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.

I hate you?" she said, her voice tinged with bitterness. Betrayal was the one thing she despised

her lip, then pressed on, "So this is why you're taking revenge on me?" Citrine shook her head. "The Chase family brought this on themselves. Their downfall is their own

down Chase Group Holdings, acquiring everything they owned-none

in what

voice trembled. She already knew the answer, but

once risked her life

Citrine didn't hesitate for

gave a bitter, broken smile. In that moment, regret washed over

years, she'd owed Citrine an apology. Now, she was afraid if she didn't say it, she'd

that day, guilt gnawed at her every time she saw Citrine. Over time, that guilt twisted into something darker. She

Citrine ended their friendship

hatred festered, warped her, made her pick fights, bully and provoke Citrine at

bit, she became more like the rest

kind, gentle girl she'd once been seemed like a

far-there was

didn't mean to lie

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