A white silk ribbon tied in a perfect bow hugged her slim waist. Her skirt swished just above a pair of dainty white leather shoes, each one sparkling with pearls and crystal decorations. A delicate tiara rested on her head, glittering under the lights and giving her the dreamy look of a storybook princess.
Lydia arched an eyebrow. She had noticed Lucinda barely wore any LYLX outfits these days.
When Lucinda spotted Lydia, she tipped her chin up with a smug air, all that obedient sweetness she showed around their parents gone without a trace.
“Lydia, you’re really wearing something so plain to the academic competition?” Lucinda’s gaze swept over Lydia, full of barely disguised mockery.
Lydia had chosen a simple white blouse that looked crisp and elegant. The neckline was just open enough to show her delicate collarbones, and her sleeves were casually rolled up, giving her a relaxed vibe. She paired it with light blue straight-leg jeans that made her legs look extra long and lean. The whole look was fresh, natural, and totally effortless.
Lydia just shrugged. “I’m here for an academic competition, not a beauty contest.”
With that, she walked straight past Lucinda and headed downstairs.
Lucinda’s hands curled into tight fists. Why couldn’t Lydia just admit she wasn’t as pretty? So stubborn! So full of herself!
Just wait. There’d be plenty of people ready to put Lydia in her place today. The thought of it made Lucinda’s heart race with anticipation.
After breakfast, Garrett drove them both to Capital College. He even checked in on Lydia, asking if she’d slept well the night before.
Lydia nodded. “I’m good for the competition.”
Lucinda, who had snagged the front seat again, flashed a sweet smile. “So, you’re confident you’ll win first place today, right?”
Lydia shot back, “Are you?”
Lucinda’s smile strained, but she nodded. “Of course I am.”
“Good luck, then.”
Lucinda let out a little huff under her breath. She couldn’t wait to see how long Lydia would keep acting so high and mighty.
“Garrett, all the top schools are coming to Capital College today. The entrance is totally jammed. You can just drop us off here. Lydia and I will walk the rest of the way.”
Garrett glanced at her in the mirror. “You sure you don’t want us to wait?”
“No, no, if you wait for me, I’ll feel rushed and won’t be able to go.”
“Alright then.”
Garrett dropped Lydia at Capital College right as the Capital Med School bus was pulling in.
Silvia, the supervising professor, was the first off the bus. The moment she spotted Lydia, her face clouded over and she strode right over.
“Lydia, everyone else gathered at the university first. You, on the other hand, show up here by yourself. Do you think you’re some kind of exception?”
Lydia kept her face calm. “The principal approved it.”
Silvia’s jaw tightened. She glared at Lydia. “Don’t forget about our bet.”

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Ready to Rule The Real Heiress Strikes Back (Lydia and Connor)
done reading lydia's story. thank you for sharing it....
thank u!...
Olha a história bem boa só algumas coisas são chatas ( nesse tipo de história sempre troca as filhas pela a da empregada ou então pegam uma menina pra criar) pelo menos eles tratam a filha bem só enche o saco que até agora a Lucinda tá lá enchendo ! Fora isso tá bom Connor é um fofo a família dela a ama muito só Lucinda pra abaixar o nível do livro já era pra ter resolvido isso e fazer ela pagar mais tudo bem li um livro chinês que era parecido só algumas coisas diferentes ,ais mesma coisa tipo ela salvou o Connor no início lá ela salvava o avô dele , no chinês ela não tinha um irmão mais novo com os pais adotivos , a mãe dela tinha 2 irmãos e todos os avós estavam vivos mais história quase igual e tem coisas tipo o triângulo que lá TB tinha até a Lucinda que no chines TB ficou o livro todo aprontando só no final a família descobria e se livrava dela aí ela ia morar com o cara que ela usa pra disfarçar que não gosta do Connor aí depois ainda quase matava a irmã dele e a mãe dele que ele via como ela era...
thank u for the upload...
the next chapter is exciting...
the next upload is exciting. i cant wait....
Every chapter is missing a sentence from the end of every chapter. It’s frustrating to try guess what’s missing or said...
Hi there <3, I'm the admin of the website. Lately, the readership for this novel has been decreasing, so we’re no longer able to keep posting it for free. We would be incredibly grateful if you could help the author and our team by sharing the novel’s link on Reddit, X, Facebook, or anywhere you like. Thank you so much for your support!...