chapter1233

In the group chat, only the professors spoke up to show their support. All those people who'd been running their mouths earlier? Not a single one dared make a sound now.

When they got to the hotel, Connor had already arranged for all of Lydia's favorite dishes to be sent up to their room. She realized she really was hungry. Watching her eat with such enthusiasm made Connor smile.

After dinner, Lydia went to take a shower. By the time she came out, it was already dark outside. Connor was sitting on the sofa, working through a stack of documents. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone, showing off his sharp collarbone.

Lydia walked over, rubbing her hair with a towel. Connor reached out and pulled her into his lap, his chin resting on her damp hair. Tired?" he asked, his voice soft.

"I'm okay." Lydia turned so she was straddling his legs, poking his chest with her finger. Is Garrett's project really almost finished?"

Connor caught her hand and brought it to his lips. "The lab solved the last molecular chain problem yesterday. All that's left now is clinical testing."

Lydia's eyes sparkled. She was just about to say something, but her phone started buzzing on the table. It was Dr. Tomlinson calling.

She grabbed her phone and picked up. Dr. Tomlinson?"

He sounded cheerful. "Lydia, which hotel are you staying at? Is it close to the venue?"

"It's really close," she replied.

There was a pause. "Which hotel is it? John and I wanted to talk with you about a few things. Would it be convenient for you?"

The Norwood family hadn't been at school much these last few days, so they hadn't found a chance to talk to Lydia about the competition. With the big day tomorrow, they wanted her advice before giving their students some final reminders. After all, this was an international event. It wasn't just about individual performance anymore, but about representing their whole country.

Lydia hesitated for a second. Sure, I'll send you the location."

Dr. Tomlinson sounded excited. Great, we'll head over now."

As soon as she hung up, Connor pulled her back into his arms so their noses almost touched. "More work? His voice was low and a little rough, his thumb tracing the curve of her flushed ear.

Lydia nodded. Yeah, the competition's tomorrow. I need to discuss a few details with them."

Connor let out a dramatic sigh. "I waited so long for you to get here. We finally get some alone time, and now it's being ruined..." He looked at her like he was starving for her.

Lydia laughed and gave him a quick kiss. "Here, a little reward."

Connor wasn't satisfied. He cupped the back of her head and kissed her again, this time a lot more possessive.

Meanwhile, when Dr. Tomlinson got Lydia's location, he was stunned. Her hotel was even closer to the venue than theirs, practically right next door. But that place was super high-end and ridiculously expensive, not somewhere just anyone could stay. Even if you had money, it was hard to get a room. Yet Lydia, who'd arrived later, somehow managed to book one...

"Come on, Tom, time's tight. Let's go talk with Lydia about the competition," Mr. Russo reminded him.

The two of them caught a cab to Lydia's hotel. Since Connor had already called ahead, the front desk staff took them directly upstairs to the presidential suite as soon as they arrived.

They couldn't help but wonder: how did a young woman like Lydia end up in such a luxury suite?

As they were still trying to figure it out, the door opened, and the face they saw left them absolutely speechless.

"You... aren't you... Mr... Mr..."