The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 459

Ever since she'd found out her daughter was living at Verona Heights, Hilda didn't hesitate—she moved in the very next day, settling into the apartment right below Citrine's.

That afternoon, Citrine arrived home just in time to see Hilda in the middle of her move. Hilda, sunglasses perched on her nose, directed the movers with crisp efficiency, exuding her usual commanding presence.

As soon as she spotted Citrine, Hilda slid her sunglasses off. Her expression wavered between surprise and something like delight, as if she'd been caught off guard but was secretly pleased.

Citrine walked over, still unsure what to make of it all. "You moved into Verona Heights?"

Hilda nodded, lying smoothly. "Mm, it's closer to the office. Much more convenient."

Citrine had her doubts, but with that answer, she let it drop.

Glancing at the pile of luggage and boxes at Hilda's feet, Citrine offered politely, "Need a hand with anything?"

Hilda smiled, waving her off. "No, no, I've got these guys to help me." There was no way she'd let her daughter haul boxes around. Just the thought made her heart ache.

Citrine smiled faintly, realizing she wouldn't get anywhere insisting, and made to leave. But just as she turned, Hilda called after her.

To celebrate, I'll make a special dinner why

added,

her mother's hopeful eyes, she just couldn't bring herself to

a long hot bath, then slipped into her robe and stretched out on the couch,

a growing stack of dirty pans. A skillet lay on the floor, still smoldering. Hilda hovered at the center of

of authority—a powerhouse in business. Who would've

time was looming, and Hilda knew she couldn't let this golden opportunity to bond with

quickly, she grabbed her phone and dialed Nathalie, the Saunders family's longtime housekeeper. For over twenty years, Nathalie had kept the Saunders household running, her cooking skiffs legendary

at

special, you just had to tell me. I could've brought it up. Why put

a determined smile on her face. "That won't do. I

mention

tempted

but in the

to upset

I'll teach you. Tell me what you

to prefer vegetarian dishes the last time they ate together, so she rattled off