chapter1039

Lydia shot him a look that basically screamed, Yeah, right. Iceblade could only sigh. Was he really that untrustworthy in her eyes?

"So, what's your reason for coming back this time?" she asked.

Iceblade grinned. "I just missed you."

Lydia didn't bother to respond. Instead, she warned him again, "Don't mess with anyone you shouldn't. If you do, don't blame me for what happens next.

"You're really just worried I'll hurt your fianc , aren't you? But he's not even in town anymore, right?"

His words made Lydia feel uneasy. She hadn't forgotten what Iceblade once said about putting a kill order on Connor.

"How about we work together?" she offered.

Lydia looked up at him. Iceblade's smile widened, his eyes glinting with interest. "Now that's interesting. I'm all ears."

Meanwhile, Connor's private jet was already in the air. Garrett sat across from him, looking confused. "Why didn't you tell Lydia?"

He'd left the Norwood estate before sunrise, but hadn't managed to get to the airport. Connor's people had intercepted him, saying Connor would be joining him on the trip to Country D.

"I don't want her to worry. Plus, I actually have business to handle in Country D. It just works out this way. Don't tell her for now."

Garrett smiled. "Alright."

After checking up on Mrs. Smith at the hospital, Lydia left. She was planning to head back to campus, but then Juna called, inviting her to a trendy restaurant nearby.

It had been a whole break since they last saw each other, and Lydia had definitely lost some weight. As soon as Juna spotted her, she pulled her into a big hug. "Babe, I'm treating you to something amazing today. You need to cheer up."

Juna had already heard about the whole Luke situation from her own sources. She hadn't expected things to turn out like this. Poor guy.

They headed up to a private room on the second floor and grabbed a table by the window.

"Lydia, did you hear? Lucinda totally bombed at the academic competition. She's lost her top student reputation."

"Yeah."

"And now she's trying to keep up the whole rich-girl image. She's inviting everyone to karaoke tonight."

"Yeah."

"Let's go too. It could be fun to watch the drama."

"I don't want to." Lydia was genuinely not feeling it.

Juna clung to her arm, shaking it back and forth. Come on, just this once. I want to have a drink. Let's go."

Lydia finally nodded. "Alright."

Juna beamed. I knew you'd say yes! You're the best, Lydia.

Lydia gave a small smile, her eyes wandering to the window. That's when she

spotted a familiar figure outside. Was that Grace?

Grace walked through the gates of Capital College, carrying a fancy lunchbox and looking pretty please with herself. Once she reached the entrance, she paused, pulled out a face mask, and put it on.

"What are you looking at?" Juna craned her neck for a better view, but all she saw was the usual crowd.

"When you get back later, ask around. I wanna know who brought Lucinda lunch today."

Juna raised an eyebrow. "Easy. Leave it to me."

Right then Lucinda was in her dorm, waiting for Grace to show up with lunch for the whole dorm. Not long after Grace arrived, carrying the lunchbox.

"Miss Lucinda, your parents specifically asked the kitchen to make this for you."

Lucinda nodded. "Just set it down over there."

"Yes, Miss."

As soon as Grace left, Lucinda's roommates started gushing.

"Lucinda, your parents really spoil you."

"Seriously, Lucinda, I'm so jealous."

Lucinda smiled, looking smug. "It's

nothing really I'm just tired of

fathoge

cafeteria food. The chef at home.

always makes the best dishes. Let's get lunch together, everyone."