chapter668

The waiter nodded right away. "Of course, Ms. Norwood."

Everyone in the room lit up with excitement.

Lucinda, you're incredible! You're really not letting them pay?"

"Seriously, Lucinda, you're just paying for everything? That's so generous!"

Lucinda just smiled. "It's supposed to be my treat today. How could I let someone else do it? You all go ahead and have fun. I'll be right back."

Her classmates nodded, practically pushing her to go.

As she walked toward the private room next door, Lucinda wondered if this was some rich guy trying to impress her. If that was the case, there was no way she was accepting. Not a chance.

With her head held high, Lucinda pushed open the door. But the moment she saw who was inside, she froze.

Lydia was waiting for her. As Lucinda stepped in, Lydia just stared, her expression half-smile, half-mystery.

Lucinda's mind went blank. Everything inside her just stopped. The proud look on her face slipped away.

"Hi... Lydia... Connor..."

Connor's voice was cold. "Lucinda, it's probably more appropriate if you call me Mr. Jefferson."

Lucinda's face went pale. She never thought she'd run into Lydia here, of all places. What rotten luck.

Juna looked at her with a mocking smile. "Wow, you really know how to make an entrance. Treating everyone on the first day? That must be costing you a fortune."

Lucinda's hands curled into fists at her side. A flash of anger crossed her eyes. It had to be Juna! She must have tipped Lydia off. How would Lydia, who was all the way over at Capital Med School, know about this lunch?

So sneaky. Lydia really went as far as having Juna keeping an eye on her!

1.n

Lucinda forced herself to stay calm. "Lydia, it's just the start of the semester wanted to get to know my classmates. Thank you for sending over the wine, but I asked the waiter to put it on my tab This is my treat. I couldn't possibly let you pay."

Lydia's smile grew just a little. "You're overthinking it. I only asked the waiter to bring over a couple bottles. Since you're already treating, why not take care of our bill too? and order us one of those O million-dollar bottles while you're at it."

Lucinda was stunned. Lydia, who usually acted so cold, was suddenly being so... weird.

"What? You don't want to?" Lydia asked, seeing Lucinda frozen and silent.

Lucinda forced a laugh. "Of course I do. You and... Mr. Jefferson, you're like family. Treating you is only natural."

"Good. Go pay the bill then. Thanks.

Lydia was treating her like she was just another server. Lucinda could barely keep her cool. But how could she blow up in front of Connor? Or Juna? Or with all her classmates right next door? If she made a scene, everyone her whole class maybe the whole school-would find out she wasn't really the Norwood family's daughter. That Connor wasn't really her fianc . That she was just a gambler's daughter from some tiny village.

Lydia was using that to threaten her. How cruel.

"Alright, I'll settle the bill and have them bring another bottle."

Lydia simply nodded. "Alright."

Lucinda clenched her teeth, her hands so tight it hurt. She would remember this. She'd pay Lydia back someday, with interest.

She was so angry she could hardly breathe. But just as she turned to leave, Lydia spoke again.

"Oh, one more thing."

Lucinda stopped in her tracks and forced a smile as she turned back, her voice as sweet as she could make it. "Yes? What else do you need?"