The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 216

Weston was handling the exact same situation, yet his approach toward Citrine was completely different.

He was blatantly playing favorites.

Regina glared at Citrine, her eyes sharp as knives, as if she could cut her down with just a look.

But then she remembered the gift and performance she'd prepared for Elbert today, and her confidence quickly returned.

Tonight, she was determined to steal the show and outshine Citrine Carmichael in front of everyone.

Halfway through the party, Regina strode forward and presented her gift-a delicate watercolor painting. The moment Elbert laid eyes on it, he was clearly taken with it, showering her with praise.

A moment later, Elbert's gaze caught on the artist's signature in the corner of the painting. He brightened, staring at Regina in surprise. "Is this an original by Master Hancock?"

Regina nodded, feigning modesty. "We're friends, actually. This was a gift from him."

At her words, Elbert and the other guests all turned to look at Regina, some full of envy at her connection with Master Hancock, others quietly impressed that she'd earned the artist's favor.

In an instant, Regina became the center of attention.

Elbert's hands, the corners

turned to Regina. "This is so thoughtful of you. I really do

it."

Regina confirmed the gift's authenticity, Elbert's

long as you like it," Regina replied, her tone demure but her

eyes glinting with calculation. "Citrine, I wonder what you've

eyes shifted to

fell silent for a moment. Noticing this, Regina's eyes darted to the small, black lacquer box in Citrine's hands, a flicker

little thing-hardly worthy

me that's your gift for Mr. Elbert?" Regina

snatched the little box from

turned it over in her palms, feigning surprise. "Citrine, it's Mr. Elbert's

looks awfully plain. The box itself seems old-definitely not something fit for

up something like this for a couple bucks at any discount store. I

exactly short on money. Why

like the Carmichaels, and this is

painting, that little

as she snatched the black box back