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."

her in silence. During the earlier complaints, Carlotta had been the only one who stayed quiet, and that had left a good impression. She was also the only

decided to ask her questions right there as they

questions Citrine asked covered a range of topics,

CEO. She'd expected Citrine to only ask about the usual assistant duties, but to her surprise, Citrine delved into advanced topics- questions about robotics, biotech, things

answer.

bit annoyed by her shortcomings. Instead, she patiently explained the concepts, making sure Carlotta

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

her face. "Come to CICI Group tomorrow-someone

like sunshine breaking through after a storm. For a moment, Carlotta's years of bottled-up tension seemed

the warmth in Citrine's smile or just something about her presence —but Carlotta found herself blurting out the

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

"Is it urgent?" she

away from those