The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 811

In the days that followed, Sebastian started "running into❞ her even more often. To call them coincidences would be a stretch; it was clear he'd planned every meeting well in advance.

Citrine wasn't stupid. She saw right through it from the start.

Since there was no use trying to dodge him, she simply gave in and let things happen as they would.

That afternoon, Sebastian arrived right on time, just as he had every other day. The moment Citrine stepped out of the school gates, she saw his familiar car parked by the curb. Sebastian leaned casually against the hood, his eyes lighting up the second he spotted her. He waved, grinning with such warmth it was impossible not to notice.

She had to admit, he did have a certain charm when he smiled-gentle, inviting, the sort of guy who made you feel like the world was a little softer. Citrine had always liked men with that kind of easy warmth. She found herself staring, momentarily lost in thought, before snapping out of it and making her way over.

Sebastian's smile grew even wider as she approached. He looked her square in the eye. "There's a new movie out. Want to go see it together?"

His gaze was bright, full of hope.

"Sure," Citrine replied in the end, unable to bring herself to say no.

Sebastian's face lit up with delight. He quickly moved to open the passenger door for her.

She gave him a quick glance and slid into the seat without another word.

They headed downtown to the main shopping center. Sebastian picked up the tickets he'd reserved, then bought popcorn and drinks before they made their way into the theater.

The movie was a big release, and the place was packed. By the time they found their seats, the lights were already dimming and the opening credits were rolling.

Meanwhile, in the very back row, Theo Glenwood and Quentin Aldridge spotted Citrine as she sat down. They both spoke up at once.

"Citrine."

"Citrine."

This is a movie theater," Kali Glenwood hissed, sitting between them. She shot Citrine a withering glare filled with jealousy and resentment. What made her so special that she could be

her behind. It had taken forever to get Theo and Quentin to come out with her today; there was no way she'd let

looked at them with a

was in chaos. Watching Sebastian, she remembered how he'd appeared at the auction as the chairman of Stellaris Group. Was it true? If it was, what right did Citrine have to be with someone

had grown up with Theo and Quentin; they exchanged a look but said

more.

any interest in the film anymore. Their

of the man sitting

and Sebastian, oblivious to all this, were focused on

their way out of the theater, Theo finally couldn't hold back. He pushed

voice made both Citrine and Sebastian stop in their tracks. They turned to find Theo storming toward them, his

you two?" Theo demanded,

to run into him here. She frowned, suddenly

in, blocking Theo's line of sight. His tone was cold. "And what business is it of yours?

Theo's eyes darkened.

the auction, when he'd learned Sebastian was the chairman of Stellaris Group, he'd been unable to make sense of it. If Sebastian really was the chairman, why had he always let Theo and Quentin walk all over him in the past? But

But one thing was clear: he wasn't about to let

who you are.

bother to dwell on

forceful. "Let me make this clear, Theo. I'm not going

take his side. Now, almost by reflex, he turned to look at her, searching for a

he saw was coldness—a detached indifference,

pressed his lips together, all his

Quentin hurried over and yanked Theo back, regarding him with