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.

you here because I'd like you

hand over his numb legs,

answered without missing a

reviewed photos of his legs; they weren't

crouched down and, without ceremony, rolled up his trouser

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

his leg gently. "Does this hurt

head

leg back down and

Vester's eyes began to fade. Just as

can't feel anything in your legs, based on the degree of muscle atrophy,

instantly. "Really?" He couldn't

and again, Citrine

overjoyed his blue eyes, once dull and lifeless, now

feigned hesitation, her voice uncertain.

asking for more." After

confident I can help

process will take a

You'll need

and the rehab