The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

"You..." Jason's eyes widened, his face twisted with anger. He never expected someone from a backwater place like Northriver to dare speak to him like that.

Right then, Ileana was staring daggers at Sebastian, who stood beside Citrine. Her gaze was so fierce it seemed she wanted to devour him. It wasn't until Citrine spoke that she finally tore her attention away, turning her icy glare to Citrine instead.

"Ms. Carmichael," Ileana said coldly, idly twirling a lock of her blonde hair with disdain, “you're just a guest here. Since when does a guest talk to their host like that? I think you owe my brother an apology."

Citrine gave a faint, cool smile, unaffected by the attempted slight. "Well, if the Archer family can't tolerate our presence, then we'll excuse ourselves."

With that, she reached for Sebastian's hand and gently pulled him to his feet. "Sebastian, since we're not welcome here, let's go."

Sebastian felt the softness of her hand in his, and his heart softened. He wrapped his large hand around hers, shielding it completely.

He didn't spare the others so much as a glance as he rose, his face darkening. "If the Archer family hadn't insisted on inviting us, we wouldn't have bothered coming."

Then, with a gentle, indulgent tone, he added, "Come on, Citrine. Let's go home." The two of them turned and walked away, not giving the others a chance to react. Jason was left fuming, the anger stuck in his chest with nowhere to go.

this Northriver man back at the dinner party-tall, handsome, athletic, easily the match of any Magnolia jock. She hadn't had the chance to enjoy such a specimen, and now that this wretched woman was taking him away, she couldn't help but feel a pang

to say something, but

"Ms. Carmichael, wait."

on her lips. "Yes, Mr. Archer?

and for just a moment, Vester had the uncanny sense she could see right through

had sent the invitation themselves. Still, Vester couldn't help but wonder if Citrine's appearance at the party was

siblings' rudeness, perhaps they

come with any hidden

after all.

testing the waters, Vester realized pushing further would only push Citrine away for

on a friendly smile,

were