The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 387

By now, every team had entered battle mode. Players huddled together,

discussing possible tactics their opponents might use and brainstorming ways to counter them.

The tension in the room was palpable, as if everyone was about to sit for a life-or- death exam.

All except for Citrine's team, whose entire vibe stood out like a sore thumb.

While the other teams were on edge, Citrine lounged comfortably in a plush chair, idly snacking. In front of her was a spread of snacks and fruit-everything Travis had bought-chips, chocolate, berries, grapes, apple slices; you name it, the table had it.

Travis sat beside her, methodically peeling an orange and a grapefruit, making sure every bit of pith was gone. Once he'd finished, he pulled out a small cutting board and a paring knife, slicing the fruit into perfect segments and arranging them neatly on a plate. He set it in front of Citrine and, with a grin, offered her a piece on the tip of a toothpick. "Open up, Citrine."

Citrine opened her mouth without a second thought and took the fruit, chewing contentedly.

Springer were all busy as well-one kneading Citrine's shoulders, another fussing over her like a worried mother, and the last clowning around in front of her with exaggerated antics, doing whatever he

a short distance away, took in the entire

girl, gave her a once-over, and though she

his eyes and clarified, "No, I mean, look at how relaxed that team is. And that girl-her

her teammate while three others hovered around her,

like the setup for some over-the-top romance drama— four guys, one girl,

disdain. "Those guys are making us all look bad," he

just shrugged. After all, Wade was a Saunders-born with that last

Citrine's team and scoffed, "Want to bet? That bunch of

doubt about it," Curry agreed, shaking his head. He

sharp, the tournament kicked off. Champions from every state took

waited through an hour of matches, until finally it was his team's turn. But as soon as they stepped onto the stage, he froze. Of all the teams they could

next surprised