Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 1331

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Three years later.

Connor stood in front of the Capital’s leading medical lab, his suit perfectly pressed, his posture straight and confident. In his arms, he held his three-year-old son, Kristopher.

Kristopher’s big, sleepy eyes blinked up at the lab’s closed doors. His cheeks were still soft and round with lingering baby fat, but his brow was scrunched, making him look way too serious for someone his age.

“Daddy, Mommy’s been in there for ten days,” he complained, swinging his little feet. His voice wobbled, sounding both tired and hurt. “Does she not love us anymore?”

Connor looked down and brushed his son’s nose, a gentle smile curving his lips. “You silly goose. Of course Mommy loves us. She’s just inside working hard, doing research to help the country.”

Kristopher tilted his head, clearly not convinced. “But Daddy, does Mommy love you more, or does she love her work more?”

Connor chuckled at his son’s earnest little face, though he felt a twinge in his own heart. Ever since Lydia got her sight back six months ago, she had thrown herself into her work. Even at home, she’d be up late reading research papers.

He set Kristopher on the ground, crouching so their eyes met. “What do you think? Does Mommy love you more, or her work?”

Kristopher didn’t even hesitate. “Me, of course!” He put his hands on his hips, looking so proud. “Mommy said I’m her favorite.”

Connor pretended to be annoyed, letting out a quiet huff. “Well, I think she loves me the most.”

Kristopher’s lips twisted in a pout, his face saying, “Yeah right.” He shook his head. “Nope! Mommy loves me the most, then…”

He paused, looking up as he started to count on his fingers. “Great-grandma, Grandpa, Grandma, then Uncle Blake, Uncle Arthur, Uncle Garrett, Uncle Elliot…”

Connor’s face fell as his son kept counting, and it looked like he wasn’t going to make the list anytime soon.

Halfway through his list, Kristopher seemed to notice Connor’s mood. He paused, thought for a second, then stood on tiptoe and kissed Connor on the cheek. “If Mommy doesn’t love Daddy, I love Daddy. Don’t be sad, okay?”