The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 675

Nigel Saunders pulled out his sketchpad, which he always carried with him, his eyes brimming with anticipation as he looked at Citrine. "Citrine, would you mind?" Citrine blinked, caught a little off guard, then nodded. "O-of course not."

Without another word, Nigel began to sketch from memory, capturing the scene he'd just witnessed. As he worked, he was utterly absorbed, lost in his own world, and for once, his usually impassive face softened-almost radiant with happiness.

The rest of the Saunders family could only stare in disbelief at Nigel's behavior toward Citrine. It was shocking enough to hear him speak so warmly to her, but to see him pick up his pencil and draw for her? That was beyond anything they'd imagined.

After all, the Saunders family had pleaded with Nigel more than once to paint their portraits. He never budged-brushed them off, claimed they stifled his inspiration, and insisted he couldn't paint what didn't move him.

Over the years, Nigel had grown more and more distant from the family. Parents, nephews, even his beloved younger sister Hilda-he treated them all like strangers now. The bond he'd once shared with Hilda had faded, leaving them nearly estranged.

Herschel Saunders muttered as if he'd just seen a ghost. "Has Nigel been possessed? Not only is he acting downright friendly, but he's actually sketching something for Citrine!"

was like this with everyone, but it turns

a smile, "Of course, who

moved behind him, peeking at the sketchpad. When she caught sight of her own familiar features rendered in

brimmed with life and emotion. Sensing her gaze, Nigel paused and glanced over. "Well? What do you think?" Citrine rubbed her chin, pretending to ponder. "The colors are soft, and while it looks simple at first glance, there's so

bit by

depth usually reserved for kindred

painting *The Game* better than anyone else. Now, she

feel a surge

the drawing for a while, chatting quietly, until it was time for dinner. The Saunders family gathered around the table, and for the first time in years, Nigel actually smiled.

he ate, memories of better times flooded back to

off to a competition. It was, he realized, the work he was most proud of

Nigel didn't stay