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."

their eyes fixed on Citrine with unblinking

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

to smooth things over, she introduced them.

elderly

had been their only girl, cherished by Herschel and Inez as the center of their world. Now, meeting their

Citrine is beautiful," Inez murmured, her eyes shining with tears as she looked at the girl who so closely resembled her daughter. She turned away, dabbing at her eyes, her voice trembling. "Look at

composure, Inez stepped forward and clasped Citrine's hand, voice

emotion. "Citrine, sweethou've

so much

uncertain, not quite sure what

pinched

and hurriedly apologized. "I'm sorry, so sorry. It's just your grandmother getting carried away and

offered a small, reassuring smile.

accept the

was acknowledging

reached into her purse and pressed a smal envelope into Citrine's hand. "Citrine, this is a little something