The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 553

Noticing Jeanette's silence, Aline's face turned pale.

"Jeanette, you're not actually thinking of staying in Crestwood, are you?"

Jeanette didn't answer, but Aline saw the truth in her eyes. She rushed forward and gripped Jeanette's shoulders, her tone deadly serious. "Don't be foolish, Jeanette!"

Her expression hardened. "Now that Dick's in prison, we have nobody left to rely on in Crestwood. Your father's reputation is ruined, and there's no way I can marry you off to one of those wealthy men anymore. If we stay here, we'll be trapped, and you know as well as I do that Citrine isn't going to let us off easy."

Jeanette's face twisted with frustration. She couldn't accept it.

She used to have everything that once belonged to Citrine-clothes, toys, her bedroom, even the affection of the entire family. She had always been the winner. So why was Citrine Carmichael still living a better life than her?

Jeanette clenched her fists, making up her mind.

She looked at Aline, determination burning in her eyes. "Mom, take the money and go overseas. I'm staying in Crestwood. Once I've made a name for myself, I'l bring you home in style."

"But how will you survive here on your own? Citrine isn't going to leave you alone." Aline stared at her in disbelief, worry etched all over her face.

"Don't worry, Mom. I have a plan." Jeanette's hand tightened around the gold locket at her neck, her eyes flashing with resolve.

how firm Jeanette was, Aline

out of the country, unaware that every move she made

in Magnolia, she had barely exited the airport and was about to flag down a cab to her hotel when someone pulled a hood over her head. She

Back in Crestwood.

counts of sexual assault and financial crimes. He has

news. When it ended, she pulled on

a coffee shop;

to the point. "Help me. I'm

her lips. "Are you sure? My brother isn't someone you want to mess with. If he finds out what you're up to,

mind." Jeanette's

"My brother's going to a club

the address. Whether you succeed or not is up

her and

she slipped into a simple white dress, kept her makeup soft and natural, and checked her reflection. Her innocent look contrasted sharply with the

grabbed her purse and headed

inside, Jeanette made her way to the bar and ordered a strong drink before sitting

the counter, every so often

radiating heartbreak. Her delicate white dress made her stand out