The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 95

It was Monday, and the family's driver happened to be off. Raymond was still at the hospital, and Citrine couldn't be bothered to trouble him, so she decided to walk home.

She was just passing through the alley behind her school when, out of nowhere, the world spun and went dark. Her knees buckled, and she felt herself hit the ground-hard.

Somewhere in the haze, she heard the rumble of a van's engine. That was all the confirmation she needed: she'd been kidnapped.

Citrine forced herself to stay calm, drawing in a shaky breath before speaking up. "Why are you doing this? What do you want from me?"

Silence. Not a word in response.

She tried again. "Who are you?"

Still no answer.

She switched tactics, aiming for a negotiating tone. "Look, if it's money you're after, name your price. I can pay whatever you want. Just let me go."

This time, a man's voice snapped at her, harsh and impatient. "Shut it. Say another word and I'll cut your tongue out."

like he

She pressed her lips together and went silent.

had happened recently. Slowly, a theory took shape, and the icy fear gripping her chest loosened, if only

she thought, then at worst, this was

eyes shut inside the rough burlap sack. However long

must have dozed

staring up at a dazzling crystal chandelier. She jolted

the room told her she was in some kind

gaze met a man's eyes, lounging on

a couple of days ago at the pizza place one of Theo's friends,

of the situation, so she kept quiet, waiting

he had all the time in the world. He clearly didn't

answering, Citrine shot back, "Who are you? I

couldn't help being curious

life, never crossed his path. She was sure she'd done nothing to provoke him. So why go to all this trouble