The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 236

Raymond and the Carmichael family exchanged brief glances but said nothing more. Without another word, they left the hospital room.

Once outside, the Carmichaels' faces were clouded with worry-none of them looked pleased, and tension hung in the air.

Raymond cast a glance at Manley, then suddenly spoke up. "Manley, I don't know what you're playing at, but from now on I want you to stay away from my daughter."

"And why should I?" Manley shot back, lifting his eyes defiantly.

"Because I'm Citrine's father," Raymond replied coldly, his voice edged with warning.

A humorless laugh escaped Manley as his hands balled into fists. "Raymond, I'm her Uncle Manley. I have every right to see her. You don't get to decide that for me."

There was no way he'd keep his distance from Citrine. Not now, not ever.

Raymond's eyes hardened. "If it weren't for Citrine, I would've warned you long ago. I don't care what your intentions are with my daughter, but I won't allow even a hint of danger near her."

Before Citrine came into his life, Raymond hadn't cared much about Manley. But with her there, Manley suddenly seemed like a threat he couldn't ignore.

remembered, clear as day, what Manley had said to him years ago after

had fought viciously for control of the Carmichael

accident

battle for succession finally ended,

the house. Rumor had it

that he'd lost his drive along with

losing the use of his legs, Manley never

building up his own sphere of influence. His efforts to undermine

whispered that Raymond himself had orchestrated the accident, desperate to eliminate

returned to the old family estate. Manley had been drinking heavily that night, his mood dark and

as he headed back to his room, Manley intercepted him

shadowed passage, Manley glared at him like a venomous snake. In a low, deliberate voice, he said, "Raymond, just wait. One day,

Manley's threats at the time. But after Citrine came into his

ready to lash out at anyone who came too close. Manley, for his part, didn't bother arguing. He simply turned to leave,

going to stay away from Citrine. That's never

her hospital room, calling her name every so often just to make sure she

called her name several times but got no response. Panic