The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 340

A single, decidedly unflattering comment left Hastings blushing in an instant.

Citrine's laughter was dazzling, and for a moment, Hastings couldn't tear his eyes away. By the time he realized he was staring, even the tips of his ears had turned pink.

The room erupted into applause for him.

"Captain, you're incredible!" someone called out.

Noticing the growing flush in his cheeks, another teammate nudged closer. "Hey, Captain, are you coming down with something? Your face is bright red."

"Even your ears are red!" another chimed in.

"Oh, cut it out," Hastings shot back, pushing them away.

Almost reflexively, he turned to look straight at Citrine.

She was watching him too.

always attuned

back when, out of nowhere,

instant, but the color

interest and moved on, shifting her focus to put each team member through a round

made noticeable

series of simulated military drills, helping the

of each exercise, she would break down the tactics used by both sides, analyzing strategies and counter-strategies. She'd even explain what she might have done if

the end of the month, the real combat drill against the Magnolia squad was

final day of preparation, Citrine stood before the group-not mocking, not aloof,

all

with Hastings, and despite the team's initial resentment, in this moment, Citrine saw them all as true defenders of their

with stinging eyes. Somehow, all the exhaustion and hardship suddenly felt

instructor," someone

for you, we'd never have pushed past our limits," another added. "You brought out the best

them useless they

temperaments had steadied. Hastings, especially, had grown into