Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 907

The director walked over with a mix of respect and pride, handing Lydia and Garrett a bouquet of fresh flowers. “People like you make this country a better place,” he said warmly.

“Thank you, Director. We’re just doing our jobs,” Lydia replied, a little embarrassed by the attention.

An older man shuffled forward with a big, lumpy bag. His eyes sparkled with gratitude as he handed it over. “Dr. Norwood, without your antidote and all those sleepless nights you spent looking after us, I wouldn’t even be here. These are fruits I dried myself. They smell amazing. Please, take them.”

Before Lydia could say anything, an elderly lady bustled up beside him. “Sweetheart, I made this cured meat myself. I know you’re always too busy to eat properly. This’ll go perfectly with your meals.”

A young guy followed behind, arms full of boxes packed with local fruit. He gave a shy smile. “You’ve been working so hard for us lately. This is just a little thank you for giving us our health back.”

Lydia tried to refuse, but they wouldn’t hear of it. In the end, she could only accept their heartfelt gifts, feeling the weight of their gratitude in her arms.

These treats weren’t just food. They carried the purest, most genuine thanks from people whose lives had been saved.

Once back in the Capital, Lydia and Garrett went straight to the university to report everything to Kevin.

Connor wanted to tag along, but Lydia didn’t want to draw too much attention, so she convinced him to go home and rest. Honestly, he’d been quietly looking after her the whole time at the border, and he really needed a break.

Lydia’s sudden return to campus—especially with Garrett—sent a ripple of excitement through the university. She’d been gone for so long that people couldn’t stop talking.

The rumors started flying almost immediately. The school’s forum was still real-name only, so nobody dared say too much online, but that didn’t stop them from gossiping everywhere else. Between classes, in the dorms, on the field, in the cafeteria—everyone was buzzing.

“Do you think Lydia and Garrett are dating?”

“I mean, remember that time Lydia’s boyfriend showed up at school? We only saw him from behind, but he looked a lot like Garrett, didn’t he?”

Nobody wanted to mess with Yara. She was Mr. Johnson’s granddaughter. If they couldn’t get along with her, they’d rather not get involved at all.

“Tina, let them talk. They can say whatever they want,” Yara said, her voice flat. She looked down, but there was a cold sharpness in her eyes that showed just how much she resented Lydia.

“Yara, I seriously doubt Garrett would ever like Lydia. Her reputation’s terrible. Garrett would never go for her.”

“Who knows,” Yara muttered, clenching her fists.

So that’s why Garrett had been missing these past few days. He’d been with Lydia the whole time.

Seeing that Yara was getting more and more upset, Tina quickly tried to change the subject. “Hey, Yara, the freshman academic competition is tomorrow. Lydia’s barely been to class since the start of the semester. Everyone’s waiting to see Daisy put her in her place.”