The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 89

An hour later, the doctor finally emerged.

He removed his mask and gave Raymond a reassuring nod. "The old gentleman's leg was treated professionally before he arrived, and thanks to the prompt care, he's out of danger now."

At those words, some of the tension in Raymond's furrowed brow eased.

Remembering his daughter's long, exhausting day, his tone softened a little. "Citrine, why don't you head home and get some rest? I'll stay here and look after things."

"All right." Citrine nodded.

Her stomach was already rumbling, and she'd been craving a decent meal. Besides, her grandfather had never been particularly fond of her, and she was in no mood to linger where she wasn't wanted.

After leaving the hospital, Citrine made her way to a favorite bistro she frequented.

It was already past seven, and the place was packed, every table bustling with laughter and clinking glasses. Luckily, Citrine was dining solo and didn't have to wait—she slipped right into a newly vacated seat.

She placed her order, then returned to her table and finally pulled out her phone.

It was the first real moment she'd had to herself all day.

Dozens of missed calls and over a hundred unread messages lit up her screen.

Raymond's earlier mention of trending news made her heart sink; she could already guess what it was about.

First, she called her grandfather to check in, then worked her way through the flood of messages.

By the time she finished replying, the food had begun to arrive. Citrine snapped a quick photo of her meal and sent it to her grandfather before finally digging in.

Halfway through her dinner, a noisy group burst in and took the table directly behind her.

Citrine glanced over with mild interest before turning her attention back to her food.

The newcomers had barely settled before one of them called out, loud and brash, "Where's the manager?"

Quentin Aldridge shed his earlier arrogance and spoke gently to Kali Glenwood, "Kali, I asked Sebastian to come out and join us. This should cheer you up, right?"

Kali's voice was cool and distant, clearly reluctant. "Is this really okay?"

Quentin, however, was putty in her hands.

At her mild protest, Quentin bristled. "Why wouldn't it be? That Sebastian should be grateful for your attention. Who does he think he is, turning you down?"

"Brother, this isn't right." Kali shifted her gaze to another man at the table, hoping for support.

Theo reached over and ruffled his sister's hair affectionately. "There's nothing wrong with it. Someone as wonderful as you deserves anything she wants. No matter what it is, I'll make sure you get it."

Kali smiled, touched. She leaned her head against Theo's shoulder. "You're always so good to me."

Just then, Sebastian emerged from the back room and locked eyes with Kali.