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?"

chest, easing the tension

onto me, aren't

give her words

he was nearly home that he realized Citrine had

tailing me this whole time?" he

Citrine nodded.

how dangerous that is?" For once,

do you live? I'll

he was upset, Citrine mumbled an

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

rundown apartment building at the

is my home," Citrine said, knocking on

Sawyer could react, a man swung the door open

"You useless

herself up, pulled a handful of crumpled bills from

growled, clearly unsatisfied. He grabbed a chair from the doorway and

blow and landing a punch squarely

with you? She's your daughter!"

the man spat, clutching his face. In the end, Sawyer couldn't

leave Citrine with someone like that. After contacting the police, he learned the grim truth: Citrine had been trafficked and wasn't even the

no other choice, Sawyer took her home

instant noodles were

a new mom and dad?" Sawyer asked gently,