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 that cake

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

for

pink, and sweet. It was a shame she hadn't even tasted

Citrine said coolly, swallowing

as though she'd just heard the punchline to a joke. "Give it back? Really? You want

was needling,

girl suddenly smashed the plate and cake onto

cake was nothing but a pink, sugary

have it,"

get far. Before her words had fully left her

a slap," Citrine said

passing waiter's

face flushed and hand pressed to her cheek, glared at Citrine, disbelief and

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

never again would she allow herself to be

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