The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 769 The next day, those soldiers who lived nearby went hto visit their families, while those farther away sent letters back.

Citrine, though, didn't go anywhere. She dreaded the thought of returning to either the Saunders or the Carmichael families, knowing all too well that they'd try to talk her out of leaving. So she simply stayed put.

She spent half the day tying up loose ends at the company, making sure everything was in order. Just as she was about to leave, Sebastian Vesper walked into her office.

"What is it?" Citrine asked, her brows knit with confusion. So much had happened lately that she'd almost forgotten what Sebastian had said to her back on Whisperwind Cay.

He placed a letter on her desk. "This is my resignation." She stared at him, stunned, and barely had a chance to respond before Sebastian continued, "This is a report on Stellaris Group's system vulnerabilities, along with their industry's weak spots. If CICI Group targets these areas, sooner or later you'll have Stellaris Group in the palm of your hand." Citrine's eyes widened in shock as he held out a flash drive, his long fingers steady and unflinching.

For a brief moment, she felt like she was dreaming.

She'd originally brought him into CICI Group with her own agenda. Later, she regretted it and asked him to leave, but he refused. Now, he was the one resigning and handing her the weaknesses of Stellaris Group on a silver platter.

Her chest tightened with a swirl of emotions she couldn't name.

"I don't want it," she said at last, her voice thick. She stared at him for a long time, but couldn't bring herself to take the flash drive.

Sebastian hesitated, frowning in confusion. "Why not? Isn't this what you wanted?" Citrine swallowed hard, then forced herself to apologize. "I'm sorry. I wasn't honest with you at the start-I used you. That's why I can't accept this." She made her stance clear.

But Sebastian was even more resolute.

Ignoring her protest, he grabbed her hand and pressed the flash drive into her palm.

"I know," he said softly. "But I did it willingly." After a pause, he added, "Besides, that chairman of Stellaris Group is no saint. If he ever tries to hurt you again, you'll have this. If he gives you trouble, let the whole Stellaris Group go down with him." Citrine just stared at him, her eyes stinging. What a fool, she thought. He didn't even realize he himself was the chairman of Stellaris Group.

"What's wrong?" Sebastian asked, unsettled by her expression. He'd never seen her like this before.

Citrine shook her head, steadying herself. "It's nothing. Didn't sleep well last night. My eyes are just tired." He saw through her excuse but didn't push.

"I'll finish my work today and won't cin tomorrow," he said quietly.

For a second, Citrine was lost for words, but she nodded quickly.

After leaving the office, Sebastian headed for the restroom. As he passed the stairwell, he overheard voices drifting from the landing.

He wasn't the type to eavesdrop, and was about to walk away, but paused when he heard Citrine's name.

A few female employees were chatting during their break.

V"Hey, did you notice President Carmichael today? The way she gave us instructions-it felt like she was saying her last words," one of them said.

"I know, right? She's seemed off all day. Maybe something's going on at home?" "Maybe. Why else would she go through the next five years' company goals and strategies in such detail?" "Exactly. She's never done that before. The way she talked-it was almost spooky, like she thought she might not be here much longer." "Ugh, President Carmichael has always treated us so well. Whatever's happening, I just hope she's okay." "Seriously. Without her, who's going to look out for us overworked grunts?" "Let's just hope it's nothing. Maybe we're reading too much into it." Just then, a low male voice startled them. "What are you talking about?" Sebastian strode up to them.

The look in his eyes was nothing like the gentle warmth he showed Citrine. Instead, his gaze was icy and intimidating.

Having worked under President

Vesper for years, the staff were used to his imposing presence, but today, they realized Citrine hadn't called him to the morning meeting. That small detail made them hesitate. Sebastian waited. When none of them spoke, his face hardened further. "I heard everything. Speak up."

Realizing there was no use hiding, one woman finally answered, "Mr. Vesper, President Carmichael called a meeting this morning. She went over CICI Group's plan for the next five years and gave us new assignments. That's all. The rest was just us speculating. Please don't worry about it." "Five years?" Sebastian repeated, taken aback.

His expression changed. He turned and left without another word.

When he reached Citrine's office, he was told she had already gone.

Panic started to rise in his chest. For her to lay out a five-year plan... something serious must have happened.

He pressed for information until someone finally told,hing which way Citrine had gone. Without hesitating, Sebastian rushed out after her.