The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 443

Since the last time she’d seen her daughter, Hilda had been counting the days. It had been far too long.

Today, she finally gave in. She drove to Crestwood University.

Once she reached the campus gates, Hilda sent her daughter a message:

“Citrine, I brought you a little something. I’m outside your school—come out and get it, would you?”

Citrine was just about to start an experiment when she glanced at her phone. She hesitated for a moment; the weather outside was freezing. After thinking it over, she replied:

“I’m in the middle of a lab experiment. Just come in—I’m in Sage’s Building, lab 230.”

Hilda had come prepared to wait at the gate for a glimpse of her daughter. She hadn’t expected a quick reply. Seeing Citrine’s message, her heart leapt. She immediately entered the campus, following Citrine’s directions through the maze of buildings.

When Hilda arrived, she found Citrine at the center of a small crowd. Clad in a crisp white lab coat, Citrine spoke with confidence and clarity, explaining her analysis of the experiment’s data to her peers.

She stood at the lab bench, poised and radiant, so focused and brilliant that Hilda couldn’t help but stare, utterly captivated.

When Citrine finished, the room erupted in applause.

“That was amazing—I understood everything for once!”

“You’re incredible, Citrine. Honestly, you explained it better than our professor does. No wonder he’s always praising you.”

“Thanks so much! If it weren’t for your help, we never would’ve finished this experiment on time.”

Someone called out, sincere and grateful, “You’ve done enough for us—let us treat you to lunch this afternoon!”

Citrine smiled, shaking her head. “Thanks, but I’ve got plans later.”

The group protested, “Don’t say that, Citrine! We’ll definitely need your help again someday. Please don’t get tired of us pestering you.”

Their good-natured plea made Citrine laugh, her eyes bright. “Alright, just message me if you run into any trouble.”

When they reached the parking lot, Hilda opened the trunk to retrieve the gifts she’d brought. The entire trunk was packed full—far more than she could carry on her own. Citrine quickly joined in to help, and together, they managed to haul everything out.

Hilda had assumed the Carmichaels were living with Citrine, but as she stepped into Citrine’s apartment, she realized her daughter lived alone.

Hilda’s expression darkened. “What’s your father thinking, letting you live by yourself?” Just the thought of it made her anxious.

Young women living alone—there were so many risks.

Citrine paused, understanding Hilda’s concern. “There’s usually a housekeeper here,” she explained. “It’s safe, I promise.”

Though Hilda’s frustration with Raymond lingered, she didn’t want to complain in front of Citrine. After all, at the last family gathering, it was clear her daughter and ex-husband got along well.

Once Citrine had put away the gifts, she led Hilda into the living room.

“Make yourself at home. I’ve sent the housekeeper out to pick up groceries—it’s too cold out. Let’s just have dinner here tonight.”