The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 36

Laird and Jeanette were visibly shaken, fear etched across their faces.

"Let go of him, right now." Laird hurried over and pulled Citrine's foot off Clifford's chest. This time, Citrine didn't resist; she simply allowed him to move her foot aside.

"Clifford, are you alright?" Laird helped Clifford to his feet, his expression stony as he shot a cold glare at Citrine. "Have you lost your mind? He's your brother."

Citrine cast a look of utter disdain at Clifford, clicking her tongue in annoyance.

"Say whatever you want about me, but spare me the melodrama."

Clifford, still clutching his aching chest where she'd stepped on him, couldn't help but cough at her words.

Laird's face darkened. In that moment, he realized just how much Citrine had changed.

Seeing their reactions, Citrine felt a surge of satisfaction.

If only Jeanette would keep her mouth shut, she thought, she'd be even happier.

But of course, Jeanette piped up, her voice trembling with wounded innocence.

"Sis, how could you hurt your own brother?"

She looked genuinely upset, as if she was only standing up for Clifford out of simple sibling loyalty.

Citrine couldn't help but marvel—Jeanette truly wasn't afraid of getting slapped, was she?

Citrine was about to reply when Laird suddenly stepped protectively in front of Jeanette, his eyes wary.

"Citrine, you owe Jeanette an apology."

Citrine raised an eyebrow, her gaze flitting between them, her tone laced with sarcasm.

"So, what's the charge this time?"

She'd been blamed for countless false accusations by these two over the years; Jeanette's tricks were old news by now.

Laird let out a derisive snort, raising his voice as if he wanted the whole world to hear,