NovelUSAChapter 497 Jeanette stood there, her face drained of color, unable to muster even a single word in response.
But Citrine wasn't finished with her-not by a long shot.
With a cold smile, Citrine looked Jeanette straight in the eye and twisted the knife a little deeper. "You've always been obsessed with competing with me, Jeanette. But honestly, have you ever realized we're just not on the slevel?" She tapped her temple for emphasis.
Then, making a show of it, Citrine held one hand high above her head and the other down by her waist. "Face reality, Jeanette. I'm up here, and you... you're still down there. You were never even on my radar." She let out a low laugh before continuing, "Now I'm a top student at Crestwood University, a bestselling author, the CEO of CICI Group. My reputation precedes me, and my future's bright. But you? You bombed your exams, ended up at sno-ncollege, haven't picked up a single useful skill, and spend your nights drifting from one club to the next. Jeanette, your life's already half ruined. Honestly, I'm anxious for you-what on earth are you going to do with yourself?" As she finished, Citrine's lips curled into a taunting smile.
Every word landed like a punch to Jeanette's gut.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe clenched her fists so tightly her knuckles turned white, a sudden wave of fear washing over her.
She couldn't stand the thought of living in Citrine's shadow for the rest of her life- she wanted nothing more than to crush Citrine under her heel.
Citrine, satisfied, gave one last smirk before strolling away.
People nearby, who had been shamelessly eavesdropping, whispered among themselves about the mother and daughter duo before finally dispersing.
Afterward, Citrine approached a waiter and requested a glass of red wine. With the wine in hand and a glint in her eye, she headed toward another hall.
Inside, four men sat around a long table, deep in discussion over something important.
Without hesitation, Citrine walked straight toward them. As she drew closer, she overheard Dick's booming voice: "Mr. Walker, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Rogers, I promise you-invest with us and by this tnext year, you'll be swimming in profits." At that, Citrine couldn't help but let out a laugh, covering her mouth with slender fingers.
The men turned, startled by the sound, only to see Citrine standing there.
Ever since the Opulence Ball, Citrine's face had becwell-known among the city's elite.
The CEO of CICI Group was no ordinary figure. The three men immediately rose to their feet, each one treating her with a mix of respect and deference, their voices tinged with admiration: "I've heard so much about President Carmichael-it's an honor to finally meet you in person." "President Carmichael, your reputation precedes you." "President Carmichael, pleasure to meet you." They greeted her one by one, and Citrine responded graciously.
Dick, on the other hand, went pale as soon as he recognized Citrine. Memories from the past surged up-the blinding pain of a knife.
months spent bedridden, every day inthe hospital pure torment.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmstabbing through his thigh,Citrine, by contrast, looked utterly unfazed to see him, even greeting him with a bright smile. "Mr. Glenwood, don't tellyou've forgotten! You used to givepiano lessons, remember?" She continued, her tone playful, "I'm quite the pianist these days, all thanks to you. I really ought to pay you back." Dick's face blanched. His voice trembled as he stammered, "What are you planning to do?" He couldn't hide the fear in his voice-this girl was absolutely unhinged.
The memory of that stabbing still haunted him, every second in the hospital a living nightmare.
Citrine watched his cowardice with a flicker of disdain in her eyes. "Relax, Mr. Glenwood, mis poke. Not pay you back-thank you. I owe you a BIG thank you." She deliberately emphasized the last words. Dick's whole body shuddered. The chill in her tone sent a shiver down his spine.
The other three men looked at each other, surprised that Citrine and Dick apparently knew each other.
Mr. Walker let out a hearty laugh. "Well, President Carmichael, Mr.m Glenwood sounds like you two go way back!" Dick just sat there in silence, while Citrine grinned. "Oh yes, old friends." She turned her attention to Mr.
Walker, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Rogers, feigning curiosity. "By the way, im couldn't help overhearing something ve about a new venture. Are you planning to start a company together?" Mr. Walker, never one for subtlety, answered without hesitation, "That's right! Didn't expect President Carmichael to catch that."
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
