The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 401

After returning from the hospital, Raymond Carmichael called a meeting of the entire Carmichael family at their home.

He looked pale as a sheet, lips drained of all color, and so weak that even standing seemed to take effort.

His father, Weston Carmichael, caught sight of Raymond’s condition and paused, concern flickering in his eyes. “What happened to you?”

“I’m fine.” Raymond’s voice was hoarse from the recent surgery.

Salome Carmichael, recalling the urgent group text Raymond had sent earlier, asked, “Ray, did you call us back because something happened at the company?”

Everyone except Citrine had gathered—Travis Carmichael included. At Salome’s question, all eyes turned to Raymond.

He spoke, slowly and deliberately: “The company’s fine. There’s just something important about it that I need to tell you all.” He drew a steadying breath. “I’ve transferred all my shares to Citrine. I intend for her to become the next head of the Carmichael Group.”

“This is something I should have told you sooner, but things have been hectic at work these past six months, so I kept putting it off.”

He finished in one go, bracing himself for the backlash he was certain would come.

But Travis, ever the easygoing one, jumped in without missing a beat. “Uncle Ray, I support your decision. Sis is smart and capable—she’s exactly who should be running the company.”

“I agree,” Manley Carmichael added, the corners of his mouth curving up. For once, he found Raymond agreeable. He’d always worried that if Raymond had more children, he might treat Citrine unfairly. Now, hearing this, Manley was finally at ease.

“I support you too, Ray,” Salome chimed in without hesitation.

Weston shot him a knowing look. “Of course I don’t. Citrine is my flesh and blood—don’t think I can’t tell the difference. Besides, that girl saved my life.”

“Even if you hadn’t brought this up today, I was planning to leave her my shares and give her the company myself.”

Though he often bickered with her, the old man had a genuine affection for his granddaughter. Not just because she’d once saved him, but because she had a good heart, always willing to spend time with him and listen to his stories.

It was rare to find a young person so lively, so filial, so willing to care for her elders.

Since Citrine had come into his life, Weston often felt as if she were a gift from above—a source of pride and a patch for the holes left in his own youth.

“Thank you, Dad,” Raymond said, his voice thick with emotion.