chapter642

Elliot could barely believe it. He pinched the bridge of his nose, exasperated. "Not a word to anyone, got it? We'll handle this at the office tomorrow. I'm hanging up.

He didn't wait for Leo to reply. The call ended with a sharp click.

The silence that followed felt painfully awkward. Lydia's secret had been one of the best kept, and now he'd blown her cover. Guilt twisted in his stomach.

"Lydia, I just..."

She cut him off, her voice light, almost teasing. "It's really fine. It's no big deal. Singing is just something I enjoy."

Her easygoing attitude only made Elliot feel worse.

Since her debut, Lorelei had always performed in a mask, keeping her real identity under wraps. Unless you scored a ticket to one of her rare concerts, you'd never catch a glimpse of her. The media had tried for years and always came up empty.

She was legendary, the industry's most mysterious diva.

Even though she kept her distance from the spotlight, her voice was unforgettable. Every album she dropped became an instant best-seller. Her concerts sold out so fast, people would do anything for a ticket.

Fans loved that she didn't chase fame or use gimmicks. She just sang, pure and simple. She never tried to cash in on her followers, which only made them adore her

more.

"How many more secrets are you hiding?" Connor gave Lydia a sideways look, half amused, half in awe. "You're like a book I can't finish. Every time I think I know you, I find something new."

Lydia's smile turned sly. "You'll find out. Just give it time."

Elliot had a feeling there was a lot more he didn't know about. Honestly, he'd already lost count of her hidden identities. She was Miracle Hands, the leader of Triangle, Lydora, even the hacker known as L. The list just kept growing.

After dinner, Elliot grabbed Lydia's hand and steered her toward the car. "Later, Connor," he called.

Connor looked like he wanted to protest, but instead, he caught Lydia's hand just before she got in. He bowed his head and kissed her knuckles, lingering just a little too long. "See you tomorrow."

Elliot rolled his eyes. PDA right in front of him. Was Connor serious?

Meanwhile, Connor was already plotting. If he married Lydia, she'd have to leave with him after dinner, not with her brother.

Elliot couldn't take another second of Connor's dreamy, love-struck stare. He slammed his foot on the gas and sped off.

Connor stood on the curb, watching the car disappear.

Inside another car nearby, Aiden watched his boss and felt a tug of sympathy. Connor was head over heels, but until things were official, all he could do was watch Lydia leave with her brother.

As soon as Connor drove away, Paige emerged from her hiding spot, her eyes wide in disbelief. Leila followed close behind.

"Oh my god. This is insane. Connor is actually cheating," Paige whispered, still trying to process what she'd seen.

Leila stared at the picture on her phone. She felt just as shocked, but under it all, a wave of relief washed over her.

She'd asked Paige to come out tonight to talk about Elliot. She'd been scared Lucinda's so-called adopted sister might steal him away, and she was seriously thinking. about asting him out first

But then they'd watched Connor kiss Lydia's hand.

They hadn't gotten a clear look at Lydia's face. It was only her profile, but that air about her there was no mistaking it. She was the same girl they'd seen at the Norwood family's place.

Elliot had gotten into the driver's seat before they noticed, so they missed him completely. All they saw was Connor, clearly reluctant to say goodbye as he watched Lydia leave.

"Lucinda is going to be crushed," Leila said, sounding thoughtful. "The Norwoods took in this girl to repay her grandfather's kindness. And now she's turning around and stealing Camor. The Norwoods probably have no idea. If they ever found out they'd cut her off for sure?"

At least it wasn't Elliot she was after. If it had been, Leila didn't know what she'd do.

If Connor was involved, the Norwoods would definitely take Lucinda's side.

"We have to tell Lucinda. No wonder she's been acting so weird lately. She must have known all along," Paige said, her voice urgent.

Without waiting, Paige snapped a photo and sent it to Lucinda, typing quickly: [Lucinda, is this the adopted daughter your family took in? I can't believe she's doing this behind your back. You need to show this to your parents. Let them see what she's really like. She has the nerve to go after your fianc !]