The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 570

She wanted to see her daughter more than anyone in the world.

As the hopeful anticipation faded from the room, the quiet click of footsteps drifted in from the hallway.

Hilda had spent so many days longing for her daughter's visits that she'd developed a knack for recognizing people just by the sound of their steps. She knew, without even looking up, that it was her daughter approaching.

For the first time in days, a spark lit up her usually calm, expressionless eyes.

Citrine hadn't come by recently-she'd taken a couple of days to rest at home. But after hearing from the nurse during rounds that Monica and Wade had left for the day, Citrine had hesitated, wondering if Hilda might need company, and finally decided to stop by.

She hadn't expected to walk in on a scene quite like this.

The moment Citrine stepped inside, Herschel and Inez locked their eyes on her, their gazes so intent it was as if they were afraid to even blink.

No matter how composed she usually was, Citrine couldn't help feeling a little uneasy under such earnest scrutiny. She instinctively took a few steps back.

Seeing her daughter startled, Hilda grew anxious and quickly called out, "Dad, Mom, you're scaring Citrine."

Inez seemed oblivious, their eyes fixed

turned to Citrine. "I'm so sorry, Citrine. I didn't mean for them

she introduced them. "These are

gave the elderly couple a polite

been their only girl, cherished

the girl who so closely resembled her daughter. She turned away, dabbing at her eyes, her voice trembling. "Look at me.. I'm

composure, Inez stepped forward

emotion. "Citrine, sweethou've

so much

there, uncertain, not quite sure what to

state, gently pinched her arm and gave her a meaningful

herself and hurriedly apologized. "I'm sorry, so sorry. It's just

a small, reassuring smile.

granddaughter accept the apology, Inez's heart

acknowledging her

and pressed a smal envelope into Citrine's hand. "Citrine, this is