NovelUSAChapter 426 Hilda's heart clenched, and she fixed her gaze on the staircase.
Just then, Citrine appeared, coming down the stairs beside another girl. The two seemed deep in conversation, Citrine's lips curled into a gentle smile, her eyes warm and kind.
Hilda stared, frozen on the spot, her breath caught in her throat. She couldn't move, couldn't look away.
She looked even more like the photos-no, more real, more certain. In that moment, Hilda was sure: this was her daughter.
Without a second thought, Monica called out, her voice echoing through the hall. "Citrine!" Citrine glanced over and spotted Monica. What was she doing here? Her expression barely shifted, but she frowned just slightly, then turned to the girl beside her. "Jane, go on ahead. I have something to take care of." As Jane left, Citrine headed toward Monica.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtOnly when she drew closer did Citrine realize Monica wasn't alone. There was another woman standing beside her a woman in a deep burgundy coat, her lips painted a bold red, exuding confidence and poise.
Citrine faltered for a brief moment when she saw the woman's face.
She'd been surprised when she'd seen her photo in those files, but nothing could compare to seeing her in person.
Their features-so similar, unmistakably connected. And yet, instead of resentment, Citrine felt... nothing at all. No anger, no bitterness.
If this had been the past, she might have demanded answers: why did you give birth toonly to abandon me? But now, standing here, the urge to ask had faded away.
Quickly collecting herself, Citrine nodded politely to both Monica and Hilda. Then, in a measured tone, she addressed Monica, her voice distant. "Miss Saunders." Monica didn't seem offended.
She took the initiative, gesturing to the woman beside her. "This is my aunt, Hilda. She's visiting Crestwood University withtoday." Hilda's eyes never left Citrine. For a moment, she seemed at a loss for words, her eyes shining with unshed tears. Her voice trembled, thick with emotion. "Citrine, hello, you can call me..." She stopped, searching for words.
Then, almost in a rush, she added, "Just callAunt Hilda. That's fine." The woman who commanded boardrooms and negotiated million-dollar deals now found herself flustered, tongue-tied before her own daughter.
Citrine offered a small, understanding smile and softly greeted, "Aunt Hilda." Monica jumped in, eager to break the tension. "Citrine, perfect timing it's almost lunch! I heard there's a great little place just outside campus. Why don't we go eat together?" Citrine hesitated, a flicker of discomfort in her eyes. "Maybe another time," she replied, turning down the offer. Hilda's eyes dimmed at the refusal.
But Monica pressed on, undeterred. "Con, it won't take long. Besides, we don't know this area at all. You could show us around, just this once?" Citrine realized she couldn't refuse again without seeming rude.
'... Alright," she agreed quietly.
Just like that, the light returned to Hilda's eyes. She looked at Citrine with such hopeful, childlike joy, unable to hide her excitement.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmCitrine felt a little awkward under her gaze.
Clearing her throat, she murmured, "Let's go." Sat
At the restaurant, barely had they down before Hilda blurted out the question that had been burning inside her. "Citrine, have you have you been doing well all these years?" As soon as the words left her mouth, Hilda realized how strange they sounded, how out of place they were for Citrine.
Citrine's eyes met hers, silent and unreadable.
Auntie, you're more anxious than! am, Citrine thought, the silence growing egrowing heavier with every second. Monica with gave a nervous laugh and tried to smooth things over, "She means, how have you been lately?"
She lowered her voice, glancing at Citrine with concern. "Word is, the Glenwood family has had their eye on you. They've been making things difficult, haven't they?"
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