class. That stuff is nothing to her.”

Richard agreed. “Yeah, the time’s better spent doing experiments.”

Lydia walked over, giving Garrett a teasing look.

Garrett raised his brows, puzzled. “Did I do something?”

Lydia smirked, eyebrow raised. “Have you checked the school forum lately?”