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. "You

replied, clear and

Norton's faces went

his head in disbelief. "Citrine, are you out of your mind? Raymond is over

absurdity of the moment breaking through

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

should have brought her

in Citrine's mind, the

was numb, but suddenly, it hurt more than

flickered in her eyes. "But I'm here

clenched her fists, forcing

that Citrine was a pampered heiress-but

eyes chilled as

your eyes checked," Raymond said, voice icy. "And keep your

"She's my biological daughter."

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

disbelief. "What did you just

couldn't believe Citrine was

investigated her background-nothing had

him a cold, almost mocking glance. "I'll have the test results sent to