The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress (Citrine) novel Chapter 368

Citrine ignored him. After straightening her clothes, she left the room without another word.

This time, Sebastian didn’t try to stop her.

She had barely made it downstairs when Carlotta appeared, carrying a fresh change of clothes.

The moment Carlotta caught sight of Citrine’s disheveled appearance, her face fell. Clearly worried, she rushed over. “Citrine, what happened to you?”

“It’s nothing. I just need to change.” Citrine took the clothes from her, not waiting for further questions, and slipped into the restroom.

Once she’d tidied up and changed, she emerged to find Carlotta waiting anxiously.

As soon as Citrine stepped out, Carlotta pressed her again. “Citrine, did someone hurt you?”

Citrine’s gaze darkened. “No, just ran into a lunatic. But don’t worry—I got out unscathed.”

In fact, compared to Sebastian, she’d come out ahead. After all, he was the one left with several nasty bite marks.

Realizing Citrine wasn’t in the mood to talk, Carlotta let the matter drop.

Together, they returned to the main hall, just as the representative from Stellaris Group took the stage.

It wasn’t Sebastian—this time it was a man in his thirties, sharply dressed and businesslike.

He wasted no time with pleasantries. His eyes swept the room, landing on Citrine and Carlotta with a smirk that was almost a sneer. “I assume by now you all know our chairman is the head of the Shadow Syndicate, so I’ll skip the introductions.”

Citrine blinked, surprised. So Sebastian had already shared their earlier exchange with this man.

Before she could dwell on it, the representative continued, “Our chairman has been watching CICI Group’s progress and is impressed. He’d like to formally invite CICI Group to join the Shadow Syndicate.”

Though he called it an invitation, his tone was anything but courteous. It was laced with arrogance, as if he was certain no sane person would refuse.

Citrine gave a cold laugh and replied without hesitation, “Sorry, but CICI Group isn’t interested.” The words had barely left her lips before murmurs erupted all around the hall.

“Is she insane? This is the Shadow Syndicate—people would kill for a chance like this.”