The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 32

Everyone assumed it was Citrine who started the fire-that she'd tried to kill Jeanette.

Overnight, she became the Iverson family's pariah.

Later, when she went back to school, Citrine sought out Alicia, and Alicia promised she'd come to the house that night to testify on her behalf.

That evening, Citrine was in high spirits; finally, she would clear her name. But reality was cruel.

The girl who once stood by her side through everything-Alicia-pointed at her and said, word by word, "It was her. She's the one who tried to burn Jeanette alive."

The last light in Citrine's eyes flickered out.

From that moment on, she lost her left ear-and her best friend.

Citrine pulled herself out of the memory.

Suddenly, she laughed.

her voice tinged with bitterness. Betrayal was the one

on me?" Citrine shook her head. "The Chase family brought this on themselves. Their downfall is their own doing-it

she hated Alicia, but taking down Chase Group Holdings, acquiring everything they owned-none of

interested in what the Chase

Alicia's voice trembled. She already knew the answer, but

risked

her own parents might not have done the same. Citrine didn't hesitate

In that moment, regret

was afraid if she didn't say it,

saw Citrine. Over time, that guilt twisted into something darker. She started to resent

hated that Citrine ended their

her pick fights, bully and provoke Citrine

by bit, she became more like the rest of the Chase

girl she'd once been seemed like a

come this far-there

mean to lie back

laid everything out for Citrine. "My dad forced me. He said Jeanette was the real Iverson heiress, and if I didn't lie to protect her, if I crossed the Iversons, he'd throw Mom and me out of the family. He'd let his mistress and her son move