The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 185

Not a single breeze stirred in Havencrest's summer air. The moment Citrine

stepped out of her car, a wave of heat washed over her, leaving her feeling as if she'd been trapped inside a steaming sauna. The suffocating warmth pressed in from all sides.

Just a few days earlier, Travis had been in a biking accident-someone had hit him, and the doctor insisted he recover at home. With Travis falling behind on his studies, Citrine had offered to come by and tutor him, which he'd agreed to after a brief discussion.

She followed the location Travis had sent her, and by the time she found his house, it was already eight in the morning.

Citrine pressed the doorbell.

A woman she'd never seen before answered the door. The Carmichaels' housekeeper, Zelda, eyed Citrine with a hint of wariness before asking, "Miss, may I help you?"

Citrine offered a polite smile. "Hello, I'm Travis's sister. Manley is my uncle."

here to help Travis catch up

Zelda hesitated.

Since Zelda started working here, she'd never once seen Travis bring a friend home. As for Mr. Carmichael, aside from the occasional visit from a close confidant, he never had guests over

Mr. Carmichael's old friends, this girl was the first visitor ever to

she stepped aside and

moment Citrine crossed the threshold, it felt as though the light had been dialed down several

drawn tight across every window, blocking out every sliver of sunlight. Citrine had to squint to make out the details of the décor, which was all somber hues and shadowy corners. The place was a study in gloom, as if

There was no hope.

up the staircase, looking a bit embarrassed. "The young master isn't up yet," she

added with some hesitation, "And Mr. Carmichael is exercising at the moment. He's not to be interrupted either. Please, have a seat.

had been unpredictable. Zelda shuddered at the memory of the last time she'd tried to help him after

the garden. She was wearing her hearing aids today;

Citrine listened. Suddenly, a dull thud echoed across the yard, followed by a man's