Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 31

Lydia’s inbox was a mess, overflowing with so many DMs that Connor’s message didn’t even stand a chance. After thinking it over, he decided to just call her instead.

She was in the middle of reading the comments section, watching with a little smile as Connor led his fans in clapping back at the haters. Suddenly, a voice call popped up on her screen. She glanced at the name, hesitated for half a second, then hit decline. Only then did she notice the message he’d sent her.

She didn’t waste any time. Her reply was short. “No.”

Instead of getting annoyed, Connor actually laughed. He replied, “You saved me last night at Highridge. I’d like to thank you in person.”

Lydia stared at her phone for a beat, then typed, “Medical bill is $888. Just send it over.”

Connor just stared at his phone. Was that all he was worth to her? Did she really think saving his life was worth $888?

He sent back, “Money is not an issue. Whatever you want, I’ll make it happen.”

Lydia shot back, “Bring me the stars from the sky.”

Connor grinned. He hadn’t realized it before, but ever since he’d found Lydia, he couldn’t stop smiling. She was still a mystery to him—he didn’t know her face, barely knew her name, but she already had him hooked.

He replied, “If that’s what you want, then consider it done.”

He caught himself touching his lips, as if he could still taste that faint sweetness she’d left behind.

Lydia rolled her eyes. She replied, “You helped me today too. We’re even. Bye.”

No punctuation, no emojis, nothing extra. She honestly didn’t have the time to waste on chatty back-and-forths.

“Yes, Miss Norwood. Because of the arranged marriage between your families, Mr. Jefferson brought his grandsons to visit. They’re waiting in the living room.”

Lydia blinked. Juna had just mentioned the Jeffersons, and now they were here already? And an arranged marriage—seriously? Was this still the Dark Ages?

Samuel had called ahead, but the Norwoods were so caught up with Mr. Norwood’s health scare that they missed the call. The Jeffersons’ arrival was a total surprise.

Cameron and Kylie welcomed Samuel and Chris into the house, and as soon as they stepped inside, Samuel asked, “Cameron, where’s your father?”

Samuel and Mr. Norwood had been through everything together—lifelong friends, practically family. That’s why they’d arranged the marriage before Lydia was even born.

Cameron didn’t want to spell it all out, so he kept it simple. “He’s resting in his room. He’s still upset about the mix-up with Lydia and Lucinda.”