The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

The next day, Citrine and her team boarded a flight to the Federated States of Magnolia.

After making all the necessary arrangements, Citrine took the initiative to reach out to the island's owner.

She had spent so much time on Mirage Cay that she knew plenty of inside information; getting in touch with someone from there was hardly a challenge for her.

Later, Citrine changed and went alone to a quiet restaurant.

Her contact was already waiting when she arrived.

From across the room, she immediately recognized his familiar silhouette. Calm and composed, she walked right over and took the seat across from him without hesitation.

The man wore a mask, revealing only a pair of eyes-eyes that now bore the fine lines of age at their corners.

Citrine narrowed her gaze, studying those eyes she knew so well.

"Well, Mr. Jeff, it looks like the years have finally caught up with you," she said smoothly.

He stared at her for a long moment before replying, "That's true. I've gotten old, while you somehow you're just as sharp as ever, always a step ahead."

She offered a wry smile. "Yet for all my cleverness, I still ended up locked away on Mirage Cay for years, courtesy of you."

With that, she glanced at the waiter and said softly, "Could I have some tea, please?"

were, enemies by all accounts, yet they sat across from each other like old friends who hadn't met in years, sharing a pot of

started ordering food, taking her

her, his eyes searching her face, trying and failing to read her

she handed him the menu. "See if there's anything else you'd like," she said,

slightly at the waiter. "That won't be necessary,"

don't want to eat with me?" Citrine teased,

drawing together, a flicker of emotion finally breaking through. "Just tell me

his face and smiled, her voice laced with irony. "From my very first day on Mirage Cay, you've always hidden behind a mask. All these years, what exactly

still reckless as ever. Aren't

biggest fear is that someone finds out about your sister, isn't it? Given your reputation, if the truth came out, there are people out there who would tear her

tilted her head, lips curling into a sly smile.

He glared at her, fury darkening his

How did you find out?" His voice was tight, almost strangled. "What have you done to my

she had

him squirm, Citrine allowed herself a satisfied smile. "Relax, Jeff. What could I possibly have done to your

face flushed with anger. "Where

to lie.

almost sweetly. "Jeff, your sister is sick. What good did

her in