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, I

from the start-and the promise I made the other

so straightforward, Mr. Vester, I won't beat

fixed her gaze on him and asked, "Do you know anything about Mirage

words, Vester's relaxed demeanor vanished; his whole body tensed, and an

at Citrine, clearly guessing at

offered a word of caution. "It's not that I don't want

Dr. Carmichael. But honestly, the less

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

silent, his

to let it drop. She pressed on, "I used to be one of the people from Mirage

Mr. Vester, will you tell me what

someone this guarded, sometimes honesty was

a risk and bet that he'd

pure disbelief. "That's

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

"I escaped

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 they did, they wouldn't