The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 819

On the second and third day of the New Year, Citrine was swept along by the Carmichaels and the Saunders as they visited relatives. Not only did she leave with a stack of generous holiday envelopes, but she also won the affection of nearly every aunt, uncle, and cousin she met—becoming, for a moment, the "golden child" everyone wished they had.

If it had been her old self, she would have been overwhelmed, almost anxious about being the center of so much affection.

But now, with a loving family by her side, all that warmth kindled a voice inside her loud, clear, and unshakeable.

Citrine Carmichael, look at you. You deserve this. You deserve to be loved by everyone.

If your last life ended the way it did, it was only because you had the misfortune to meet all the wrong people. It was their cruelty, not your unworthiness.

Magnolia.

Ever since Jeanette Iverson's true colors were exposed by Theo Glenwood, and after she'd been suspended for a few days for lashing out and hurting someone, Jeanette found herself unable to stay in Crestwood any longer. The school sent her an expulsion notice. For now, she was finished here.

Luckily, Jeanette had cultivated a number of friendships-mostly with boys. One of them was Chuck, whose family ran a successful restaurant chain, and who had made a small fortune as a livestream influencer over the past couple of years.

To Jeanette, no matter how much money Chuck's family had, they were still new money-loud, flashy, and utterly beneath her standards, at least in the past.

But times had changed. These days, Chuck was the most eligible bachelor she had access to, and more importantly, he was willing to drop his studies at home and take her abroad with him.

It wasn't exactly an Ivy League school, but where there were trust-fund kids and spoiled heirs, there were always opportunities.

She couldn't stay in her home country anymore, so following Chuck overseas seemed like a golden ticket.

the world was full of wealthy international students, and with Chuck as a stepping stone, she was sure her looks would help her find someone even

odds and options with a

had no clue what was going on behind her pretty eyes. He just

as striking as Jeanette felt like winning the lottery. He doted on her, indulging

When he introduced Jeanette, the guys all played

tall, glamorous Western women, Jeanette's petite build and delicate features drew plenty of

girlfriend

can't believe I get to study at the same school as her.

girls,

compliment loftier than the last, placing Jeanette on a pedestal and making her bask in the

minute of it, head held high, savoring a respect she'd never felt

Jeanette's pride swelled inside her chest. The more they fawned over her, the more she felt she deserved better than Chuck. Chuck, oblivious, kept his arm around her, bragging to anyone who'd listen. Jeanette half-closed her eyes, a flicker of impatience passing through them. Just

instantly. Chuck had mentioned this birthday guest

pulled out a mirror and touched up her makeup, making sure every detail was

minutes

dark-skinned man entered. He

classically handsome, but he had

wrist was clearly worth a small

way to the center seat that everyone instinctively cleated for him. Every move he

initial excitement

Wasn't he supposed to

to Chuck and whispered, "What's going on?