Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 724

Lydia dropped like a kite with its string snapped, falling straight down. Seb let out a cold laugh. “You really think you can beat me? Keep dreaming.” He was sure first place was already his.

In the control room, Connor leaned forward, eyes glued to the screen. He was just starting to worry when Lydia, who had been plummeting, suddenly jerked to a stop. Then, as quick as lightning, she shot back up.

Seb, still feeling smug, didn't expect her to catch herself. His eyes narrowed and he tried to pull the same move again. But Lydia was ready this time. As soon as his hand brushed her ankle, she kicked out hard, sending him flying.

Seb never thought a girl could kick that hard. He didn't even have time to catch himself before he dropped all the way back to the start. His eyes went wide as he watched Lydia’s slim, fierce figure climbing higher without even sparing him a glance. In his head, her voice echoed from when she kicked him down. “Trash.”

Rosie and her group ran over just in time to see Seb pull Lydia down. But before they could even celebrate, Lydia flipped the script, racing straight for the finish line.

“Ahhh! Lydia, you’re amazing!”

“Lydia’s the best!”

Monica and Fiona, who had been biting their nails a second ago, started jumping and screaming as Lydia sped toward the top. Even the young soldier on guard stared in shock, watching Lydia move like a bolt of lightning. She was even faster than some of the new recruits.

Rosie looked like a storm was brewing, her fists clenched tight. She wanted nothing more than to tear Lydia off that peak. Damn it. Lydia actually took first place.

“We just won first place. How is that an insult to you? What, should we have just handed you the win? If that’s how it works, why bother competing? The school might as well just mail you the trophy,” Monica shot back.

Maisie’s face turned bright red, her anger simmering as she glared at them. “So you got first place. Big deal. Don’t get too cocky. You’ll be crying soon enough.”

Offending the Gibson family meant trouble. In their minds, Lydia was just some nobody from a poor background. How could she ever compare to someone as important as Rosie?

Lydia hadn’t expected to be handed a microphone the moment she grabbed the flag. The media crew had only shown up on a whim, never thinking anyone would actually finish the challenge on day three.