The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 677

Citrine understood what Herschel was thinking, but she didn't agree.

She shook her head. “Grandpa, I think Uncle Nigel would rather know that you all love him than see you blame yourselves. Don't you agree?"

It hit Herschel like a thunderclap.

Of course. Compared to guilt, making the boy believe his family never cared for him was far crueler.

He'd been so wrong. All these years, he'd gotten it all wrong.

The realization washed over him. He let out a long, heavy sigh. "Citrine, I must be getting senile. You're right. It's not the guilt that hurts most-it's letting him think we never loved him. That's what's truly cruel."

Citrine smiled warmly at him. "Grandpa, it's not too late. Right now is the best time to set things right."

Herschel's mind cleared; a sense of hope lifted his spirits. But then he suddenly remembered something, and his face darkened. “Even if I want to clear things up, Nigel might not even give me the chance. You probably don't know this, but today is only the second time since everything happened that Uncle Nigel has come back for a family dinner."

things and to let us know he'd

he blocked every single one of us-deleted our numbers, erased all contact. He never came home. We have

"Don't worry, Grandpa. If you're willing to

"Wait?" Herschel echoed, surprised.

was gentle and calm. "In a month Crestwood's art gallery is hosting an exhibition.

over the world

show-there'll be judges, and one painting will win

mention of

see what's so great about painting. He really likes it that much? And

paint, Herschel had been furious. Nigel had been a warm, cheerful young man, but

and

help but laugh softly. She spoke earnestly, "Grandpa, painting is a way to express what's inside Have you ever thought that Uncle Nigel didn't leave medicine for

passion, then what?" Herschel asked,