The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 482

But those eyes of his were so clear-like a college kid who'd just graduated, still untouched by the world.

Citrine looked him over, her tone cool and detached. "A college student?"

"Yes, President Carmichael," Carney replied, pressing his lips together, a flicker of humiliation in his eyes.

He was used to being dragged along to these dinners by Danny Fuller. After enough of them, he'd learned firsthand how those in power loved to toy with young men straight out of college.

Citrine narrowed her eyes, giving him a thorough once-over. Then she asked, "You're strapped for cash?"

Carney gritted his teeth. "Yeah. I'm desperate."

"Cheers." Citrine paused for a moment, then suddenly raised her glass and tapped it lightly against his.

She didn't wait to see if he'd drink-she downed her wine in one swift motion and set the glass aside.

Carney stared at her, stunned.

known it. He'd grown up using that face to his

other executives he'd met at these events-flirtatious, bold, shameless. He'd half-expected her to grope his thigh under the table, or to slip a hotel key card or a wad of cash into his shirt

sort.

himself doubting everything.

stunning herself; she could have her pick of handsome, capable men.

ever look twice at someone like

his parents trapped and threatened by loan sharks, made him straighten his spine and muster his courage. He forced

grew anxious, shooting Carney increasingly desperate looks across

that pressure, Carney steeled himself. He reached out his slender hand and covered Citrine's, his

to her ear, voice

you company tonight? I

words left his lips than the door burst

Sebastian strode in.

sir, but Mr. Vesper insisted on seeing you.

Fuller's face darkened. "How did you even find this

Sebastian didn't seem to hear him. He only had eyes for

hands entwined on the table. From where Sebastian stood,