The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 25

Shards of glass littered the entryway, crunching under Citrine's shoes as she stepped inside. The whole restaurant was a disaster zone-pots and pans strewn everywhere, overturned tables and chairs lying in chaotic heaps across the floor.

Citrine took in the wreckage with a quick glance, reaching for her phone to call and find out where everyone was. Before she could dial, a sharp, piercing cry echoed from the private room at the back.

She turned and pushed the door open. Just as she expected, Alicia was lounging carelessly atop a dining table, flanked by several broad-shouldered men in black suits.

In the corner, Amelia crouched by herself. Her parents clung to a little boy, shielding him tightly in their arms as they sobbed. The looks they shot Amelia weren't those of worried parents, but the bitter, hateful glares of people staring down an enemy.

Citrine didn't linger on the scene. She quickly looked away from the family of three and strode over to Amelia, helping her to her feet. "Hey, honey, are you okay?"

As she spoke, Citrine's gaze swept over Amelia from head to toe, only relaxing when she saw there were no visible injuries.

"I'm fine, Citrine. Really," Amelia sniffled, her eyes rimmed with tears. She'd convinced herself Citrine wouldn't come-but here she was, danger and all.

reassured her did Citrine turn to Alicia. "What is it

in a few minutes

then suddenly smiled. "Because of

mind games Alicia was playing from the

answer was so direct that Alicia was caught off guard-this wasn't the reaction she'd expected. But she shrugged

blame onto Citrine. "If it weren't for you, I'd never have messed with the Lawsons. Amelia's only in this mess because she's friends with you. Don't

should I feel guilty?"

wall, her words faltering. Frustrated, she snapped, "If you hadn't

their restaurant. What does that have to do with me? Did I make you do any of this?" Citrine shot back, genuinely baffled by

a moment, Alicia had no comeback.

'best friend,' huh? You think she cares about you, but clearly, you're the

pressed her lips

you hadn't gotten involved with her, do you really think today