The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 155

Salome's face was already swollen, and Citrine's eyes darkened when she saw it.

She knelt down, gently straightening Salome's clothes before helping her up. "Auntie, let me help you."

Salome felt a wave of guilt. She hadn't managed to show her niece a good time, and now the girl had to witness something so ugly. She couldn't help but worry—had she scared her?

"I'm fine, Citrine. Don't worry about me." Salome kept her eyes firmly on Derrick as she spoke, afraid he might turn his anger on Citrine.

They'd known each other since college. At twenty, she'd accepted Derrick's confession, and at twenty-three, his marriage proposal. For the first two years, he'd treated her well, and they'd been happy.

But everything changed when it became clear she couldn't have children. Derrick's personality turned overnight. He became violent, and soon he was cheating on her again and again.

The concern in Citrine's eyes deepened. In her mind, her aunt was supposed to be a bright, confident woman—a queen who shouldn't be bullied by anyone.

Earlier, she'd kicked Derrick hard in the ribs. He was nursing the pain now, simmering with anger, but when he saw whose daughter she was, he managed to bite back his rage. "Well, look who's here. This is between me and your aunt. I suggest you stay out of it."

As soon as he finished, Derrick grabbed for Salome. "Get over here, you worthless woman."

He knew he couldn't touch the niece—her family was powerful—but taking his anger out on Salome was another matter.

Just as Derrick's hand was about to reach Salome, Citrine stepped in front of her, shielding her aunt with her own body.

Her face was cold as stone as she slapped Derrick hard across the face. "You're the worthless one! Who do you think you are, talking to my aunt like that?"

She glared at him, voice unwavering. "No one gets to hurt my aunt. No one."