The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 585

As soon as Hilda stepped into the Carmichael home, she couldn’t help but search the crowd for that one familiar face she longed to see.

Raymond caught the look in her eyes right away. “Citrine’s out back, grilling with her friends.”

Hilda hesitated, asking softly, “Would it be alright if I joined them?”

“Of course.”

With Raymond’s reassuring nod, Hilda led Monica and Wade toward the backyard.

They had barely reached the patio when Hilda heard her daughter’s laughter.

“Big bro, that’s delicious! Make me another skewer!”

Citrine sounded so relaxed, so lighthearted—so different from how she usually acted around the adults. There was a spark in her eyes that Hilda hadn’t seen in a long time.

Hilda glanced at Travis with a tinge of envy.

Travis was the quintessential doting big brother; when his sister asked for food, he beamed with pride and immediately set to grilling more meat for her.

Monica and Wade watched the little scene unfold, both feeling a pang of jealousy. Weren’t they Citrine’s siblings too? And yet, somehow, Travis was the one she always turned to.

Wade huffed, narrowing his eyes at Travis. “Why does he get to be the big brother she calls for? I’m her brother too, but Citrine’s never called me ‘big bro’ even once.” His voice was tinged with genuine hurt.

“What’s so great about that guy anyway?” Wade muttered, glaring at Travis. “It’s just some grilled meat—big deal. I can do that too.”

Determined to prove himself, Wade marched over to Travis, drawing surprised looks from everyone.

Travis glanced up. “What are you doing here?” Citrine was startled to see Wade, but then she spotted Hilda and Monica approaching from across the yard.

“Happy birthday, Citrine.” Hilda’s eyes shimmered as she greeted her daughter, her voice catching with emotion.

“Happy nineteenth, Citrine!” Monica added, beaming.

“We brought you something.” Hilda handed Citrine a neatly wrapped present.