chapter1229

Lydia... Nina started to say something, but a woman's voice called from behind her. Nina, who is this?" Lydia looked up and saw a lady in a stunning royal blue dress approaching, her features unmistakably similar to Nina's. This had to be Nina's mother.

Mrs. Powell glanced at Lydia with clear disapproval. She recognized Juna, but Lydia was a stranger to her, and it showed in her expression.

"Mom," Nina said, forcing a smile. "This is my friend Lydia. Let me introduce you

"Don't," Mrs. Powell cut her off, her tone icy. She shot Lydia a look that made her intentions clear, then turned back to Nina. "Don't just bring anyone home. What does that say about us?"

"Mom!" Nina stomped her foot, frustration written all over her face. "She's my friend!"

Just then, Mr. Powell walked over, gently taking his wife by the arm. He leaned in close and whispered, That's enough. Don't make a scene here." Then he offered Lydia a polite smile. "You're Nina's friends. Please, make yourselves comfortable. Enjoy the party."

Lydia just smiled softly and nodded, not saying much.

When the Powells moved away, Nina let out an awkward laugh. Lydia, I'm sorry. I didn't tell them who you really are..."

It's fine. I don't care about any of that. Go take care of your guests. Don't worry about us. We can catch up later." Lydia's words had a hidden meaning, and Nina caught it right away. She nodded. "Alright. You two have fun."

Lydia and Juna found a quiet spot to sit. Juna scooted closer, whispering, "Lydia, Mrs. Powell is seriously on edge tonight." She'd noticed the woman interrogating every single guest who walked in.

"A guilty conscience makes people jumpy," Lydia said softly. "Of course she's on guard."

Halfway through the party, Nina and Carter came over to find Lydia and Juna. Nina sat across from Lydia and lowered her voice. "My parents want me to leave for abroad tomorrow."

Juna let out a short laugh. "They're scared you'll ruin their plans, so they want to ship you off as soon as possible."

Lydia thought for a moment. "If everything goes smoothly tonight, you can go abroad. We'll have people here keeping an eye on things."

Once the serum was injected, Boris could track their location at any time. They won't have to worry about it.

Nina leaned in even closer, her voice barely above a whisper. So, what's the plan?"

Lydia slipped a small vial into Nina's hand. Get them to drink this first, she

murmured. "Once they fall asleep, we can move forward."

Nina gripped the vial tightly, her nerves obvious, but she nodded with determination. "Okay, I've got it."

Lydia stood up. "See you soon..."

"Huh?" Nina exclaimed softly.

Juna kept winking at her, and Nina

finally realized her mom was

watching them from across the

room. The message was clear she got up too. "Alright, walk you out"

"It's okay. You still have guests to handle. We can see ourselves out," Lydia said.

After Lydia and Juna left through the front gate, Mrs. Powell turned to her husband with a cold huff. "I told your we shouldn't throw her a party th year, but you insisted. What i

someone notices something's off?

Mr. Powell glanced at her. "She has a birthday every year. What would people think

if we suddenly stopped celebrating?"

Mrs. Powell didn't respond right away. After a moment, she said, "Tomorrow, send her abroad. I can't sleep a single night peacefully with her in this house." fo