The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 412

“Let’s go out.”

Citrine was scrolling through her phone when the message popped up. She replied almost instantly: Where? Send me your location.

Her reply was so businesslike that anyone overhearing might have mistaken them for coworkers instead of a couple. Hastings couldn’t help but laugh.

“Look at him—grinning like he just hit the jackpot,” Quentin snorted.

Theo chimed in, “Looks like Hastings is really smitten this time.”

Both Theo and Quentin had always been curious about Hastings’ mysterious girlfriend. They’d wondered what kind of woman could make Hastings finally move on from his five or six-year crush on Kali. To them, no woman in the world could possibly compare to Kali.

When Citrine arrived, Hastings went downstairs to greet her in person.

They came up together, Hastings leading the way with Citrine right behind. The moment Theo and Quentin saw Citrine, their eyes widened in shock. Almost at the same time, they jumped up from the couch.

“You?!” Quentin blurted out, pointing at Citrine in disbelief.

Theo, on the other hand, managed to keep his composure, but he didn’t take his eyes off Citrine from the moment she stepped in.

Citrine ignored their stunned silence, bypassed any greetings, and found herself a seat.

“You guys know each other?” Hastings looked around, puzzled by the awkward tension.

Citrine was the first to speak. “Nope. Never met.”

Since Citrine had said so, Hastings shrugged it off and sat down right next to her.

The two of them chatted idly, but to anyone watching, there was an unmistakable closeness between them.

Kali’s expression softened a little. Looking at them, she said sweetly, “Theo, I’m thirsty. Could you go get me some fruit tea from that café on the south side of town?”

“Of course,” Theo said with a gentle smile, ruffling his sister’s hair like he’d done since they were kids.

Seeing only Theo get up, Kali added, “Quentin, why don’t you go with him? Maybe pick up some pastries and snacks while you’re at it.”

“Sure thing.” Quentin grabbed his car keys and followed Theo out without a second thought.

Once they were gone, the large private room felt suddenly empty, leaving only Citrine, Hastings, and Kali.

Kali made her move, sliding into the seat next to Hastings. Just like when they were little, she wrapped her arms around his and looked up at him with wide, pleading eyes. “Hastings, I’m on my period and feel awful. Could you please go buy some pads for me?”

“Buy them yourself.” Hastings’ expression darkened as he pulled his arm away without hesitation. He shot a quick glance at Citrine, and only relaxed when he saw that her face betrayed no emotion.