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.

right. We're not a couple." Was that really the whole reason he'd dragged her out here?

finish voicing her annoyance before

business in the Federated States of Magnolia. In fact, your ventures there far outweigh what you

fidgeting nervously

is where I was born. My family and friends are there. What

in her decisions,

Sensing her rushed

annoyance, Vester

"No, that's not

your

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

you. I want to

he could be so

Meanwhile, across the garden,

Ileana

had

just stormed off

Sebastian publicly net

her

gone, Sebastian's face darkened, Ileana's words echoing in his

it anymore. Abruptly, he