The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 183

Norton never imagined that his most humiliating moment would be witnessed by the little one.

He had already formed the words in his mind, ready to coax her into taking

Clifford with her as well. But when he looked at her innocent face, he just couldn't bring himself to say them.

She was pure, untouched by the world's ugliness-someone he shouldn't deceive.

Norton silently berated himself for even considering such a low tactic.

Just then, the little girl tugged gently on his sleeve, her wide, trusting eyes fixed on him. "If bringing your brother home too would make you happy, I'll ask Dad. I'll tell him to bring both of you back with me."

Norton's head shot up in surprise.

"You'd really do that?" His voice trembled, eyes stinging as they filled with tears.

"If you're happy, then I'm happy too." She grinned and threw her arms around him, nuzzling into his chest.

Clifford ended up returning with Sawyer to the

a new home-but Citrine's warmth quickly drew them in, and before long, they felt like part

them anymore. But ever since Citrine had spoken those words, the past had come rushing

reflect-had he really been too cold toward

thought vanished almost as soon as it arose, and

more and more outrageous over the years. A flood of unwelcome memories

his room on purpose, causing him to miss the test-and as a result, he ended up

she filled his room with fresh flowers, knowing full well he was

oxygen tank malfunctioned, he didn't hesitate: he took off his own mask and put

her own-she didn't

that, whatever affection he'd had left for his

followed, Sawyer and Norton did everything they could-calling in favors, exhausting every option, pushing themselves to the

jaws, and their

family stock continued to plummet. On the fourth day, desperation finally forced Sawyer's hand. He picked up the

thin by exhaustion and the constant haze of cigarettes