chapter413

"What stage are you two at now? Everyone in our friend group keeps saying

Connor's got that killer body from his military days, and he's apparently amazing in... other ways. Is it true?"

Paige's voice grew softer and softer, and Lucinda could feel her face getting hot.

Paige, seriously, what are you even talking about?"

"Oh, getting embarrassed? Come on, it's just you and me. Spill it. I won't breathe a word to anyone, promise."

Paige just thought Lucinda was being shy, but she had no idea Lucinda was actually fuming inside. Every word felt like another stab, twisting the knife a little deeper. The man she'd adored since forever had been snatched away by Lydia. If it weren't for Lydia, Lucinda wouldn't have lost everything she'd ever dreamed of.

Now, she couldn't even admit to her own friends that she wasn't the real Norwood heiress. In their social circle, in the Capital, your background meant everything. Until she got engaged to Mikey, she wasn't about to tell anyone the truth.

"Paige, there's nothing going on between Connor and me. Honestly, we're just friends. He's a total gentleman, and I'm kind of old-fashioned. I want my first time to be on my wedding night."

Lucinda was laying the groundwork for her future engagement to Mikey, but she was also just telling the truth. She and Connor barely knew each other. If she tried, she could count every time they'd actually met. Romance? Not even close.

Paige watched her with this dreamy, jealous smile. "Lucinda, you're totally right. That's how you get a guy like Connor to really value you."

Lucinda managed a bashful nod. "Yeah, that's what I think too."

Meanwhile, Connor had just walked by them but hadn't noticed Lucinda at all. He was too busy staring at his laptop, but it wasn't work that had his attention. He was watching Lydia's competition live stream.

Lydia just kept surprising him, one shock after another. Who would have guessed that the little troublemaker, was actually Miss L the darling of the fashion world? It

was almost unreal. S to'

He wrapped up his important business as fast as he could and headed straight to

his private airport, desperate to get to France. He couldn't wait to see his little fianc e.

Up in the front seat, Aiden couldn't help himself and piped up, "Boss, we just passed Lucinda and her friend."

Connor didn't even look at him. What, are you interested in Lucinda?

Aiden's heart just about stopped and his grip on the steering wheel slipped. Was his

boss serious? Him, interested in Lucinda? That was just insane.

"Boss, no, absolutely not. I just saw her and thought I should mention it, that's all." Aiden knew his place. Even if Lucinda wasn't the real Norwood heiress she'd never spare him a glance. And honestly, he had zero interest in her anyway.

Connor let out a quiet snort. We're not even close. Why would I care?"

The truth was, every time he saw Lucinda, he just felt put off. Maybe it was the way she acted like such a princess.

Aiden caught on right away and nodded. "Understood, Boss. That was my mistake. I won't bring her up again."

Connor frowned. Unless she tries to mess with Lydia. If she does anything to hurt her, you tell me immediately."

Aiden almost laughed. As if Lucinda could even pull something like that. Lydia was a girl who could take down twenty grown men on her own. Dealing with Lucinda would be a walk in the park.