The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

After the operation ended, Citrine's cover was completely blown. The Archer family patriarch was furious, but there was nothing he could do about her now.

To make matters worse, the truth about Mirage Cay was exposed. The government abandoned the Archer family, and their reputation among the people of Magnolia plummeted overnight.

Vester had been planning this for a long time. Seizing the opportunity, he released damning evidence he'd collected-proof of The Archer Group's faulty products and falsified financial records.

At the same time, Vester's own company emerged from the shadows, and with the aura of a righteous whistleblower turning against his own family for the greater good, he quickly built up his firm's name and prestige.

In a single day, Vester went from the illegitimate son everyone in the Archer family looked down on, to the man in charge so much so that even his father now had to watch his tone around him.

That evening, Vester hosted a lavish dinner party.

Citrine knew exactly what he was up to: he wanted to use this chance to absorb all the Archer family's powerful former contacts and wring every last drop of benefit out of them. Still, she hadn't expected him to send invitations to her and Sebastian as well.

Vester had helped them, so after a quick discussion, Citrine and Sebastian decided they'd attend.

Vester's wheelchair was surrounded by three deep circles of guests, all clamoring for his attention. He was the

one would ever again dare call him a

was now every bit as powerful as the old Archer Group had

with a cool composure, discreetly extending offers to the companies he believed had the greatest

Archer, red-faced with rage, could only force a smile and play along. The

wanted, but somehow, he didn't

as if he

smile. "Are you expecting Ms. Carmichael,

and he replied, a hint of disappointment in his voice, "It's so late.

the butler wisely

Sebastian had run into some trouble on the way, so they arrived later than expected. As soon as they presented their invitation at the door,

to apologize. "Sorry we're late, we

Ms. Carmichael.

the head of Northriver Vermillion Vanguard. I must admit, I didn't treat you with the