The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Vester acted as if he didn't notice the scowls on the Archer family's faces.

Under everyone's watchful gaze, he wheeled himself toward Citrine.

"Ms. Carmichael, could I have a word with you in private?"

Citrine glanced over her shoulder at Sebastian, then turned back and nodded to Vester.

"Would you like me to push you?" she offered.

"No need," Vester replied, shaking his head.

The two of them-Citrine leading, Vester behind-made their way to a nearby sitting room.

Citrine feigned innocence. "Mr. Vester, if you have something to say, please say it." She was simply waiting for his invitation.

Vester regarded the young woman before him-barely twenty, yet already so accomplished. Her composure revealed nothing, making her seem enigmatic and unreadable. No wonder Darius Archer, that old fox, valued her so highly.

Vester couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement as he recalled what he'd learned about her: the cases she'd treated, the patients she'd cured, some with conditions that had stumped the best doctors in Northriver, others with rare illnesses hardly seen in the West. If she could do that-then maybe, just maybe, his own legs stood a chance.

Vester looked at Citrine, his eyes betraying a hint of hope.

I'd like you to take a look at

hand over his

answered without missing a

reviewed photos of his legs; they weren't completely

down and, without ceremony, rolled

embarrassment wasn't the issue. The problem was his legs-they looked awful, and he worried she'd be horrified. But Citrine simply examined him, completely

gently.

head and shook

his pant leg back

Vester's eyes began to fade. Just as he was ready to give up, Citrine spoke

you can't feel anything in your legs, based on the degree of muscle atrophy, there's still a chance

lit up instantly. "Really?" He couldn't stop asking, over

and again, Citrine reassured

was overjoyed his blue eyes, once dull

Citrine feigned hesitation, her voice uncertain. "However, you should be

as there's hope, I'm not asking for more." After years of hearing nothing but

ninety percent confident I can help you.

will take a

need

and the rehab that