Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 1013

Frank just kept grinning, totally fearless. “I know, sweetheart. Relax. I’m here to help you.”

He hadn’t shown up at the Norwood estate for nothing. He had a reason for being here.

Lucinda rolled her eyes. “Help me? I’ll be grateful if you don’t make things worse. Seriously.”

She stomped off, fuming, while Frank’s smile turned sly and greedy.

“The Norwoods have so much money... Anyone would be jealous.”

The moment Lydia walked in, everyone rushed to her side, fussing and doting on her as if she were made of glass.

Lucinda found it unbearable. Still, she had to admit that as soon as Lydia was around, she faded into the background.

There was only one solution. Lydia needed to disappear for good.

She couldn’t wait for that day to come.

Kylie smiled at Lydia. “You’re back just in time. A couple of days ago, your grandparents and your uncle and aunt called. They invited the whole family to celebrate Thanksgiving. Your brothers should be back tonight. Why don’t you rest up today, and we’ll all go together this evening?”

Lydia blinked, caught off guard.

She’d been so wrapped up in everything with Luke that the holiday had slipped her mind.

So today was Thanksgiving.

School would start again tomorrow.

She nodded. “Alright.”

Off to the side, Connor watched Lydia with a gloomy look.

He’d been planning to take her to the Jeffersons’ tonight, but now that was out.

Noticing Connor’s expression, Kylie suggested, “Connor, why don’t you join us tonight?”

Connor hesitated. “Would that be okay?”

He wanted to go, that was for sure. He just wasn’t sure if the Robinsons would want him there. He didn’t want to bring down the mood.

Kylie just laughed. “What’s not okay? There’ll be plenty of Robinson family members there. Lucinda’s bringing Caspian too. The more, the merrier.”

Lucinda’s hands twisted together nervously.

She hadn’t wanted to bring Caspian, but if she didn’t, Kylie and the others might start getting suspicious.

Besides, Grace had told her that Caspian was her shield right now.

As long as Caspian was with her, the Norwoods would stop suspecting she was after Connor. Otherwise, everyone would think she was trying to compete with Lydia.

It was enough to make her want to scream.

Connor perked up as soon as he heard Caspian would be there. He nodded right away. “Then I’d be honored to join you.”

If Caspian was going, there was no reason he shouldn’t.

With that settled, Connor quickly told Aiden to prepare gifts for every member of the Robinson family, picking out something special for each person.

He only called Grandpa Samuel after everything was set.

Chris just stood there, stunned.

He didn’t even get a chance to ask what was going on before the call ended.

Was he supposed to bring home thin air? He didn’t even have a girlfriend. What on earth had gotten his grandpa all riled up this time?

After lunch, Mr. Norwood and Cameron invited Connor to play chess, while Kylie was busy picking out outfits for everyone for the evening.

Lydia just shrugged. “I’ll grab whatever. You all go ahead and pick.”

It was Lucinda’s first time visiting the Robinson family, and she was determined to outshine Lydia. Tonight, she had to look perfect and steal the show.

“Mom, Lydia’s the famous Miss L. Her taste is way better than mine. Why don’t you help me pick something from my closet? I seriously have no idea what to wear.”

Lucinda looked torn, but Kylie nodded. “Alright, let’s check your room first.”

Lucinda linked arms with Kylie, shooting Lydia a smug look before heading upstairs.

Lydia ignored her completely. Once they were gone, she called Tina over.

“Lydia, would you like some water? Or maybe some fruit?” Tina asked.

Lydia shook her head. “Who hired the new staff?”

Tina paused. “The old gardener had to go back to his hometown, and things were urgent, so he recommended someone to fill in.”

“Do you remember the one with the scar on his face? What’s his name?”

Tina answered right away. “Oh, that guy. His name’s Frank. He looks kind of scary, actually. Technically, he shouldn’t have passed the hiring process. But the day he showed up, Lucinda was in the garden. She felt sorry for him and let him stay.”