chapter1031

The second Lydia spoke, Connor's face went completely blank. Up front, Aiden just about lost control of the steering wheel. Inside, he was screaming. Seriously? How did Lydia find out about that?

It all started because Connor was just too good-looking for his own good. When he visited Country Y to see his mother and uncle, that shameless Prince Theo had set his sights on him. Later, after a few drinks, Prince Theo bragged to his friends that he was going to have Connor under him... well, you know. When Connor found out, he almost beat Theo to a pulp and made absolutely sure everyone who heard about it kept their mouths shut. After that, nobody ever brought it up again.

And now? Lydia had just said it right to his face. God only knew what Connor was feeling. Was he thinking about finishing what he started with Prince Theo and making sure he never dared to cross him again?

Lydia noticed how stiff Connor had gotten and just smiled wider. "Was it you?"

Connor reached out, caught her hand, and brought it to his lips, giving her a gentle bite. Lydia, you're such a troublemaker."

Prince Theo should honestly thank the heavens for being royal. If he wasn't, he'd have been nothing but dust by now. And now he'd actually sent Damien's family to ask the Jeffersons for help? Clearly, the last lesson hadn't been painful enough.

"Don't mind me, I was just talking," Lydia said, almost teasing.

Connor kissed her fingertips again. Let's never talk about this again. Just thinking about it made his skin crawl. More than that, he didn't want Lydia to see him in a bad light. Thank goodness it was Lydia who brought it up. Anyone else, and he would've sent them packing to the far side of the world.

When they reached the Norwood estate, Connor greeted Cameron and the others, then left.

Meanwhile, over at the Robinson house, Damien was still in the study, deep in conversation with Mr. Robinson. After some small talk, Mr. Robinson got right to it. "You want Connor's uncle on your side, right?"

Damien smiled. "Glenn, you know Connor's uncle, Duke Pierce, has a lot of pull in the royal family. If Prince Theo could get his support, he'd have a real shot at being the next king

Chloe

If that happens.

would be Queen of Country.

Wouldn't that be a huge honor for our whole family?"

Mr. Robinson just laughed. It all sounded great, but everyone knew the truth. Chloe wasn't queen yet, and she already acted like his side of the family didn't exist if she did become queen, they'd be even less important.

"Damien, you know the Robinsons and the Jeffersons have never gotten along."

Of course Damien knew. That was

exactly why they needed Mr. Robinson's help. More people meant more power right? At least Connor turned out to be Lydia's fianc , and from what he'd seen, they seemed pretty close. If they could get Lydia on their side, Connor would follow.

Glenn, things are different now. With Lydia involved, shouldn't it be easier?"

Mr. Robinson could see right through him. Damien, you saw Lydia today. She's got her own mind. Even as her grandfather, I can't make her decisions for her."

Damien had figured that out too. Lydia was young, but she didn't hold back. Plus, his own granddaughters had annoyed her today. Winning her over now would be tough.

"I know. That's why I came to you. No one else can help us.

Mr. Robinson let out a long sigh. "Damien, we're family, so I'll be straight with you. I really can't help with this one."