The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 13

His daughter had become Raymond's daughter.

The realization struck Sawyer like a blow to the chest a dull, lingering ache he couldn't ignore.

For some reason, his mind drifted back to memories of Citrine as a child.

Back then, Sawyer had nothing-no money, no connections. He was just starting his company, which had already lost a fortune on its first projects, leaving him drowning in debt. He spent months in a haze of despair, convinced he'd reached rock bottom.

That was when he met Citrine.

One night, after drinking far too much, he stumbled down the street on his way home. That's when he saw young Citrine.

She couldn't have been more than three, dressed in ragged clothes that made her look like a little street urchin. Head held high, she called out to him.

"Daddy."

Her eyes sparkled-bright and clear, as if holding a whole galaxy inside.

Sawyer had never dealt with such a young child before. For the first time in a long while, he stopped in his tracks.

He answered, his tone oddly serious, "Kid, I'm not your dad."

Citrine stared back at him, her gaze far too wise for her age. "But could you be?" she asked.

Worried he wouldn't believe her, she went on, "My dad says I'm a burden, so he hates me. I want a new dad. Could you be my dad?"

honesty loosened something in Sawyer's chest, easing the tension

really latching onto me, aren't

give her words

was nearly home that he realized

this whole time?" he

Citrine nodded.

how dangerous that is?" For once, Sawyer found

you live? I'll take you

he was upset,

alley, overflowing with trash and

lived in a rundown apartment building at the

home," Citrine said, knocking on

could react, a man swung the door open and immediately kicked

demanding, "You useless brat, where's my

flinched. She just picked herself up, pulled a handful of crumpled bills from

all?" the man growled, clearly unsatisfied. He grabbed a chair from the doorway

rushed forward, blocking the blow and landing a punch squarely

is wrong with you? She's your daughter!" Sawyer

but a worthless drain," the man spat, clutching his face. In the end, Sawyer couldn't get the

with someone like that. After contacting the police, he learned the grim truth: Citrine had

choice, Sawyer took her home with

debt-there were days when instant noodles were all he could afford. It was hardly the

like a new mom and dad?" Sawyer