The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 482

But those eyes of his were so clear—like a college kid who’d just graduated, still untouched by the world.

Citrine looked him over, her tone cool and detached. “A college student?”

“Yes, President Carmichael,” Carney replied, pressing his lips together, a flicker of humiliation in his eyes.

He was used to being dragged along to these dinners by Danny Fuller. After enough of them, he’d learned firsthand how those in power loved to toy with young men straight out of college.

Citrine narrowed her eyes, giving him a thorough once-over. Then she asked, “You’re strapped for cash?”

Carney gritted his teeth. “Yeah. I’m desperate.”

“Cheers.” Citrine paused for a moment, then suddenly raised her glass and tapped it lightly against his.

She didn’t wait to see if he’d drink—she downed her wine in one swift motion and set the glass aside.

Carney stared at her, stunned.

He knew he was good-looking, had always known it. He’d grown up using that face to his advantage.

He had assumed President Carmichael would be like all the other executives he’d met at these events—flirtatious, bold, shameless. He’d half-expected her to grope his thigh under the table, or to slip a hotel key card or a wad of cash into his shirt pocket.

But President Carmichael did nothing of the sort. She hadn’t even truly looked at him.

For a moment, Carney found himself doubting everything. Then he managed a self-deprecating smile.

Of course. President Carmichael was stunning herself; she could have her pick of handsome, capable men. With a snap of her fingers, she could have dozens lining up at her feet.

Why would she ever look twice at someone like him?

But the thought of his crushing debts, of his parents trapped and threatened by loan sharks, made him straighten his spine and muster his courage. He forced himself to pour another drink for Citrine.

Seeing that the evening was going nowhere, Mr. Fuller grew anxious, shooting Carney increasingly desperate looks across the table.