The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 217

“Ms. Carmichael, how about a performance? It is Elbert's birthday, after all. Even if you didn't bring a proper gift, surely you won't begrudge us a song."

"Yes, Ms. Carmichael, you're a Carmichael, after all. Don't tell us you can't even play the piano?"

"Don't worry-even if you're not as talented as Miss Regina, we won't laugh at you. There aren't many prodigies like her, you know."

A number of guests began to chime in, some simply eager for drama, others— wealthy young men with less-than-honorable intentions-openly eyeing Citrine with bold, hungry gazes.

At that moment, Elbert finally spoke up.

“Ms. Carmichael, it's my birthday today. Since everyone wants to see you perform, do me the honor and play a piece, won't you?"

Elbert didn't actually believe Citrine had any real talent; he just wanted to see her make a spectacle of herself.

Without hesitation, she declined. “Elbert,

her face pale and her

than the murmurs around the room

a petty woman. It's just a piano

Doesn't even have the manners to entertain the

her, Miss Regina is so

Weston could barely contain himself. His face darkened, and he slammed

picking a fight

out all evening, and if Citrine hadn't been begging him to keep his cool, Weston would have

the

the top family in Havencrest-Weston's reaction left no doubt about how much he doted

say another word, nor

to calm the old man. "Come on, Weston,