The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 688

Citrine stared at him, stunned by the force of his reaction-she truly hadn't expected it.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, both fell silent.

Sebastian swallowed, breaking the tension first. "Either way, I'm not leaving. We agreed before I joined CICI-you can't fire me."

With that, he all but bolted from the room, not giving Citrine a chance to reply.

She watched his retreating figure, a mixture of exasperation and helplessness welling up inside her.

Whenever she wasn't teaching, she'd usually drop by the office, but these past few days, Sebastian had seemed to be avoiding her entirely, almost as if he were deliberately keeping his distance since the incident.

Friday night arrived.

A handful of Crestwood's most prominent business leaders had invited Citrine and Sebastian to dinner.

Normally, Citrine had little patience for these tedious social gatherings, but when she saw the guest list, she hesitated-then changed her mind.

It was, in a sense, a private affair, so they'd chosen the city's most exclusive club for the meeting.

Sebastian stepped into the private lounge, the lively conversation died in an

Barrett stood up at once, a polite smile on his face as he offered the seat

he said with a tone that

eyes. In front of everyone, she brushed past and took the

his father so publicly slighted, shot to his feet, anger flashing across his

He'd worried about her constantly when her life had hung in

time, Citrine Carmichael

Citrine, Neville's heart skipped a beat. He shot Quentin a furious glare, his eyes full

"Quentin, sit down."

so stern, he could only

a sharp

just then, something unexpected

bent to take his seat, Citrine

words sharp, leaving no room

to the end of

Quentin gaped at

to Neville with a cold, almost mocking smile. "President Barrett, your son could use some lessons in manners. Frankly, I worry

her words was unmistakable—anyone could hear