Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 1058

Lydia frowned as she pressed a fingertip into the powder, then brought it close to her nose. The faint smell of medicine drifted up, sharp and unmistakable.

She let out a cold, quiet laugh. Of course. This had Frank written all over it.

She’d already spotted Frank on the security footage, messing around with fertilizer in this exact spot. It hadn’t taken much for her to put two and two together. Something was definitely off with that fertilizer.

Lydia pulled out a small bag she’d brought just in case and scooped up a sample of the powder.

From outside the garden walkway, Frank watched Lydia pacing near the spot where he’d scattered the powder. He felt his heart drop. He hadn’t expected Lydia to be so thorough. If she found anything, he was done for. He cursed himself for not cleaning up right away.

By the time Lydia stepped out of the garden, the security team showed up with the surveillance footage she’d requested.

“Sir, Madam, this is the video from when Mr. Norwood fell,” one of them reported.

Kylie and Cameron took the tablet and watched. The footage clearly showed Mr. Norwood losing his balance and falling on his own. Frank, who’d been nearby, was the first to rush over and help him up.

Both Kylie and Cameron breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment, it looked like Frank was in the clear.

“Lydia, see? Your grandfather’s fall really had nothing to do with Frank,” Kylie said, handing her back the device.

Frank tried to look relaxed, but inside, he was a mess. He had no idea if Lydia had really found anything.

Then Lydia held up the bag of powder and leveled a steady look at Frank. “Actually, I think it has everything to do with him.”

Her eyes were sharp and unyielding. Frank’s whole body trembled, and he nearly lost his footing.

Kylie and Cameron exchanged confused glances, staring at the powder. “Lydia, what is that?” Cameron asked.

In an instant, both Kylie and Cameron turned to stare at Frank, their faces full of suspicion.

Frank was on the verge of panic, but tried to keep his cool. “Sir, Madam, I swear, I’m innocent. This has nothing to do with me. I’m just the gardener here. I take care of the flowers, that’s it. I don’t even know what that powder is.”

Lydia raised an eyebrow. “I’ve already seen the security footage. You mixed this drug into the fertilizer and spread it in the soil. No one would’ve noticed if I hadn’t checked. Frank, why are you really here with the Norwood family?”

Frank’s face drained of color. His legs almost gave out and he started to shake.

“I… I…” he stammered, sweat beading on his forehead as he struggled to find the words.

“Lydia, you can’t just accuse me like this. I honestly don’t know anything about that stuff. I did put fertilizer on the flowers this morning, but that’s all. I’m Lucinda’s biological father. The only reason I came here was to see my daughter. Why would I hurt Mr. Norwood?”

Lydia’s voice was cool and steady. “You’re still denying it, even with the evidence right here? Fine, then. Let’s call the police and let them investigate. I’m sure they’ll get to the truth.”