The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 736

Sebastian ignored Hastings completely and walked straight past him, carrying a mug of steaming water. She made her way to Citrine and settled down at her side.

Inside Citrine’s head, it felt like a thousand horses were galloping in every direction.

Sebastian gently straightened Citrine’s head and brought the mug to her lips.

“Citrine, drink some water.”

As if she’d heard the words through a fog, Citrine blinked her eyes open and obediently sipped from Sebastian’s hand. Warmth spread through her chest, soothing and comforting.

Sebastian smiled in satisfaction at how cooperative she was.

“What are you two doing?” Hastings was watching them with a stormy expression, unable to hide his jealousy at their closeness.

“What’s wrong with Citrine?” Only now did he notice the soft flush on her cheeks, the way she looked nothing like her usual self—sleepy, out of sorts.

“It’s none of your business.” Sebastian didn’t even bother looking at him.

Without another word, she scooped Citrine up into her arms and made to leave.

Hastings’ face twisted further, and he stepped forward, arms outstretched to block their path. “Put Citrine down.”

Sebastian only held Citrine tighter, her voice cold as steel. “You’re the last person she wants around. What right do you have to say that?”

There was a dangerous glint in Hastings’ eyes. He reached for Citrine. “Give her to me,” he demanded, his voice shaking. “Give her back.” He couldn’t even let himself imagine what might happen if Sebastian took her away. The thought of Citrine leaving with someone else was unbearable.

Sebastian’s answer was flat and unyielding. “Keep dreaming.”

With that, Sebastian barreled past Hastings, shouldering him aside and carrying Citrine down the hall.

She’d always thought she could keep her composure, but now, with just this tiny, unconscious gesture from Citrine, her calm shattered.

A slow, dangerous heat built in her chest, threatening to burn away her self-control.

And yet Citrine, completely unaware of the effect she’d had, simply rolled over and drifted deeper into sleep, leaving Sebastian to deal with the chaos she’d left behind.

Sebastian watched her peaceful sleeping face and allowed herself a quiet, helpless laugh. Then she dutifully finished wiping Citrine’s hands, making sure she was settled comfortably.

Only when everything was done did Sebastian tiptoe out of the room.