The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 135

Travis watched the small figure racing around the track, his emotions a tangled knot of worry and protectiveness.

He knew this lap would leave his little sister exhausted—he couldn't help but feel a pang of concern.

In that moment, he made a silent vow: *Even if she loses, I won't let her face the fallout alone.* If worst came to worst, he'd walk away from the Carmichael family with her. He'd take care of her, no matter what.

Sure, Manley could be stingy, but he had his generous days. And after all these years, Travis had saved enough—it wouldn't be hard to support the two of them.

Citrine was the smallest girl on the track, and since she'd been trailing behind for most of the race, no one expected her to win. Travis didn't, either.

That is, until Sylvan suddenly shouted, "No way—she's passing them!"

Travis snapped his gaze back to the track. Citrine, who'd been running at a steady pace, suddenly surged forward in a burst of speed. With every stride, she picked up momentum, overtaking one runner after another.

Tension silenced Travis. All he could do was watch her intently, silently praying nothing would go wrong.

With just one lap to go, Citrine was running even faster, closing in on Regina, who'd been half a lap ahead. Yet Citrine's breathing remained steady and calm.

"She's been pacing herself for a final sprint," Springer observed, quietly impressed by Citrine's stamina.

"Unbelievable! If I didn't know she was Primus Academy's top scholar, I'd swear she was a track athlete," Sylvan exclaimed, high-fiving Springer in excitement.

"Her endurance is unreal," Carney added in awe.

Regina glanced nervously over her shoulder as Citrine closed the gap with alarming speed. Her own breathing faltered.

*No way. This can't be happening.*

As Citrine drew closer, Regina's forehead broke out in even more sweat.

*I can't lose. Not now.*

Just as Citrine was about to overtake her, Regina subtly stuck out her right foot.