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.

as day, what Manley had said to him years ago after the accident.

for control of the Carmichael Group. The rivalry was ruthless, and neither had planned

car accident—an accident that left

succession finally ended, if

Manley rarely left the house.

he'd lost his drive along with his mobility. But Raymond

of his legs, Manley never gave up his ambition

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

crust whispered that Raymond himself had orchestrated the accident, desperate to eliminate his fiercest rival.

was one time, both of them returned to the old family estate. Manley had been drinking

planned on dealing with a drunken Manley, but as he headed back to

snake. In a low, deliberate voice, he said, "Raymond, just wait. One

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

a mad dog, ready to lash out at anyone who came too close. Manley, for his part, didn't bother arguing.

to stay away from Citrine. That's never going

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

several times but got no response. Panic rose in his