The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 230

Citrine was penniless and on the verge of starving to death.

By dawn the next day, her hunger was so overwhelming her stomach felt hollow, and she simply couldn't bear it any longer. Waiting until the bakery owner was busy with other customers, she slipped a warm roll from the steaming tray when no one was looking.

She acted quickly, but not quickly enough. The heavyset baker spotted her in an instant.

With a furious shout, he snatched up his rolling pin and lumbered after her. Citrine was so weak from hunger, she barely made it a few yards before he caught her by the collar.

The baker's face was red with rage as he shook her roughly. "You little thief! Stealing from me, huh? I ought to teach you a lesson."

"Filthy beggar, you think you can steal my bread and get away with it? I'll make you regret it!"

His fists were as hard as iron, slamming down on her again and again. He didn't hold back. In no time, Citrine's face was battered and bruised. She collapsed on the ground, blood pooling beneath her, but even then, she clung to the roll she'd taken, refusing to let go.

He sat calmly in his wheelchair at the end of the alley, nodding to the bodyguard at his side. In a flash, the guard stepped forward and blocked

the bodyguard said, pulling a few crisp bills

finally

now, Citrine was

chair closer, eyeing the dirty, battered

his tongue. "Little stray, how long

him, wanting to speak, but as soon as she opened her mouth, blood spilled from

Manley immediately called over his medical team, who rushed to her side to

around her, Citrine's eyes flashed with panic. She tensed like

pushed herself backward with trembling hands, inching away from the strangers. Then, with slow, painful effort, she pulled

roll was dirty, misshapen, but Citrine didn't care; in front of everyone, she crammed it desperately into her mouth, chewing rapidly in hopes of filling the aching emptiness inside her. But her throat refused to cooperate. After just a

chewing, choking, and spitting it all back out. No matter what she did, she couldn't

Manley felt a strange pang in his chest. For the first time in his life, he tried to soften his tone. "Hey, kid. No one's here to take your food. They just want