The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 493

The moment Hilda caught wind of the murmurs rippling through the crowd, she curved her lips into a gracious smile and addressed everyone without a trace of embarrassment. “Forgive me for showing up uninvited tonight,” she said warmly. “I simply admire President Carmichael so much that I couldn’t resist. I hope you’ll all understand.”

After speaking, Hilda turned to Talbot, who stood nearby, and smiled playfully. “President Glenwood, I hope you don’t mind my lack of decorum?”

“Not at all,” Talbot replied with a polite but insincere smile. “It’s a pleasure to have President Saunders here—it’s more than I could wish for.”

Without the slightest concern for appearances, Hilda, Monica Wade, and another companion clustered around Citrine, completely ignoring the Glenwood family patriarch and even Scales, the host. They hadn’t even bothered to bring a gift, making it plain as day: tonight, the Saunders family was here to announce their alliance with CICI Group.

Everyone present was sharp enough to read the room. The Saunders family had come to this party uninvited, and their only intention was to declare their support for CICI Group’s young chairwoman.

It was clear—the Saunders had chosen their side.

The guests were all seasoned players. Seeing the Saunders family patriarch so willing to back CICI Group, they were forced to reevaluate Citrine, the eighteen-year-old girl who had built the company into a juggernaut.

Across the room, Jeanette glared at Citrine, who was now surrounded by admirers. Her jaw clenched so hard it seemed she might crack a tooth.

Noticing Jeanette’s glare, Scales followed her gaze, then let out a hearty laugh. “Go on, join them. You young folks should mingle and have some fun together.”

Jeanette hesitated, pressing her lips together. “Grandpa, I’d rather stay here with you.”

He chuckled again. “You’re thoughtful, but I’m just an old man. Keeping me company is hardly exciting. Besides, all the young people here tonight are from good families. Go, make some friends—it’ll do you good.”

She paused, then nodded. “Alright, Grandpa, I’ll go.” With a final glance toward Citrine and her entourage, Jeanette’s eyes darkened.

“Go on,” Scales urged.

Leaving Scales’ side, Jeanette squared her shoulders and made her way toward the group around Citrine.

She’d overheard Scales earlier: the woman by Citrine’s side was Hilda, the head of the Saunders family, and the two young people behind her were Hilda’s niece and nephew.