The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 570

She wanted to see her daughter more than anyone in the world.

As the hopeful anticipation faded from the room, the quiet click of footsteps drifted in from the hallway.

Hilda had spent so many days longing for her daughter's visits that she'd developed a knack for recognizing people just by the sound of their steps. She knew, without even looking up, that it was her daughter approaching.

For the first time in days, a spark lit up her usually calm, expressionless eyes.

Citrine hadn’t come by recently—she’d taken a couple of days to rest at home. But after hearing from the nurse during rounds that Monica and Wade had left for the day, Citrine had hesitated, wondering if Hilda might need company, and finally decided to stop by.

She hadn’t expected to walk in on a scene quite like this.

The moment Citrine stepped inside, Herschel and Inez locked their eyes on her, their gazes so intent it was as if they were afraid to even blink.

No matter how composed she usually was, Citrine couldn’t help feeling a little uneasy under such earnest scrutiny. She instinctively took a few steps back.

Seeing her daughter startled, Hilda grew anxious and quickly called out, “Dad, Mom, you’re scaring Citrine.”

But Herschel and Inez seemed oblivious, their eyes fixed on Citrine with unblinking intensity.

Hilda sighed, apologetic, and turned to Citrine. “I’m so sorry, Citrine. I didn’t mean for them to frighten you.”

Then, trying to smooth things over, she introduced them. “These are my parents.”

Citrine gave the elderly couple a polite nod.

Unlike the old-fashioned families of the past, the Saunders were famous throughout Crestwood for doting on daughters. Hilda had been their only girl, cherished by Herschel and Inez as the center of their world. Now, meeting their granddaughter for the first time, their affection seemed to overflow.

Seizing the moment, Inez reached into her purse and pressed a small envelope into Citrine’s hand. “Citrine, this is a little something from your grandmother. Please, take it.”

Citrine started in surprise and immediately tried to hand it back. “Oh, I can’t accept this,” she said, trying to return the envelope.

But Inez held firm. “Sweetheart, this is a gift from your grandmother. You must keep it.”

Just then, Herschel pulled out an envelope of his own and pushed it into Citrine’s free hand. “And this is from your grandfather.”

Citrine tried to protest, but Herschel gently stopped her.

Their warmth was almost overwhelming.

Hilda watched her daughter with a smile. “Go ahead and accept it, Citrine. It means a lot to them.”