The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 398

Travis yelped in pain, "Let go, let go, Grandpa... you're going to rip my ear off!"

But after a moment, he got used to the stinging pain.

Meanwhile, Citrine was nibbling on a little cupcake. She only realized, as Travis walked into the room, that she'd completely forgotten about her brother.

Her head drooped, a wave of guilt washing over her.

Travis, who knew his sister almost inside out after all these years, immediately noticed the subtle shift in her expression. He could guess, just from the way she looked, that she was beating herself up for forgetting him.

He strolled over, ruffled her hair, and grinned, "What's with the guilt? It's not like anything was your fault. So you got a little distracted by dessert-who can blame you for having a sweet tooth?"

Citrine had been feeling genuinely remorseful, but at his last remark, she couldn't help herself-she burst out laughing.

Later that afternoon, after lunch, Citrine was about to head home when Raymond asked her to stay.

sensing that father and daughter needed a moment alone, quietly made

the two of them left. Raymond was

hesitantly, he asked, "Citrine, did I do something wrong? Ever since you started college, it feels like you've been pulling away—not just

pressed her lips together before answering, her voice cool and even. "I told you before—after I turned eighteen, I would leave the Carmichael

a new woman in the house-new children, a new family. Eventually, she'd just be left behind, discarded, the same way

she reminded herself: Citrine, don't forget the lesson you learned last time-never expect too much, and know when to

you? Because I refused to accept you as my daughter?" "No. I've never blamed you for that," Citrine said, her lips tightening.

Who wouldn't be thrown off?

it too. Ever since she'd started spending more time with the Carmichaels, she'd

was usually quick to get herself back under control, but

Raymond, whose brow was furrowed with worry, and said, "Raymond, I'm not exactly a good person. I put on a show for everyone. The version of

twitched into a small, unwavering smile. "You're my daughter, Citrine. No matter what, I'll always

have to do soon. If I stay

hesitated, then added quietly, "It could even