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.

calls for? I'm her brother too, but Citrine's never called me 'big bro' even once." His voice was tinged with

so great about that guy anyway?" Wade muttered, glaring at Travis.

Wade marched over to Travis,

was startled to see Wade, but then she

she greeted her

nineteenth, Citrine!"

something." Hilda handed Citrine a

"And this

you," Citrine said politely, setting the gifts aside and gesturing for them

and Monica exchanged delighted glances and settled opposite Citrine, smiles

lnet

sister with uncharacteristic tenderness. "Of course I'm here for your birthday, Citrine. What

if

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"Looks like you're enjoying the food. Well, lucky for you, I happen to be pretty good at grilling myself. Let me make you something

mention of "big

do you think you are? Citrine's never called you

shot back, stung by the truth. He snatched