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

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

dorm. Once inside, Raymond set about wiping

rest," he insisted, gently steering her into the

he set to work cleaning the room-making the bed, wiping down the wardrobe, hanging clothes,

do except offer the occasional bit

new roommates watched the whole scene unfold, silently wondering which family

the room was spotless and the time came to say goodbye, Weston and Raymond were struck by an unexpected

their sides. Now, with her heading off to college, home

their instructions and goodbyes several

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

to the other two

took them in, offering a polite nod. "Nice

plopped down right in

hesitated, not sure how to respond. Was it normal to

smile. "Don't mind her. Ingrid's a total sucker

thanks," Citrine replied,

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

"Yes, they're my family." "Wow, your family spoils you so much.

of her loved ones, Citrine felt a gentle warmth