The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 680

Herschel glanced at Nigel, whose expression was a tangled mess of emotions. He knew exactly what was running through his son's mind, so he took the initiative. "Let's find somewhere private to talk. There are things I've wanted to tell you face- to-face for a long time."

After all these years, it was time to clear up the misunderstandings between them. Nigel was clearly surprised by Herschel's sudden olive branch, but he didn't refuse.

They left the gallery and found a quiet, tucked-away bistro.

Nigel had no appetite for food and didn't bother with pleasantries. "All right, let's hear it. What do you want to say to me?" His voice was tinged with impatience.

A fleeting look of bitterness crossed Herschel's face, but he quickly masked it.

Remembering what Citrine had told him, Herschel steeled himself and spoke. "Back then, before the firefighters arrived, I only had time to save one person-or else both of you would have died."

At the mention of that night, Nigel's face lost a shade of color.

If Herschel hadn't brought it up now, Nigel would have spent the rest of his life refusing to speak of that painful memory.

Herschel went on, "Nigel, I made the decision to save Hilda first because I had to think rationally. She was closer to the door. Getting her out was the only chance for at least one of you to survive."

on Nigel's face finally cracked. He let out a cold, bitter laugh, no longer hiding the resentment that had simmered for years. "Of course. You've always favored my sister. So it

that Nigel resented him, but only today did he realize just

and managed a pained smile, shaking his head. “I never gave up on you. After I got Hilda out, I went straight back in. I searched every corner of that burning house for you. When the firefighters arrived, they helped too,

raw, desperate hope flickered in his eyes. The walls he'd built for years began to shake. "Then

away,

time I went

your anger was so strong you couldn't even

me.

went on, the less

to dredge up the

He all but shouted, "How could it not

the truth, I wouldn't have spent my

emotion. "Why didn't you just tell me

his son fall

met