The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 347

Kali had been standing right outside the door while they talked, and she caught every word.

She blinked up at Hastings, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Hastings, I heard what you said. Come on, who is it you've fallen for? I want to know too."

She'd heard it all-every word—and she was certain that person wasn't her.

A sudden wave of panic washed over Kali. All these years, Hastings had always liked her. What had changed? Besides, he spent nearly all his time with their team, surrounded by a bunch of rowdy guys. When would he ever meet another girl? Kali just couldn't imagine who he'd even have the chance to like.

"She's just a jerk, not worth talking about," Hastings muttered, pressing his lips together. He and Citrine had never gotten along, and he had no intention of telling Kali.

Honestly, he wasn't even sure he liked her in the way everyone assumed. He couldn't quite put his feelings into words.

That night, Kali's mood crashed. She drank more than she should have.

With the alcohol buzzing in her veins, she made a show of leaning toward Hastings, hoping to rest her head on his shoulder.

before. But this time, before her head even came close, Hastings jerked away as if she'd turned into a

Kali froze in surprise.

Quentin had also

what's your problem?" Theo and Quentin shot him

always doted on Kali. Whenever they went out and Kali had a bit too much to drink, she'd end up leaning against him, or demanding a hug,

He had no

Hastings scrambled to explain, his words tumbling out. "I... I'm sorry, Kali. I just wasn't expecting you to

smile. "It's fine, I shouldn't have startled you

her face stiffening until the last

night, Hastings sat in the farthest corner, putting as much

themselves to sandwich Kali between them, cracking jokes and trying to

barely exchanged a word. The two of them, once inseparable, now seemed inexplicably

just felt a little down. But as the days passed and Hastings still didn't reach out—not a single text, not even a quick check-in-her worry turned to