chapter68

Lydia turned around, her face calm and unreadable. "What's your point?"

Lucinda let out a sigh, sounding tired. "For eighteen years, Connor and I both thought we'd end up together. He was supposed to marry me, I was supposed to marry him. But fate had other plans, I guess. It's a lot for him to process, so maybe that's why he doesn't want to see you right now. Don't take it personally."

Lydia didn't bother to answer. "Got anything else to say? I'm going to my room." She pushed open the door and closed it behind her with a sharp click.

She really did not like Lucinda.

With an annoyed sigh, Lydia slipped off her backpack. Her phone started to buzz. She fished it out and saw a voice call coming in from the streaming app. The username flashed: CNR.

She didn't even think about it before hitting decline. Connor was the first person who had ever stood her up.

Connor hadn't expected her to reject his call. Instead of getting mad, he actually laughed. So she was online. He'd messaged her all day and she hadn't responded

once.

He tried again. [Will you stream tonight?]

After her shower, Lydia dried her hair and checked her phone. She saw Connor's message and replied with just two words. [Not streaming.]

She was trending everywhere these past couple days, and her name was all over the internet. She'd already explained things to her fans last night. It was time to take a break and let things cool off. Too much attention wasn't good, and she wasn't ready for everyone to know who she really was.

After texting Connor back, she noticed another missed call. This one was from C. Lambert-the same person who'd been trashing her online.

C. Lambert: Chief Lydia, I'm sorry. I really am. Please don't take it out on me.

C. Lambert: I didn't know who I was dealing with. Please, just give my family a chance. I'll apologize, even publicly, anything you want. Please tell Connor to let Lambert Inc. survive in the Capital. I'm begging you.

Lydia raised an eyebrow. So Connor had actually gone after the Lamberts? That was quick.

Right then, another call from C. Lambert popped up. Lydia declined it without hesitation.

C. Lambert seemed to get a second wind and fired off more messages.

[Please, ma'am! I'm so sorry! I'm begging you and Connor, please let my family go. I swear I'll never disrespect you again. I'll follow your lead from now on. I'll even apologize to you face to face if you want. I really didn't mean to offend you, I was just being stupid. If you can show me some mercy, I'll do anything to make it up to you.]

Lydia replied, her face expressionless. [You should be grateful I didn't do worse. Good luck.]

She wasn't some saint who forgave people just because they asked. If they tried to hurt her, she wasn't about to turn the other cheek. Adults had to take responsibility for what they did.

Meanwhile, Jerome Lambert, who had finally gotten a reply from Lydia, sank to the floor in defeat. His parents, both looking like they were on the verge of losing it, rushed over.

"Well? Did Chief Lydia say yes?"

Jerome shook his head, stunned. "She said no."

His father's face twisted in fury as he kicked Jerome hard. You useless idiot! I

worked my whole life to build our place in the Capital, and you blew it all! You've ruined us!"