The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Watching that flustered figure hurry away, Vester couldn't help but let out a quiet chuckle.

"Fascinating," he murmured, a hint of regret in his tone. "Pity she's already got a boyfriend."

He didn't wheel himself back until her silhouette had completely vanished from sight.

Citrine rushed through the corridors, only slowing down when she reached her bedroom. Her hand paused on the doorknob.

Why am I acting so guilty? she wondered. I haven't done anything wrong.

Besides, by now he should be asleep.

A wave of relief washed over her, and she finally pushed open the door.

The crystal chandelier spilled light from the ceiling, flooding the room with brightness. Before she could take in the scene, she felt a burning gaze land squarely on her—a gaze impossible to ignore. Citrine instinctively looked up, and their eyes met.

Sebastian sat on the sofa, legs crossed, chin tilted up as he watched her. "You're back late," he remarked.

His words sounded reproachful, but his eyes were anything but; there was only warmth there, even a touch of tenderness.

talk with Mr. Vester for a bit,"

did you talk about?" Sebastian blurted

it instantly. He shouldn't have asked. There was nothing between them

grew a shade

She

testing each other's intentions," she explained. "He wanted to know if I was open to working with the Archer

the end, it went

added, "Still, we

caught her meaning, his tone

Citrine nodded.

involving him could make things much simpler. If he were in

her eyes and

abroad. She couldn't help but

Carmichael was faring now.

warned the

on anyone from Mirage Cay, and she doubted Jeff would dare cross her. But the terror of that place was branded so deeply into her memory that she couldn't