The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 765

Hilda's eyes were red as she shook her head. "No. Absolutely not. I won't let you go."

Herschel and Inez Saunders exchanged a glance, both struggling to keep their composure.

They knew all too well just how dangerous Mirage Cay was. Of course, neither of them wanted their granddaughter anywhere near the place. But after all these years, they understood her stubborn streak better than anyone.

Once Citrine made up her mind, no one could change it—not even them.

"Mom..." Citrine tried to reason with Hilda.

But Hilda cut her off before she could finish. "Citrine, there's no way I'm agreeing to this. I just found you again—how could I possibly let you walk into a lion's den like Mirage Cay? Just thinking about what happened to you there, even in my nightmares, breaks my heart. If I could, I'd take your place in a heartbeat. There's no way I'll let you risk yourself again."

She knew, of course, that Raymond was Citrine's father, and how deeply her daughter cared for him.

After a moment, Hilda took a deep breath. "Citrine, please listen to me. Stay home. I'll go to Mirage Cay myself."

protest in her daughter's eyes, Hilda pressed on, her voice softer but determined. "Don't worry. I promise,

Hilda's refusal was born out of fear for her safety. But how could she possibly let her mother face that danger alone?

"Mom, Mirage Cay isn't just any place. You don't know the rules there, or how to get around-it has to be me. If there's even

final. Citrine, you need to stay here. I'm making the

had spoiled her unconditionally, rarely ever putting her

shot a pointed look at Monica and Wade Saunders,

leave

and

We'll make

fear of Hilda's wrath that made them so quick to comply they genuinely didn't want their sister risking herself on Mirage Cay. After

and commanding. Monica and Wade glanced at each other, both recalling the formidable aunt from their childhood

seem fazed in the

unreadable, giving nothing away.

made a call