The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 9

Clifford had spotted Citrine a while ago. Normally, she'd have rushed over, eager to please him; but today, she didn't even spare him a glance.

"Well, look who's grown a backbone," Clifford scoffed under his breath.

He couldn't stop thinking about how, just yesterday, she'd dared to kick him and call him worthless. His face darkened, his mood shifting from irritation to outright anger.

"Oh, Clifford, isn't that your little lapdog over there?" Laird followed Clifford's gaze, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "She's got some nerve now. How come she isn't glued to your side today?"

Gideon cast a fleeting, indifferent glance at Citrine before turning to Jeanette, serving her food with obvious affection.

Gideon and Laird were Clifford's closest friends-they were thick as thieves, practically inseparable. They treated Jeanette, Clifford's younger sister, as if she were a precious gem.

Thinking back to yesterday's humiliation, Clifford simmered with resentment. Hearing his friends mock Citrine, he didn't bother to stop them; in fact, he took a bit of twisted pleasure in it.

Maybe it was time Citrine learned her lesson.

He let out a cold huff. "She deserves to be ignored for a few days. Let her stew in it; she'll come crawling back, begging for forgiveness."

and a sly

just upset with me. Let me go apologize to her,"

warm and doting. "You did nothing wrong, Jeanette. She's the one who crossed the

you, the real

her hair affectionately,

one at fault if anyone's apologizing,

Give it a few days-Citrine will

home, I'll be happy," Jeanette replied,

softened at his thoughtful sister, and his exasperation

Laird wasn't done. A flicker

her with a smug authority. "Citrine, Jeanette's thirsty. Go get her a

too far?" Amelia shot to her feet, her expression icy. She'd never liked how Clifford and

Amelia's forehead and sneered, "And who asked for your

without hesitation,

was swift-almost too fast

say, say it. Keep your hands to yourself," she snapped, quietly stepping in front of Amelia, shielding

he finally found his voice, it was hoarse with