Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 33

Lucinda’s heart skipped a beat when she glanced up and saw the doorway crowded with people. There was Mr. Jefferson, Mikey, Chris, and her own parents all standing there together. The sight made her panic. She couldn’t help tightening her grip, her fingers curling into her palms.

Had they heard what she’d just said to Grandpa? How much did they know? Would her parents be upset with her for speaking out of turn?

Cameron broke the silence with a gentle smile. “Lucinda, what are you standing around for? Come say hello to Grandpa Samuel and Mikey and Chris.”

Cameron’s familiar, warm grin reassured her. Lucinda pushed aside her nerves and guilt, putting on her sweetest, most obedient face. She walked over to the group and greeted Grandpa Samuel and the boys with as much grace and politeness as she could manage.

Mikey, ever the gentleman, nodded back with a kind smile. Chris just gave a half-hearted nod, barely looking at her. Grandpa Samuel smiled too, but there was a quiet distance in his eyes that hadn’t been there before.

He used to treat her with so much warmth. Even though she could be a bit spoiled, he’d always acted like she was already his granddaughter-in-law. He’d pampered her and made her feel special. But now, everything was different.

After hearing about everything Lydia had done, Grandpa Samuel’s attitude toward her felt somehow cooler.

Lucinda noticed the change right away. Disappointment hit her, but she forced herself to stay strong. She was determined—she would show Grandpa Samuel that she was a hundred times better than Lydia.

She glanced around for someone she desperately wanted to see, but that person wasn’t there. Lucinda wanted to ask, but she worried it would sound too obvious, so she quietly moved to stand beside Cameron and Kylie.

Mr. Norwood looked a little shocked by all the unexpected guests. “Samuel, what’s up with you? Did your phone stop working? You couldn’t even give me a heads-up?”

Grandpa Samuel burst out laughing. “I wanted to surprise you!”

Mr. Norwood shook his head in disbelief. “Yeah, well, you almost surprised me into an early grave.”

Everyone went quiet for a second.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify