The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 8

Clifford had spotted Citrine a while ago. Normally, she'd have rushed over, eager to please him; but today, she didn't even spare him a glance.

"Well, look who's grown a backbone," Clifford scoffed under his breath.

He couldn't stop thinking about how, just yesterday, she'd dared to kick him and call him worthless. His face darkened, his mood shifting from irritation to outright anger.

"Oh, Clifford, isn't that your little lapdog over there?" Laird followed Clifford's gaze, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "She's got some nerve now. How come she isn't glued to your side today?"

Gideon cast a fleeting, indifferent glance at Citrine before turning to Jeanette, serving her food with obvious affection.

Gideon and Laird were Clifford's closest friends—they were thick as thieves, practically inseparable. They treated Jeanette, Clifford's younger sister, as if she were a precious gem.

Thinking back to yesterday's humiliation, Clifford simmered with resentment. Hearing his friends mock Citrine, he didn't bother to stop them; in fact, he took a bit of twisted pleasure in it.

Maybe it was time Citrine learned her lesson.

He let out a cold huff. "She deserves to be ignored for a few days. Let her stew in it; she'll come crawling back, begging for forgiveness."

Jeanette glanced at her brother, noting his obvious displeasure, and a sly smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Clifford, I'm sure Citrine is just upset with me. Let me go apologize to her," Jeanette said sweetly.

Gideon reached over and gently patted Jeanette's head, his tone warm and doting. "You did nothing wrong, Jeanette. She's the one who crossed the line. You're just too kind-hearted, that's all."

Laird chimed in, "Exactly. Why should you, the real deal, have to apologize to someone like her?"

Clifford gave his sister an approving look, ruffling her hair affectionately, his dislike for Citrine only growing.

"There's no reason for you to apologize. She's the one at fault—if anyone's apologizing, it should be her, and to you."

He paused, then added, "Don't worry, Jeanette. Give it a few days—Citrine will come around. I'll make sure she apologizes to you."

"It's alright, Clifford. As long as she comes home, I'll be happy," Jeanette replied, her eyes wide and innocent.

Clifford's heart softened at his thoughtful sister, and his exasperation with Citrine only deepened.