NovelUSAChapter 466 Herschel and Inez exchanged a look, their faces growing solemn. With measured words, Herschel said, "Hilda made it clear-she only wants Citrine. She's not interested in adopting anyone else." The thought of their missing granddaughter weighed heavily on both of them, casting a shadow over the room. Herschel hesitated, turning to Inez in disbelief. "Could it be... have they found her?" Inez shook her head. "No way. We've searched for years and never found a single trace." At that moment, Monica, who had been sitting quietly nearby, finally looked up. "It's true," she said. "Citrine has been found." Her words hung in the air.
"Just recently, Aunt Hilda and I met with her." Monica hadn't expected her aunt to make a move so quickly-let alone sneak behind her and her sister's backs to spend twith Citrine alone. Remembering Hilda's sudden decision to move, Monica suddenly understood everything.
Inez's eyes reddened, disbelief etched across her face. "Are you telling the truth? Did you really find Citrine?" Herschel, still clinging to a sliver of caution after all the disappointments over the years, asked quietly, "Did you do a DNA test?" Monica shook her head. "No. Citrine is very guarded. She refused, and she doesn't want anything to do with us. She won't even acknowledge any connection." "But even if she won't admit it, we're sure it's her. She looks almost exactly like Aunt Hilda did when she was young. There's no way we're mistaken." Inez's tears spilled over, her voice trembling with emotion. "As long as she's been found, that's all that matters." The loss of their granddaughter had been an open wound in the family for years. Even her nhad beca taboo, never spoken aloud.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHerschel asked, "If she's been found, can we see Citrine?" Monica didn't hesitate. "That's not possible. Citrine is still on her guard-even with Aunt Hilda, she keeps her distance. If you rush to meet her now, it'll only push her further away." Inez nodded quickly. "You're right. I wasn't thinking. We can't risk frightening her." Only Wade sat apart, his face stony and expressionless. He snorted under his breath, thinking, No matter how much she looks like Citrine, she can't compare to the girl I met online during that last Titan Showdown match. That was my real sister.
As for the one Aunt Hilda found? Most likely a fake.
Wade was already planning how to expose the imposter for what she was.
After they left the old house, Wade stuck his hands in his pockets and said to Monica, "I don't know who you people dragged home, but I guarantee she's not my sister." Monica rolled her eyes. "And what makes you so sure?" Wade smirked. "Because I already found the real Citrine. The one you found? She's not her." Monica couldn't even be bothered to argue. She just shook her head and walked away.
After leaving the old house, Monica decided not to go back to the office. Instead, she headed straight for Hilda's new place.
It was just after work, and Hilda was at home, sorting through paperwork. 1 she beare knock at the door, she looked up in surprise et
She'd only just moved in and didn't know anyone in the neighborhood. At this hour the only person she could E imagine dropping by was Citrine. Smiling, Hilda hurried to open the door-only to find herself face to face with a very familiar face.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHer smile froze, the warmth draining from her expression.
"What are you doing here?" Hilda's voice returned to its usual cool, reserved tone.
"Aunt Hilda, are you disappointed to see me?" Monica caught the flicker of disappointment in her aunt's eyes and felt a chill run down her spine. Just remembering that brief moment-Aunt Hilda's face lighting up with a smile- made Monica shudder.
It was... unnerving.
Aunt Hilda had actually smiled.
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