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."

obvious displeasure, and a sly smile tugged

sure Citrine is just upset with me. Let me go apologize

reached over and gently patted Jeanette's head, his tone warm and doting. "You did nothing wrong, Jeanette. She's the one who crossed the

"Exactly. Why should you, the real

approving look, ruffling her hair affectionately,

at fault if anyone's

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

Clifford. As long as she comes home, I'll be happy," Jeanette replied, her eyes wide and

his thoughtful sister, and

wasn't done. A flicker

to Citrine, looking down at her with

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

jabbed a finger at Amelia's forehead and sneered,

set down her fork and, without hesitation, slapped Laird hard across

too fast

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

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