The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 817

Citrine didn't get home until three o'clock.

The moment she stepped through the door, both the Carmichaels and the Saunders-gathered in the living room-turned as one to look at her.

When no one else appeared behind her after a few seconds, everyone hurried over, voices overlapping with warmth and concern.

"You must be exhausted, honey. Let me make you a nice, warm soup for your stomach," her mother fussed.

"Come here, Citrine, sit by me and try these pastries your grandfather picked out this year," called her older brother.

"Citrine, sweetheart, come sit next to Grandpa," chimed her grandfather, patting the spot beside him.

At first, Citrine felt awkward with all the attention, but over time, she'd gotten used to it.

After a bit of playful bickering and jockeying for her company, she finally ended up in the very center of the couch, surrounded on all sides.

Weston grinned so broadly that his eyes nearly disappeared behind his smile. He was secretly relieved that his precious granddaughter hadn't brought that "wild young man” home with her. Even though Raymond and Hilda had talked him into accepting her relationship with that guy, he still couldn't help but feel protective. Seeing Citrine walk in alone, he was so happy he could hardly contain it.

The rest of the family might not have said anything out loud, but they all shared Weston's sentiment. After all, they'd only just gotten their beloved girl back; of course, they wanted to keep her close as long as possible.

Weston decided not to dwell on the inevitable heartbreak of his granddaughter being whisked away by some boy someday. He pushed aside his reluctance, his face lighting up with a smile. "Alright, time for the red envelopes!"

The younger Carmichaels and Saunders perked up instantly and crowded around the coffee table.

the charmer, darted forward before anyone else could react. With a dramatic flourish, he dropped to his knees in front of Herschel and gave

withering glare, his face darkening. "You cheeky brat, is he

purposely raising his voice so Herschel could hear, "Here you go, my dear

envelope, weighing it appreciatively in his hand-completely oblivious to the trouble he was stirring. Herschel snorted, shooting his "bargain grandson" a look of disdain. "You can keep him. All I care about is my sweet granddaughter," he declared, turning to Citrine with a tender smile. He handed her an envelope even

exchanged looks. Seriously? Did he really have

widened as she accepted

at her older siblings, then quietly slid the envelope into

envelope was at least three times fatter than

teeth in disbelief. The others stared at

extra-large envelope and pressed it into Citrine's hands. "Here you go, sweetheart. Your real grandpa has a big one for

Herschel a triumphant look

blinked at the two grandfathers, a little dazed, before taking the

too, was clearly two or three times thicker than the one

silent protest, but before anyone could voice

"Alright, line up for your envelopes-one at a time!"

any thoughts of fairness vanished from the kids' minds as they scrambled

do a thing-she'd already pocketed

she thought it was over, it was time for her

didn't have to lift a finger. She received the most generous envelopes of

eldest uncle, Mack

second uncle,

the country for years. Now, meeting their