The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 472

Everyone’s nerves were stretched taut, hearts pounding in their chests.

But less than five minutes later, Citrine brought the car to a stop.

She stepped out slowly, her face grave as she turned to Wade. “Someone’s tampered with your car. The brake pads are worn down. If you’d driven just a few more miles today, you might not have walked away.”

Wade’s eyes were fixed on his sister, unable to process anything else. Citrine’s warning barely registered.

It was Curry, standing nearby, who tugged his sleeve and snapped him out of it. Only then did the seriousness of the situation dawn on Wade, his expression growing dark.

He thought for a moment, then tried to explain, “But my car was just assembled by a professional team. Every part is brand new—top of the line. This is my first time driving it; how could the brake pads already be worn out?” He looked at his sister, his tone earnest.

Citrine’s reply was cool and direct. “They were swapped out.”

As she finished, her gaze lingered thoughtfully on Quentin and his crew. “The wear is just enough to make you lose the race, but not enough to get you killed.”

At her words, a few of Quentin’s friends immediately stepped forward, voices raised in agitation.

“What nonsense! What would you know about cars?”

“You say they’re worn, so they’re worn? Where’s your proof?”

“Mind your own business—this is between Mr. Aldridge and Mr. Saunders. Who asked for your opinion?”

Citrine simply watched them, saying nothing, waiting until they had finished their outburst. Then a faint, mocking smile curled her lips. “Why so defensive? Someone might think you were the ones who switched the brakes.”

Wade and Curry exchanged glances, noticing the shift in Quentin’s crew’s demeanor.

Even Quentin caught on. He scanned the group, eyes suddenly icy. “Was it you?”

They pressed their lips together, shaking their heads in unison. “No, it wasn’t us.”

“Quentin, we’d never do something like that to you.”