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."

brother, noting his obvious displeasure, and a sly smile

I'm sure Citrine is just upset with me. Let me go apologize to her," Jeanette said

his tone warm and doting. "You did nothing wrong, Jeanette. She's

should you, the real deal, have to apologize

her hair affectionately,

to apologize. She's the one at fault

few days-Citrine will come around. I'll make

home, I'll be happy," Jeanette replied, her eyes wide and

at his thoughtful sister, and

flicker of malice crossed his

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

her feet, her expression icy. She'd never liked how Clifford and his

a finger at Amelia's forehead and sneered, "And who asked for

fork and, without hesitation,

swift-almost too fast to

something to say, say it. Keep your hands to yourself," she

he finally found his voice, it was hoarse with rage. "You crazy bitch. How dare you hit