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 that had been

you're really latching onto me, aren't

he didn't give her words

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

this whole time?" he asked,

Citrine nodded.

is?" For once,

you live? I'll take you

he was upset,

was in a narrow alley, overflowing with trash and

a rundown apartment building at

Citrine said, knocking on

door open and immediately kicked Citrine out onto the

useless brat, where's

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

a chair from the doorway and swung it at

the blow and landing a punch squarely on

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

spat, clutching his face. In the end,

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

Sawyer

noodles were all he could afford. It was

mom and dad?" Sawyer asked gently, holding