The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

It was painfully clear-the chip was never going to be his bargaining chip.

Vester kept running through his mind, searching for anything else he could offer, but came up empty every time.

Across from him, Citrine sat with her arms folded, a look of easy amusement on her face, as if she were front row at a comedy show.

Vester wasn't one to give up so easily. Just as he looked up at Citrine, ready to speak, something in her expression caught him off guard.

His gaze darkened, growing more intense as he studied her.

Was he really so dense that he couldn't see through a young woman's intentions, or was she just far too clever for her own good?

He had to admit it was the latter.

So that's what this whole dance had been about. She simply wanted to test his sincerity. The realization made Vester let out a short, incredulous laugh.

He never thought the day would come when he'd be outmaneuvered by a slip of a girl.

His tone turned sharp, face stern. "Ms. Carmichael, let's skip the games. What is it you really want?"

"Mr. Vester, business is war. I hope you won't hold it against me." Citrine offered a small, apologetic smile.

She was beautiful-striking, really. Every movement, every subtle smile, had an almost haunting allure.

Most women from the Federated States of Magnolia were athletic and bold, but Citrine, hailing from Northriver, looked fragile and delicate by comparison- someone who inspired an instinct to protect, just by standing there.

Even Vester, who'd never gone easy on women in business, found himself softening as he looked at her, worried his coldness might make her cry.

He couldn't keep up his icy facade for long; it melted away, replaced by a gentler expression.

Citrine had no idea about the silent struggle going on inside him.noveldrama

She was here for a partnership, and saw no reason to keep up the pretense.

"Mr. Vester, I do have a favor to ask. I can't tell you the details right now, but all want is your word-if ever I need your help in the future, you'll do

neng you can for me.

Vester was caught off guard. He'd braced himself for some outrageous demand,

but all she wanted was a promise to help, someday.

It sounded simple enough. But knowing how sharp this girl was, he decided to set the ground rules" can help, sure-but if it's beyond my ability, you can't hold it against me."

Citrine laughed, light and genuine. "Of course."

Her laughter drew a real smile from Vester, too—one that, had his butler been present, would've been cause for surprise.

They chatted a little longer about his treatment before Citrine stood to leave.

But Vester stopped her. "Wait-Citrine."

She turned back, puzzled. "Is there something else, Mr. Vester?"

He shook his head, smiling. "I just remembered at lunch today, things seemed a

little tense between you and your boyfriend. Did you two have a fight?"

Citrine was surprised he'd noticed something so small.

"No, we didn't fight," she said quickly, shaking her head, though her tone was anything but convincing.

Vester noticed, of course, and pressed gently, "Really? You two hardly said a word through the whole meal."

Citrine blushed, at a loss for words.

She certainly couldn't tell him she'd stumbled out of the shower into Sebastian Vesper's arms, been seen in all her embarrassment, and somehow ended up accidentally kissing him.

With no real explanation, she blurted out a harmless lie. "You caught us—we did

have a little argument, but it wasn't anything serious."

She glanced at the clock. "It's late, Mr. Vester. I should go get some rest."

Not waiting to see if he believed her, Citrine practically fled the room.