The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 160

For seven long years, Salome's world had revolved almost entirely around Derrick and the Everly family. Citrine understood all too well that Salome was terrified of what life after divorce might look like-but she also knew her aunt had to push through that fear.

"Do you really think I could be happy?" Salome's eyes shone with a flicker of hope.

Seeing Salome's spirits lift, Citrine pressed on gently. "Of course you can. Auntie, think back to when you'd just graduated college-what was your biggest dream then?"

At the mention of her dreams, something seemed to stir in Salome. She looked at Citrine, her eyes bright with excitement. "I... I wanted to become a great fashion designer."

Citrine smiled, relieved to see her aunt's enthusiasm rekindled. "It's not too late, you know. You can still go after the dream you put on hold."

Salome's eyes filled with sudden warmth. "Thank you, Citrine." She could tell her niece was doing everything she could to lift her spirits, and it was working-her heart felt lighter than it had in ages.

the divorce papers, and

lightness she'd never known before. Even though she'd only been divorced for a week, Salome found herself in better spirits than she'd ever been during her years with the Everly family. The exhaustion she always carried seemed to melt away; she felt like

evening, Citrine took Salome out to dinner, saying she wanted to introduce her

it was just one of Citrine's classmates or old friends-nothing to make a fuss over. But when a tall woman sat down

her feet, starstruck, looking every bit the awestruck fan meeting her idol for the

as she tugged her aunt back into her seat. "Auntie, relax-she's a friend of mine. No

still lost in joy. "No, no, I'm not nervous at all." But she was. She'd only met Adelina briefly once before, and knew she was friends with Citrine, but she couldn't help feeling flustered-after all, Adelina Tyler was the CEO of JR Group, and one of its most

and ruffled Citrine's hair. "Long time no see, kiddo. I've missed you." She looked genuinely delighted to be there-after all, it had been

Citrine had always been generous with her

didn't have

meet you." This time, Adelina's demeanor was warm and gracious. She offered Salome