Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 69

The Lambert family had always been pretty successful in the Capital, and because of that, Jerome had grown up wild, spoiled, and convinced he was untouchable. Most days, he just drifted around online, bouncing from one app to another, following pretty girls, sending them crazy amounts of gifts, and chasing higher levels just for the thrill. He loved the attention, loved feeling important, and it got to the point where he couldn’t live without that rush.

He’d known about Chief Lydia for ages. At one point, he even slid into her DMs, trying to ask her out. Of course, she never replied. Honestly, she probably never even saw the messages. She got tons of messages every day, with most of them from guys hoping to meet up, and she barely had time to notice any of it.

But for Jerome, that felt like a slap in the face. He couldn’t handle being ignored, so he joined the haters, going out of his way to trash her whenever he could. A couple of days ago, when Lydia went quiet online, he posted that rumor about her being a scammer who took everyone’s money and disappeared. He never expected Connor to come after him for it.

Who would’ve thought that some nobody with a zero-level profile was actually a big shot? Connor only needed a username to dig up everything about him. The first time someone called Jerome and told him to leave the Capital, he just laughed it off. But then, in just two days, every single business partner his family had started cutting ties. When his parents asked why, everyone gave the same answer: your son messed with the wrong person, and we can’t risk it.

By then, it was way too late for regrets. Everything had fallen apart. If they wanted a fresh start, they’d have to leave the Capital and figure out a whole new life somewhere else.

After she replied to Jerome, Lydia paused, then sent CNR a message. [About that Lambert guy, thanks.]

No matter the reason, he had still stood up for her.

Connor’s reply came quickly, and she could almost picture the little smirk on his lips. [You saved my life. Dealing with a troll like that was me saying thanks.]

Lydia shot back. [I saved you, you helped me, and you spent two million and took care of a hater. We’re even now.]

Connor: [You really don’t want to meet me?]

He had to admit it—he’d never been this persistent before. Actually, he’d never been so patient or gentle with any girl. Maybe it was because she’d helped him without asking for anything in return, or maybe it was that unexpected kiss that had him thinking about her nonstop. The feeling was new, intense, and a little bit reckless.

Lydia didn’t hesitate. No.

She figured that would finally make Connor back off. Guys like him, with all that pride, usually didn’t handle rejection well.

Lydia: [I’ll send you an address. You can drop it off there.]

But Connor wasn’t going to let a perfect chance to see her slip by. He wasn’t stupid. Mailing it? With the way Lydia kept her identity hidden, even if he had an address, actually finding her would be pretty much impossible.

Connor: [Something that valuable and fragile isn’t safe in the mail. What if it breaks?]

Lydia sighed. He had a point. The pendant wasn’t worth much money, but it meant everything to her.

Connor: [I know you are in the Capital recently. We could meet somewhere.]

Lydia: [Just hold onto the pendant for now. I’ll reach out when things calm down for me.]