The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 444

"Yeah." Hilda nodded.

She eased herself down onto the couch.

But just then, a flash of gray darted out from under the coffee table.

Hilda froze as she locked eyes with a cat perched on the sofa; panic surged through her, and she screamed, leaping to her feet and scrambling to the far side of the room.

Citrine was filling a glass of water in the kitchen when she heard the commotion in the living room. She rushed over, only to see her Maine Coon arching its back and hissing at Hilda from the couch.

Citrine couldn't help but laugh, both amused and exasperated. She never would have guessed Hilda was afraid of cats, but seeing how shaken she was, Citrine quickly crossed the room and gently patted Hilda's back to calm her. "Don't worry —it's just my cat. He doesn't bite, I promise."

"He loves sneaking up on people for fun. Pulls this little prank on me all the time. I'm really sorry he startled you."

Turning to the cat, Citrine's tone grew a shade firmer. "Happy, that's not nice. Apologize."

To Hilda's amazement, the Maine Coon immediately sat up straight on the sofa, raised both paws, and made a gesture that looked suspiciously like a little bow.

She hadn't expected the cat to actually understand.

caught the look on her face and grinned. "I watched a bunch of videos about communicating with cats online.

bit put out, he obediently

Hilda's nerves

She wondered if her panicked

bothered by the incident at

broke the silence. “Citrine, has your father treated you well

She didn't mention that she'd only moved back in with the Carmichaels a little over a year

close," Hilda said, a trace of envy

indifferent expression. "We're... alright. He matters a lot

her face clouded with

else, Citrine's brow furrowed and she asked abruptly, "If

wasn't naive.

for her-the affection was obvious. That was

years ago,

had given her up.

truth. They each knew who the other was, and for Citrine,