The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 501

What on earth is this woman playing at?

Jeanette Iverson frowned, her tone defensive. “Why should I have to prove anything to you? Besides, my friend doesn’t want anyone to know she gave me this Vitaflux. If I told you her name, how could I face her after?”

She sniffled, eyes glistening. “Just because you’re President of CICI Group now, does that mean I owe you some explanation?” As she spoke, tears began to spill down her cheeks, making her look even more aggrieved.

The moment Jeanette started crying, the mood in the room shifted. Several guests exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions toward Citrine Carmichael growing more complicated by the second.

A few people, unable to bear the tension, even risked offending both CICI Group and C. Corp by speaking up for Jeanette.

“President Carmichael, I think Ms. Iverson has a point. If her friend wants to keep her privacy, that’s only natural. Considering her friend might be the source of the Vitaflux, exposing her could cause unnecessary trouble.”

“That’s right, President Carmichael. Pressuring Ms. Iverson to reveal her friend’s identity feels a bit harsh.”

“President Carmichael, look—Ms. Iverson’s in tears. Why not just give the Vitaflux back to her? After all, it was meant as a birthday gift for Dick’s father, Mr. Scales Glenwood. It wouldn’t be appropriate for you to keep it.”

“It’s Mr. Glenwood’s birthday celebration today, after all. Maybe let’s not make things more awkward for him.”

One after another, voices rose in Jeanette’s defense, and the atmosphere grew more strained and uncomfortable with every passing second.

Hilda Saunders, watching her daughter being wronged, felt her patience snap. She didn’t care who was right or wrong; all she knew was that nobody could make her precious daughter upset.

Without warning, Hilda stormed forward, grabbing one of the men—Mr. Carter—by the collar. She jabbed a finger at the others, her voice icy. “Mr. Carter, and the rest of you—if any of you say another word, you’re making enemies with C. Corp. Is that what you want?”

Monica and Wade Saunders, Hilda’s niece and nephew, rushed to her side, desperately trying to defuse the situation.

Hilda, obedient as a child, immediately released her grip.

Citrine pulled her mother to her side and turned to the ashen-faced Mr. Carter. “I’m sorry about that, Mr. Carter,” she said politely, then led Hilda back to their seats.

She patted Hilda’s hand and whispered, “Don’t lose your temper.”

“I’ll listen to you,” Hilda replied, looking up at her daughter with such earnestness that Citrine couldn’t help but laugh.

Once Hilda had calmed down, Citrine addressed the room in a clear, steady voice. “The reason I asked Ms. Iverson for proof is because that Vitaflux isn’t just any pill. It’s the one I gave to someone else as a gift. Ms. Iverson is a thief—she stole the Vitaflux I gave away.”

The Glenwood family and the rest of the guests stared at Citrine in stunned silence, no one having expected such a dramatic twist. All eyes immediately swung to Jeanette Iverson.