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.

at the dinner party-tall, handsome, athletic, easily the match of any Magnolia jock. She hadn't had the chance

hesitated, about to say something, but Vester beat her

"Ms. Carmichael, wait."

turned back, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Yes, Mr. Archer? Do you have something

looked him straight in the eyes, and for just a moment, Vester had

had sent the invitation themselves. Still, Vester couldn't help but wonder if Citrine's appearance at the party was a little too convenient. Yet seeing how

siblings' rudeness, perhaps they

come with any hidden

after all.

waters, Vester realized pushing further

put on a friendly smile,

were