The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 634

Crestwood Medical Research Center

That night, Citrine woke up.

The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes was Raymond and Hilda sitting by her bedside.

Though her body was frail and weak, the sight of her parents brought a soft light to her eyes. With effort, she managed a faint smile, a wave of warmth washing over her.

“Dad… Mom.” Her voice was barely more than a whisper as she looked at them.

Raymond was slumped forward on her bed. Usually so meticulous, he now had dark circles under his eyes, a rough stubble he hadn’t bothered to shave, and his suit was wrinkled and rumpled. He looked utterly haggard, the picture of exhaustion.

Hilda, on the sofa nearby, seemed just as worn. The commanding presence she was known for had vanished, leaving only pallor and helplessness.

They must have been keeping vigil for days. They must be exhausted, Citrine thought, her gaze softening with emotion.

She struggled to reach for the light blanket beside her, wanting to drape it over Raymond’s shoulders. Just as she was about to cover him, he stirred awake and sat up abruptly, sending the blanket tumbling to the floor.

“Citrine,” he exclaimed, voice trembling with excitement. All traces of fatigue vanished from his face.

Hilda, startled by the commotion, woke as well. She looked toward the bed, then leapt up, barely holding back tears.

“Citrine, you’re awake!”

Her eyes were red-rimmed, her voice thick with emotion as she staggered to the bedside.

“Dad… Mom,” Citrine repeated, her voice as soft as before.