The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 130

Carney shot a glance at Citrine, an apologetic mix of guilt and reluctant admiration in his eyes. "Sorry, sis. It's just—whenever the folks from Primus Academy see anyone from Havencrest Tech, they act like we're contagious or something. You'd think we were lepers by the way they keep their distance."

Springer chuckled and nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and those Primus Academy honor roll types have never bothered talking to us. So we never figured you'd be hanging out with anyone from there."

Citrine and Amelia exchanged a look—then both burst out laughing.

Amelia couldn't help herself. The thought of Citrine, the straight-A student, getting mistaken for a Havencrest Tech kid—of all things—was just too much.

After lunch, Citrine and Amelia made their way back to the stadium.

The afternoon events kicked off quickly. Citrine had cheered herself hoarse that morning, so Amelia insisted she stay in the rest area for the rest of the day.

Citrine didn't put up much of a fight and took a seat as instructed.

Just then, the loudspeaker crackled to life, announcing the lineup for the men's 3000-meter race. Citrine's eyes lifted ever so slightly when she heard Travis's name.

The race began. Alongside Travis were runners from both Elegance Peak Academy and Havencrest Prep.

By the halfway point, everyone was visibly flagging—except Travis. He was well ahead of the pack, barely breaking a sweat, his face composed, a sheen of perspiration just starting to show. He looked like he still had plenty left in the tank.

There was no question—he was on track to take first place.

But as they entered the final lap, disaster struck.

Citrine watched as Travis ran neck and neck with a boy from Elegance Peak Academy. In the blink of an eye, the other boy elbowed Travis aside and cut into his lane. Travis stumbled, caught his foot, and crashed hard onto the track.

Citrine's heart leapt into her throat.

Seconds ticked by as the boy who'd shoved Travis sprinted across the finish line, arms raised in victory.

But Travis still hadn't gotten up.