The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 136

"Oh, I see." Citrine hadn't really expected an answer—she'd only asked out of casual curiosity.

Before Travis could reply, a sharp voice sliced through the peaceful atmosphere.

Regina glared at Citrine, practically spitting with outrage. "How can you be so close to her, brother?"

A flicker of disgust passed through Travis's eyes as he looked at Regina.

His demeanor shifted entirely; the warmth he'd shown Citrine vanished, replaced by a cold indifference as he faced Regina.

"First of all, I'm not your brother," he said, his tone icy. "Second, who I spend time with is none of your business. And for the record, Citrine is my real sister. If I want to be close to her, that's not your concern." He made a point of emphasizing "real sister."

Regina's expression twisted. "But you barely even know her! We grew up together," she protested, her voice quivering with a complicated mix of resentment and hurt. She might hate that Travis was a student at Havencrest Technical College—she often called him a useless gamer—but she couldn't deny how much she'd enjoyed the attention he used to give her.

Even though they'd recently fallen out, the thought of Travis caring for someone else—especially Citrine, whom Regina despised most—was unbearable.

Suddenly, a sharp sting ran across the top of her foot, and Regina's indignation gave way to wounded self-pity. "Don't you care what she just did to me?"

Travis's gaze grew even colder. "You brought it on yourself. Citrine could've broken your foot and you'd still deserve it. Serves you right for being so spiteful."

He'd wanted to slap Regina the moment she started causing trouble.

Regina shot Citrine a venomous look, her eyes were brimming with hostility. "You're really going to defend her? You've only met her a handful of times."

Travis let out a humorless laugh, his eyes flashing with open malice. "Doesn't matter how long I've known Citrine. I can tell she actually sees me as family. You, on the other hand, you're just a parasite—always taking, never giving anything back."

He knew exactly what game Regina was playing.

Regina went pale. No one had ever spoken to her so harshly; her eyes filled with tears, and she looked about ready to cry. Just then, the boy who'd been hanging around her earlier stepped forward, shielding her protectively.

He glared at Citrine and Travis. "Picking on Regina—real tough of you two."