The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 634

Crestwood Medical Research Center

That night, Citrine woke up.

The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes was Raymond and Hilda sitting by her bedside.

Though her body was frail and weak, the sight of her parents brought a soft light to her eyes. With effort, she managed a faint smile, a wave of warmth washing over her.

"Dad... Mom.” Her voice was barely more than a whisper as she looked at them.

Raymond was slumped forward on her bed. Usually so meticulous, he now had dark circles under his eyes, a rough stubble he hadn't bothered to shave, and his suit was wrinkled and rumpled. He looked utterly haggard, the picture of exhaustion.

Hilda, on the sofa nearby, seemed just as worn. The commanding presence she was known for had vanished, leaving only pallor and helplessness.

They must have been keeping vigil for days. They must be exhausted, Citrine thought, her gaze softening with emotion.

the light blanket beside her, wanting to drape it over Raymond's shoulders. Just as she was about to cover him, he stirred awake

exclaimed, voice trembling with excitement. All

woke as well. She looked toward the bed, then leapt up, barely holding

"Citrine, you're awake!"

thick with emotion as she staggered to

Citrine repeated, her voice as soft

joy overflowing. He reached over, gently stroking her hair,

happy." Hilda could hardly believe it, her voice trembling, tears

but sincere. "Thank you...

did. We're your parents. Don't

please. It hurts

this," Hilda said quickly, overcome with worry as Citrine's

stayed by her side while Raymond hurried out to fetch the hospital director and the surgeon who had operated

and saw Citrine awake, they were stunned, then overjoyed They quickly performed a check-up, and only when they were sure she was out of danger did they

quickly. The Carmichaels and