The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 329

A few of Jeanette's wealthy friends immediately closed in around her.

They looked Norton up and down with open disdain, sneering, "Jeanette, do you actually know this waiter?"

Jeanette shook her head hastily, as if the very thought disgusted her. "Of course not. Why would I ever associate with a bar waiter?" She was quick to deny it, desperate to distance herself from Norton.

As soon as she finished speaking, one of the guys stepped forward and shoved Norton hard, then slapped him roughly across the face. "Get lost! Who do you think you are, trying to bother our girl? Be careful, or you'll get what's coming to you."

Norton clenched his fists, staring at Jeanette as humiliation burned in his chest. He lowered his head, swallowing his pride, and said nothing.

Once the golden boy of the family, now he was nothing but a shadow of his former self-even his beloved little sister looked down on him.

Since arriving in Crestwood, Norton's arrogance had been worn away bit by bit. He'd been to interview after interview at all the leading companies, only to be rejected every time-for no other reason than his lack of family connections or impressive background.

Job hunting had become a series of disappointments. With his bank account shrinking alarmingly fast, he'd had no choice but to take a job at the bar-the only place that paid well enough to keep him afloat.

He needed money. Desperately.

in his inbox, inviting him to interview. Norton's spirits

he wanted most. Even though they'd once steamrolled the

he'd submitted his résumé. He'd assumed his chance had passed, only to be surprised

on his best suit and headed to CICI Group's

in one of the conference rooms,

out the stack of résumés for

enough for Citrine herself

dozen candidates, but none

as she was stifling a yawn, Norton walked

he saw Citrine sitting across from him-composed, elegant, and every bit the picture of

since the siblings last

polished hair to her

was

neither the place nor the time for a