chapter913

A white silk ribbon tied in a perfect bow hugged her slim waist. Her skirt swished just above a pair of dainty white leather shoes, each one sparkling with pearls and crystal decorations. A delicate tiara rested on her head, glittering under the lights and giving her the dreamy look of a storybook princess.

Lydia arched an eyebrow. She had noticed Lucinda barely wore any LYLX outfits these days.

When Lucinda spotted Lydia, she tipped her chin up with a smug air, all that obedient sweetness she showed around their parents gone without a trace.

"Lydia, you're really wearing something so plain to the academic competition?" Lucinda's gaze swept over Lydia, full of barely disguised mockery.

Lydia had chosen a simple white blouse that looked crisp and elegant. The neckline was just open enough to show her delicate collarbones, and her sleeves were casually rolled up, giving her a relaxed vibe. She paired it with light blue straight-leg jeans that made her legs look extra long and lean. The whole look was fresh, natural, and totally effortless.

Lydia just shrugged. "I'm here for an academic competition, not a beauty contest." With that, she walked straight past Lucinda and headed downstairs.

Lucinda's hands curled into tight fists. Why couldn't Lydia just admit she wasn't as pretty? So stubborn! So full of herself!

Just wait. There'd be plenty of people ready to put Lydia in her place today. The thought of it made Lucinda's heart race with anticipation.

After breakfast, Garrett drove them both to Capital College. He even checked in on Lydia, asking if she'd slept well the night before.

Lydia nodded. "I'm good for the competition."

Lucinda, who had snagged the front seat again, flashed a sweet smile. So, you're confident you'll win first place today, right?"

Lydia shot back, "Are you?"

Lucinda's smile strained, but she nodded. "Of course I am."

"Good luck, then."

Lucinda let out a little huff under her breath. She couldn't wait to see how long Lydia would keep acting so high and mighty.

"Garrett, all the top schools are coming to Capital College today. The entrance is totally jammed. You can just drop us off here. Lydia and I will walk the rest of the way."

Lucinda was desperate not to be seen arriving with Lydia and Garrett, so she blurted this out when they were still a good mile or so from campus.

Lydia was actually supposed to

too

check in at her own school first and then take the shuttle to Capital College, but she'd found that much hassle and just asked Garrett to drive her straight there. That had Lucinda on edge the whole ride.

Garrett looked surprised. It's still about a mile and a half away."

"No worries. If we get stuck in traffic up ahead, it'll be even worse. We walk fast, right, Lydia?"

Lydia replied without looking at her, "If you want to walk, you can get out and walk."

Lucinda's heart started to pound. Lydia was definitely doing this on purpose, trying to make sure everyone saw her arrive with Garrett and get recognized as the Norwood family's real daughter. No way. She couldn't let that happen.

"But... my stomach hurts. There's a restroom up ahead. I really need to go."

Lydia just said, "Then just go."

Lucinda was about to lose it. But if Lydia refused to get out, she had no choice. If people saw her and Lydia get out of Garrett's car together, how would she ever explain it?

"Fine. Garrett, I'll go to the restroom first. You can take my sister straight to the

entrance. I'll walk over after I'm done. We're early anyway."

Garrett glanced at her in the mirror. "You sure you don't want us to wait?"

No, no, if you wait for me, I'll feel rushed and won't be able to go.

"Alright then."

Garrett dropped Lydia at Capital College right as the Capital Med School bus was pulling in.

Silvia, the supervising professor, was the first off the bus. The moment she spotted Lydia, her face clouded over and she strode right over.

Lydia, everyone else gathered at the university first. You, on the other hand, show up here by yourself. Do you think you're some kind of exception?"

Lydia kept her face calm. "The principal approved it."

Silvia's jaw tightened. She glared at Lydia. "Don't forget about our bet."