The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 57

Travis was infamous among the city's elite-a notorious troublemaker and the black sheep of his family.

Weston Carmichael had always held his own to the highest standards. Under his iron-fisted upbringing, his two sons flourished, both becoming exemplary heirs to the Carmichael legacy.

Travis, on the other hand, was the son of Manley Carmichael's mistress. Manley had initially refused to acknowledge him, but the woman had gone straight to the Carmichael estate, demanding recognition. When Weston saw that the child was a boy, he paid the woman off and took Travis in.

After all, Travis was his only biological grandson. Weston had intended to raise him into a worthy successor, but the boy proved utterly hopeless with his studies and had zero business acumen. Over time, Weston's disappointment soured into outright disdain.

Travis had long since grown used to being looked down upon in the Carmichael household. So when the girl in front of him called him "brother" in a soft, sweet voice, he was momentarily stunned.

"Uh, yeah." Travis answered awkwardly, glancing at her pretty face.

The Carmichael family was small, so the family dinner started quickly.

Weston's adopted twins, Vicente and Regina Carmichael, sat at the table, volleying jokes and witty remarks that had the old man beaming with laughter.

surprised by the scene. Unless Weston singled someone out,

the twins' banter and Weston's genuine laughter, the dining room was

head down, quietly eating and

conversation and turned her attention

you go to school?" Regina smiled warmly, her

last time they'd seen each other was at Weston's birthday party, and even

stunning Citrine truly was. Jealousy twisted in Regina's chest, but remembering how indifferent Weston was toward Citrine made her

a calm,

blinked in surprise. In her eyes, Citrine was just a pretty face-she hadn't expected her to have any real talent. She herself had tried

recovered quickly, managing a bright compliment. "Wow, Citrine,

at the

between the lines. They heard the condescension in Regina's

one of the cousins, frowned in annoyance, about to speak

was surprised myself," Citrine replied coolly. "It was just a