The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Hilda's eyes were red as she shook her head. "No. Absolutely not. I won't let you go."

Herschel and Inez Saunders exchanged a glance, both struggling to keep their composure.

They knew all too well just how dangerous Mirage Cay was. Of course, neither of them wanted their granddaughter anywhere near the place. But after all these years, they understood her stubborn streak better than anyone.

Once Citrine made up her mind, no one could change it—not even them.

"Mom..." Citrine tried to reason with Hilda.

But Hilda cut her off before she could finish. "Citrine, there's no way I'm agreeing to this. I just found you again—how could I possibly let you walk into a lion's den like Mirage Cay? Just thinking about what happened to you there, even in my nightmares, breaks my heart. If I could, I'd take your place in a heartbeat. There's no way I'll let you risk yourself again."

She knew, of course, that Raymond was Citrine's father, and how deeply her daughter cared for him.

After a moment, Hilda took a deep breath. "Citrine, please listen to me. Stay home. I'll go to Mirage Cay myself."

Seeing the protest in her daughter's eyes, Hilda pressed on, her voice softer but determined. "Don't worry. I promise, I'll do everything I can to bring Raymond home."

Citrine understood Hilda's refusal was born out of fear for her safety. But how could she possibly let her mother face that danger alone? The thought of both her and Raymond trapped on Mirage Cay made her heart race with anxiety.

She steadied herself and insisted, "Mom, Mirage Cay isn't just any place. You don't know the rules there, or how to get around-it has to be me. If there's even a sliver of hope, it's with me going."

But Hilda was resolute. "No. That's final. Citrine, you need to stay here. I'm making the arrangements to go overseas."

Since Citrine had come home, Hilda had spoiled her unconditionally, rarely ever putting her foot down. This was the first time she'd been so firm.

After making her decision clear, Hilda shot a pointed look at Monica and Wade Saunders, her gaze carrying an unmistakable warning.

"You two-keep an eye on Citrine. Don't let her leave the Saunders estate. If she tries, you'll answer to me."

Her tone left no room for argument. Monica and Wade flinched, then hurried to nod in agreement.

"Yes, Aunt Hilda. We'll make sure Citrine stays put."

It wasn't just fear of Hilda's wrath that made them so quick to comply they genuinely didn't want their sister risking herself on Mirage Cay. After all they'd gone through to bring her home, the thought of losing her again was unbearable.

Hilda had slipped back into her old, no-nonsense.self, sharp and commanding. Monica and Wade glanced at each other, both recalling the formidable aunt from their childhood a force to be reckoned with. The memory sent a chill down their spines.

Citrine, however, didn't seem fazed in the slightest. Her expression was

unreadable, giving nothing away.

That afternoon, she made a call to the Carmichael family.

Raymond's father, Weston Carmichael, picked up.

"Well, if it isn't my troublemaker. Missing your granddad already?"noveldrama

Weston's voice was warm, but weary.

Citrine's gaze darkened. She should have realized sooner. She was supposed to be splitting her time between the Carmichaels and the Saunders, but she'd been at the Saunders estate for three months straight. Normally, the Carmichaels would have called, asking when she was coming over-but this time, they hadn't said a word.

They knew. Maybe they'd been keeping secrets from her all along.

After a short silence, Citrine asked quietly, “Grandpa, what really happened to Raymond?"

"Whatever do you mean? That rascal's just on a business trip abroad, isn't he?” Weston's voice rose a notch, the tone just a bit too forced-like he was trying to hide something.

Citrine didn't hesitate. "Grandpa, you don't have to pretend. I know. Raymond was taken by people from Mirage Cay."