The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 397

It was Citrine's first time visiting the Carmichael family's new villa in Crestwood. At the moment, everyone was present except Salome.

Citrine felt a bit awkward as she stepped inside, the unfamiliar surroundings making her hesitate briefly in the foyer.

Raymond, her father, didn't waste a second. The moment he saw his daughter arrive, he hustled over to the entryway and bent down to set a pair of house slippers at her feet. "Citrine, the code for the front door is your birthday," he said gently. "Next time, no need to knock. Just come in."

"Okay," Citrine replied, a little taken aback. It took her a moment, but then she nodded.

Her grandfather Weston's face crinkled with a wide smile when he spotted her, though he still couldn't help but tease. "Look at you, young lady," he grumbled, "how long's it been since you last bothered to come home?"

He snorted, feigning irritation. "I swear, I mention you every day. No conscience at all, that's what you are."

Citrine gave him a half-smile, half-smirk. "Don't tell me you just miss having someone to fish with-or play chess?"

it all day until he got the

a second, but he

emerged from the kitchen just in time to catch their exchange, carrying a tray of fresh fruit and homemade cake. The memory of yesterday's fishing trip flashed through his mind-Grandpa had dragged him out at five in the morning and didn't let up

made you some dessert. Give it a try." Manley set the treats down in front of her, then shot a look at Grandpa. "Dad, I was with you all day yesterday. You've already tortured me

with me is a privilege—there are plenty who'd kill for a spot at my side,

that, Grandpa grabbed a couch cushion and lobbed it straight at Manley. But Manley—his legs now fully recovered and stronger than ever-dodged effortlessly, grinning sheepishly.

day's fishing with Grandpa was an endurance test,

turned red with indignation.

still bickering when a sudden, thunderous banging erupted

Weston sprang to

open, ready to let loose, only to find