The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 674

Mr. Rogers squinted, absolutely certain. "No doubt about it—our CEO's in love."

Mr. Fuller let out a low whistle. "He's so smitten, he's put his own company on the back burner just to work at someone else's. Our boss is head-over-heels-it's a full-blown case of lovesickness."

"I mean, I'm genuinely curious now. What kind of woman could have our workaholic CEO so bewitched that he doesn't even care about his career anymore? Back in the day, a woman like that would have been accused of bringing down the kingdom-a real femme fatale."

That evening, Hilda called, inviting her home for dinner-it was a Saunders family gathering tonight.

Citrine had been living with the Saunders long enough to feel at home by now, all the old awkwardness and reserve gone.

When she got back, Citrine tossed her bag aside like always and went straight to look for her cat.

Before moving in, Citrine had asked if she could bring Happy with her, and everyone agreed. Hilda, who'd never really liked cats before, instantly transformed into a total cat enthusiast once Happy arrived.

Crestwood spoiled Happy with treats, and Hilda, almost every evening after work, would scoop Happy up-no matter how much the cat protested and smother him with kisses, like some overbearing matriarch determined to shower her pet with love.

Under Hilda's relentless affection, Happy had gotten noticeably chubbier; now, Citrine could barely lift him with one arm.

Citrine cradled Happy and lazily waved

and always cooperative with Citrine. All it took was a simple feather wand to

look like she was entertaining the cat-if anything, it seemed like

between girl and cat was

a glow of contentment they'd never

Citrine didn't notice anything

game and glanced up-only to find several pairs of eyes

She froze, suddenly self-conscious.

to seeing. But there was someone else, a man she barely

uncle, whom she'd

her skirt, Citrine sat up straighter on

she greeted

in the lovely scene he'd just

present when he

"Citrine," Nigel said warmly.

had been so beautiful, full of light and comfort. He hadn't created anything so full of warmth in years hadn't even felt the inspiration to try. But just now, unexpectedly, a spark had