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."

adulthood, and already the wolves

the boy stammered, realizing too late that Citrine was hardly alone. Embarrassed,

way to her dorm. Once inside, Raymond set about

come sit and rest," he insisted, gently steering

set to work cleaning the room-making the bed,

and Weston had little to do except offer the occasional bit

the whole scene unfold, silently wondering which family had

room was spotless and the time came to say goodbye,

off to college, home would feel very

and goodbyes several times, the Carmichaels

were gone, Citrine's three roommates converged on her. Ingrid, her eyes never leaving Citrine, introduced herself. "Hi!

other two girls. "That's Lisa, and

a polite nod. "Nice to meet

they come, pulled up a chair and plopped down right in front of Citrine, staring unabashedly. "Citrine, you're gorgeous. And you

not sure how to respond. Was

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

thanks," Citrine replied,

open admiration, "Citrine, were those

they're my

a gentle warmth in