The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Quentin's face twisted with rage as he stormed toward Citrine. "What did you just say, Citrine Carmichael? Are you looking for trouble?"

He looked ready to strike her, and Citrine narrowed her eyes, preparing to defend herself. But before she could react, a large, strong hand gripped Quentin's arm, stopping him cold.

Sebastian slowly rose to his feet, his grip on Quentin's arm tightening with each second. "Looking for trouble, are you?" he said quietly.

Without warning, he twisted Quentin's arm sharply. Quentin let out a cry of pain and slumped in defeat, unable to move.

Neville watched everything unfold, his heart sinking. Citrine had never been fond of the Aldridge family to begin with, and now Quentin had gone and made things worse. There was no way she'd agree to let the Aldridge Group join Blood Rain

now.

Citrine glanced at Neville, a faint, mocking smile tugging at her lips. "All of our companies in Blood Rain keep their hands clean. I have no intention of letting in any rotten apples." Her voice turned icy on the last word.

Neville's expression darkened.

What did she know?

He studied Citrine's face, searching for any hint, but she looked perfectly calm.

Maybe he was just being paranoid.

Neville repeated this to himself until, finally, he managed to believe it.

Citrine had only come today to see what the Aldridges were up to. Now that she had her answer, there was no reason for her to linger.

She turned to Sebastian. "Sebastian, let's go."

Sebastian understood at once, falling into step behind her as they left, not bothering to say a single word of farewell. The two of them walked out as if the rest of the room didn't exist.

After they were gone, Neville erupted in anger, lashing out at everyone around him.

.n

Ins

It was only days later that Citrine heard what happened after she'd left: in front of everyone, Neville had invoked the family's old code of punishment and given Quentina brutal beating. The boy had been left black and blue.

When Citrine heard the news, she just shook her head with a wry smile. "Serves him right."

Ever since the Glenwoods had gone

bankrupt and Talbot Glenwood had landed in prison, Theo, Kali, and

Jeanette Glenwood had been staying at Quentin's place for the time being.

That night, as usual, Kali crept quietly into Quentin's room with a jar of ointment.

Quentin had liked Kali since they were kids, and because of that, she'd always had free run of his room.noveldrama

When Kali slipped in, Quentin had just finished his shower and was toweling off, shirtless.

She hadn't knocked, so the two of them nearly collided.

Quentin jumped in surprise. "Kali? What are you doing here?" There was a flash of panic in his eyes as he scrambled to pull on his bathrobe, moving as fast as he could.

Even though he was quick and didn't seem angry, Kali still caught a note of irritation in his tone.

For a brief moment, she wondered if he even liked her at all.

If you really liked someone, wouldn't you want them barging into your room? Why would you sound so annoyed?

A sudden wave of hurt washed over her. She looked up at Quentin, her voice small and uncertain. "Quentin, are you... are you tired of me?"

Quentin finished tying his robe and looked up, meeting Kali's eyes-red with unshed tears. Only then did he realize how harsh he'd sounded.

"I'm sorry, Kali. I didn't mean it. Will you forgive me?" Quentin's voice was unsteady, his gaze anxious. He didn't even understand himself anymore.

He'd always liked Kali the most. And yet, just now, he'd lost his temper with her. He hated himself for it.