chapter1132

Carter couldn't help but sigh. "Mom, seriously, give it a rest. She's just not into me."

Mrs. Shaw clicked her tongue. Come on, you are a catch. Give yourself some credit. It's just dinner anyway, and you really should thank her properly, right?"

He had to admit, she wasn't wrong. Lydia had done them a huge favor, and it would be rude not to do something in return. He could bring up the money when they met for dinner.

"Fine. I'll ask her."

"That's my boy. You've got this!"

Carter just shook his head, not sure whether to laugh or groan.

Meanwhile, Lydia had just gotten back to the Norwood house when a message from Carter popped up on her phone. He wanted to take her out to dinner to say thanks for the painting, and was asking if she was free that evening. Since he was Mrs. Shaw's son and also Boris' student, it felt a little too harsh to turn him down flat.

She thought it over for a second, then replied, [Okay.]

Seeing her answer, Carter suddenly felt his nerves kick in.

Mrs. Shaw was practically glowing with excitement. "Oh, this is fantastic. Come on, let me help you get ready. Lydia's going to be so impressed when she sees you."

Over at Capital College, Lucinda was just getting out of class. Ever since word got out that William was about to be promoted, everyone in her class had been treating her like royalty. Whether in the classroom or the dorm, people were constantly praising her, acting like she was some famous celebrity.

She was walking toward the school gate, laughing and chatting with her friends, when someone stepped out from a side path and blocked her way.

Lucinda stopped in her tracks.

The girl glanced at her, gave a cold, mocking smile, and kept walking without saying a word.

Lucinda's heart started pounding.

Her friends didn't notice a thing. "Lucinda, you're seriously living the dream. So many amazing brothers, a powerful uncle..."

"And don't forget that mysterious, incredible fianc of yours."

"Lucinda, I'm so jealous of your life!"

Once, these kinds of compliments would have made her feel proud, maybe even a little smug. Now, every word just made her feel smaller, like a total impostor. She felt ridiculous, like a clown on display.

She forced a smile and squeezed her hands tight. "Alright, I'll see you next week. My driver should be here any minute."

"See you next week!" her friends called as she headed off.

As soon as she got out of the school gates, Lucinda sped up, hurrying after the girl ahead.

"Paige."

It was Paige. They hadn't spoken in ages. After the whole thing with Leila blew up, Lucinda had been terrified Paige would spill her secret. She'd sent message after message begging her not to tell anyone that she was the fake Norwood heiress. At first Paige ignored her then just blocked her altogether.

But Paige had never told anyone the truth, and over time Lucinda had started to relax. Now, running into her out of nowhere, and knowing she'd heard all those compliments Lucinda's panic came rushing back.

iet

Paige heard her name but didn't slow down, just kept walking. To her, Lucinda wasn't a friend anymore. Maybe she never had been. Lucinda had always cared more about her. own image, soaking up the envy and admiration, letting it feed her ego and make her feel above everyone else.

Now, Paige finally understood why Lucinda had always resented Lydia so much.