RankNovelChapter 118 Citrine finished her call, her tone brisk and confident. "Alright, sweetheart, lethandle it from here." She hung up, setting her phone aside just as Regina-who'd been watching Citrine's so-called business call with growing amusement-burst out laughing. "Oh, con, Citrine, did you rope someone into this little charade of yours?" she teased. "You have to admit, you're quite the actress. That performance was almost convincing!" Regina laughed so hard she doubled over.
Just then, a notification chimed on Salome's phone. She glanced down, surprise flickering across her face. "Wait- JR's official account just posted an update!" The post read: *"Liking your bag? The new one's already on its way. @CICI"* Beneath the message was a photo- Salome's exact handbag.
Regina's curiosity got the better of her. She pulled out her own phone and checked JR's feed. When she saw the post, her grin widened. "Well, Citrine, looks like the original bag's already been given away. The one you gave Auntie must be a fake." Citrine, scrolling through her phone as well, simply arched an eyebrow and offered a sly, almost impish smile. "Maybe you should check who JR actually tagged in that post?" she suggested, her voice sweet but edged with mischief.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtRegina scoffed, crossing her arms. "What, you think they tagged you? Just because your name's Citrine doesn't mean you're CICI. Brands like JR are way out of reach—even for the Carmichaels. There's no way you, of all people, could get close." She couldn't believe, no matter what, that Citrine had any real connection to JR. If even the Carmichael family had no access, how could Citrine, whose own family was far less influential? But Citrine only smiled and turned her phone around, showing Regina the screen. "Actually, it is me." Weston and Salboth crowded in for a look.
"It really is," Salmurmured, exchanging a stunned glance with Weston. Shock was written all over their faces as they spoke in unison, "No way." Regina snatched Citrine's phone out of her hand, scrolling quickly through the messages. Sure enough, there it was: a direct interaction between JR Group and Citrine. She stared at the message, her face draining of color. How could this be possible? How could that woman possibly have a connection with JR? And then, as the realization sank in-remembering the promise she'd made Citrine earlier-Regina's face went from pale to ashen.
"Citrine, I'm so sorry. I was wrong to doubt you," Salsaid, her voice trembling with regret. The shock hadn't quite faded, but she was genuinely remorseful for having doubted her niece.
"It's fine," Citrine replied, unbothered.
Just then, the Carmichael family's housekeeper approached, leading a small group of people into the room.
At their head was a sharply dressed woman in a white tailored suit, her hair pulled back in a sleek chignon. She exuded an air of effortless authority.
"Ms. Tyler?" Salblurted in disbelief.
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Most of the Carmichaels didn't recognize the woman, but Salcertainly did it was Adelina Tyler, the younger sister of JR's chairman, newly returned to the country to serve as president of the company's domestic branch.
Adelina didn't spare a glance for anyone else. She strode straight straightm toward Citrine, "Citrine, it's been too long I've missed you," she said warmly. Then she added, "So has my sister." "I've missed you both, too." Citrine's eyes softened, warmth flickering across her face at the sight of an old friend.
Adelina lifted a hand, prompting her team to deposit their armfuls of shopping bags at Citrine's feet.
"These are JR's latest exclusives," Adelina announced. "Just so no one questions your authenticity, my sister and thought we'd bring a few by to set the record straight." Her gaze turned icy as she glanced pointedly at Regina. "Thank you, Adelina," Citrine replied, slightly overwhelmed at the sight of so many luxury bags, but her heart full all the same.
Adelina waved away her thanks with a smile. "No need for gratitude. What's ours is yours."
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