Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 53

Jenson’s hand stiffened midair, the bills crumpled in his grip. He forced a smile, then pulled out another stack. “Five thousand should last you a couple of months, right? Seriously, that’s all I’ve got.”

Chris, who’d been watching the whole scene play out, finally caught onto what the Smiths were doing. He blinked, not sure he was hearing them right.

“So, what, you’re worried she’ll try to take advantage of you? You think you can get rid of her with five thousand bucks?”

His words landed heavy, making the room go tense. Jenson coughed, still holding out the cash, trying to keep things light. “Hey, come on, young man, that’s not what this is. I just wanted to help her out a little, financially.”

“I don’t need it,” Lydia replied, her voice ice cold.

If it weren’t for her grandmother, she might have put these people in the hospital already.

“Lydia, I’m warning you, don’t push your luck. It’s five thousand. Take it or leave it. Miss this chance, and you won’t get a single dime from us, ever,” Milana snapped, her patience wearing thin.

She clearly thought Lydia was just angling for a bigger payout.

Sandy piped up, acting like she knew it all. “Yeah, Lydia, Dean’s super busy. He doesn’t have time to deal with the Norwood family’s mess. You really shouldn’t bother him anymore. If you keep asking him for favors, Mom and Dad will have to pay the price.”

Chris rolled his eyes. “Look, lady, you’ve got it all wrong. She’s here with me. Whoever this Dean is, he’s got nothing to do with it.” He couldn’t believe how clueless these people were. Whole family needed their heads checked.

Lydia didn’t bother wasting another word on them. She turned on her heel, calling to Chris as she walked out, “Let’s go.”

Chris gave the Smiths a crooked smile. “You all seriously need help. Maybe get yourselves checked out at a hospital.”

Outside the hospital, Lydia hopped on her motorcycle, ready to leave. Chris ran up behind her.

“Lydia, wait up!”

She turned, her eyes cool and unreadable. “What is it?”

“Hey, um, are you free tonight? I was thinking about getting some friends together for a race. You in?”

Chris was dying to see just how good Lydia really was on a bike, and he wanted his friends to see it too.