The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 753

That evening, Citrine shared a batch of travel photos in the family group chat, "The Bond Bunch."

She'd barely hit send when Hilda Saunders replied, not five seconds later.

"You're so beautiful, Citrine. My precious girl!"

Right on her heels came Monica Saunders and Wade Saunders, their messages following each other in quick succession.

"My little sister is gorgeous. Sigh, so jealous.”

"Absolutely stunning, Citrine. Next time you go on a trip, can you bring your big brother along?"

Then Herschel Saunders chimed in: "Oh, give it a rest. Citrine went for a work retreat-why on earth would she drag you, Mr. No-Skills, along? People would find out you're her brother and think less of her!"

Wade: "..."

Inez Saunders: "When are you coming home, Citrine? Grandma misses you."

Sitting in her hotel room, Citrine's heart swelled with warmth as she read through the messages.

She smiled and typed back, "I'll be home in Crestwood tomorrow morning."

After hitting send, she switched off her phone, leaned back on the bed, and let her eyes drift shut, intending just to rest a moment. But, inconveniently, her mind wandered to that kiss with Sebastian the night before.

Why am I thinking about that now?

Her eyes flew open. She sat up, heart thudding.

The next morning, Citrine and her colleagues piled into the car for the return trip to the city.

The car pulled up in front of the company building. As Citrine got out and reached for her suitcase, she spotted Sebastian walking toward her, her luggage already in hand.

When he drew near, she offered him a polite smile. "Thank you."

reached to take her suitcase, but Sebastian didn't let

Citrine frowned slightly, puzzled.

carry it for

the company garage, and since it was

set her suitcase

aback. "Do you

replied, and without waiting for an answer, pulled open the passenger door and settled

eyes widened in

he doing this

already in the car,

a sideways

"Sunbliss Apartments."

on the same route as the Saunders'

off, Citrine finally made her way

the entire Saunders clan had squeezed

Inez hovered over

pot of soup

Hilda and Nathalie were

with chopping and

Monica, Wade, and Gorman

Saunders milled around,

vel

occasionally tossing in completely

unhelpful suggestions.

on Wade's third complaint that the soup was too bland, Herschel flicked him on

If you don't, go eat somewhere else

hurt!" Wade protested,

deserved it." Herschel snorted and went back

him, Wade turned hopefully to

wait outside. You're in