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."

at her, her voice distant and flat, as if she were a

never seen

right things to push her away, but the look in her

Amelia felt she truly

smiled at her, just like she

my best friend. Why would I ever pretend I don't know you?" she said, her voice steady

see you

eyes melting away. Genuine warmth spread across her face in

They were still friends.

"See you tomorrow."

years. When the Carmichael family abruptly announced they were cutting ties, rumors spread like wildfire. People speculated that the Chases must have

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

night, Johnnie Chase had begged every contact he could think of, but nothing helped. He looked as if he'd aged

possibly get any worse, but the next day, news broke that

listing every

straight to the top of

bombshell dropped: Chase Group

the news at the same

the paperwork done-Chase Group Holdings is now under your name," Ogden's voice boomed with pride over the