The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 530

"When you were born, our whole family was overjoyed. Even though your aunt was still recovering after giving birth herself, she insisted on holding you every day."

"No one could've imagined what would happen at your one-month celebration. The family's nanny stole you away. By the time your aunt tracked her down, the nanny was already dead-and you had vanished without a trace. The whole family was devastated, but your aunt took it the hardest. She blamed herself for not protecting you and stopped eating or drinking, searching for you day and night. She lost so much weight, and people would hear her calling your name in her sleep."

"After you disappeared, that carefree, reckless aunt of yours seemed to grow up overnight. She believed it was her own incompetence that let you be taken, so she threw herself into learning about business, working hard to make money. The cheerful, outgoing woman she once was disappeared, replaced by someone calm, sharp, and even a little ruthless."

"Citrine, your aunt never stopped looking for you all these years. I'm not saying this for any other reason-I just want you to know that she's always loved you."

Citrine's emotions churned beneath the surface. Her hand, resting at her side, unconsciously clenched tighter.

"Thank you for telling me this."

Citrine couldn't help but be moved by these words, but what she felt even more strongly was pain. Her own life had been shaped by suffering; she couldn't empathize with Hilda, nor could she force herself to feel the kind of mother- daughter bond Monica spoke of.

did what she always did she chose to

with us tomorrow? Have dinner with the Saunders family?" Wade

watched her with hopeful,

worse. In fact, she was barely holding it together. She glanced at Monica, her gaze

"No."

aback by Citrine's sudden chilliness. Ever since they'd met her, they'd never

something almost hostile

wrong?" Monica's face fell, hurt creeping into her voice

Citrine cut

Saunders people, and I'd appreciate it if

up and left before Monica

watched her go, regret and sorrow etched on