The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 661

Nigel hadn't planned on attending the family gathering. He only changed his mind when he found out that his little niece-the same girl who'd deciphered his artwork the other day-would be there.

She was the only person in years who truly understood his paintings. That realization filled him with excitement.

When he finally met Citrine, he felt an immediate connection, as if he'd found a kindred spirit. Without quite knowing why, he found himself genuinely liking this newfound niece.

After a bit of small talk, Hilda excused herself, leading her daughter away.

Partway through, Hilda was flagged down by a group of old friends and business associates, and wandered off to catch up with them.

Feeling a bit bored, Citrine drifted over to the dessert table in search of something sweet.

She couldn't help but notice how beautifully presented everything was. The little cakes and pastries looked almost too pretty to eat. Citrine swallowed, her appetite instantly piqued.

Just as she reached for a delicate pink butterfly-shaped petit four that had caught her eye, a hand shot out and snatched the plate from right under her fingertips.

Startled, Citrine turned and found herself looking at a girl holding the very cake she'd wanted. The girl stared back at her, her gaze sharp, openly hostile.

It was obvious to anyone watching: this girl was looking for trouble.

her patience thinning. "I saw

shrugged, her tone dismissive. "So what? I got to it first. That's how it

for it at first glance. Now, having it snatched away felt like a

delicious-soft, pink, and sweet. It

back," Citrine said coolly,

punchline to a joke. "Give it back?

tone was needling, almost

could answer, the girl suddenly smashed the plate and cake onto the

The butterfly cake was nothing

it than let you have it," the girl sneered,

far. Before her words had fully

deserves a slap," Citrine

a napkin from a passing waiter's tray and wiped her hand with

Citrine, disbelief and outrage etched across her features. "You

gave a short, scornful laugh. "What's stopping me from hitting someone

never again would she allow herself to be bullied or wronged. If someone pushed her, she'd

brat looked so sweet and innocent on the outside, but her words were enough to