The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 31

Citrine waved frantically at Sawyer, her voice desperate. "Dad! Help us!"

Sawyer heard her and turned in their direction, about to rush over-when, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Jeanette on the other side of the room.

He stopped short.

In that instant, Citrine's heart shot into her throat.

The fire had grown too fierce-there was only time to save one of them.

Sawyer's gaze lingered on Citrine, and in that look, she saw all of his inner turmoil laid bare. But the moment passed; his decision hardened, and he turned away, running straight toward Jeanette.

Citrine knew, with a cold certainty, that she had been abandoned again.

As Sawyer carried Jeanette through the flames to safety, Citrine gave up any hope that he would turn back for her.

The fire roared, closing in. There was no time to feel hurt-she barely had time to think at all.

her arms, was choking on the thick smoke, her eyes squeezed shut, her small

she caught sight of a window in the far corner.

back into the bedroom, grabbed a blanket, soaked it in

she urged, shaking her

I'm so tired. I think I'm going to die." Alicia's voice

promise," Citrine said, kneeling down and

by shaky step, the slight, determined girl carried her friend toward the

deafening crash sounded behind them-an explosion sent a shockwave through

pale. Instinctively, she twisted around,

blast-this one even closer. Blood trickled from Citrine's

she somehow forced herself up, wrapped Alicia in the damp blanket, and, with every ounce of strength

have called for help, because soon after, an ambulance arrived and whisked them

in a hospital bed-alone. Not a single familiar face sat at her

but his words were merciless. "Sweetheart,

much. But hearing it out loud, the grief crashed over her, and she wept alone in that sterile room

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