The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 542

May smiled and turned to Citrine. “President Carmichael, thank you. Thank you for giving us a chance to speak up.”

Citrine returned her smile, warm and gentle. “Don’t thank me. You should thank yourselves—for your courage.”

May blinked, a little taken aback. She hadn’t expected Citrine to say that. For a moment, she was at a loss for words.

President Carmichael wasn’t like any of the powerful, successful people May had ever imagined. Despite being one of the victims herself—long before any of them—she didn’t show a hint of sadness or bitterness. Instead, she stood at the press conference, lending her voice to all the other survivors. Even though she was already at the top, she still made sure the reporters protected the identities of ordinary people like May. Somehow, she truly understood what they felt.

May had read plenty of articles about this genius prodigy online: started her own business in high school, got into Crestwood University with the highest entrance exam score on record, published acclaimed research before even graduating, and not only was she a bestselling author, she was also a rising star in the business world.

Yet she was only eighteen—four years younger than May herself.

So young, and already she seemed to have everything. Her life looked like something out of a fairy tale.

May had never dreamed she’d one day be having a conversation with someone so brilliant, someone who seemed to exist in a completely different world.

Unable to help herself, she blurted out, “President Carmichael, you’re nothing like I imagined.”

Citrine suddenly laughed, her eyes bright with curiosity. “Oh? And what did you imagine I’d be like?”

May tilted her head, thinking for a moment. “Hmm... I pictured you as this fearless, sharp-minded CEO—someone who commands the boardroom and always knows exactly what to do.”

Citrine’s eyes widened in mock surprise. “Wait, isn’t that exactly what I am?” Hadn’t she always given off that impression?

May couldn’t help but find her expression endearing. She grinned. “Of course you are.”

Citrine started to relax, only for May to add, “But you’re also... a gentle soul. Like a guardian angel.”

Citrine pressed her lips together in a soft, thoughtful smile. She wanted to protest that she wasn’t nearly as good as May thought—but looking into May’s earnest eyes, the words caught in her throat.

“I’m really happy today,” May said quietly, her smile tinged with something bittersweet.

Today was her last day in this world. Meeting Citrine—her gentle guardian angel—felt like one final act of kindness from a world that hadn’t shown her much mercy. Not since her parents died had anyone treated her with such warmth.