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.

see right through him. Without hesitation, she declined. “Elbert, I'm really not very good. I'd rather

piano, lips pressed together, her

than the murmurs around the room grew

a piano piece-what's the

unrefined. Doesn't even have the manners to entertain the

Regina is so much more

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

like to see anyone dare say another word about my granddaughter! Tired of living, are you, picking a fight

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

his outburst, the room fell instantly

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

word, nor even risk underestimating

calm the old man. "Come on, Weston, we just wanted Ms.