chapter1088

Lydia turned around and spotted Jackson heading her way, dressed casually, though even in a simple black suit, he looked effortlessly impressive.

She squinted at him, acting like she had no idea who he was. "And you are?" she asked, her tone light and careless.

Jackson paused for a heartbeat, caught off guard. Harvey, standing beside him, could hardly believe Lydia's act. There was no way she didn't recognize Jackson. They'd met once at the ceremony, after all.

But Jackson didn't miss a beat. He kept his gentlemanly air and said, You must meet a lot of people, Miss Norwood. We ran into each other at the ceremony. And just the other day, I tried to invite you to dinner, but you told me you'd already eaten."

Lydia made a show of remembering. "Oh, right," she said, her voice layered with meaning. "So you're General Jackson. Rosie's uncle, right?"

Jackson's expression tightened for just a second, but he managed a polite smile. "Rosie can be a bit much sometimes. Please don't take it to heart. Actually, I wanted to see if you were free tonight. Let me treat you to dinner, as an apology for any trouble she caused."

Lydia thought for a moment, a sly spark in her eyes. "Sorry, I've already got plans tonight. But if you don't mind, General Jackson, why not just join us for a simple meal?"

That completely threw Jackson off. He'd had people stationed near Capital Med School, waiting to see when Lydia would leave, hoping to catch her for another meeting. As soon as he heard she was out, he hurried over, planning to invite her out himself. Now it turned out she already had plans and was inviting him along instead.

As far as he knew, Connor wasn't even in town. So who exactly was she meeting tonight?

While he hesitated, Lydia laughed softly. "What's the matter? Worried I might abduct you or something?"

Jackson relaxed and laughed too. Not at all. Since you're inviting me so kindly, Miss Norwood, I'd be happy to join you."

In Jackson's mind, Lydia was definitely different from most girls he knew. She was clever, maybe even a bit cunning, but still just a young girl. What did he have to be afraid of?

Harvey, on the other hand, was

uneasy With Jackson's positionet

wasn't like he could just meet with anyone he wanted. Plus they had no idea who Lydia's dinner guests were;

"General..." Harvey started, but Jackson raised a hand, signaling him to stop.

Lydia just smiled brightly, her expression so warm it almost made Jackson forget himself for a second.

He just couldn't get this girl out of his mind.

What Jackson didn't realize was that the same girl dazzling him right now had already set a trap he'd never see coming.

Lydia led Jackson and Harvey to their private dining room. The server opened the door pausing a momen asahe almost recognized Lydia, but

quite place her.

Inside, two men were already seated. Two others stood nearby.

It was William and his secretary, along with Easton and his secretary, Malcolm.

As soon as the door opened and the two groups caught sight of each other, the room buzzed with shock.

Lydia? William blurted out, completely surprised. What was she doing here? And with Jackson, of all people?

Easton was just as stunned. Lydia, you're here with..." He'd been about to ask about Jackson, but William' reaction made him realize William also seemed to know Lydia pretty well.

Jackson was in total disbelief. He'd thought Lydia was bringing him to meet some ordinary friends, just to grab a casual meal. He never expected this.

Harvey was at a loss for words. Miss Norwood's plans were with Easton and the soon-to-be Minister Robinson?