The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 370

"Crestwood Art Gallery's hosting an exhibit tomorrow. I bought tickets-want to go together?" Hastings texted.

Citrine glanced at her calendar. Nothing scheduled for tomorrow. She typed back quickly: "Sounds good!"

Meanwhile, at the club.

Theo and the guys were drinking in a private lounge, laughter echoing off the walls. They lounged on the sofas, legs crossed, each with a couple of fresh-faced college students at their sides—everyone except Hastings, who sat alone in a corner, hunched over his phone.

He must've just gotten a message, because a small smile curled on his lips before he could help himself.

Someone nearby caught the change in his expression and ribbed him, grinning, “Hastings, what's up with you lately? You're glued to that damn phone every night."

Then, as if hit by a sudden realization, the guy's eyes went wide. "Wait-don't tell me you've got yourself a girlfriend?"

Hastings just shot him a flat look, said nothing, and dropped his gaze to his phone again.

rereading Citrine's short reply, a quiet happiness filling his

and sat up straighter, eyes narrowed

when did this happen? Is

of them fixed their attention on

laugh. "It's her. But she's not my girlfriend-at least, not

couldn't help but smile again. "But I'm pretty sure she will be

out laughing. "Man, you really kept this under wraps! No wonder you've been wandering around in a

not having to compete with Hastings for Kali's

didn't look thrilled. He studied Hastings for a moment, his tone abruptly serious. "I thought you liked Kali. Are you

Hastings doted on his little sister. No matter how ridiculous

guard by the question. He paused, then said carefully, "Now, I just see Kali

but it turns out, what I felt wasn't the way a man loves a woman. It was

He only ever spoiled Kali like a sibling. Citrine, though... she made his heart race. She was the one he couldn't stop thinking about, the one who