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."

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

time, Citrine decided to

questions

the conversation went on, Carlotta found herself growing more and more respectful toward the young 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 Carlotta could barely grasp, let

answer.

shortcomings. Instead, she patiently explained the concepts, making

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

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

was dazzling, like sunshine breaking through after a storm. For a moment, Carlotta's years

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

my salary?" she asked,

"Is

those steady, sincere eyes. "Yes,"