The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 463

Raymond's gaze turned frosty. "So what if you're Citrine's biological mother? What right do you have to take her back now?"

His tone dripped with sarcasm. "You were the one who abandoned her. After all these years, you suddenly remember you have a daughter? Do you really think you've done your duty as a mother?"

Hilda glared at Raymond, her voice trembling with emotion. "I didn't abandon her. Never. I've been searching for her all these years I never stopped."

How could she ever abandon her child? Even before Citrine was born, Hilda had prayed for her safe arrival. Citrine was her precious little girl, the one she'd waited for.

Raymond's hostility faded as the truth settled in-Citrine hadn't been abandoned after all.

Still, it was clear Hilda was determined to bring Citrine back to the Saunders family.

Raymond wasn't sure how his daughter felt about her mother. But really, what child could truly turn their back on their own birth mother?

A fresh wave of anxiety washed over him.

Citrine had only just returned to the Carmichael family a little over a year ago. He hadn't even had much time with her, and she was already an adult.

Now her mother had come for her. If Citrine really did go back with Hilda to the Saunders family, the time he'd have with his daughter would shrink to almost nothing.

fell silent for a moment, then suddenly asked,

lips together and gave a small, bitter nod. "She knew before anyone

discovered her true identity-and wanted nothing

asked quietly, "She doesn't want to acknowledge

froze, staring at

explained, "It's been almost two

bitter chuckle. "She hasn't ever really accepted me as her

around her heart, and she won't let anyone in. She keeps everyone out, and she

doll, her heart battered and scarred. Every time

to Raymond, Hilda asked softly, "You...

faint smile. "Maybe not completely. But

She glared at Raymond,

knew he was right. Compared

tension between them grew,

spoke in a low voice. "Hilda, if Citrine accepts you and wants to go back to the Saunders family, I'll respect her decision. But if she

right

her own person now."