The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 715

Herschel Saunders shot Gorman a furious glare, his jaw clenched as if he were about to launch into another tirade-until his eyes landed on Hilda and her son, standing quietly behind Gorman.

"Citrine." Herschel's anger faltered, worry flickering across his face.

He rounded on Gorman, voice booming with outrage. "If you won't let her leave, then don't bother showing up at my birthday dinner. Take that woman and get out -both of you!"

Without waiting for a response, Herschel strode over to his beloved granddaughter and promised in a tone brimming with grandfatherly pride, "Don't worry, Citrine. Today's my birthday, and I won't let anyone ruin it for you."

He shot a withering look at both Gorman and Jeanette Iverson, then turned back to Citrine, his features instantly softening. The anger melted away, replaced by a tenderness rarely seen in the old man.

"I've told that fool to take his poisonous companion and leave. I won't let them upset you, sweetheart."

Gorman had always been the golden child-the model son who excelled at everything, from school to work. The Saunders family had never once uttered a harsh word against him.

line and raised his

back to Herschel, his voice cracking. "Granddad, we

his gaze catching on a pair

at the time she'd been masked, recovering from a cold. But those eyes-Gorman remembered them vividly, always carrying

at Citrine, eyes widening in

were nearly a mirror image of their aunt's when she

flickered with disappointment as she met his stare. She shouldn't have let herself hope

calm indifference,

to Citrine, his composure slipping.

His voice

held his gaze, silent and

The DNA test doesn't lie. If you scare your sister, I swear I'll break your legs." His warning was sharp,

the moment Gorman saw Citrine's face, all doubt had vanished. But