The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Sebastian gripped Hastings's wrist hard, his tone sharp. "You want to lose that hand?"

With that, he gave Hastings's arm a rough shove, sending him stumbling back.

Hastings's face darkened, anger simmering just beneath the surface. Ignoring Sebastian, he turned his attention to Citrine. "Citrine, I waited for you all night. You never came back."

His gaze swung back to Sebastian, brimming with accusation. "Did you spend the whole night with him?"

Just picturing the two of them together last night twisted something deep in Hastings's chest.

Citrine frowned, exasperated. "Hastings, what is wrong with you?" Sometimes she truly didn't understand him. She'd made her feelings painfully clear, yet Hastings clung to her like a stubborn weed, refusing to take the hint.

If she'd known he'd be this much trouble, she might have chosen a different way to make him suffer.

She let out a sigh, her voice impatient. "Who I spend my time with and what I do are none of your business."

Quentin, usually the laid-back one, studied the pair seriously, his brow furrowed once he realized they'd spent the night together. For once, he dropped the act and spoke with rare severity. "Citrine Carmichael, is there any shame left in you? Sneaking around all night with a guy?"

Sebastian's hands balled into fists as he stepped forward, ready to throw a punch. Before he could, a gentle hand covered his, prying his fingers open one by one.

She didn't want him getting involved. Understanding her silent cue, Sebastian fell obediently quiet, glaring at Quentin but staying put.

Citrine flashed Quentin a small, almost mocking smile. She stepped forward, and just as Quentin opened his mouth to speak, she grabbed his arm and flipped him over her shoulder without warning.noveldrama

Quentin hit the ground hard, the world spinning as he landed flat on his back. "God, my back!" he howled, clutching his waist, half-wailing, half-cursing.

"There's a price to pay for acting like a jerk, you know?" Citrine crossed her arms, smirking as she crouched to pat Quentin's cheek.

Quentin, red-faced and furious, spat out, "Citrine Carmichael, you're out of your damn mind!"

It wasn't the first time she'd humiliated him, and despite having been through this more than once, it didn't make it any less infuriating.

Hastings hesitated a moment, then only after Citrine stood up did he help Quentin to his feet.

Citrine didn't spare Quentin a glance. She spoke directly to Hastings, her voice cold: "I thought I made myself clear last time. Hastings, stop haunting me. The more you cling, the more I despise you."

Hastings had lost count of how many times he'd heard this. His heart felt numb, yet he still couldn't let go.

He hated himself for it, hated how pathetic he sounded, but he couldn't stop begging. Jaw clenched, he said, "Citrine, if you really like Sebastian, I... I don't mind." Of course, that was a lie, but he couldn't admit the truth, not now.

Citrine stared at him, silent.

Thinking she didn't believe him, Hastings rushed on. "I'll settle for being... for being number two. I'm not greedy. Just give me a little of your time every week, that's all."

A bitter smile twisted his lips. “See? I'm not asking for much. I just want to stay by your side."

"You really are sick." Citrine didn't know anymore was she the crazy one, or was it Hastings?

Sebastian's brow furrowed. He'd

heard these words before, but until now he'd dismissed them as a moment's madness. Hearing them again he couldn't help but feel

uneasy. He glanced at Citrine

worried she might soften.

A long silence stretched between them. Sebastian's heart pounded, as if waiting

for the axe to fall.

But then Citrine spoke.

"Hastings, Quentin-you two clearly have too much time on your hands. Maybe

you should spend it figuring out how to save your family's companies."

She smiled, a hint of warning in her voice. "The Glenwood family's fallen. Next up are your families-the Coopers and the Aldridges. I won't spare either of you. So maybe worry

less about me and more about your own futures."