The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 28

As soon as she stepped out of the police station, Citrine was stopped at the entrance by Amelia.

"I'll wait for you in the car," Raymond said, casting a glance at Citrine. He headed to the parking lot, leaving the two women alone.

Now it was just the two of them standing by the entrance.

"It was your choice to get involved. I'm not going to apologize, and I don't feel guilty about it."

Citrine was the first to break the uneasy silence. She knew that after today, she was likely to lose this friend.

A restless irritation simmered in her chest, making her words come out sharper than she intended.

After a moment, she added, "I told you I'd have your back. The Chase family won't ever be a threat to you or your family. That much, I can promise."

Amelia's heart twisted with guilt. She hurried to reassure her, "Citrine, I never asked you to apologize. And there's no reason for you to feel guilty."

She had never blamed Citrine for any of it.

Citrine had always tried to help her, but her own family never appreciated it. In the end, for the sake of money, they signed the settlement papers. Now it was Amelia who felt she'd let Citrine down.

"From now on, just pretend you don't know me at school. I can't promise there won't be another family like the Chases who'll try to make things hard for you."

if she were a

never seen Citrine so resolute

push her away, but the look

truly understood her. And her heart ached

smiled at her, just like she used

I ever pretend I don't

see

froze for a beat, the distance in her eyes melting away. Genuine warmth spread across her face in a rare,

They were still friends.

"See you tomorrow."

rumors spread like wildfire. People speculated that the Chases must have seriously offended the Carmichaels, and one by one, their business partners began

shareholders started demanding their money back. The entire Chase family business

could think of, but nothing helped. He looked as if he'd aged

any worse, but the next day, news broke that Chase Group Holdings had stolen research from a

chart listing every company whose work

straight to the top of the trending

days later, another bombshell dropped: Chase Group

happened to see the news at the same moment

had the paperwork done-Chase Group Holdings is now under