The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 63

Carlotta sat frozen for a long moment in the café, her coffee growing cold between her hands.

She couldn't quite make sense of what had just happened-how those two people's attitudes had shifted so completely after a single phone call. But if there was one thing Carlotta was sure of from their behavior, it was this: that high schooler really was the CEO of CICI Group.

It was hard to wrap her mind around the idea that her future boss might be someone who hadn't even graduated yet. But then Carlotta thought of her brother, lying in that hospital bed, and she steeled herself, hurrying out after them.

"Wait!" she called out, her voice rising in desperation as she saw Citrine already striding away down the street.

The winter chill in Havencrest had been unrelenting lately. Citrine hadn't put in her hearing aids-the metal always felt too cold against her skin-so it took Carlotta calling out several times before she finally stopped and turned around.

When Citrine paused, Carlotta jogged to catch up, her breath coming out in frosty clouds.

"I want to join CICI Group," Carlotta said, skipping any pleasantries. "You haven't interviewed me yet."

been the only one who stayed quiet, and that had left a good impression. She was

time, Citrine decided to ask her questions

so she had some experience. The questions Citrine asked covered a range of topics, and Carlotta managed to

found herself growing more and more respectful toward the young CEO. She'd expected Citrine to only ask about the usual assistant duties,

answer.

the least bit annoyed by her shortcomings. Instead, she

nervously, rubbing her fingers together a habit she'd picked up whenever

last, a smile breaking across her face. "Come to CICI Group tomorrow-someone

breaking through after a storm. For a moment,

smile or just something about her presence —but Carlotta found herself blurting out the question she'd been too embarrassed to

an advance on my salary?" she asked, cheeks flushing. "If not, it's all right,

expression grew serious. "Is it urgent?" she

from those