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."

a trace of disdain in her voice. "Hastings, face reality. I've got money, power, and the Cooper family doesn't scare me. To me, you're just a plaything- when I'm in a

else had spoken to Hastings like this, he would have snapped their neck without

are heartless." Hastings stared at

her. But she wasn't just anyone-she was the chairwoman, and not in name

don't

wanted to hate this woman, but somehow, he just

her, he said quietly, "If I'm just a plaything, why

ahead, use me. I'm right

golden boy

really the same man who used to look

Unbelievable.

turned cruel. "Too bad I'm not into desperate

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

ет

the throat. "Pathetic? Citrine Carmichael, you really think I'd grovel for anyone else? It's only ever been for you. Can't

at him, unbothered. “Oh,

scoff, she knocked his hand away