The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 120

After leaving the old mansion, Manley and Travis got into the same car. Both father and son sat in the back seat, each pointedly ignoring the other.

The gift from Citrine sat between them, a massive package that took up the space of an entire person, forming a physical barrier between the two.

Travis's eyes never left the oversized box. After a long silence, he finally asked, "Aren't you even a little curious what's inside?"

Manley lifted his gaze just barely, glancing at his so-called son. "Of course I'm curious."

"Then why didn't you open it back there?" Travis studied Manley's face, searching for a reaction.

"What's it to you?" Manley replied coolly, turning to stare out the window, his expression unreadable.

Travis couldn't shake the feeling that Manley's attitude toward Citrine was oddly different-distinct from how he treated anyone else.

For one thing, Manley had actually accepted Citrine's gift.

at their gatherings, he'd never spare anyone's feelings. Travis, in fact, had never seen his father show this much courtesy

you never accept gifts from the Carmichaels," Travis

presents, and Manley hadn't even hesitated

you seemed a

dreaded these family visits; every trip back was preceded by a fit of rage at home. But this afternoon, he'd been strangely calm-he hadn't thrown a tantrum,

Although they were father and son, he'd never been able to figure Manley

question me about my own business?" Manley's eyes cut back to Travis with a cold, venomous glare. "Listen carefully: stay away from her.

nothing remotely joking

he was like a viper, tongue flicking, all malice

paled, shooting his father a sidelong glance before sneering, "Well, look at that. Never thought I'd see the day when Manley actually cared about someone." With that, he turned to stare out his own window, his face locked in icy silence. Back at the villa, Manley instructed the staff to

robot inside took Manley by surprise—though surprise wasn't the only thing he felt. There was a flicker of delight

been reclusive for years, but that didn't mean he didn't keep up

news.