The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 509

Everyone present heard every word of the exchange between the two women.

Kali had listened as well, but what truly surprised her was discovering that the Vitaflux had originally come from Citrine—and that Hastings had given it to her. If Hastings was willing to hand over something as vital as Vitaflux, he must care for her deeply.

A flicker of excitement sparked in Kali’s eyes. She strode over to them and forced a smile at Citrine. “Citrine, please don’t be upset. Hastings only gave me the Vitaflux because I haven’t been well lately—he was just worried about me, that’s all.”

Citrine’s expression soured with annoyance. “Don’t call me ‘sister.’ We’re not related by blood, and today I’m here as the chairwoman of CICI Group. You should address me as President Carmichael. Let’s not pretend we’re family.”

Kali’s face paled, her smile freezing awkwardly. She clenched her jaw, barely managing to choke out, “I’m sorry, President Carmichael.”

If Citrine hadn’t reminded her, Kali might have forgotten that the woman she loathed was now the powerful head of CICI Group. And unfortunately, she couldn’t afford to offend her—not when Talbot was so eager to strike a deal with her.

Citrine paid her no further attention and pressed on, “So, you gave the Vitaflux to Jeanette?”

Kali nodded, owning up to it. “Yes. Jeanette is still part of our Glenwood family—she’s my sister, after all. I heard her kidneys haven’t been doing well, and her health’s been fragile, so I thought I’d do something kind and pass the Vitaflux on to her.”

Honestly, Citrine had expected Kali to be at least a bit shrewder than Jeanette, but it turned out she was just as clueless.

Citrine’s lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. “So, you gave her the Vitaflux out of sisterly love and concern for her health, is that right?”

There was something unreadable in Citrine’s eyes. Kali suddenly had a sinking feeling, though she couldn’t say why. Still, she nodded. “Jeanette is my sister—it’s only natural that I care about her, isn’t it?”

The guests around them had been listening, and now a murmur of admiration rippled through the hall.

Kali didn’t understand where Citrine was going, but she replied anyway, a hint of irritation in her voice. “Of course I’m closer to my grandfather, President Carmichael. Isn’t that obvious?”

Citrine smiled, undeterred. She raised her voice so everyone could hear. “Jeanette may not be in perfect health, but she’s young—her life isn’t in danger without Vitaflux. Meanwhile, your grandfather is critically ill and desperately needs Vitaflux to survive. Everyone here knows that. Yet Ms. Glenwood, who claims her grandfather is dearest to her, chose to hand the Vitaflux to Jeanette instead. Such a dutiful granddaughter.”

Her words hung in the air, crystal clear. The guests’ gazes shifted, their looks toward Kali turning strange, even suspicious.

Kali realized belatedly what was happening, her face draining of color.

“That’s not—I didn’t mean it like that!” she protested, panic rising in her voice.

Citrine gave a cool, dismissive smile. “Regardless of your intentions, you knew your grandfather needed Vitaflux to survive, yet you withheld it and gave it to a sister who only just rejoined the family. By any measure, that’s not just a lack of loyalty—it’s downright ungrateful.”