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?"

yet they sat across from each other like old friends who hadn't met in years,

was empty, Citrine casually started ordering food, taking

gaze never left her, his eyes searching her face,

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

Instead, he shook his head slightly at the waiter. "That won't be necessary,"

eat with me?" Citrine teased, feigning

a flicker of emotion finally breaking through. "Just tell me why

very first day on

haven't changed a bit still reckless as ever. Aren't you afraid I'll throw

biggest fear is that

her head, lips curling into a sly smile. "Isn't

smile vanished. He glared at her, fury darkening

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

stricken, unable to believe that she had uncovered the secret he'd guarded so

allowed herself a satisfied smile. "Relax, Jeff. What could I possibly have

with anger. "Where is she?"

to lie. "Crestwood

sister is sick.

her