Chapter 345

Kylie and Cameron both lit up with smiles.
“That’s great,” Cameron said. “You and Connor should really take the time to get to know each other. Just make sure you stay safe when you’re out riding.”
Lydia nodded. “I will. Also, you don’t need to wait up for me tonight. I might not be coming back.”
Ever since Lydia had come back to live with the Norwoods, Kylie and Cameron made a habit of waiting for her to come home every night, no matter how late it was.
So when she said this, both of them froze.
Wait… what did she mean by that?
Kylie cleared her throat, her tone gentle as she tried to feel things out. “Lydia, have you really thought this through?”
What she was actually asking was: Are you sure you want to take that next step with Connor?
They weren’t exactly old-school parents, but even so, they felt like this was happening a little fast. If Connor could wait, it would be better if they moved in together after getting married.
Cameron was thinking the same thing. “Lydia, it’s not that we’re against you being with Connor, but things seem to be moving pretty quickly
That’s when Lydia realized what they’d misunderstood.
“Dad, Mom, that’s not it at all,” she said quickly. “I’m not staying out because of Connor. I need to work on some research for a new medicine, and I have to look for a certain herb. I’ll come home as soon as I find it.”
Cameron and Kylie both let out a breath, finally understanding. How did their minds even go there? ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ.net
“Lydia, what kind of herb do you need? Do you want me to help you look for it?” Cameron couldn’t stand the thought of his daughter working so hard on her own.
“Thanks, Dad, but I’ve got it covered.”
“Well, okay then. Lydia, if you need anything from me or your mom, just let us know, alright?”
“I will.”
At Jefferson Group, Connor checked his phone again. It was 6:30. Lydia had said
she’d come pick him up. He wondered where she was now.
He was just about to call her when his screen lit up.
Lydia Sweetheart, the contact name read.
If Lydia ever saw that, she’d probably get totally embarrassed.
He felt like some lovesick teenager
and tried hard to play it cool as he picked up, keeping his voice
e you?
and smooth Lydia, where
“I’m downstairs.”
Connor jumped up from his desk, unable to hide the excitement in his voice. “I’ll be right there.”
Lydia responded with a quiet hum, then took off her helmet. She waited for him in front of the building looking every bit the motorcycle goddess, all confidence and@ool vibes.
People walking by couldn’t help but
stare at the striking bike and the girl
beside it. Some even whispered to
each other in awe. Someone
sneakily took a photo of Lydia’s back
and posted it online.
A girl on a motorcycle was just too cool. Too bad you couldn’t see her face.
Lydia faced the building, scrolling on her phone. Two security guards approached, faces serious.
“Miss, you can’t park here,” one of them said.
Lydia looked up at the two tall guards, both in their thirties, and guessed from their bearing that they were probably ex-military.
“I’m just waiting for someone. I’ll leave soon,” she replied, her tone calm and even.
At least the guards were polite. “Who are you waiting for? Do they work at Jefferson Group?”
She nodded. “Yeah.”
“Which department? What’s their name?”
Lydia simply pointed behind them. “Him.”
The guards stopped, turned to look, and suddenly looked like they’d seen a ghost.
“Mr… Mr. Jefferson?”