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.

frowned, her patience thinning. "I saw

just shrugged, her tone dismissive. "So what? I got to

for it at first glance. Now, having it snatched

sweet. It was a shame she

Citrine said coolly, swallowing her

heard the punchline to a joke. "Give it back? Really? You want

was needling, almost

could answer, the girl suddenly smashed the plate

butterfly cake was nothing but a pink, sugary

let you have it," the girl sneered, flashing Citrine a triumphant,

her words had fully left her lips, Citrine slapped her-

deserves a

from a passing waiter's tray and wiped her hand

glared at Citrine, disbelief and outrage etched across her features. "You hit me?

laugh. "What's stopping me

allow herself to be bullied or wronged. If someone pushed her,

innocent on the outside, but her words were enough to make