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."

daughter had barely reached adulthood, and already the wolves were

was hardly alone. Embarrassed, he apologized several more times before slinking away,

to her dorm. Once inside, Raymond set

he insisted, gently steering her into

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

to do except offer the occasional bit of

scene unfold, silently wondering which family had

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

been at their sides. Now, with her heading off to college,

several times,

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

other two girls. "That's Lisa, and

nod.

outgoing as they come, pulled up a chair and plopped down right in front of Citrine, staring unabashedly.

how to respond. Was it

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

Citrine

admiration, "Citrine, were those all your family

her eyes. "Yes, they're my

felt a gentle warmth in her heart. "They really