The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

The next day, Citrine went to visit Vester with Sebastian Vesper.

Vester was in good spirits. Despite just coming out of surgery, he actually looked healthier and more energized than before.

When he saw Citrine, his expression softened noticeably.

Citrine didn't notice the change in his eyes. She settled onto the sofa, her tone casual and professional, as if she were just checking in on another patient.

"How are you feeling? Any discomfort anywhere?"

Vester shook his head. "No, nothing hurts."

Citrine offered a gentle reminder, "Just stick to the rehab plan I laid out for you. If all goes well, you should be able to get out of that wheelchair in about three months."

"Three months." For a moment, hope flickered in Vester's eyes. He looked at Citrine, his gratitude unmistakable. "Thank you, Dr. Carmichael."

"I'm just doing my job." Citrine's expression remained composed, but as a doctor, seeing her patient's steady recovery brought her real satisfaction.

She had given him a second chance, and Vester was deeply thankful. He hadn't felt this happy in years.

Of course, he was well aware this wasn't charity-there were strings attached.

Vester's face grew serious. "Dr. Carmichael,

the start-and the promise I made the other night-they all

"Since you're being so straightforward, Mr. Vester, I won't beat

him and asked, "Do you know anything about Mirage

words, Vester's relaxed demeanor vanished; his whole body tensed, and an unmistakable look of disgust flashed in

clearly

a long pause, he offered a word of caution.

But honestly, the less you know,

you do know quite a bit, then." Citrine hadn't missed his reaction, and it didn't seem

silent, his face clouded and

wasn't about to let it drop. She pressed on, "I used to be one of the

you tell me what you

sometimes honesty was

just had to take a risk and

expression was pure disbelief.

his thoughts easily, a faint, knowing smile on her lips. "Surprised I made it out alive,

escaped

"The old man forced everyone at Mirage Cay to take a drug his company developed. It doesn't hurt your organs, but unless you get the antidote every month, you'll die—just like that. No one's ever gotten out alive, and even if