The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 48

Citrine glanced at Weston coolly, her thoughts drifting unexpectedly to her own father.

She mused to herself, *My old man's still the best-at least he's actually likable.*

Weston, sensing a pair of eyes on him from across the room, turned and met Citrine's gaze head-on. Her eyes were steady, showing not even a hint of fear.

Most of the younger Carmichaels treated Weston like mice confronted by a cat; even Raymond, back when he was a teenager, had always been more than a little intimidated by his father.

But here was a girl, bold as brass, standing her ground without so much as flinching. Weston felt a rare flicker of interest.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Citrine Carmichael." Citrine looked him straight in the eye, her tone poised and unflappable, every word and gesture perfectly composed-leaving no room for criticism.

"You're young, but your nerve is impressive," Weston remarked, his voice unreadable—somewhere between a compliment and a put-down.

Citrine gave a small, easy smile and replied without missing a beat, "You flatter me. I suppose I do all right."

Weston's eyes narrowed.

girl clearly knew he didn't mean it

could tell Weston's comment was more reproach than admiration. Yet Citrine acted as if

are you attending now?" Weston

"Havencrest Preparatory Academy."

"And your grades?"

ever measured up. Now, as he scrutinized the young woman before him, his tone was the same one he used when grilling

of his voice. He'd grown up being treated like Weston's assistant, and it rubbed him the wrong way to

Citrine spoke up first, her voice clear and just a touch

her chin, a little like a smug

once, at a loss for

his hand, he glanced at Raymond, his tone tinged with

was tempted, but with so many eyes on them, he managed to keep a

Weston goodbye, Raymond led Citrine over to the refreshments

cakes

Raymond said, reading her expression. He handed