The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 31

Citrine waved frantically at Sawyer, her voice desperate. "Dad! Help us!"

Sawyer heard her and turned in their direction, about to rush over—when, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Jeanette on the other side of the room.

He stopped short.

In that instant, Citrine's heart shot into her throat.

The fire had grown too fierce—there was only time to save one of them.

Sawyer's gaze lingered on Citrine, and in that look, she saw all of his inner turmoil laid bare. But the moment passed; his decision hardened, and he turned away, running straight toward Jeanette.

Citrine knew, with a cold certainty, that she had been abandoned again.

As Sawyer carried Jeanette through the flames to safety, Citrine gave up any hope that he would turn back for her.

The fire roared, closing in. There was no time to feel hurt—she barely had time to think at all.

Alicia, cradled in her arms, was choking on the thick smoke, her eyes squeezed shut, her small body going limp.

Citrine forced herself to stay calm. Just when she thought they were both doomed, she caught sight of a window in the far corner. An idea flickered to life.

Risking the searing heat, she darted back into the bedroom, grabbed a blanket, soaked it in water, and threw it over her shoulders. Then she hurried back to Alicia's side.

"Alicia, hold on," she urged, shaking her friend gently.

"I can't… Citrine, I'm so tired. I think I'm going to die." Alicia's voice was barely a whisper; she refused to move another step.

"Don't say that. We're getting out of here. I promise," Citrine said, kneeling down and lifting Alicia onto her back.

Step by shaky step, the slight, determined girl carried her friend toward the window.

They were almost there when a deafening crash sounded behind them—an explosion sent a shockwave through the room.