The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 612

"Prepared? Prepared for what? What are you talking about? I don't understand!" Hilda grabbed Nathanael by the collar, her eyes red and brimming with tears that spilled down her cheeks uncontrollably.

Nathanael could tell Hilda understood all too well. He knew just how heartbroken she was, so he only gently pried her trembling hands from his shirt. He didn't have the heart to say those two cruel words out loud.

Weston, overhearing this, nearly fainted from shock.

Travis couldn't handle it either. The teenager bolted from the room, finding somewhere to sob in secret.

Manley was stunned by how things had unfolded and was racked with guilt.

He spotted Raymond sitting on a bench, looking utterly empty-like a puppet with all the strings cut. Manley slowly walked over and took a seat beside him.

was so lost in his grief, he didn't even acknowledge Manley's presence. Out of nowhere, Manley spoke.

proud, stubborn little brother, always at odds with him, suddenly apologizing? He'd have made a biting retort just to keep the upper hand. But now, Raymond couldn't muster the energy to care, or

always wondered why I care about Citrine. Why I treat

waiting for a response, Manley went on, "It's because

time, his eyes flickered with life

met Citrine She'd clearly been through hell-she was skin and bones, eyes darting with suspicion, like some half-wild animal. The first time we met, she was so hungry she tried to steal some bread from a bakery, but the owner caught her and threatened to beat her within an inch of her life. Watching her get hit, I couldn't just stand by, so I paid

was cared for Travis and she got along instantly, and I grew attached to her, I too.

offered to bring her home with us. She agreed. But the next morning, she was S gone-vanished without a trace. That's when I realized she'd

trusted us. After she left,

were