The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 795

After leaving the ballroom, Citrine followed Vester out to the backyard.

Once they arrived, Citrine's curiosity finally got the better of her. "Mr. Vester, I've already agreed to the partnership between our families. What else is it you wanted to discuss with me?"

The backyard was empty, the hush making her wary. She eyed Vester with open suspicion.

Vester, amused by her guardedness, let a small smile slip. "Ms. Carmichael, you don't need to worry. I just wanted a word with you in private."

"What about?" Citrine's tone was dead serious.

He didn't bother with preamble. "Ms. Carmichael, Mr. Vesper isn't really your boyfriend, is he?"

Citrine didn't reply, just hesitated ever so slightly.

She and Sebastian Vesper were never actually a couple, just putting on a show. If Vester had seen through it, it wasn't all that surprising.

Citrine's silence dragged out, bordering on stubborn. Vester only smiled wider and went on, "Aren't you curious how I found out?"

She went along with it, meeting his gaze. "Sure, I'm curious."

His eyes softened. "I've never dated anyone myself, but I've seen enough couples to know what real chemistry looks like. You and Mr. Vesper-there's none of that tension between you; it's all too measured. The way he looks at you is... let's just say it's not entirely innocent. But the way you look at him? It's perfectly clear."

Vester had known from the first moment he saw them together that they were faking it.

really the whole reason he'd dragged her

voicing

I've found, you started your business in the Federated States of Magnolia. In fact, your ventures there far outweigh what you have in Northriver. Have you ever considered settling in Magnolia for

closely, fidgeting nervously with his

voice dropped. "Northriver is where I was born. My family and friends

little patience for people meddling in

Sensing her rushed

annoyance, Vester

that's not

in your

his lips together, clearly flustered. "I just—I wanted

you. I want to marry you." His words trembled

at twenty-seven, he could be so hopelessly

Meanwhile, across the garden,

Ileana

had

just stormed off

Sebastian publicly net

her

she was gone, Sebastian's face darkened, Ileana's

couldn't take it anymore. Abruptly, he