The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 492

He smiled warmly. "So this is Jeanette, isn't it? Come here, sweetheart."

Jeanette's face lit up. She hurried over to Scales, her voice sweet as honey. "Grandpa."

Scales chuckled, clearly delighted. "What a good girl. Your father's told me all about you-hard to believe this is the first time we're meeting."

Jeanette replied, "I've heard Dad talk about you often, too."

Just a few casual words, and the two seemed as close as real grandfather and granddaughter.

"All right, let's head inside," the old man said, not giving Talbot a chance to protest. He motioned for Jeanette to wheel him in, and they disappeared into the house together.

Once Scales was gone, Talbot shot Dick a severe glare, warning in a low voice, "I haven't told Dad about your messes yet, but you'd better behave yourself today. If he hears about your sleazy business and gets upset, I'm not letting you off the hook."

For Scales's birthday celebration, the Glenwood family had invited half the town's elite-including Citrine.

Ever since learning Citrine's true identity, Talbot had been plagued by regret. He'd tried several times to arrange a private meeting to clear up the misunderstanding, but each attempt had been rebuffed.

He'd sent a formal invitation to Citrine for today's party, fully expecting she'd decline. To his surprise, she actually showed up.

When Citrine arrived, Jeanette was leaning in close to Scales, the two of them whispering like old friends, bonded as if by blood.

faint smile playing at

and caught Citrine's eye. There was a brief pause, then Jeanette flashed a

What an idiot.

her a single cool look and

was already local legend, and with CICI Group now a major power, nearly everyone wanted to curry favor with

in, a small crowd

Carmichael, it's been

about you. What a coincidence running into you here

you ever need anything in the

her glass to the gathering. "You're

Hilda arrived, flanked by Monica

The crowd

these private parties. Who'd

matriarch herself would show

"I heard

and Glenwood had a serious falling out

even.

s she doing here?"