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?"

with Citrine, waiting intently for her answer. At once, the entire

gaze, her

this something you're not interested in?"

the military. As far as I know, Mr. Archer, your group is strictly commercial, not

but share a gleeful look—after all, the last person who'd dared refuse

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

I'm sure you know as well as anyone that rules in this world aren't set in stone.

back in his chair. "Tell me,

know as well as I do, I'm not exactly short on

At your level, of

in, lowering his voice. "What I can offer you

meeting his gaze with crystal-clear eyes. "Then what

quietly,