The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 149

"Dad."

Young Citrine's voice trembled as she suddenly spotted Sawyer. The sickly smile she wore faded away, leaving only confusion and fear. She stared at him stubbornly, rushing to explain, "Dad, it was him—He touched me."

She took a few timid steps toward Sawyer, reaching out her small, trembling hand, hoping he'd take it. But Sawyer jerked away without hesitation.

"What's wrong with you? Why are you so frightening?"

He shoved Citrine aside, disbelief quickly twisting into disgust in his eyes.

"What do you mean, ‘he touched you'? Your Aunt Aline worked so hard to find you a world-renowned piano teacher, and now you're accusing him of something so outrageous? You're getting more out of hand by the day."

It was Sunday, and the commotion had drawn the entire Iverson family into the hallway.

Jeanette caught sight of Citrine and let out a piercing shriek. "Ew, there's blood on your hands! You're scary!" She clapped her hands over her eyes, backing away.

Aline's eyes widened in horror. She swiftly pulled Jeanette into her arms, glaring at Citrine with open fear. "What's wrong with you? Stay away from my daughter—Don't come any closer!"

"Dad…" Citrine pleaded, turning to Sawyer, desperate to explain.

"Stay right there. Don't move." Sawyer's icy voice cut her off, sharp as a winter wind, sending a chill through everyone in the room. He stepped protectively in front of Jeanette and Aline, shielding them from Citrine.

Moments later, Norton and Clifford arrived.

They took in the scene, their faces paling. Their first instinct was to check Jeanette; when they saw she was unharmed, they both let out a long sigh of relief. "Thank God, Jeanette's okay."

But when they turned their attention back to Citrine, their eyes blazed with undisguised contempt.