The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 480

Citrine hesitated, unsure how to introduce the newcomers. After a brief pause, she finally spoke. “They’re... friends.”

At the word “friends,” both Hilda and Wade couldn’t help a fleeting look of disappointment, though it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

Citrine took the initiative. “This is the Dean of our Medical Department, and this is a professor of traditional medicine.”

Hilda immediately extended her hand to the two men. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

They shook her hand in turn.

Compared to Hilda’s composure, Wade was clearly nervous and awkward.

“H-hello, professors,” he stammered, looking at the two men as if he couldn’t quite believe they were real.

It was surreal. Never in his wildest dreams did Wade imagine he’d ever be talking to the dean and a professor from Crestwood University. He’d always been the underachiever, the class clown, scraping by and barely making it into an average university after high school. He was no different from the other trust-fund kids in his circle, spending a couple of years abroad for show after graduation.

Now here he was, face to face with the very people he’d only ever seen on TV or in the newspapers. The experience felt utterly unreal.

To the dean and the professor, Citrine was indispensable—a star pupil, a prodigy. By extension, her friends naturally received the warmest treatment.

The two men shook hands with Hilda and Wade, their manner genuinely kind.

Zachariah smiled. “Welcome. We’re glad to have you here at our university.”

Henry added, “And the food in our cafeteria is fantastic. You must come by more often.”

With that, the two men turned to Citrine. “We’ll leave you to your meal, Citrine. Enjoy.”

That night, Citrine brought Carlotta along to the club.

The attendees were all CEOs from Crestwood’s biggest corporations, each determined to win her over. From the moment Citrine walked in, the flattery began—one after another, they raised their glasses, eager to impress.

“President Carmichael, you’re so young and already such a sharp business mind. Let me toast to your success!”

“President Carmichael, I heard you were top of your class at Crestwood University’s Medical Department. I never imagined someone could be so skilled in both business and medicine. You have my utmost respect.”

“With your vision and drive at such a young age, CICI Group is sure to reach even greater heights under your leadership.”

The praise kept coming, but Citrine simply sat on the sofa, poised and indifferent, watching these seasoned executives perform for her entertainment.