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 the accident. The memory sent a

the Carmichael Group.

wasn't until Manley's car accident—an accident that left him unable to

battle for succession finally ended, if only on the

Manley rarely left the house. Rumor had it

lost his drive along with his mobility. But Raymond

his legs, Manley never gave up

in secret, building up his own sphere of influence. His efforts to undermine the Carmichael Group

himself had orchestrated the accident, desperate to eliminate his fiercest rival. Manley

both of them returned to the old family estate.

as he headed back to

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

time. But after Citrine came into his life-and especially after

close. Manley, for his part, didn't bother arguing.

from Citrine. That's never

and quiet; she didn't want visitors. That night, Raymond kept vigil outside her hospital room, calling her name every so often just to make

he called her name several times but got no response. Panic rose in his chest as he rushed