Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 17

“Lucinda, I know this is a lot to take in. Things are complicated, but from now on, she’s your older sister. You two will be living together as family. Your dad, your mom, your grandpa, and your brothers, we’re all still here for you. You’ll always be the youngest princess in the Norwood family.”

Mr. Norwood’s words sent a chill down Lucinda’s spine. Her heart hammered in her chest. Before she could stop herself, she took off running across the garden. She needed to see it with her own eyes, to hear the truth straight from them.

Lydia was gently tracing her fingers over the glossy frame of a black Tomahawk motorcycle, looking at it like it was the love of her life.

“Do you like it, Lydia?” Kylie’s voice broke the moment.

Lydia nodded, her lips curving into a soft smile. “Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Mom. Thank you for this surprise. I really love it.”

Hearing Lydia call them Mom and Dad for the first time, Cameron and Kylie couldn’t hold back their tears. They pulled Lydia into a tight hug, holding her close.

“Dad! Mom!” Lydia’s voice was bright, full of emotion.

Suddenly, Lucinda’s voice rang out, cutting through the sweetness in the air.

Kylie and Cameron paused, turning around in surprise. Sure enough, Lucinda was sprinting their way, her hair a little messy, cheeks flushed.

Kylie hurried over, worry etched on her face. “Lucinda, sweetheart, slow down. Look at you, you’re all sweaty. Didn’t you say you’d be back in a few days?” She pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat from Lucinda’s forehead, her touch full of motherly care.

That familiar warmth in Kylie’s eyes helped calm Lucinda, but only just a little. Because now, face to face, she finally got a good look at Lydia.

Lydia’s skin was flawless, almost luminous. Her features were delicate and striking, even without a trace of makeup. She looked like she’d stepped out of a dream, beautiful in a way that was clean and pure, almost unreal. She looked so much like the pictures of Mom when she was young.

The resemblance hit Lucinda hard.

They looked so much alike.

She wasn’t really a Norwood. She wasn’t the daughter of the country’s richest family.

How was this even possible?

“Dad, Mom, there has to be some kind of mistake. How could I not be your real daughter?”

Cameron wrapped an arm around her, trying to soothe her panic. “Lucinda, we checked everything. We had the tests done. There’s no mistake. Your birth father’s last name is White. He lives in a village out in West City. When you’re ready, you can visit him if you want.”

Lucinda’s legs felt weak. She could barely stand.

All she could think about was West City. A village. Her real family lived out there, in the countryside?