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."

catch up

Zelda hesitated.

Travis bring a friend home. As for

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

last. Though surprised, she stepped aside

the threshold, it felt as

which was all somber hues and shadowy corners. The place was a study in gloom, as if sunlight had been banished for good. Even in broad daylight, it felt like the sun would never rise

There was no hope.

young master isn't up yet," she admitted.

who was in the garden practicing standing, and added with some hesitation, "And Mr. Carmichael is exercising at the moment. He's not to be interrupted either. Please, have a seat. I'll

unpredictable. Zelda shuddered at the memory of the last time she'd tried to help him after a fall during his morning exercises-he'd lashed out at her with a fury

left, Citrine became aware of faint sounds coming from the garden. She was wearing her hearing aids today; the smallest noises reached her

a dull thud echoed across the