The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Everyone else at the table was clinking glasses and trading toasts, but only Citrine and Sherman seemed untouched by the lively atmosphere, as if they existed in a world apart.

Sherman leaned in and whispered, "Citrine, even though you control the weapons business the Archer family needs to partner with, they might show you some respect. But I doubt Vester would ever invite you to their estate."

"He absolutely will," Citrine replied, her tone unwavering.

Sherman stared at her, wide-eyed.

She clarified, "Though, it'll be under the pretense of treating Vester's legs."

Citrine went on, her voice low and certain. "Vester might not be favored in the Archer family-he's not even the head's legitimate son-but he's not someone to underestimate. He's spent years searching for a cure for his legs. I'm sure he'll come to me sooner or later. It's only a matter of time."

As she finished speaking, Citrine caught sight of a man from the Northriver family approaching from across the room.

He was dressed in a sharp suit, engaged in quiet conversation with a Magnolia gentleman nearby, but his eyes-restless and sharp-never left her.

What's he doing here?

Citrine frowned slightly, eyes scanning him from head to toe, trying to figure out which of his personalities she was dealing with tonight.

A moment later, Sebastian Vesper strode over and stopped directly in front of her.

Citrine was nearly certain now-this was his alternate personality.

"What brings you here?" she asked, her voice calm but laced with curiosity.

Sebastian ignored her question and shot one of his own back: "What about you? Why are you here?"

The truth was, Sebastian was here because of her.

After their parting back home, he'd had someone investigate and discovered that Raymond Carmichael had ended up on Mirage Cay.

He knew Citrine would try to save Raymond-so he came too.

After hearing she'd be attending this gala, he'd called in a few favors and made sure he was on the guest list as well.

Citrine narrowed her eyes, but said nothing.

Sebastian finally relented, his gaze flickering with concern as he looked at her. "Is

the mastermind behind Mirage Cay here tonight?"

It was the only real reason she would attend an event like this.

Realizing he'd figured it out, Citrine didn't bother denying it.

She met his gaze, her eyes clear and steady. "So you came here for me?" Sebastian nodded.

She watched him, her expression shifting. Not long ago, he'd handed her his resignation—wasn't he supposed to be giving up on her?

The thought slipped out before she could stop it. “You already gave me your resignation."

"Hm?" Sebastian looked confused.

Citrine fumbled for words. Matters

of the heart had always been a mystery to her. She tried to explain

in her own way: "Yout

took it as you giving up."

"So I don't get why you chased me all the way out of the country."

She genuinely couldn't understand what Sebastian was doing.

But now Sebastian seemed stunned, and then, catching the real meaning behind her words, he almost laughed in exasperation. Without thinking, he shot back, "When did I ever say I was giving up?"

"You're awfully young to be overthinking things like this," he added, shaking his head.noveldrama

It made it sound like she was the one being foolishly sentimental. Citrine was momentarily at a loss for words, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.

Sebastian caught the flush and couldn't help but smile.

They chatted a bit more, but then Sebastian's expression turned serious.

"Whatever you're planning next, I'm going with you," he said softly but firmly.

He understood her abilities well enough. If she'd decided to come to Magnolia, she must already have a plan. The least he could do was stay by her side-and be there for her, whenever she needed him.