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?"

something in Sawyer's chest, easing the tension

me, aren't you?" he replied,

give her

was nearly home that he realized Citrine had been following him the

me this whole time?" he asked,

Citrine nodded.

dangerous that is?" For once, Sawyer found

live? I'll take

he was upset,

home was in a narrow alley, overflowing with trash and reeking

rundown apartment building

home," Citrine said, knocking on the

door open

cursed, demanding, "You useless brat, where's

picked herself up, pulled a handful of

He grabbed a

and landing a punch squarely on the man's

wrong with you? She's your daughter!" Sawyer shouted, jabbing a finger at

a worthless drain," the man spat, clutching his face.

learned the grim truth: Citrine had been trafficked and wasn't

Sawyer took her home

were days when instant noodles were all he could afford. It was hardly the life

mom and dad?" Sawyer asked