Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 44

How ironic was this? She was supposed to be Miss Norwood, the real daughter of the house. But ever since Lydia came back, it was like she’d been swapped out, demoted. Why? Wasn’t she always told she would be loved like their own? Her soup always showed up in the hands of a servant, but her mom brought it to Lydia herself, every single time.

Grace noticed how upset she was and tried to soothe her. “Miss Lucinda, Lydia just got home. Of course your parents are fussing over her a little more right now. You can’t let it get to you.”

Lucinda’s eyes burned with jealousy. “So what am I supposed to do, Grace? You can see it. Mom and Dad only care about her now. It’s like I don’t even exist.”

Grace gave her a knowing look. “But you still have your grandfather, don’t you? And what about Connor? If you could marry him, it wouldn’t even matter if you stayed in this house or not.”

Lucinda’s shoulders slumped. “Connor won’t even listen to me. I can’t get two words out before he shuts me down.” Her voice was tinged with helplessness.

Grace hesitated, then leaned in and whispered something in Lucinda’s ear. The more Lucinda listened, the brighter her eyes became.

The next morning, Lydia was still lost in sleep when the deep, vibrating thrum of helicopter blades broke through her dreams.

Lucinda heard it too. She frowned in annoyance at whoever thought it was a good idea to make so much noise so early. As she was about to go see what was happening, Grace burst into her room, nearly breathless with excitement. “Miss Lucinda, your parents planned a huge surprise for you today!”

Lucinda’s confusion melted away, replaced by a smug little smile. “So, they finally remembered they have a daughter?”

Grace was practically beaming. “Miss Lucinda, they’ve raised you for eighteen years. You’re their true treasure. That’s so much more than anything Lydia has. You just got your pilot’s license, right? Well, your parents got you a helicopter. It’s already landed on the helipad. It looks amazing!”

As she stepped out of her room and headed for the stairs, she nearly bumped into Lucinda. Lucinda was all dressed up in a crisp white aviation uniform, hair perfectly pulled back, pilot’s cap perched just so. She really looked the part.

Lydia, on the other hand, was in a plain white t-shirt, black pants, and white sneakers. She looked fresh and youthful, her skin glowing even without a hint of makeup.

Lucinda had to admit, Lydia was pretty. Maybe even prettier than her. But so what? She was still just some outsider who didn’t fit in here.

With a smirk, Lucinda called out, “Morning, Lydia,” her tone edged with challenge.

Lydia just frowned a little, barely glancing at her, and continued on downstairs.