The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 662

The sting on her cheek was burning, but suddenly, Leda had a new idea.

Right in front of everyone, she collapsed dramatically to the floor, clutching her face and wailing, “Ms. Carmichael, how could you hit me? Even if I accidentally knocked over the cake, you can’t just slap me!”

Her voice rang out loud and shrill, her cries exaggerated and desperate, drawing a crowd almost instantly.

People began murmuring, each with their own reaction.

“Wow, and here I thought the Saunders family’s heiress was some kind of saint. Turns out she’s an abuser at heart. Who hits someone over a piece of cake?”

“It was just an accident—a cake can be replaced! But hitting someone? That’s completely out of line.”

In the midst of lively conversation with a few guests, Hilda heard the commotion. Her brow furrowed as she made her way over.

She spotted Leda sitting on the floor and couldn’t help but ask, “Leda, why are you sitting there?”

Hearing the concern in Hilda’s voice, Leda felt a surge of satisfaction. She’d always known Ms. Saunders cared about her. So what if Citrine was her real daughter? They’d only been reunited for a few days—how much affection could there possibly be?

Ms. Saunders and her mother had been lifelong friends, and Hilda had treated Leda almost like her own child, covering all her expenses every year. Every summer, Leda would stay with Ms. Saunders for weeks at a time; once, Hilda had even talked about making her an official goddaughter.

With all that love, surely that wouldn’t change just because her real daughter had come back.

She was about to set the record straight when she suddenly caught sight of her daughter’s eyes. Citrine looked uncertain, anxious, and deeply worried.

Hilda understood at once—her daughter must think she’d take Leda’s side.

Afraid Citrine might misunderstand further, Hilda felt an urgent need to reassure her.

Turning to Leda, her voice frosty as ice, she snapped, “Enough.”

Then, fixing her gaze on her daughter standing quietly to the side, she said gently but firmly, “Citrine, tell me exactly what happened. I only trust your word.”