Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 34

Kylie was just about to say something when she caught sight of her daughter coming down the stairs. Her whole expression softened. “Lydia,” she called, her voice gentle and warm.

Lucinda felt another wave of jealousy hit as she watched Kylie rush over, practically glowing with nerves and affection. She carefully took Lydia’s hand and led her over to the group, treating her like she was made of glass. Lucinda remembered when it used to be her getting all the attention, when everyone in the family doted on her. Now, it felt like she’d disappeared. No one even noticed her anymore. All eyes were on Lydia, the goddamned country girl.

As soon as Lydia stepped into the room, Grandpa Samuel fixed his sharp gaze on her, sizing her up like he was already imagining her as part of the family. The longer he looked, the more he seemed to approve.

Lydia’s skin was soft and flawless, her eyes clear and bright, her figure slim and tall. She held herself with a quiet confidence, calm and collected, like nothing could rattle her. She didn’t need fancy clothes or jewelry to stand out. She looked effortlessly beautiful, with a kind of natural grace that made her seem both pure and untouchable.

Even with her right hand wrapped in white gauze, she showed zero sign of pain or weakness. She just stood up straight, meeting everyone’s gaze without any hesitation. There was something cool and fierce about her.

Grandpa Samuel had always been good at reading people, and he could tell right away that Lydia wasn’t ordinary. She wasn’t the type to blend in. He couldn’t help but feel excited. This was exactly the kind of granddaughter-in-law he wanted.

“Lydia, sweetheart, it’s me, Grandpa Samuel,” he called out before Kylie could even start the introductions. His voice was soft and full of warmth, a total surprise to everyone who knew how strict he usually was. There was even the tiniest hint of pleading in his tone.

Everyone stared. Was this really the same General Jefferson who ruled over the military and political world with an iron fist?

Mikey and Chris traded a look. Was he really being this obvious?

Lucinda’s voice shot through the room, sharp and anxious, cutting Samuel off. Everyone turned to stare at her. Their expressions were a mix of confusion and surprise, like they couldn’t understand why she was making such a big deal out of it. Sure, their families had an engagement agreement, but Lucinda was only eighteen and had barely spent any time with Connor in her whole life.

“I’m… I’m sorry,” Lucinda mumbled, her voice shrinking. “I just got worried when I heard he was hurt.”

Mr. Norwood gave her a gentle smile, quickly stepping in to help her save face. “Lucinda’s just a kind soul.” Then he turned to Samuel. “What happened to Connor? Is he alright?”

Samuel nodded. “He went out to a remote area to check out a project a couple days ago. Got hurt in the mountains, but he’s out of danger now.” He didn’t say more, instead turning back to Lydia, his eyes full of hope. “Lydia, I’ve heard you’re an amazing doctor. When you have some time in the next few days, would you mind stopping by to check on him? Maybe you could help him recover faster.”