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 as praise-she was

with half a brain could tell Weston's comment was more reproach than admiration. Yet Citrine acted as if she

school are you attending

"Havencrest Preparatory Academy."

"And your grades?"

children were impossibly high, and precious few ever measured up. Now, as he scrutinized the young woman before him,

being treated like Weston's assistant, and it rubbed

was about to say more, but Citrine spoke up first, her voice clear and just a

manage-first in my year, actually." She lifted her chin,

himself, for once, at a

hand, he glanced at Raymond, his tone tinged with

bit back a laugh-he was tempted, but with so many

bidding Weston goodbye, Raymond led Citrine over to the refreshments

should I try?* Citrine wondered, her gaze drifting over the assorted cakes and pastries, a faint frown creasing her

you like," Raymond said, reading her expression. He handed her

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255