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."

snapped, pointing at Raymond. "You plan

Citrine replied, clear and

and Norton's faces

hold back, shaking his head in disbelief. "Citrine,

laughed, the absurdity of

should never have brought you back to the States. You've brought

should have brought

the smile slipping from

was numb, but suddenly,

strange, almost manic smile flickered in her eyes. "But I'm

forcing her trembling shoulders to

anyone would have guessed that Citrine was a pampered heiress-but only she knew the darkness and chaos

was the first to notice something was wrong. His eyes chilled

you and your foolish son should get your eyes checked," Raymond said, voice icy. "And keep your filthy assumptions to

"She's my biological daughter."

realizing they'd jumped to the wrong conclusion. For a moment, neither could find

in disbelief.

couldn't believe Citrine was Raymond's daughter. "Your

background-nothing had ever

the test results sent to you, Mr. Iverson. Believe it or