The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 29

Over the past few years, the rest of the Chase family's businesses had either floundered or failed outright. If it weren't for a handful of research breakthroughs barely keeping them afloat, they'd have found themselves locked out of high society entirely.

The Chase family had crushed countless small companies along the way. Many of those were powerless to fight back after the Chases stole their research, and more than a few ended up bankrupt—some even lost everything, families included.

Frankly, the Chase family had no one but themselves to blame for the mess they were in now.

Ogden, for his part, fully approved of his granddaughter's choices. As long as she stopped stubbornly doing favors for the Iversons, he'd support just about anything she did.

And just like that, within a matter of days, the Chase empire collapsed.

When Amelia heard the news, she couldn't have been more delighted.

But as juicy as this gossip was, something else left her even more stunned—Citrine's real identity.

It was only that night, when she ran into Raymond, that Amelia learned he was Citrine's biological father.

The daughter of the Carmichaels—one of the most powerful families in Havencrest. Talk about an impressive pedigree.

Amelia never imagined she'd end up as best friends with someone who was, in real life, the kind of heiress people only read about in novels.

Honestly, even the wildest stories wouldn't dare take it this far.

After thinking it over, Amelia suddenly reached a conclusion.

"Citrine, you were just born for the high life."

Citrine had just taken a sip of water and sputtered it out, laughing.

She gave Amelia a serious look. "Why do you say that?"

Back when she lived abroad, Citrine could barely afford to eat. Did that sound like a charmed life?

Amelia didn't even hesitate. "Think about it! The Iversons, who adopted you, are old money. Your biological dad is from a family with even more influence. If that doesn't prove it, what does?"

"Face it, Citrine, you were made for good fortune. It's like fate just wants you to enjoy life."

Citrine's eyes turned somber.

Enjoy life? Then why did happiness always seem so far away, no matter how many times she started over?

"You must be feeling pretty smug right now, huh?" Alicia spat, her voice sharp with resentment.

She looked drained, all traces of her former glamour gone.

"Why would I be?" Citrine replied, genuinely puzzled.

Alicia pressed on as if she hadn't heard. "You must be thrilled to see me like this."

"The Chase family got what they deserved. But seeing you looking like this? I'll admit, yeah, it's a little satisfying." Citrine didn't bother to lie.

She wasn't a saint. She couldn't help feeling hatred for those who'd hurt her in the past.

In fact, Citrine held grudges—and she always paid them back.

The only reason she hadn't yet was because the time wasn't right.

Alicia stared at her, and for a moment, it was as if she saw the younger Citrine she'd once known.

"You hate me," Alicia said—not as a question, but as a simple truth.