The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 585

As soon as Hilda stepped into the Carmichael home, she couldn't help but search the crowd for that one familiar face she longed to see.

Raymond caught the look in her eyes right away. "Citrine's out back, grilling with her friends."

Hilda hesitated, asking softly, "Would it be alright if I joined them?"

"Of course."

With Raymond's reassuring nod, Hilda led Monica and Wade toward the backyard.

They had barely reached the patio when Hilda heard her daughter's laughter. "Big bro, that's delicious! Make me another skewer!"

Citrine sounded so relaxed, so lighthearted-so different from how she usually acted around the adults. There was a spark in her eyes that Hilda hadn't seen in a long time.

Hilda glanced at Travis with a tinge of envy.

Travis was the quintessential doting big brother; when his sister asked for food, he beamed with pride and immediately set to grilling more meat for her.

Monica and Wade watched the little scene unfold, both feeling a pang of jealousy. Weren't they Citrine's siblings too? And yet, somehow, Travis was the one she always turned to.

she calls for? I'm her brother too, but

so great about that guy anyway?" Wade muttered, glaring at Travis. "It's just some grilled meat-big deal. I

marched over to Travis, drawing surprised

see Wade, but then she spotted Hilda and Monica approaching from across the

eyes shimmered as she greeted her

Citrine!" Monica added,

something." Hilda handed Citrine a neatly wrapped

in, "And

Citrine said politely, setting the gifts aside and gesturing for them to join her. “Come on, sit down and have some

and Monica exchanged delighted glances and settled

lnet

at his sister with uncharacteristic tenderness. "Of course I'm here

I be if I missed

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the food. Well, lucky for you, I happen

mention of "big brother,"

"Who do you think you are?

by the truth. He snatched the tongs from Travis's