The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 440

Hastings immediately realized his mistake. He stepped back, apologizing, "Sorry." He hadn't known she hated the smell of smoke.

As soon as he spoke, Hastings retreated further, standing outside the door.

Citrine slipped on a jacket and glanced at him coolly. "Let's talk outside."

They went downstairs and got into Hastings's car. He tried to sound casual. "There's a new bistro nearby. How about we grab a bite?"

Citrine didn't even hesitate. "No. That's unnecessary. We won't have much to say anyway." She had no interest in sharing a romantic meal with a man she could barely stand.

Hastings seemed to take the hint; his face went pale.

"You really hate me that much?" he asked quietly.

She wouldn't even spare him the time for dinner.

Citrine's lips curled in a faint, unapologetic smile.

She spoke first. "I'm sure you've seen my latest Insta post."

power, and the Cooper family doesn't scare me. To me, you're just

else had spoken to Hastings like this, he would have snapped their neck

are heartless." Hastings stared at her, stunned by how cold she

chairwoman of CICI Group, maybe Hastings could've used his own family's influence to pressure her. But she wasn't just anyone-she was the chairwoman, and

eyes, her tone dripping with mockery. "Since you know I don't have a heart, why don't you go home?" She wanted him to feel

together. He wanted to hate this woman, but somehow, he

said quietly, "If I'm just

use me.

by just how low the once-arrogant golden boy could stoop. "Wow. Didn't think you had it in you,

used to look down on her,

Unbelievable.

and down, and her smile turned cruel.

losing patience. "Isn't it embarrassing for the Cooper family's only heir to

ет

her by the throat. "Pathetic? Citrine Carmichael,

grinned at him, unbothered.

she knocked his hand