The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 361

That year, when Alicia was only five, a group of boys cornered her at the school gates and took everything of value she had.

Terrified, little Alicia burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

From across the yard, young Citrine caught sight of what was happening and shouted, "Alicia!"

Without a second thought, she dropped her backpack and charged straight at the boys.

"Don't you dare touch her!" Citrine hurled herself at one of them, sinking her teeth into his ear with a fierceness that was wild and wolfish.

The boy screamed, his face twisted in pain. "Let go of me, you brat!"

"No!" Citrine refused, clinging on with all her might.

The boy grimaced and yelled to his friends, "Come on, help me out!"

The others rushed at Citrine, and soon she and the boys were tangled in a chaotic scuffle. In the end, Citrine was left battered and bruised, her face swollen and streaked with tears. But the boys didn't escape unscathed-frightened by her ferocity, they ran home crying for their parents.

gone, Citrine ran

"Alicia, don't be scared. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone

in that moment, the memory of the fearless little girl who once risked everything to save

a tear slipping

guilt in her eyes, she

stared at

she wouldn't get a response. She didn't take offense-she simply

police arrived, it finally hit her just how determined Citrine was to cut her out of

never forgive her. But Alicia couldn't blame her;

Mistakes have consequences.

as superficial by the doctors-so Alicia only had to spend

was released, she didn't return to school. Instead, she learned where

both Sawyer and his

the door and saw Alicia, he froze in surprise.

work together, and since Alicia and Citrine had been close as children, their families often visited one another. But after both families went bankrupt, they'd lost touch.

quickly ushered her in.