The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 41

"It would make sense for me to be angry," Raymond said mildly.

But he didn't look the least bit angry.

Citrine searched his face, trying to find any trace of impatience or irritation, but there was nothing—just his usual calm.

Before she could dwell on it, Raymond continued, "You shouldn't let yourself get hurt."

"That's why you're mad?" Citrine paused, tilting her head and staring at Raymond with wide, unblinking eyes, clearly baffled.

"What else?" Raymond suddenly smiled.

Citrine opened her mouth to reply but didn't say anything. Instead, a strange feeling crept into her chest—something she'd never experienced before. It unsettled her, and instinctively, she tried to push it away.

—

After they got home from school, Sawyer called Clifford into his study.

"Kneel," Sawyer said, his voice cold and sharp, dropping several degrees.

"Dad…" Clifford had never seen his father this furious before. He'd always been a little afraid of Sawyer, and now, almost reflexively, he dropped to his knees.

"Why did you hit your sister?" Sawyer's mind flashed to the blood he'd seen on Citrine's face earlier that day, and a wave of frustration crashed over him.

Deep down, he had a sinking feeling that his daughter was drifting further and further away from him.

That thought terrified Sawyer.

Clifford looked up, stunned, and protested, "Dad, it's because she stole first place from Jeanette!"

Sawyer's eyes narrowed, his gaze suddenly razor-sharp. "Clifford, are you really that much of a fool?"

Everyone knew Citrine hadn't cheated.

Clifford's heart sank. He scoffed stubbornly, "She's not my sister. Jeanette is my real sister."

As he spoke, his fists clenched, and he couldn't quite meet Sawyer's eyes.

The principal had already explained everything. Deep down, Clifford knew Citrine hadn't cheated.