The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 27

Raymond arrived at the police station, and the officers didn't waste a second before filling him in on everything that had happened.

Even though he'd steeled himself for bad news, his heart still skipped a beat when he heard just how bold Citrine had been-marching over here all by herself. He almost scolded her on the spot, but the moment he caught sight of her, the words died on his lips.

Johnnie barely reacted when he heard someone come in, but when he realized who it was, all the arrogance drained from his face. Instead, his expression shifted, cycling rapidly through surprise, panic, and dread.

Why on earth was Raymond Carmichael here?

In Havencrest, you could pick a fight with almost anyone-but if you messed with Raymond, you were asking for disaster.

What was his connection to this penniless girl?

Forcing a strained smile, Johnnie's nerves were on edge as he glanced at Raymond and asked, "President Carmichael, what brings you here?"

Raymond's reply was ice-cold. "It seems Mr. Chase thought he could bully my daughter. How could I not show up?"

Both Johnnie and Alicia turned pale at once.

"Citrine is your daughter?" Alicia blurted out, her voice trembling.

so she knew exactly who he was. But wasn't he supposed to be single? Since when did he have

a chilling stare. "You certainly raised quite the daughter,

and slapped Alicia

he turned back to Raymond. "President Carmichael, this is all just a misunderstanding. Kids fooling around, that's all. Surely a man like you won't

Alicia a look.

pride, Alicia lowered her

Alicia's apology meant nothing-it wasn't remorse, just a recognition that the Chase

them both

child?" Johnnie snapped, his frustration boiling over as he

pressed a hand to her stinging cheek, fighting back tears, but she didn't dare make

had taken a nosedive in recent years; they couldn't afford another

Johnnie's eyes. Suddenly, he dropped to his knees

Ms. Carmichael, it was my foolish daughter's mistake. Please, I'm

If she wanted to show mercy, he

in the room was suffocating. Then Citrine's

"No."

life, right after she'd graduated high school, the