The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 464

Hilda stared wide-eyed at Raymond, her gaze fixed and unblinking. Before she could even process what he'd said, Raymond continued, "Hilda, you don't actually believe Citrine lived a privileged, carefree life all these years as the Iversons' adopted daughter, do you?"

A heavy weight dropped in Hilda's chest.

Wasn't that the case?

But hearing Raymond's words now, a terrifying suspicion crept into her mind-one she didn't dare pursue.

Raymond watched her reaction and let out a cold, bitter laugh. "Citrine's life with the Iversons was a living hell. Every single day under their roof was torture for her."

"You probably don't know this, but when she was eleven, the Iversons sent her away to Mirage Cay."

Just mentioning it made Raymond's heart ache unbearably. The memory of the dream where he'd seen his daughter's suffering unspeakable cruelty-made him want to tear the whole world apart.

Hilda's eyes flew open, a chill instantly dulling their light. She stared at Raymond in shock. "The Iversons... sent Citrine to Mirage Cay?" Her voice trembled so much she could barely get the words out.

"How could those monsters do that?" she demanded, her voice low and shaking, eyes turning red with fury.

were reports-leaked videos of people being snatched away by the island's inhabitants. One news story had shown a victim who'd been mutilated beyond recognition, their body reduced to little more than a head.

had been sent there, he nearly broke down. Now, looking at Hilda, he went on, "When Sawyer first adopted Citrine, he treated her well, but everything changed a year later when he brought home another woman and a child. Suddenly Citrine became invisible-blamed for things she didn't do, denied even a simple meal. Yet through it all, she still hoped Sawyer would care for her. She held on, until the day she

in family again. He shattered any belief she had that love could come

How dare they.

the Iversons deserve to rot," Hilda snarled through clenched teeth, eyes

left her lips, her strength

she wouldn't have suffered at the versons' hands. She never Wave been sent to

She'd be

Hilda had resented the Carmichaels, convinced

she understand how much Raymond truly loved

He

She didn't

for

realized she couldn't

She all but fled.

leaving the Carmichael