The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 157

At that moment, both Noah and Derrick looked deeply unsettled. Salome couldn't help but replay Citrine's words in her mind, turning them over with growing unease.

A wave of absurdity swept over her—something she'd never felt before. The realization that she might have spent all these years living inside an elaborate lie crafted by the Everly family made her blood run cold.

"Derrick, I deserve an explanation," Salome said icily, fixing her bruised and battered husband with a steely glare.

For years, she'd endured the Everly family's scorn because she couldn't get pregnant. Thinking of all the humiliation she'd suffered, Salome could barely contain her fury—if she could, she'd have torn the whole rotten clan apart.

Derrick's eyes darted away, his face darkening as he raised his voice defensively. "What explanation? Salome, I'm telling you, there's nothing wrong with me—my health is just fine."

"We'll see about that," Citrine interjected, her tone flat. She strode straight toward him, her intentions clear.

"Stay away from me!" Derrick's expression changed in an instant. He instinctively backed away several steps, panic flickering in his eyes as he stared at Citrine. "W-What are you doing?"

He still remembered how ruthless she'd been the last time she'd laid hands on him. The thought alone left him trembling—how could a girl be stronger than most men?

Ignoring his protests, Citrine reached him and grabbed his arm with surprising force. She pressed her fingers to his wrist, holding it there for a long moment before finally letting go.

Derrick barely had time to relax before Citrine seized his jaw.

"Open your mouth." Her voice was utterly devoid of warmth, and the way she looked at Derrick was as if he were little more than a specimen.

His jaw aching, Derrick complied, opening his mouth without protest.