The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 40

They would always be enemies. Reconciliation was out of the question.

Clifford, stung by Citrine's words and pride, scoffed and snapped, "Even if you begged me, I'd never make peace with you."

The atmosphere in the office turned icy. Beatrice felt a headache coming on, but she didn't try to coax the two into making up again.

That's when Raymond, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, his voice low and calm.

"Ms. Beatrice, correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it Clifford who went looking for trouble with my daughter in her class first?"

Raymond's brows drew together, his stare cutting and cold. He radiated an unmistakable air of authority.

Beatrice nodded, albeit hesitantly.

Raymond continued, "He harassed my daughter in her classroom, and then he hit her. He owes her an apology."

"Why should I apologize?" Clifford shot back, bristling like a cornered cat. "Citrine should apologize to Jeanette!"

Everyone turned to stare at Clifford, baffled.

What did Jeanette have to do with any of this?

"What exactly do you mean?" Beatrice pressed.

Clifford, full of self-righteousness, declared, "Citrine stole first place from Jeanette. She should apologize, shouldn't she?"

"Stole?"

Raymond's frown deepened, his eyes like daggers.

"Isn't first place based on grades? Since when did it become Jeanette's personal property?"

He looked at Clifford, voice icy. "So, by your logic, anyone who comes in first has to apologize to the runner-up?"

"People who are better don't need to apologize to those who can't keep up," Clifford retorted.

Now everyone was staring at Clifford, perplexed—even Sawyer's brow creased in disapproval.

Frustrated, Clifford blurted out, "She cheated, that's why!"

Beatrice's expression turned frosty. "Clifford, the principal already confirmed Citrine did not cheat. Watch your words."

Raymond's gaze grew even colder. "If you keep spreading lies, I'll call the police."