The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 105

Citrine watched quietly as Sawyer walked away, her long, dark lashes casting shadows over the sadness in her eyes.

Maybe, once upon a time, Sawyer had truly felt something for her, even though she was only his adopted daughter. But everything changed after that fire years ago. Since then, Sawyer had kept his distance, always a little wary around her. No bond, no matter how strong, could withstand suspicion for long. Over time, whatever affection he'd once had curdled into something colder, something… barely there.

By now, whatever scraps of feeling Sawyer still held for her meant nothing—especially when weighed against his own interests or his real daughter.

Across the room, Weston's eyes gleamed with satisfaction, his booming laughter ringing out over the crowd. He looked at Citrine with newfound admiration, his pride obvious.

"Well now, that's some spirit. You really are a true Carmichael."

But Citrine didn't seem the least bit grateful for his praise.

She gave Weston a wry, almost mocking smile. "Funny. Not long ago, you wouldn't even admit I was a Carmichael."

Weston was caught off guard, sputtering for a moment before he finally managed to retort, "You—! Why do you hold onto grudges like that, kid?"

He'd never expected Citrine to call him out so bluntly. Not even a hint of courtesy—she didn't give him any chance to save face.

Ignoring him entirely, Citrine turned to Raymond. "Weren't you planning to talk with the CICI Group's representative about a partnership?"

Weston stood there, awkward and disgruntled, his face darkening with embarrassment.

Raymond glanced at his father, then focused on Citrine, surprise flickering in his expression. "How did you know I wanted to collaborate with CICI Group?"

He truly hadn't expected Citrine to bring this up.

Raymond could tell Citrine and the CICI Group's director had some kind of special connection. Still, he'd never considered using his daughter's relationship for business, and certainly hadn't expected Citrine to offer.

"Thank you, Citrine." Raymond nodded after a pause. He wasn't the type to play coy; if his daughter wanted to help, he saw no reason to refuse such a generous gesture.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the ballroom, Carlotta was surrounded by executives from all corners of the tech world. Each one was eager to pitch their company, desperate for a chance to work with CICI Group.

Everyone knew that the launch of the AI robot Kane would cause a nationwide sensation. Every major tech company in Havencrest wanted a piece of the action.

Carlotta moved gracefully among the crowd, her every word diplomatic and polite. But in truth, the two companies CICI Group wanted to partner with had already been chosen by Citrine behind the scenes. The final decision was out of Carlotta's hands.

As Citrine led Raymond across the floor, they arrived just in time to see Carlotta at the center of the throng.