The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 768

After coming to an agreement with Ogden, Citrine asked Wade to send her luggage over to the Vermillion Vanguard headquarters.

Today, Citrine had already mapped out the Vermillion Vanguard's mission to Mirage Cay, assigning each member their specific roles. Yet, as she considered the risks ahead, a heaviness settled in her chest.

This mission was perilous-danger hanging over them like a storm cloud. It was the kind of operation where every soldier was staking their life.

Because of this, Citrine decided to host a team dinner that night, giving everyone a chance to unwind together. The following day, she'd let the squad go home to see their families-just in case.

That evening, after some discussion, they decided to keep things informal and eat together in the mess hall.

When Citrine arrived, the soldiers rose as one.

"Boss, you're here."

She nodded to them, signaling everyone to sit before taking a seat beside Sherman.

With a major operation looming and their fates uncertain, tonight was their chance

to let loose-if only for a few hours, drowning their worries in good drink.

Citrine raised her glass. "Tonight, we drink till we can't stand."

A chorus of raised glasses followed. "Drink till we drop!"

Soon, the conversation turned to funny stories from past training sessions.

started leading us? We didn't take you seriously -thought you were too young, and spent all our time trying to prank you. In the end, you got

someone

Citrine joining in. Those days had been tough, but they were also

on in a haze of stories and laughter, everyone savoring the rare camaraderie

was just as happy as the rest

soldiers suddenly stood up. "Who knows if we'll ever

was a farm boy through and through-big, honest, and as unassuming

sudden hush. No one spoke; the mess hall

Then Citrine broke it.

of you afraid?" Her tone was light, as if she were just asking what they'd had

response was immediate and

is to take on missions for our country. If we have

right, Boss. Don't underestimate us. We're

scared, we wouldn't deserve this

From the first day we joined the Vanguard, we knew we were dedicating our lives to the country. Now, with the mission looming, if we bailed, We'd be cowards-and we'd never have the

real," someone added, "everyone knows that as long as you're leading us, the odds are always in our favor, no matter how bad things get." It was true-under Citrine's command, casualties were always

had fought by Citrine's side for

Hastings Cooper's

they were

a deep sense of pride. "You're the

stormed in, catching Citrine mid-drink. He marched right over and snatched the glass from her

him-only for him to

wasn't I chosen? I'm the best soldier in our company!" Hastings' eyes were red, and there was an