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

cup was empty, Citrine casually started ordering food,

her, his eyes searching

she handed him the menu. "See if there's anything else

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

to eat with me?" Citrine teased, feigning

I never dine in public," he replied, brows drawing together, a flicker of

eyed the mask covering 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

gave a sudden, humorless laugh. "You haven't changed a bit still reckless as ever. Aren't you afraid I'll throw you back

of fear, shrugging dramatically. "Oh, I'm terrified! But honestly, Jeff, I doubt you'd risk it—not with what I know. After all, your biggest fear is that

her head, lips curling into a

at her, fury darkening

voice was tight, almost strangled. "What have you done to

looked 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 done to

his mask, his face flushed with anger. "Where is she?" he demanded,

to lie.

smiled, almost sweetly. "Jeff, your sister is sick. What

leave her