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 that had been wound tight

latching onto me, aren't you?"

give her words

that he realized Citrine had been following him the

been tailing me this whole time?" he

Citrine nodded.

know how dangerous that is?" For once, Sawyer found

you live? I'll take

upset, Citrine

in a narrow alley, overflowing with trash and

in a rundown apartment

home," Citrine said, knocking on

man swung the door open and immediately

cursed, demanding, "You useless

herself up, pulled a handful

He grabbed a chair from the

landing a punch squarely on the man's

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

face.

contacting the police, he learned

no other choice, Sawyer took her home

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

new mom and dad?" Sawyer asked