chapter379

I don't need her advice." Lydia's eyes narrowed, her voice full of stubborn pride.

Lucinda blinked in disbelief. "Wait, are you saying you're better than Miss L?" She knew exactly what she was doing, poking at Lydia just to get a reaction. Lucinda couldn't stand how Lydia always acted like she was above everyone else. Just because she took over a company, she thought she was untouchable?

Cameron and Kylie didn't see it that way at all.

"Lydia, do you... not like Miss L?" Kylie asked, hesitating. If Lydia hated the LYLX brand, then all those gifts of clothes and bags they'd given her would just be awkward.

Lydia just smiled a little. "It's nothing like that. I just think my designs are about as good as Miss L's."

Cameron's eyes went wide. "Really?"

Kylie remembered all the sketches she'd seen in Lydia's room and lit up with excitement. "Lydia, you're incredible!"

Lucinda just stared at them, totally baffled. Why did they believe everything Lydia said? On the same level as Miss L? Really? Lydia was really laying it on thick, and she didn't even try to hide it.

Lucinda gave Lydia a look full of sarcasm. "You've lived in Lakeview Town all your life. Maybe you don't really know Miss L or the brand she built. Her clothes and bags are super innovative and stylish. Everywhere, not just here, people see them as a status symbol."

The message was clear, even if she didn't say it outright. *You claim you're as good as Miss L, but her brand is famous everywhere. People love her work. What do you have?*

Lydia met her gaze, calm and mysterious. "That explains why I always see you wearing her designs."

"LYLX is my favorite brand," Lucinda shot back, her tone sweet but sharp. "If you're on her level, does that mean you'll be just as famous soon?"

Lucinda wanted to see her fail, to prove she was just bluffing.

But Lydia just nodded, totally unbothered. "I think I could be." Lucinda couldn't help but laugh.

Cameron and Kylie, though, looked at Lydia with so much pride it almost made Lucinda gag. "Lydia, work is important, but don't forget to take care of yourself," Kylie said gently. "Miss L has been a star for years. You're still young You'll have plenty of chances. One day, you'll catch up to her. Maybe even pass her by."

Lucinda rolled her eyes so hard she thought they might get stuck. She couldn't believe her parents. Counting on Lydia to outshine Miss L? It was ridiculous.

Lydia just smiled and stood up. "Alright, I'm going to pack."

"Okay, we'll take you to the airport in a bit," Cameron said.

When Lydia went upstairs, Lucinda walked over and put on her sweetest voice "Mom, Dad, my piano

competition in France is coming up. Will you come watch and cheer me on?"

Normally, she wouldn't even need to ask. They'd always been eager to go with her. Now, she had to bring it up herself, and it was all because of Lydia.

Cameron and Kylie glanced at each other, then looked over at Mr. Norwood.

He just laughed. "Go if you want. I'll be fine here. There's plenty of people to take care of me."

Cameron finally turned back to Lucinda. "Of course, Lucinda. We'll go to France with you. Your sister The there too. If she gets the chance, maybe she can come cheer you on with us."