The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 38

Sawyer never would have guessed in a million years that the two fighting were actually his own son and daughter.

He entered the room, first speaking quietly with the teacher to get the gist of what had happened, before striding over to the pair.

"What on earth is going on with you two?" Sawyer tried to keep his voice down, but the anger bled through all the same.

Siblings brawling-what an embarrassment.

Just as he finished scolding them, Sawyer caught sight of the cut on Citrine's temple and frowned. "What happened to you?" he demanded.

He reached out a hand to examine the wound, but Citrine recoiled instantly, springing up from her seat and putting as much distance between them as possible.

Sawyer's hand hung awkwardly in the air, his expression freezing.

"Citrine, can we not do this right now?" he pleaded, exasperation heavy in his voice.

She'd lost count of how many times she'd heard that line. Now, it barely registered just another empty phrase.

Pointing at Clifford but speaking to Sawyer, Citrine said, "Mr. Iverson, your son is right there. I have nothing to do with you. My real father will pick me up soon." She made sure to stress the word "real."

Clifford rolled his eyes and scoffed, "Dad, did you hear that? Talk about biting the hand that feeds you."

hand

let out a sharp

with your family all these years, but I've paid my own way—clothes, food, everything. My allowance? I earned it myself. Not long

with the Iversons

silent,

satisfied. "Even so, what about all the times we treated you well? Don't pretend you don't remember. If that's not biting the

turned to Citrine too, as if curious what

well?"

What gives you the

kindness when you left me in a burning

kindness when

told me, since I was

when you forgot my birthday, year after

time something happened with Jeanette, you took

the

winced under her unflinching gaze. The worst part-he

him, and twisted the knife. "Sawyer, I never should have left with you. I

daughter

every word. Citrine truly, deeply regretted

a sharp pain

understood, more clearly than ever,