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.

declined. “Elbert, I'm really not very good. I'd rather

lips pressed together, her face pale and

finished speaking than the murmurs around

a piano piece-what's the big deal?

Doesn't even have the manners to entertain

Miss Regina is

this chorus of criticism directed at his granddaughter, Weston could barely contain himself. His face darkened, and

see anyone dare say another word about my granddaughter! Tired of living, are you, picking a fight with the Carmichael family?" He almost never threw his family's weight around, but today he'd

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

outburst, the

left no doubt about how

one dared say another word, nor even risk underestimating

He reached out, trying to calm the old man. "Come on, Weston, we just wanted