The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress (Citrine) novel Chapter 759

The mood in the room shifted instantly after Citrine finished speaking. The guests who’d been hostile a moment ago suddenly changed their tune.

Mrs. Black’s face was ashen with anger. She shot a furious look at her youngest son, who had just stopped crying, and scolded him sharply. “This is what happens when you don’t listen! You ruined your brother’s birthday party.”

But that wasn’t enough to vent her frustration. She stormed over and slapped the chubby boy several times. He let out a wail. “Mom, how could you hit me? I hate you!” With that, he turned and ran out of the room.

For a brief moment, a flicker of regret crossed Mrs. Black’s eyes as she watched her son disappear. But when she turned back to face Curry Black, her expression hardened, her eyes colder than ever.

She snapped at him, “Are you happy now?”

Curry’s face went pale. He looked at his mother, opened his mouth, and said with pain in his voice, “Sometimes I really wonder if I’m actually your son.”

Mrs. Black let out a cold, humorless laugh. “Frankly, I wish you weren’t. Both of you are my children, but when I was pregnant with you, nothing ever went right. When I was expecting your brother, that’s when our family finally prospered. Face it, Curry—you’ve always been nothing but bad luck.”

The words “bad luck” seemed to strike Curry like a blow. His eyes darkened, and he clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. He tried to speak, but no words came out.

That’s when Citrine stepped in, her voice bright and easy. She smiled at Curry. “Hey, it’s your birthday. Let’s cut the cake.”

Wade Saunders chimed in, grinning. “Yeah, come on! I’ve been waiting all day for this.”

Their voices seemed to thaw the ice in Curry’s heart, if only a little. He managed a grateful smile and reached for the knife.

Citrine and Wade exchanged glances, each waiting for the other to make the first cut. The moment hung in the air—until it was shattered by a booming announcement from the hall: “Mr. Griffin has arrived!”

From across the room, Bartley Black could be seen hustling toward a young man with an air of deference, practically bowing as he greeted him. Bartley ushered the newcomer inside, his voice raised for the entire room to hear.

“Mr. Griffin, it’s a true honor to have you here for my son’s birthday. When I sent the invitation, I never dreamed you’d be able to make it, considering your busy schedule. I can’t thank you enough—it really means a lot to us.”

He was practically shouting, as if worried someone might miss the point.