The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 12

Norton knew better than to go up against Raymond, so he clamped his mouth shut.

"Your people?" Sawyer's expression darkened, his attention caught by Raymond's last words.

Citrine actually knew Raymond.

Suppressing the questions swirling in his mind, Sawyer turned to Citrine. "What's your relationship with him?"

"That's none of your business." Citrine didn't even look up, eating her dinner as if he didn't exist.

Sawyer was infuriated by her indifference, suspicion nagging at him. He shot her an angry glare. "Citrine, you're coming home with me. Stop making a spectacle of yourself out here."

He reached out to grab her, only for Raymond to catch his arm in a firm grip. Raymond's voice was cold. "And who are you to her now, Mr. Iverson?"

"If I recall correctly, Citrine is only your adopted daughter. You severed ties not long ago."

Sawyer bristled. Family business like this shouldn't be aired in front of outsiders. "Mr. Carmichael, whatever happens, I'm still her father. This is a private matter- you don't need to get involved."

He turned back to Citrine. "Let's go."

Once, Sawyer had been the most important person in Citrine's life. Now, all she felt was a simmering irritation. "I'm not going anywhere with you. I've already cut ties with the Iversons. From now on, I'm just Citrine."

then?" Sawyer snapped, pointing at Raymond.

replied,

and Norton's

disbelief. "Citrine, are you out of your

couldn't help it—she actually laughed, the absurdity of the moment breaking through

should never have brought you back to the States. You've brought nothing but shame to

should have

words echoed in Citrine's mind, the

but suddenly, it hurt more

in her eyes. "But

clenched her fists, forcing her trembling

Citrine was a pampered heiress-but

was wrong. His eyes chilled as he silently stepped between Citrine and the others, shielding

eyes checked," Raymond

"She's my biological daughter."

to the wrong conclusion. For a moment, neither could find their

recovered first, staring in disbelief.

he couldn't believe Citrine was Raymond's

adopted her and investigated her background-nothing had ever led back to

glance. "I'll have the test results sent to you, Mr. Iverson. Believe it or not,