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.

clearly knew he didn't mean it

comment was more reproach than admiration. Yet Citrine acted as if she hadn't noticed at all, turning his words back on

school are you attending now?" Weston

"Havencrest Preparatory Academy."

"And your grades?"

standards for his children were impossibly high, and precious few ever measured up. Now, as he scrutinized the young woman

Raymond interjected, unable to keep the edge out of his voice. He'd grown up being treated like Weston's assistant, and it rubbed him the wrong way to hear

but Citrine spoke up first, her voice clear and just

She lifted her chin, a little like a smug kitten, radiating

once, at a loss for

at Raymond, his tone tinged with sarcasm. "Your

back a laugh-he was tempted, but with so many eyes on them, he managed to keep a straight

bidding Weston goodbye, Raymond led Citrine over

Citrine wondered, her gaze drifting over the assorted cakes

reading her expression. He handed her a large