The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Citrine offered a perfectly poised smile. "You're very thoughtful. These are all things I enjoy."

Once the Archer family patriarch took his seat, he finally noticed Vester sitting nearby.

Remembering how Vester had brought Citrine to the house before he could, the patriarch's expression darkened, and he barely managed to contain his irritation. After the patriarch sat down, even though Jason and Ileana were still brimming with resentment toward Citrine, they had no choice but to swallow it in silence.

As the meal progressed, the patriarch struck up conversation after conversation with Citrine, leaving Jason and Ileana completely sidelined. The two exchanged glances, their faces stormy, but there was nothing they could do about it.

They simply couldn't understand it: how could a nobody from a backwater town have earned their father's favor so easily?

The longer the patriarch talked with Citrine, the more animated he became-he seemed to forget about everyone else at the table. The two of them got along almost too well.

Eventually, unable to hold back, he brought up Citrine's business overseas. "Ms. Carmichael, I've heard business is booming for your arms company abroad. Tell me, have you ever considered working with Archer Enterprises?"

for her answer.

his gaze, her

"Ms. Carmichael, is this something you're not interested

the military. As far as I know,

Ileana couldn't help but share a gleeful look—after all, the last person who'd dared refuse their father was

him to explode. But after a few tense moments, the patriarch simply

further than most. I'm sure you know as well as anyone that rules in this world aren't set in stone. And if they can't be bent, it just means the price

grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Tell me, then-what is it you

a melodic laugh. "Mr. Archer, you know as

head. "Money? At your level, of course

in, lowering his voice. "What I can offer you isn't something so

with crystal-clear eyes. "Then

quietly,