The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 291

The sun in Crestwood was far more relentless than back in Havencrest.

On a sweltering hundred-degree day, four girls pushed through a round of push- ups under the blazing sun.

Although all four were struggling through the same drill, only Citrine's form was flawless her movements precise, her breathing steady, as if the exercise cost her nothing at all.

Meanwhile, after barely reaching their fiftieth push-up, Ingrid and the other two girls had collapsed, sprawled on the ground, gasping for air and utterly spent.

"Don't play dead. Up. If you don't finish on time, I'll add another hundred," barked Sergeant Hastings, a flash of scorn in his eyes as he walked over and nudged the trio with the toe of his boot.

The threat of extra reps was all the motivation they needed. Groaning, the three girls dragged themselves upright and forced themselves to continue.

Soon after, Citrine finished her set. She stood, snapped to attention, and called out, "Sir, I'm done."

Hastings blinked, incredulous. He shot a glance at the assistant instructor beside him. "She's finished?"

gave a

the boys wouldn't manage that. Hastings fought to hide his astonishment. "Back in

and her friends finally finished, staggering back to the

water bottles, Hastings lifted the whistle dangling from his neck and blew a sharp blast, his voice cutting through the air, "Fall

girls snapped to attention, wiping sweat from their

sergeant would ease up now. But no sooner had they caught their breath than Hastings announced, "Military training means no cosmetics-no exceptions. Each of you, take a pack of makeup wipes and remove everything

Jane, and Lisa

dared protest. They lined up with the others, collected the wipes, and

in the crowd-Citrine's, impossibly fair and almost glowing. His brows knitted together, his stare sharp and accusing.

genuinely confused. "Excuse

thought, irritation simmering. He barked, "I'll give you one more chance. Otherwise,

calm but firm. "Sir, are you the one not listening? I don't understand what I did

awkward

had expected Citrine