The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 288

These things didn't matter to Citrine.

That summer, on the Carmichaels' advice, Citrine underwent surgery and finally regained full hearing in her left ear.

As her hearing returned, the memories of that terrible fire faded, growing more distant in her mind.

September arrived, and with it, the start of a new semester at Crestwood University.

The entire Carmichael family refused to let Citrine go alone for orientation. Against the collective will of her family, she had no choice but to agree to their company.

Citrine had enrolled as a pre-med major, with a second degree in literature.

The moment she stepped onto Crestwood's campus, she was swept into a crowd of new students.

At eighteen, Citrine had truly grown into herself-her skin was luminous and fair, her features sculpted and striking, every detail so captivating it was hard to look away.

She caught eyes everywhere she went, from both guys and girls.

At the registration desk, a tall boy-easily over six feet-strode straight toward her. "Hey, do you need help finding your dorm?" he offered.

Citrine had just opened her mouth to politely decline when Raymond, her father, stepped in with a stony expression. He shot the boy a cold look and said curtly, "No need. We can see just fine."

had barely reached adulthood, and already the wolves

stammered, realizing too late that Citrine was hardly alone.

escorted Citrine all the way to her dorm. Once

rest," he insisted, gently steering her

together with Travis and Salome, he set to work cleaning the

little to do except offer

unfold, silently wondering which family had

and the time came to say goodbye, Weston and Raymond were struck by an

sides. Now, with her heading off to college,

repeating their instructions and goodbyes several

as they were gone, Citrine's three roommates converged on her. Ingrid,

the other two

them in, offering a polite nod. "Nice to

come, pulled up a chair and plopped down right in front of Citrine,

how to respond. Was it normal to feel a little

smile. "Don't mind her. Ingrid's a total sucker for a pretty face -she can't help herself around

thanks," Citrine replied,

still thinking about the earlier scene, asked with open admiration, "Citrine, were those

my family." "Wow, your family spoils you so much. I'm

ones, Citrine felt a gentle warmth in her heart. "They really are