The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 431

Hilda stood rooted to the spot, her gaze fixed on the man's retreating figure. She watched him for a long while, unable to pull her eyes away.

As she observed, it became clear just how affectionate he was toward Citrine—and, more strikingly, how comfortable Citrine seemed in his presence. The two of them interacted with an easy familiarity, no different from the thousands of ordinary fathers and daughters out there.

A sharp pang twisted in Hilda’s chest. She stood there, overwhelmed with a bittersweet ache.

Her own daughter refused even to acknowledge her, yet got along seamlessly with her father.

To say Hilda wasn’t jealous would have been a lie. The jealousy burned so fiercely inside her she could barely stand it.

Afraid that approaching would only provoke Citrine’s rejection, Hilda kept her distance and simply watched from afar.

When the evening banquet finally began, the business leaders and heirs all made their way to their assigned seats.

Raymond tried to have Citrine sit beside him, but she politely declined.

He could only watch as Citrine walked straight to a seat at the front row—the place marked for the Chair of CICI Group. Moments later, Carlotta sat down in the spot reserved for Citrine’s assistant.

Raymond stared in disbelief, and when Citrine caught his eye, she offered him a faint, knowing smile.

That smile said it all, confirming what he’d suspected deep down. There was no room left for doubt.

He thought back to the launch event for the Kane medical robot, when the two had attended together. Then there was Carlotta at Citrine’s birthday party, her deferential treatment, the close collaboration between CICI Group and The Carmichael Group…

Now, everything made sense.

No wonder he’d always felt Carlotta acted more like a subordinate around Citrine. It turned out Carlotta really was Citrine’s assistant.

Raymond knew his daughter wasn’t one for practical jokes. Seeing her sit so unruffled in that seat made it perfectly clear—she wasn’t just taking any random place.

With that, she dismissed him, turning away without another word.

But the executive wasn’t ready to let it go. His tone soured further. “No, listen, little girl, are you hard of hearing? This is the president’s seat. I suggest you move before you cause trouble.”

At that moment, both Raymond and Hilda stood up from their seats across the room.

In perfect unison, their voices rang out: “Enough.”

Raymond was a newcomer in Crestwood, but he’d made a name for himself in record time, opening new markets and attracting a crowd of eager partners. No one in their right mind would want to cross him.

As for Hilda, she was infamous in Crestwood for her relentless drive and ruthless tactics. Backed by the centuries-old Saunders family, with their deep pockets and vast influence, she was not someone to offend lightly.

The executive quickly softened his tone. “Look, I understand you both have standing here, but this seat is for the Chair of CICI Group. It really isn’t appropriate for a young girl to sit there. I was just trying to help—if the Chair finds out, she’s bound to get in trouble.”