The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 426

Hilda’s heart clenched, and she fixed her gaze on the staircase.

Just then, Citrine appeared, coming down the stairs beside another girl. The two seemed deep in conversation, Citrine’s lips curled into a gentle smile, her eyes warm and kind.

Hilda stared, frozen on the spot, her breath caught in her throat. She couldn’t move, couldn’t look away.

She looked even more like the photos—no, more real, more certain. In that moment, Hilda was sure: this was her daughter.

Without a second thought, Monica called out, her voice echoing through the hall. “Citrine!”

Citrine glanced over and spotted Monica. What was she doing here?

Her expression barely shifted, but she frowned just slightly, then turned to the girl beside her. “Jane, go on ahead. I have something to take care of.”

As Jane left, Citrine headed toward Monica.

Only when she drew closer did Citrine realize Monica wasn’t alone. There was another woman standing beside her—a woman in a deep burgundy coat, her lips painted a bold red, exuding confidence and poise.

Citrine faltered for a brief moment when she saw the woman’s face.

She’d been surprised when she’d seen her photo in those files, but nothing could compare to seeing her in person.

Their features—so similar, unmistakably connected. And yet, instead of resentment, Citrine felt… nothing at all. No anger, no bitterness.

If this had been the past, she might have demanded answers: why did you give birth to me only to abandon me? But now, standing here, the urge to ask had faded away.

Quickly collecting herself, Citrine nodded politely to both Monica and Hilda. Then, in a measured tone, she addressed Monica, her voice distant. “Miss Saunders.”

Monica didn’t seem offended.

She took the initiative, gesturing to the woman beside her. “This is my aunt, Hilda. She’s visiting Crestwood University with me today.”

Hilda’s eyes never left Citrine. For a moment, she seemed at a loss for words, her eyes shining with unshed tears. Her voice trembled, thick with emotion. “Citrine, hello, you can call me…”

Just like that, the light returned to Hilda’s eyes. She looked at Citrine with such hopeful, childlike joy, unable to hide her excitement.

Citrine felt a little awkward under her gaze.

Clearing her throat, she murmured, “Let’s go.”

At the restaurant, barely had they sat down before Hilda blurted out the question that had been burning inside her. “Citrine, have you… have you been doing well all these years?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Hilda realized how strange they sounded, how out of place they were for Citrine.

Citrine’s eyes met hers, silent and unreadable.

Auntie, you’re more anxious than I am, Citrine thought, the silence growing heavier with every second. Monica gave a nervous laugh and tried to smooth things over. “She means, how have you been lately?”

She lowered her voice, glancing at Citrine with concern. “Word is, the Glenwood family has had their eye on you. They’ve been making things difficult, haven’t they?”