The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 612

“Prepared? Prepared for what? What are you talking about? I don’t understand!” Hilda grabbed Nathanael by the collar, her eyes red and brimming with tears that spilled down her cheeks uncontrollably.

Nathanael could tell Hilda understood all too well. He knew just how heartbroken she was, so he only gently pried her trembling hands from his shirt. He didn’t have the heart to say those two cruel words out loud.

Weston, overhearing this, nearly fainted from shock.

Travis couldn’t handle it either. The teenager bolted from the room, finding somewhere to sob in secret.

Manley was stunned by how things had unfolded and was racked with guilt.

He spotted Raymond sitting on a bench, looking utterly empty—like a puppet with all the strings cut. Manley slowly walked over and took a seat beside him.

Raymond was so lost in his grief, he didn’t even acknowledge Manley’s presence.

Out of nowhere, Manley spoke. “I’m sorry.” His voice was unsteady.

If this had happened any other day, Raymond would have been shocked—his proud, stubborn little brother, always at odds with him, suddenly apologizing? He’d have made a biting retort just to keep the upper hand. But now, Raymond couldn’t muster the energy to care, or the interest to wonder why Manley was acting so out of character.

“It wasn’t until two years later that we saw her again. Travis and I had been taken hostage by a criminal gang in Magnolia, and Citrine was the rescue team’s leader.”

“I recognized her instantly, but she didn’t recognize me.”

“During the rescue, someone fired at me. Citrine threw herself in front of me and took the bullet—straight through her chest. The medics rushed her away, and Travis and I were brought safely home. We never saw her after that. I searched for her, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t find a single trace. Until you brought her back to the Carmichael family.”

Manley looked at Raymond, his expression heavy with remorse. “Raymond, I’m sorry. I should have recognized Citrine the first time we met and brought her home to the Carmichaels. And—I’m sorry. If she hadn’t shielded me from that bullet, she wouldn’t have…” His voice broke, unable to finish the sentence.