The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 6

There was a heavy silence, stretching on for what felt like forever.

Suddenly, an idea flickered in her eyes, steely and resolute. "You might not believe me," she said, "but the Carmichael family might."

"You're threatening me?" Raymond let out a short, incredulous laugh.

In all his thirty-some years, no one had ever dared to threaten him—least of all a scrawny slip of a girl.

But Raymond knew his father, Weston Carmichael, valued profit above all. The elder Carmichael was obsessed with the medical robotics project, and whether or not there was a blood tie, just that project alone would make the old man keep this girl around.

She'd clearly done her homework on the Carmichael family before coming here. Raymond studied the child before him, his gaze darkening. Clever kid.

Adler, standing nearby, barely dared to breathe. He'd never seen anyone so reckless as to threaten President Carmichael-especially not a child.

He could only hope his boss would show her some mercy.

"So what if I am threatening you?" Citrine didn't bother to deny it. She knew she wasn't above using whatever means she had.

Her childhood had taught her: you only survived if you fought with everything you had.

Those clear eyes locked onto him, and a sharp, unbidden pain twisted in Raymond's chest. The feeling—so out of his control-irritated him.

His chest had been hurting a lot lately. He'd even gone to the hospital several times, but the doctors could never find anything wrong.

He grew impatient. "Do you have any idea what happens to people who cross me?"

you want to

stoop to

to fall at some point. Standing alone in the downpour, Citrine stared at the well-dressed

had nothing. If Raymond wanted her dead, she

was as insignificant

law to abandon your child!" she shouted at

take her home, Citrine turned and strode into the pouring rain, her shoulders squared

now this final rejection, all her strength seemed to

disappeared into the downpour, Raymond's chest seized with pain worse than

in his dreams blurred together with

unable to hide his sympathy. "Sir... are

and frowned. "What

"It's late, she could get into trouble out there..." Raymond hesitated, then waved a hand, his voice

leaving. She sat there, watching the ebb and flow of strangers outside, lost

snapped her

President Carmichael would like

was sharp-she recognized

Was Raymond

followed Adler to the sleek black

forehead, looking pale and drawn. Citrine glanced at him, then quickly looked

gaze, Raymond turned to look at

first thing he noticed wasn't the stubborn set of her jaw; it was the discreet black hearing aid

through his chest. Before he could think, he blurted

hear anymore," Citrine replied, her voice flat as she shrugged. Whether she truly didn't