The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 631

That dream had haunted him countless times-those tender moments with Citrine, the closeness they once shared.

He remembered it all so vividly: how they met, how they slowly got to know each other, how love took root and grew. Ten years together, from her eighteenth birthday until she turned twenty-eight. A whole decade of memories, all starting with a reckless bet.

It was her eighteenth birthday—a grand affair thrown by the Iversons, and Jeanette, the younger Iverson daughter, had spared no effort to look her best. She was at the center of it all, basking in the adoration of friends and family, her face glowing with happiness.

But then, the eldest Iverson daughter entered the room, and in that instant, all eyes shifted. Just by standing there, Citrine stole the spotlight from Jeanette, making the birthday girl look utterly ordinary.

Theo and his friends couldn't help but stare at Citrine.

"Wow, the Iversons' eldest is stunning," one of them whispered, unable to hide his awe. “She makes the younger one look like a backyard sparrow."

"Honestly, next to her, Jeanette just fades into the background," another chimed in.

"I rarely see the older Iverson girl at these parties," a third mused. "Jeanette's always the one attending events with Mr. Iverson."

"Don't you know?" someone added in a lower voice. "She may have the looks, but the word is she's a real piece of work. She's adopted, too."

the Iversons' adopted daughter is ruthless. She's always been jealous of Jeanette-the real Iverson heiress-and bullied her growing up. That's

fatale," someone

the words quietly, "Femme fatale..." He found himself watching Citrine a little longer, unable to deny the effect her beauty

gave him a sly grin. "Theo, don't tell me you've

a crooked smile, he shrugged. "Wouldn't be the

Iversons never fully accepted, not someone who'd ever be welcomed into a family like the Glenwoods. That was just how

attitude. Turns her nose up at everyone. A few guys from our circle

eyes lit up with a new idea. "How about

fall for you, I'll give you a bigger cut in our next

the Iversons' eldest, standing apart from

over a girl like

and, in full view of the

was even more striking up close. As their eyes met, Theo actually felt his breath

next dance?" he asked, holding her gaze, confident

turned and walked

like that felt worse than any