The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Sebastian's heart leapt into his throat, and in the end, he couldn't hold back-he rushed forward.

He knew, deep down, that Citrine would never say yes to Vester. But standing there, watching the person he loved being confessed to by someone else, all reason flew out the window.

At that very moment, Citrine was about to turn Vester down.

That was when Sebastian strode over.

Before Citrine could even react, he stepped between her and Vester, blocking her view.

Facing Citrine, Sebastian positioned himself squarely between her and Vester, shielding her. His eyes were lowered, his gaze gentle. "Citrine, it's getting late. We should head out."

Citrine glanced at her phone-he was right, it was late.

She was just about to say goodbye to Vester when a cold voice sounded behind her.

"Mr. Vesper, why are you in such a hurry? Are you afraid Ms. Carmichael will accept my proposal?"

Sebastian turned, and all pretense of politeness vanished from his expression. "And what makes you so sure she would?"

His tone was edged with mockery. "You may have broken with your father, but do you really think your father, your brother, and your little sister will just let it go? Can you guarantee they'll never come after you?"

Vester said nothing.

Sebastian shrugged and gave a thin smile. "See? You can't even sort out your own family. Yet you expect her to give up everyone she loves and move halfway across the world for you? Have you even thought about what you're asking of her?"

Vester's face darkened. He had no retort-he had to admit, Sebastian was right. He hadn't considered any of that.

The two men stood locked in a silent standoff. The air between them turned icy.

At that moment, Citrine stepped out from behind Sebastian, her face earnest as she looked at Vester. "Mr. Vester, thank you for your feelings. But I don't love you, and I could never give up my family and friends for you."

"Thank you for all your help these past few weeks, but it's late—we'll be going now."

With that, Citrine took Sebastian's hand, and together they left the garden.

Vester could only watch as they walked away, struggling to process what had just happened.

After leaving the party, Citrine planned to return to the hotel with Sebastian.

They quickly made their way to the car and drove off.

What they didn't notice was that, not far behind, several other cars pulled out and began following them.

Citrine remained oblivious—until they approached a stoplight and she sensed something was off.

"Sebastian, I think we're being tailed."

Sebastian checked the rearview

mirror, his eyes narrowing. "Looks

like more than one car. These

guys

are probably working for the Archer

family."

"You taking down his Mirage Cay operation was like cutting off his lifeline. Darius

Archer must be furious—he's getting desperate."

As the light turned green, Citrine hit the gas.

"We might not make it out tonight," Sebastian muttered, eyes still on the mirror. Two more cars suddenly a on either side, and he shot

Citrine a grave look. fo

She noticed them, too.noveldrama

If it were just a couple of guys, they could

Archeandle it—but clearly, [ had made up his arius e

this through to the bitter end.

see

"Use my phone. Call Vester," Citrine said, her expression grim.

Sebastian didn't hesitate. He grabbed her phone and dialed Vester.

"Ms. Carmichael." Vester's voice came through, gentle as ever.

Citrine spoke, her voice low and steady. "Mr. Vester, your father sent people after me. They're trying to kill us."

"What?" Vester sounded stunned.