The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 400

Even among blood relatives, brothers and sisters who seem close one moment can turn against each other the next—willing to betray or even destroy family for money or personal gain. In their world, stories like this happened all the time. Raymond had seen it too often to be shocked anymore.

That was why the Carmichael Group had to belong to Citrine. Even if she didn’t want it, he would fight to put it in her hands.

“They don’t know about this yet, do they?” Citrine asked quietly after a pause.

What worried her most was the thought of Raymond facing criticism because of her.

Raymond nodded. “I’ll tell them soon. I never meant to keep it a secret. It’s just that the past six months, I’ve been caught up growing the company and didn’t have time to explain everything to the family.”

Sensing her concern, Raymond spoke with extra care. “You don’t need to worry. I promise you, the Carmichael Group will be yours.”

“Raymond, you’re so good to me.” Citrine’s eyes softened, a genuine smile flickering there.

Back when she lived with the Iversons, Citrine had never been interested in the company—she kept to herself, never fighting or competing. Yet Sawyer always guarded against her, worried she might threaten Jeanette’s share of things.

But now, it was Raymond who fiercely protected Citrine’s interests, even transferring every share of the company into her name without a second thought. This kind of favoritism shook her to the core.

It reminded her of an old saying: a parent’s love is measured by how far they plan for their child’s future.

If it hadn’t been for today’s conversation, she might never have known Raymond had given her every share of the Carmichael Group.

Watching his daughter stand there, a little dazed, Raymond couldn’t help but reach out and ruffle her hair.

“You’re my daughter. Of course I should look out for you.”

A moment later, he added, “Citrine, I promise you’ll always be my only daughter.”

Citrine wasn’t sure if he could really keep that promise, but she nodded anyway.

“So, does that mean you can try giving your old man a chance?” Raymond asked gently, almost tiptoeing around her feelings.

Citrine had to admit—learning that Raymond had transferred everything to her filled her with a thrill she’d never felt before.

She’d insisted on being his only child. At first, he’d assumed it was just a sign of her insecurity, but lying awake that night, he realized there was more to it.

He thought back to everything Citrine had endured with the Iversons, and suddenly, it all made sense.

It wasn’t just that she wanted to be his only child—she was terrified of being abandoned.

After experiencing Sawyer’s change from affection to coldness, Citrine had grown incredibly sensitive.

She was afraid he’d eventually remarry, have other children, and forget about her. She was terrified he would become another Sawyer.

Citrine’s heart, he realized, had always been haunted by this fear. And it was his fault as a father for not seeing it sooner. Guilt overwhelmed him.

But that was over now. He would make sure Citrine knew—he would never become someone like Sawyer.

He didn’t need a wife or other children. Having Citrine as his daughter was more than enough.