Chapter 1096
Nathaniel went quiet after hearing what William said. He looked over at Lydia, his eyes full of mock misery, as if he was saying, Lydia, why do you have to be so perfect? I’m hopeless. Even if I worked myself into the ground, I’d never catch up to you.
Lucinda, on the other hand, was having none of it. She didn’t think Lydia was all that. In her mind, Lydia just knew how to put on a show. But then William had to praise Lydia in front of everyone, and Lucinda felt her pride take a serious hit. She was about ready to explode.
Most people in the room didn’t know the full story, but Mabel did. William had already told her about the investigation, and how Lydia was actually a special consultant for the Inspectorate. Honestly, that news had stunned her. Some people, she realized, just had a kind of talent you could chase your whole life and never reach. She’d never thought her own son was that bad, but with Lydia in the picture, she could barely stand to look at him.
“Lydia really is incredible,” Mabel said, shooting her son a helpless look. Then she turned to Lydia, her voice full of hope. “Lydia, your uncle and I want Nathaniel to work in the government too. If not, he’ll just keep hanging around with those good- for-nothing friends and never get anywhere. Could you help him with the interview? Maybe give him some guidance? I’d love to see him pass on the first try, with your help.”
At this point, the whole Robinson family was determined to push Nathaniel into public service. They’d wanted him to do it right after college, but he always had a million excuses. Not interested, not suited for it, and so on. This time, though, after seeing Lydia shine, William and Mabel were both determined. They just needed him to try. Sure, everyone says you should follow your passion, but Nathaniel’s idea of passion was just chasing thrills, and that couldn’t last forever. He needed some direction. If he really couldn’t do it, then fine, but he had to at least give it a shot.
Hearing all this, Cameron and the others just smiled quietly. Lydia nodded. “If he’s willing to learn, I’m happy to help.”
“He wants to! Of course he is!” Mabel was practically glowing with relief after Lydia agreed. With someone as brilliant as Lydia tutoring her son, she just knew he’d succeed.
Lucinda still didn’t get it. Lydia
wasn’t even a government employee yet. Why were William and Mabel
velmet
acting like she was some kind of
legend? Putting on her most.
innocent face, she asked,
know
Lydia’s amazing in a lot of ways, but she hasn’t even graduated yet and has no experience with
Wathanfet
government stuff. If Nathanie really
wants to prepare, wouldn’t it make more sense to learn from Uncle William?”
Everyone’s faces shifted a little at Lucinda’s question. Nathaniel
himself didn’t know the whole story, but he did believe in Lydia’s abilities. Suddenly he seemed to have a revelation and turned to Lydia with excitement. “Wait a second. Lydia, are you planning to join éivil service too?”
Lydia just raised an eyebrow at him. She didn’t want to ruin his motivation, so she nodded. “Yeah.”
The whole room fell silent for a moment.
།
Lucinda wasn’t done. “But Lydia, as far as I know, public servants can’t have any for-profit businesses. You’re Miss and you have your own fashion brand. How would that even work?”
She clearly thought Lydia was dreaming if she thought she could have it all. Lydia just gave her a cool look. “I have my own solutions.”
Lucinda smirked, thinking Lydia was just going to pull some strings, and said, “If you’re really serious, you could just transfer your brand to someone else. That’d work.”
Lydia’s reply was calm and flat. “Thanks for your concern.”