Chapter 389

The old woman tried to hide the emotion in her eyes, then let out a tired little laugh. “I don’t know him personally, but I’ve heard the stories. He’s the famous general, the nation’s protector.” She glanced at Connor, her gaze warm with approval. “You’re impressive too.”
***
Right before she boarded, Lydia got a message from Tina. [Lydia, I just overheard Mr. Norwood talking to Lucinda. Lucinda wants to marry Mikey. Mr. Norwood said that once he feels better, he’ll go to the Jefferson family and talk it over with Mr. Jefferson himself.] The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the.net
At first, it didn’t really seem like Lydia’s problem. But the more she thought about it, the more she realized it actually was. Tina had hurried to pass the news along, just so Lydia wouldn’t be caught off guard. If Lucinda really did marry into the Jefferson family, she and Lydia would be sisters-in-law, running into each other all the time. Tina couldn’t figure out why Mr. Norwood wanted this. The whole thing just felt off.
Lydia read the message and couldn’t help but let out a quiet laugh. So, Lucinda had given up on Connor and now she was aiming for Mikey?
She texted Tina back. [Got it, Tina. Thanks.]
Lucinda might want to marry Mikey, but did Mikey even want her? Of course, if he did, Lucinda would be set. Mikey was almost as good as Connor, after all.
Ten hours later, Lydia landed in France.
France at night felt like it was wrapped in a layer of mystery, soft and enchanting. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower sparkled, towering above everything, its lights glittering gold against the dark sky. The Seine flowed quietly, reflecting the old, graceful buildings on either side. Street lamps cast a gentle yellow glow, mixing with the lights on the buildings and creating the kind of warm, romantic vibe Paris was famous for.
No matter where you went, whether you were in the middle of the city or in some quiet little town, France after dark was pure romance. It was easy to get lostunt, to not want to leave.
Jenny had already sent Lydia her location and told her the room was ready. When Lydia got to the hotel, Jenny was waiting outside for her.
“Ms. Norwood!”
ie
It was Jenny’s first time traveling abroad for a big international competition, and she and the others were a bundle of nerves. Back home, they’d done well enough in competitions but this was different. This was the finals, with designers from all over the world. They’d been waiting for Lydia to arrive because, without her, none of them felt settled or confident.
“It’s so late. Why aren’t you all asleep?” Lydia asked.
Jenny looked anxious. “Ms. Norwood, I’m so nervous. Ever since I got off the plane,
my head’s just been empty. What if I mess up tomorrow?”
“Just get some rest tonight. Let yourself adjust. It’s normal to feel a little lost in a
new place,” Lydia said gently.
“I’m so glad you’re here with us. I don’t know what we’d do without you,” Jenny said, grabbing Lydia’s suitcase for her.
“You’d figure it out,” Lydia replied with a small smile.
Jenny chuckled, her nerves easing a little. “Ms. Norwood, I heard there are designers from other countries staying here too And tomorrow they say we might even get to see Miss L, the founder of LYLX, at the
competition!”.net