The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Sebastian never explained that people had mistaken them for a couple and were intentionally keeping their distance.

After a brief pause, he simply said, "They went ahead to get something to eat."

Citrine wasn't one to dwell on things. Hearing his answer, she let it go.

"Do you want to go diving this afternoon?" she asked, unusually taking the initiative.

Sebastian was caught off guard by her invitation, pleasantly surprised.

He answered without hesitation, "Sure."

After lunch, they dropped by a shop to pick up two sets of diving gear, then hopped onto a boat and headed out to sea.

Suddenly, something occurred to Citrine. She glanced back at Sebastian. "By the way, I forgot to ask-have you been diving before?"

Sebastian had, but only once, a long time ago.

Not wanting to dampen Citrine's enthusiasm, he smiled and said, "Yeah, I've dived before."

Relieved, Citrine asked, "How about the deep water? Is that okay with you?" Sebastian nodded.

As they neared the deep-water area, Citrine caught sight of another boat in the distance—and instantly recognized two faces she would have preferred not to

see.

luck," she muttered

gaze,

on the other boat, Hastings and Quentin

couldn't hide his

derisive laugh. "Said she wasn't coming, and look at that -showed up anyway. Women

words were sarcastic, but a small, knowing smile crept onto

they noticed the

snapped, practically throwing his binoculars

eyes faded as well. He pressed his

on Citrine's boat, they'd reached the

were ready, Citrine

splash, they dove into the

As she sank beneath the surface,

letting her

and Quentin watched

in particular, looked downright grim. The sight of Citrine diving with another man hit

grabbed his own gear and started

called out, "What are you

a beat as he buckled