The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Everyone else at the table was clinking glasses and trading toasts, but only Citrine and Sherman seemed untouched by the lively atmosphere, as if they existed in a world apart.

Sherman leaned in and whispered, "Citrine, even though you control the weapons business the Archer family needs to partner with, they might show you some respect. But I doubt Vester would ever invite you to their estate."

"He absolutely will," Citrine replied, her tone unwavering.

Sherman stared at her, wide-eyed.

She clarified, "Though, it'll be under the pretense of treating Vester's legs."

Citrine went on, her voice low and certain. "Vester might not be favored in the Archer family-he's not even the head's legitimate son-but he's not someone to underestimate. He's spent years searching for a cure for his legs. I'm sure he'll come to me sooner or later. It's only a matter of time."

As she finished speaking, Citrine caught sight of a man from the Northriver family approaching from across the room.

He was dressed in a sharp suit, engaged in quiet conversation with a Magnolia gentleman nearby, but his eyes-restless and sharp-never left her.

What's he doing here?

Citrine frowned slightly, eyes scanning him from head to toe, trying to figure out which of his personalities she was dealing with tonight.

A moment later, Sebastian Vesper strode over and stopped directly in front of her.

certain now-this was his

here?" she asked, her

of his own

Sebastian was here

investigate and discovered that Raymond Carmichael

try to save Raymond-so

called in a few favors and made sure

her eyes, but

with

Mirage Cay

only real reason she would attend an event

he'd figured it out,

steady. "So you came here

him, her expression shifting. Not long ago, he'd handed her his resignation—wasn't he supposed to

out before she could stop it. “You already gave

"Hm?" Sebastian looked confused.

fumbled for

had always been a mystery to her. She tried to

her own