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.

hate you?" she said, her voice tinged with

you're taking revenge on me?" Citrine shook her head. "The

down Chase Group Holdings, acquiring everything they

only interested in what the Chase family

She already knew the answer, but saying it

all, Citrine had once risked her

done the same. Citrine didn't hesitate for a second; she crushed Alicia's

bitter, broken smile. In that

an apology. Now, she was afraid if she didn't say it, she'd never get another chance. "I'm sorry." The words came out years

saw Citrine. Over time, that guilt twisted

Citrine ended their friendship

her, made her pick fights,

became more like the rest

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

far-there was nothing left

mean to lie

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.