The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 172

Raymond watched helplessly as young Citrine was battered and bloodied by the group. His heart ached so fiercely it felt as if someone was squeezing it in their fist. For a split second, he almost wished she'd just go along with them-if only she'd cooperate, maybe they'd stop beating her.

But his daughter was born with a fiery heart and an unbreakable spirit. Citrine refused to bow, no matter what. She would never cross the line into breaking the law.

When the island's leader realized Citrine was too stubborn and feared she might be killed-leaving no one to write code for him—he eventually called off the beatings.

A few days later, Citrine was moved into a cramped dorm room designed for four. Inside were four men and one woman; with Citrine, a child, they made five.

No one cut Citrine any slack because of her age. In fact, they seemed to resent her all the more.

That night, Citrine tried to climb up to the empty top bunk, seeking a little peace. The moment she set foot on the ladder, a powerful kick sent her tumbling hard across the slick floor.

bruised, she looked up and saw her attacker—a middle-aged man in glasses, looking down

demanded, limping to her feet and

I keep my stuff." He

to me," Citrine insisted, still not

rules." With that, he slapped her hard across the face, then

her strength faded. Only when she went limp did

watched,

the next morning, shaken by her helplessness. That night, she gave up on the bunk and laid

washing his feet, he dumped the dirty water right over Citrine's makeshift

seethed in silence, afraid

night crouched in a cold corner.

in medicine and pharmaceuticals, invaluable to the island's