The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 32

Everyone assumed it was Citrine who started the fire—that she'd tried to kill Jeanette.

Overnight, she became the Iverson family's pariah.

Later, when she went back to school, Citrine sought out Alicia, and Alicia promised she'd come to the house that night to testify on her behalf.

That evening, Citrine was in high spirits; finally, she would clear her name.

But reality was cruel.

The girl who once stood by her side through everything—Alicia—pointed at her and said, word by word, "It was her. She's the one who tried to burn Jeanette alive."

The last light in Citrine's eyes flickered out.

From that moment on, she lost her left ear—and her best friend.

Citrine pulled herself out of the memory.

Suddenly, she laughed.

"Why shouldn't I hate you?" she said, her voice tinged with bitterness. Betrayal was the one thing she despised most.

Alicia bit her lip, then pressed on, "So this is why you're taking revenge on me?"

Citrine shook her head. "The Chase family brought this on themselves. Their downfall is their own doing—it has nothing to do with me."

Yes, she hated Alicia, but taking down Chase Group Holdings, acquiring everything they owned—none of that had anything to do with Alicia personally.

She was only interested in what the Chase family was worth.

"Is there any way to save my family?" Alicia's voice trembled. She already knew the answer, but saying it aloud, she couldn't help but hope—just a little.

After all, Citrine had once risked her life to protect her.

Alicia knew, deep down, even her own parents might not have done the same.

Citrine didn't hesitate for a second; she crushed Alicia's hope without mercy.

"No. I'm not letting go of your family."