The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Citrine hadn't planned on involving Sebastian in any of this, but he was insistent. After a brief discussion, they decided to attend the Archer family gathering as a couple.

A few minutes later, the patriarch of the Archer family emerged. As host of the evening, he led his son and daughter through the crowd, greeting guests with effortless charm. In truth, he was parading his children to expand their circle of connections.

Citrine's gaze lingered behind the family head, searching for any sign of Vester. He was nowhere to be seen.

The reason clicked into place almost immediately. Of course-Vester was the youngest, and the family patriarch could barely tolerate him, let alone introduce him to potential allies.

Lost in thought, Citrine didn't notice the Archer family head and his children approaching until he was almost in front of her.

He was the first to extend a hand. "Ms. Carmichael, I've heard so much about you."

Snapping back to the moment, Citrine quickly took his hand, greeting him in fluent English.

He laughed heartily, his eyes flashing with open admiration. "To achieve so much at your age is truly impressive. I hope you won't mind my forwardness in inviting you tonight."

Citrine answered evenly, "It's an honor to have received your invitation."

His appreciation for her seemed to deepen. He beckoned to the two people behind him. "Jason, Ileana-come over here."

Turning to Citrine, he made the introductions. "Ms. Carmichael, this is my son Jason. He's currently handling operations for the Archer Group. And this is my daughter, who manages our financial affairs."

"Nice to meet you," Jason and Ileana said politely, but their disdain was impossible to miss.

"Hello." Citrine picked up on their lack of warmth right away. She had no intention of fawning over them-especially since she and the Archer family had a history of

bitter enmity. With her current status, she had no need to curry favor.

She gave the siblings a cool glance, not even bothering with small talk.

The family patriarch was clearly annoyed by his children's lack of tact, but maintained a calm exterior. Then his attention shifted to the two men standing beside Citrine.

"And these gentlemen are...?" he inquired.

Citrine gestured to each in turn. "This is my assistant, Sherman, and this is my boyfriend, Mr. Vesper."noveldrama

The family head nodded

appreciatively, a smile on his lips. "Ms. Carmichael, you're

accomplished beyond your

years and your boyfriend is net

distinguished gentleman. You make quite

the pair."

"Thank you," Citrine replied.

Her expression stayed neutral, but Sebastian's lips curled into a subtle smile at the compliment. He was still savoring the word "pair" when he failed to notice Ileana staring at him, utterly captivated, as if she'd just discovered her heart's desire.

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After a few minutes of small talk, the Archer family patriarch moved on.

Once they were gone, Citrine took

Sebastian's arm and made a point of greeting the other guests. Most looked down on her roots in

Northriver, and their coldness was obvious. A select few, however, observed social niceties even if their smiles were forced.

Circulating the room, Citrine and Sebastian quickly sized up the crowd and mapped out the web of alliances between the guests and the Archer family. Citrine glanced up toward the second floor. Still no sign of Vester.

Would he show up at all?

She was pondering the question when the doors at the end of the hall swung open.

All conversation ceased as every guest turned toward the entrance.

A blond man with striking blue eyes was being wheeled into the room.