chapter129

Lydia didn't even hesitate. "I've got plans tonight.

Connor paused, surprised. "What plans? Work stuff? I can help."

He'd overheard her talking to Kylie and knew the company was giving her trouble. And that jerk Henry... Connor was already planning to make him regret ever showing up.

"It's not work," Lydia replied, shaking her head.

"Then what is it?"

"I'm going back to Lakeview Town to see my grandma.

Connor nodded, understanding. Last night he'd finally learned more about her past. After Lydia was born, her adoptive parents had left her with her grandmother in the countryside. Mrs. Smith had raised her alone, and the two of them were incredibly close.

"Want me to come with you?" he offered.

"No."

Connor could only sigh to himself. Guess he hadn't earned that privilege yet.

"So... when do I get to meet your grandma?" He tried to sound casual.

Lydia just stared at him. This guy was getting pretty clingy.

When they pulled up in front of the company, Lydia said a quick, "I'm going," and hopped out of the car. She didn't even look back.

Connor didn't leave until she'd gone inside and was completely out of sight. Then he turned to Aiden, his face cold. "Find out everything you can about this Henry guy."

No one who messed with his girl was getting away with it.

"Yes, Boss." Aiden couldn't help thinking, someone's about to have a really bad day.

Jenny had been waiting anxiously for Lydia to return. The second she spotted Lydia's tall, cool figure, her eyes lit up like she'd just seen her favorite celebrity. "Ms. Norwood."

Lydia nodded. Come to my office.

Jenny hesitated. "But... the front desk..."

"It's fine. Ten minutes is all we need."

With two security guards and two other people on rotation, nothing was going to happen.

"Thank you, Ms. Norwood! You're amazing!"

All afternoon people had been gossiping about the new Ms. Norwood, She was ruthless, they said, firing people left and right, even sending Mr. Ragain straight to the police. Jenny had even gotten into an argument with two girls from finance over it. As far as she was concerned, no one in the company could compare to Ms. Norwood.

Once they were in the office, Lydia pulled out Jenny's designs and motioned for her

to sit. She started going through each piece, giving feedback one by one.

This one has a great style, but if you matched the belt color to the dress, it would look more elegant and put together."

"This one, the hem is too long. If you shorten it a little, it'll look a lot better."

"And for this one, the details on the chest are too busy. Take away a few elements for a cleaner look, and it'll be eye-catching."

Every suggestion Lydia made

seemed to bring Jenny's designs to life. In less than ten minutes, Jenny felt like her mind had cracked open. Ideas were flowing nonstop like someone had turned on a tap inside her head.

She was honestly speechless.

e!

She never would have guessed that someone so young could have such an incredible eye for design. Ms Norwood could spot every flaw right away and always knew how to make things better. Every piece started to look special.

"Ms. Norwood, you're honestly incredible. I admire you so much!"

She felt like Ms. Norwood's talent was ten, a hundred, maybe even a thousand

times stronger than any teacher she'd ever had.

"You're really talented at design, too," Lydia told her.

Jenny felt like she was about to burst with happiness. "Ms. Norwood, my biggest idol

used to be Miss L. But from now on, it's you, too!"

Lydia smiled. "Really?"

Absolutely! I think you're just as amazing as Miss L!