The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 428

Monica stared at Hilda in disbelief. “What? You want to leave now?”

“Now,” Hilda repeated, her tone brooking no argument.

Monica felt a crushing pressure settle over her. She had no choice but to get up and follow.

It wasn’t until they’d paid the bill and stepped outside that Monica finally voiced her frustration. “Aunt Hilda, why didn’t you push a little harder? If we just insisted, maybe Citrine would have agreed to the paternity test.” Her disappointment was obvious.

Hilda’s face returned to its usual icy composure as she looked at Monica.

“Foolish,” she said coldly.

“She already did the test. Before we ever got involved, she knew exactly who she was.”

“She denied being my daughter just now, but refused to take another test with me. That alone tells you she’s hiding something. And when the test came up, did you notice her expression? It changed, just for a second. From the start, she’s been too calm—like she’s in complete control.”

Hilda’s voice was resolute. “All of this proves one thing: she knows everything. But she doesn’t want to acknowledge me.”

A flicker of sadness passed through Hilda’s eyes.

When they got back, Hilda drove straight to the Glenwood estate.

Talbot was out by the pond, fishing. When he saw Hilda approach, he lazily handed his rod to a waiting staff member.

He gave her a slow, knowing smile. “Well, well, President Saunders. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Hilda ignored the pleasantries. “Talbot, I heard you’ve been meddling with Citrine Carmichael.”

Talbot’s expression changed instantly. “How do you know about that? Wait—you actually know her?”

Hilda hesitated, thinking of her daughter who still refused to acknowledge her. After a moment, she said flatly, “She’s under my protection. You’re not to touch her.”

Talbot let out a mirthless laugh. “Your protection? Since when does President Saunders have ties to the Carmichaels? They only moved here from Havencrest last year.”