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 imagine you've got something you want to say to

then added, "Those three conditions from the start-and the

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

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

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

clearly guessing at her

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

Dr. Carmichael. But honestly, the

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

fell silent, his face

on, "I used to be one

you tell me

this guarded, sometimes

take a risk

pure disbelief.

his thoughts easily, a faint, knowing smile on her lips.

plainly, "I escaped years ago.

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