chapter378

Tina stood off to the side, rolling her eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn't get stuck. Seriously, just look at Lucinda and Grace. Were they really that scared Lydia would end up apprenticing under Maestro Richie too? If Lydia ever wanted to learn piano, she'd probably leave Lucinda in the dust, no contest. Lucinda had been at the keys since she was three, taking lessons from the best for fifteen years. At that point, even someone with half a brain would have picked up some skills. What was there to brag about?

Lydia couldn't be bothered to waste her time arguing with them. She had a plane to catch soon anyway. Still, as she glanced at Grace and Lucinda, she couldn't help but notice a tiny flicker of similarity between them.

"Dad, Mom," Lydia said out of nowhere, "have you ever noticed that Grace and Lucinda kind of look alike?"

The comment nearly sent Grace into a panic. She felt all the color drain from her face. Miss Lydia, you really know how to joke around."

Lucinda looked at Lydia like she had lost her mind. Her and Grace, similar? Please. Was Lydia seeing things?

Cameron and Kylie actually took a moment to examine the two of them. Grace, looking like she'd just seen a ghost, quickly brought her hand up to her face and pretended to fix her hair. Um, there's still some soup on the stove. I'll go check on

it."

Cameron laughed and shook his head at Lydia. "I don't see it."

A sly smile played at Lydia's lips. I was just messing with her."

After that, when the soup was brought out, Grace was nowhere to be found.

Lydia set down her chopsticks and dabbed her lips with her napkin. "I'm done."

"Lydia, you've been traveling nonstop for three days. Tonight, you should get some real rest," Kylie said gently.

"I have a flight to France at ten," Lydia replied.

Her words seemed to freeze the entire table.

"Why are you going to France again?" Cameron asked, looking both surprised and concerned.

"Yeah, Lydia, your schedule is so packed. Can't you at least stay home for one night?" Kylie's voice was full of worry. Their daughter was just too capable for her own good.

Even Grandpa Norwood chimed in. "Lydia, what's so important that you can't even take a break?"

Lydia smiled and motioned for everyone to relax. "It's really nothing. A few people from the design team are headed to France for an international fashion competition. I just want to go and check it out."

Cameron nodded, understanding. "Still, you don't have to push yourself so hard. Your health comes first."

"I already bought the ticket. I can rest on the plane, Lydia said, her tone gentle but firm.

Seeing how set she was, neither Cameron nor Kylie tried to stop her again.

Meanwhile, Lucinda could barely hide her excitement. Perfect. She didn't want Lydia at home anyway The longer Lydia stayed in France, the better. With Lydia out of the picture Mom and Dad would finally have time for her again. Maybe she could be their precious little princess, just like before.

"Hey, Lydia, aren't those international fashion competitions super competitive? Do you really think anyone from Greenward Power has ashot at winning" Lucinda asked, her voice sweet but her words full of thorns.

In her mind, Greenward Power was a hopeless mess. The company had lost money every year under Parker Their designs were so ugly she wouldn't even look at them, let alone wear them. The idea that their designers could compete on an international stage was just plain ridiculous.

Kylie smiled, trying to keep things positive. It's about the experience. I heard the founder of LY/LX sometimes judges the competition. If they get a chance to talk with Miss L, that's already a huge deal.

Cameron nodded. Exactly. I've heard that designers who get advice from Miss L at these contests always end up making real breakthroughs."

Lucinda leaned forward, her smile just a bit too sharp. "Then why don't you enter the competition, Lydia? Maybe Miss L could give you some tips and help you level up your designs."

As far as Lucinda was concerned, Lydia didn't know the first thing about fashion. All that effort at Greenward Power was just a way to throw around some authority and act important.

Did she seriously think she was some kind of design prodigy?