The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 220

She just didn’t know how to face it.

Citrine glanced away, doing her best to avoid meeting Weston’s eyes. Her posture was stiff, betraying her discomfort.

“I still have one more thing to do. I can’t leave just yet.” She tried to keep her voice as even and casual as possible.

“What is it?” Weston asked, clearly surprised.

“This.” Citrine reached into her pocket and pulled out a small black box.

Elbert, spotting the familiar object, immediately turned away with a look of annoyance. “Ms. Carmichael, you really ought to keep that thing for yourself.”

Weston frowned, about to scold Elbert, but Citrine gently caught his arm.

“Don’t get worked up. It’s bad for your health.”

Weston immediately reined himself in, a wave of warmth spreading through him as he looked at his granddaughter. She always knew how to take care of him—she was his little angel, always so considerate.

In that moment, Weston felt there couldn’t possibly be an old man more blessed than he was. He was just about to revel in the feeling when Citrine averted her gaze, moving on.

Weston: … Happiness is always so fleeting.

He consoled himself: It’s fine. Sometimes, even a brief moment is enough.

At that moment, Citrine turned to Elbert with a small, knowing smile, her voice carrying easily to the crowd. “You’re overthinking it. This isn’t for you.”

Elbert gave a dismissive snort, silently thinking he wouldn’t want that odd little thing even if she tried to give it to him.

With that, Citrine turned back to the assembled guests and, right in front of them all, opened the black box in her hand.

“Take a look, everyone.”

Inside the box rested a small, iridescent pill—delicate and lustrous, giving off a faint, herbal fragrance.

One guest, unable to contain his excitement, turned to Citrine. “This is priceless! How did you get your hands on it?”

Citrine merely smiled. “That’s my secret.”

The guest didn’t seem offended, and quickly apologized. “Forgive me for being presumptuous, Ms. Carmichael.”

Naturally, anyone who could acquire such a thing must have powerful connections. It was only natural she wouldn’t want to say more.

Meanwhile, Elbert, Leila, and Truman all turned to stare at Citrine.

A few years back, Elbert had suffered a grave illness that left his organs weakened. The doctors had warned that if he relapsed, he’d have only a few years left unless, by some miracle, he could obtain Vitaflux. Stubborn as always, Elbert hadn’t believed them. He threw himself into exercise and healthy eating, and managed to stave off the illness—until last year, when it returned. The doctors’ warning was clear: without Vitaflux, time was running out.

Elbert’s eyes sparkled as he stared at the pill in Citrine’s hand.

But just then, Citrine raised her voice so everyone could hear. “Today, right here, I’m going to auction off this Vitaflux. Highest bidder wins.”