Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 1046

Lucinda’s face changed in a flash. Her hands tightened into fists under the table. Seriously, Lydia, just say no already!

Lydia caught the tension on Lucinda’s face and smiled, her tone full of hidden meaning. “Tomorrow is Carson’s birthday, and I really don’t want to steal his thunder. There will be plenty of chances next time.”

Lucinda’s heart, which had been pounding, dropped back to normal. She let out a shaky breath.

“You’re right, Lydia. We’ll just throw a party for you another day, something really special.”

“Yeah, that sounds even better,”

Lydia never actually answered whether she could play Go. She just said, “Anyway, tomorrow I’ll show up with a friend.”

Kylie and Cameron both looked a little disappointed, but since Lydia had made up her mind, they respected it and didn’t say more.

Lucinda finally felt like she could relax for once. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Lydia was messing with her on purpose, just to watch her squirm. What a bitch! She couldn’t wait until Grace found a chance to put Lydia in her place. Then she’d see how long Lydia could keep up this act.

Over dinner, Lydia’s phone kept buzzing non-stop. She kept glancing down at her screen, fingers flying as she replied, a faint, secretive smile on her lips. It was enough to make Lucinda’s eyes ache. She just knew Lydia was chatting with Connor, showing off on purpose.

Kylie seemed to think so too. “Lydia, do you know when Connor’s coming back?”

Lydia glanced up. “He didn’t say. Maybe in a few days.”

“Well, he’s always busy.”

“He is,” Lydia said softly.

After dinner, Lydia headed upstairs and opened up her group chat. The group was already blowing up.

Lydia: [@Carson, I’ll be there for your birthday tomorrow.]

Carson @Lydia: [I knew my Lydia was the most thoughtful. I will be waiting for you.]

The next morning, Lydia got up early and took her time getting ready for Carson’s party. She carefully rolled up a painting she’d done herself and slipped it into a special carrying tube. She’d spent days on that scroll, every line and shade filled with her respect and good wishes for Carson.

Lucinda had picked out a gift too. When she saw Lydia leaving with the painting tube, she bit her lip so hard it almost hurt. Show-off. So she could paint better than everyone else. Did she have to rub it in? Carson had seen all kinds of art. He wouldn’t care about one more painting from Lydia.

Meanwhile, the city’s most luxurious hotel was already decked out for the celebration. A huge golden banner hung in the center of the ballroom. Famous paintings lined the walls. Fresh flowers were everywhere, filling the air with a sweet fragrance.

When Lydia pulled up, fancy cars were parked all around and the entrance was crowded with the city’s elite. The moment she stepped out, people started to notice her.

Juna was waiting at the door and spotted her right away. She rushed over, smiling wide. “Lydia, hi!”