The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 759

The mood in the room shifted instantly after Citrine finished speaking. The guests who'd been hostile a moment ago suddenly changed their tune.

Mrs. Black's face was ashen with anger. She shot a furious look at her youngest son, who had just stopped crying, and scolded him sharply. "This is what happens when you don't listen! You ruined your brother's birthday party."

But that wasn't enough to vent her frustration. She stormed over and slapped the chubby boy several times. He let out a wail. "Mom, how could you hit me? I hate you!" With that, he turned and ran out of the room.

For a brief moment, a flicker of regret crossed Mrs. Black's eyes as she watched her son disappear. But when she turned back to face Curry Black, her expression hardened, her eyes colder than ever.

She snapped at him, "Are you happy now?"

Curry's face went pale. He looked at his mother, opened his mouth, and said with pain in his voice, "Sometimes I really wonder if I'm actually your son."

Mrs. Black let out a cold, humorless laugh. "Frankly, I wish you weren't. Both of you are my children, but when I was pregnant with you, nothing ever went right. When I was expecting your brother, that's when our family finally prospered. Face it, Curry-you've always been nothing but bad luck."

The words “bad luck" seemed to strike Curry like a blow. His eyes darkened, and he clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. He tried to speak, but no words came out.

That's when Citrine stepped in, her voice bright and easy. She smiled at Curry. "Hey, it's your birthday. Let's cut the cake."

chimed in, grinning. "Yeah, come on! I've been

ice in Curry's heart, if only a little. He managed a grateful smile and

and Wade exchanged glances, each waiting for the other to make the first cut. The moment hung in the air-until it was shattered by a booming announcement from the hall:

the room, Bartley Black could be seen hustling toward a young man with an air of deference, practically bowing as he

invitation, I never dreamed you'd be able to make it, considering your busy schedule. I can't thank you enough-it really means a

as if worried someone might

Black, quick to switch gears, hurried over to Bartley's side, her face split by a

known you'd be joining us, we would have waited for you to start. Of all our guests today, you're by far the most distinguished." She glanced

and Mrs. Black falling over themselves to impress the guest, Wade almost burst out laughing. “Jonah Griffin? He must be here just

to Curry, "After losing to me in the last

his voice. "I always knew your folks played favorites, but this is the first time I've really seen how far

got it rough

the Shadow Syndicate. My parents have been trying to get in with the Syndicate for years. Today, they're just using my birthday as an excuse to cozy up to the Griffins. You can bet they'll

He'd seen through his parents'

his idea—they'd

"Your parents sure are