The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 492

He smiled warmly. “So this is Jeanette, isn’t it? Come here, sweetheart.”

Jeanette’s face lit up. She hurried over to Scales, her voice sweet as honey. “Grandpa.”

Scales chuckled, clearly delighted. “What a good girl. Your father’s told me all about you—hard to believe this is the first time we’re meeting.”

Jeanette replied, “I’ve heard Dad talk about you often, too.”

—

Just a few casual words, and the two seemed as close as real grandfather and granddaughter.

“All right, let’s head inside,” the old man said, not giving Talbot a chance to protest. He motioned for Jeanette to wheel him in, and they disappeared into the house together.

Once Scales was gone, Talbot shot Dick a severe glare, warning in a low voice, “I haven’t told Dad about your messes yet, but you’d better behave yourself today. If he hears about your sleazy business and gets upset, I’m not letting you off the hook.”

For Scales’s birthday celebration, the Glenwood family had invited half the town’s elite—including Citrine.

Ever since learning Citrine’s true identity, Talbot had been plagued by regret. He’d tried several times to arrange a private meeting to clear up the misunderstanding, but each attempt had been rebuffed.

He’d sent a formal invitation to Citrine for today’s party, fully expecting she’d decline. To his surprise, she actually showed up.

When Citrine arrived, Jeanette was leaning in close to Scales, the two of them whispering like old friends, bonded as if by blood.

Citrine watched the scene, a faint smile playing at her lips.

Just then, Jeanette glanced up and caught Citrine’s eye. There was a brief pause, then Jeanette flashed a smug, triumphant grin.

What an idiot.

Citrine gave her a single cool look and turned away.

Most of the guests were Crestwood’s most prominent figures. Citrine’s rise was already local legend, and with CICI Group now a major power, nearly everyone wanted to curry favor with the young chairwoman.

As soon as Citrine stepped in, a small crowd gathered around.