Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 1044

Caspian could see right away that Lucinda was upset. Honestly, the spot where he parked was a good five minutes from the Capital College gate, and she was juggling all her stuff. He wanted to pick her up right at the entrance, but she had flatly refused.

He knew she always compared him to Connor, always thought he fell short. The thought made him clench his fists. He was determined to work harder, to prove that one day he could be better than Connor.

Lucinda’s good mood had completely vanished, thanks to Caspian. When he dropped her off at the Norwood family house, she didn’t even invite him inside. She just sent him off without looking back.

As soon as she got inside, she saw that Lydia was already home. Kylie and Cameron were sitting with her, chatting about something. When they noticed Lucinda coming in alone, Kylie immediately asked, “Lucinda, where’s Caspian?”

Lucinda forced a smile. “Oh, he had something to take care of, so he left early.”

Kylie looked surprised. “Really? I asked him to stay for dinner tonight.”

Lucinda could barely contain her frustration at Kylie’s words. Caspian, Caspian, it was always about Caspian. They were so focused on him, all because they wanted to keep her tied to him, hoping she wouldn’t compete with Lydia for Connor. Did they really think she didn’t see right through their little scheme?

She took a breath and tried to sound casual. “Mom, Caspian does care about me, but he’s at a point in his life where he needs to focus on his career. He’s got a lot going on.”

Kylie smiled and nodded. “That’s true. Caspian is really ambitious.”

Lucinda just pressed her lips together, not bothering to argue.

Kylie and Cameron turned back to Lydia. “Lydia, you’re looking so skinny lately. If you don’t like the cafeteria food at school, we can have the kitchen prepare something you like and send it over.”

Lydia gave a little smile. “The food at Capital Med School is fine. If I’m not in the mood for the cafeteria, I just go out with my classmates. Besides, the family chef is already busy sending food to Lucinda. Asking them to add me would be too much.”

Lucinda quickly let go of her fists and stepped forward, grabbing Kylie’s arm and putting on her sweetest voice. “Mom, sometimes I just want something different, so I order from a private kitchen. My classmates must have seen the delivery and assumed it was from our housekeeper.”

Kylie’s expression relaxed. “Oh, I see. Well, if you get tired of what we have here, just tell the kitchen what you want. They’ll make it for you.”

Lucinda shook her head quickly. “No, it’s fine, Mom. I just like to change things up every now and then.”

She would love it if the family staff brought her food, but for now, Grace was already handling it. Most of the house staff knew Grace, and it would be a huge problem if they ever crossed paths.

Lydia was infuriating. This had to be Juna’s doing, no doubt about it.