The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 40

They would always be enemies. Reconciliation was out of the question.

Clifford, stung by Citrine's words and pride, scoffed and snapped, "Even if you begged me, I'd never make peace with you."

The atmosphere in the office turned icy. Beatrice felt a headache coming on, but she didn't try to coax the two into making up again.

That's when Raymond, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, his voice low and calm.

"Ms. Beatrice, correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it Clifford who went looking for trouble with my daughter in her class first?"

Raymond's brows drew together, his stare cutting and cold. He radiated an unmistakable air of authority.

Beatrice nodded, albeit hesitantly.

Raymond continued, "He harassed my daughter in her classroom, and then he hit her. He owes her an apology."

"Why should I apologize?" Clifford shot back, bristling like a cornered cat. "Citrine should apologize to Jeanette!"

Everyone turned to stare at Clifford, baffled.

What did Jeanette have to do with any of this?

do you mean?"

of self-righteousness, declared, "Citrine stole first place from Jeanette. She

"Stole?"

frown deepened, his eyes

based on grades? Since when did it become Jeanette's

voice icy. "So, by your logic, anyone who comes in first has to apologize

apologize to those

was staring at Clifford, perplexed-even Sawyer's brow creased

Clifford blurted out, "She cheated, that's

principal already confirmed Citrine did

gaze grew even colder. "If you keep spreading

and inexperienced, was cowed by Raymond's

demanded, his patience at

After a long

"Clifford, apologize."

looked at Sawyer,

voice was even

Clifford mumbled, his

gave him a cool glance. "If you don't mean it, don't bother

added, "Even if you were sincere, I

took