The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 14

After that, Sawyer simply decided to adopt the little one.

Two lost souls, clinging to each other for warmth.

It was the lowest point in Sawyer's life, a time when he had nothing to his name. And yet, with that small bundle of joy by his side, he found a rare, precious comfort he'd never known before.

Though it all happened more than a decade ago, Sawyer remembered every detail, as if it had just happened yesterday.

Back then, that little girl had eyes only for him—she'd cling to his leg, refusing to let go until he picked her up. Now, that same girl was demanding to sever all ties, as if their father-daughter bond meant nothing at all.

And just like that, she'd found her biological father.

The thought that Raymond was her real dad left Sawyer feeling unexpectedly hollow inside.

That night, he didn't sleep a wink.

Meanwhile, after returning home, Raymond immediately ordered someone to investigate Citrine's time overseas.

Sawyer had mentioned she'd lived abroad—and the child's reaction had been anything but normal.

Raymond, too, found himself unable to sleep that night—a rare occurrence for him.

Only Citrine slept soundly, drifting into a peaceful, dreamless slumber.

She hadn't slept well in ages. Ever since her return six months ago, she hadn't had a single restful night at the Iversons' estate.

Who would have thought she'd finally sleep so well under the Carmichaels' roof?

Maybe the Iverson family was just bad luck for her.

The next morning, when Citrine came down for breakfast, she learned that Raymond had already left early for the office.

She didn't give it much thought. After finishing her meal, she headed off to school.

As soon as she walked into the classroom, she spotted Amelia slumped over her desk, looking utterly miserable.

"What's wrong?" Citrine asked. It was rare to see Amelia so downcast.

"Citrine, the monthly exams are next week." Amelia lifted her head, looking as if the life had been sucked out of her.