The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 54

But it had genuinely never occurred to him that Aline would stoop so low as to withhold Citrine's allowance.

"Ash, I swear, I didn't do it. You have to believe me—someone's framing me," Aline pleaded, her face drained of color. She rushed forward to grab Sawyer's hand, and in an instant, tears were streaming down her cheeks.

"You're saying Citrine set you up?" Sawyer shot her a cold look, unmoved by her display.

He yanked his hand free. "Aline, do you really think I would come here without checking those bank statements first? You expect me to believe they're fake?"

His gaze was sharp enough to cut through steel.

Before Aline could respond, he pressed on, "Then tell me—why has Citrine had to fend for herself for meals all these years?"

Aline's heart sank.

She never imagined that brat would dare air their dirty laundry online. Back then, the girl always swallowed her grievances and never complained. Why bring it up now, in front of everyone?

Inwardly, Aline cursed her a thousand times over.

"Speak," Sawyer demanded, his tone even colder as Aline hesitated in silence.

"Because… because…"

But no matter how she tried, not a single word would come out.

Sawyer turned to face Norton and the other two. "What about you three? Did you know about this?"

He was rarely home, but Norton, Clifford, and Jeanette were there almost every day. There was no way they could be oblivious.

As the eldest, Norton stepped forward.

She'd been with the Iverson family for more than twenty years, almost part of the furniture.

"Sir, I can't stay silent any longer," she said, her brow deeply furrowed, determination in her voice.

"Everyone in this family has always favored Jeanette. Of course their stories will take her side."

"Let this old woman have her say."

"I've worked here for over two decades. When you first adopted Miss Citrine, I was the one who looked after her. She was always gentle with us staff, always thoughtful—like a little angel. Then you adopted the two young masters, and they adored her too. The three of them were inseparable. Back then, apart from you, those boys were her whole world—she'd wait by the door all day just to see them come home from school. She truly cherished this family. For someone so kindhearted, it's heartbreaking how things turned out for her." Gerda's voice was gentle but full of regret.

She went on, "After you brought Mrs. Iverson and Miss Jeanette into the family, your attention shifted entirely to Jeanette. Little by little, the boys drifted closer to her as well, until Citrine was left all alone. I'd often see her playing by herself, and the smile on her face grew fainter with each passing day. Still, no matter how lonely she was, she always treated everyone with kindness—she never hurt a soul."

"Sir, that's all I wanted to say. I may not know every detail of what goes on in this house, but I've watched Miss Citrine grow up. I know better than anyone how sweet and good-natured she is. What Norton said about Citrine bullying Jeanette or having a nasty temper—that's just not true. Not for a second."