The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 680

Herschel glanced at Nigel, whose expression was a tangled mess of emotions. He knew exactly what was running through his son’s mind, so he took the initiative. “Let’s find somewhere private to talk. There are things I’ve wanted to tell you face-to-face for a long time.”

After all these years, it was time to clear up the misunderstandings between them.

Nigel was clearly surprised by Herschel’s sudden olive branch, but he didn’t refuse.

They left the gallery and found a quiet, tucked-away bistro.

Nigel had no appetite for food and didn’t bother with pleasantries. “All right, let’s hear it. What do you want to say to me?” His voice was tinged with impatience.

A fleeting look of bitterness crossed Herschel’s face, but he quickly masked it.

Remembering what Citrine had told him, Herschel steeled himself and spoke. “Back then, before the firefighters arrived, I only had time to save one person—or else both of you would have died.”

At the mention of that night, Nigel’s face lost a shade of color.

If Herschel hadn’t brought it up now, Nigel would have spent the rest of his life refusing to speak of that painful memory.

Herschel went on, “Nigel, I made the decision to save Hilda first because I had to think rationally. She was closer to the door. Getting her out was the only chance for at least one of you to survive.”

The mask of calm on Nigel’s face finally cracked. He let out a cold, bitter laugh, no longer hiding the resentment that had simmered for years. “Of course. You’ve always favored my sister. So it made perfect sense to leave me behind.”

Herschel had always known that Nigel resented him, but only today did he realize just how deep that wound went.