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.

Citrine, both Norton and Clifford ended up

first, the brothers were nervous-strangers in a new home-but Citrine's warmth quickly drew them in, and before long, they

barely recall them anymore. But ever since Citrine had spoken those words, the past had come rushing back, every detail suddenly vivid

been too

soon as it arose, and any

Citrine had become more and more outrageous over the years. A

him to miss the test-and as a result, he ended up in a private high school instead of

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

Citrine scuba diving. When her oxygen tank malfunctioned, he didn't hesitate: he took off his own mask and put it on her, using the last of

off on her own-she didn't call for help,

whatever affection he'd had left for

and Norton did everything they could-calling in favors,

shadowed their jaws,

was no use: the Iverson family stock continued to plummet. On the fourth day, desperation

I'm ready to sell." His voice was hoarse, worn thin by exhaustion and the constant haze of cigarettes