The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

The next evening, Travis Carmichael arranged a welcparty for Citrine at Crestwood's largest country club, inviting all her friends to celebrate her arrival.

It was quite the event.

Citrine was the star of the night, surrounded by friends and acquaintances, laughter and conversation swirling around her like a warm embrace.

With Travis orchestrating the festivities, the group partied well past midnight before finally calling it a night. Citrine was usually strict with herself, but tonight, swept up in the joy of reunion, she let loose and drank more than usual. By the tshe tried to leave, even walking in a straight line beca challenge.

Travis caught her before she could stumble. "Easy there, superstar. If you fall and hurt yourself, Grandpa will have my head," he teased, steadying her with a gentle hand.

"Travis, you look like your soul just left your body," Citrine slurred, her vision doubled as she shook her head, trying to clear the fog.

"How much did you drink tonight?" Travis asked, rubbing his forehead in exasperation.

He crouched in front of her, hands braced on his knees, coaxing softly, "Con, be good and let's get you home, okay?" Citrine pouted, tugging at his sleeve like a child. "No. I don't want to go home." It was the first tTravis had ever seen his little sister act so adorably stubborn; he couldn't help but chuckle, indulging her. "All right, then-what do you want to do?" She considered for a moment, her voice suddenly serious. "I... I want to see the ocean." She looked up at him, eyes pleading.

Travis surrendered with a sigh. "Okay, okay. I'll take you to the ocean." Citrine stuck out her lower lip, reaching up to pull him down. "You-crouch." Unable to resist, Travis gave in, his tone overflowing with affection. "Okay, okay, I'm crouching." "Carry me," she announced, and before he could respond, she draped herself across his back.

He carefully adjusted her, making sure she was secure before standing up.

Luckily, the beach was close by.

Under the silvery moonlight, everything felt still and peaceful. Travis found his own heart quieted and warm as he carried his sister toward the shore.

After a bit of playful struggle, they finally reached the sand.

"Citrine," he called softly, tilting his head to check on her.

There was no answer, just the sound of her gentle, even breathing.

Travis smiled helplessly, then strolled along the moonlit beach with his sleeping sister on his back for a while before heading home.

Since Hilda Saunders had insisted, Citrine was now staying at the Saunders estate. Yesterday, Travis had shamelessly invited himself to stay there as well.

By the tthey returned, most of the Saunders family was still awake, gathered in the living room-everyone except Inez and the old gentleman.

The moment they saw Travis carrying Citrine inside, the whole family rushed over.

"She had a bit too much to drink," Travis whispered. "She's out cold." No sooner had he spoken than Citrine opened her eyes. "Who said I was asleep?" She clumsily slid off Travis's back, swaying on her feet.

Hilda hurried over, worry etched on her face. "Sweetheart, how much did you drink tonight?" Citrine frowned, correcting her. "I didn't drink, Mom." She suddenly leapt up, throwing herself into Hilda's arms.

"Okay, okay, you didn't drink," Hilda reassured her, laughing in surprise as she caught her daughter. Hilda worked out regularly, so holding Citrine's light frwas no trouble at all.

Maybe it was the alcohol, but Citrine's eyes sparkled with childlike mischief and warmth. Hilda rarely saw her daughter this animated; she couldn't help but laugh. "What are you up to, honey?" Before she finished, Citrine leaned in and planted a kiss on Hilda's cheek.

Looking up at her, Citrine beamed. "Mom." "Mom, I love you." Hilda's smile bloomed, joy lighting up her features. Her heart melted into a puddle.

What mother could possibly resist her child's sweet words? Hilda didn't hesitate to kiss her right back, whispering, "I love you too, sweetheart." Worried that holding her might be uncomfortable, Hilda set Citrine down after a moment, still grinning as she spoke to the others, "I'll go "I'Ifgo make her shangover soup. You guys help her up to her room." She ruffled Citrine's cheek affectionately before heading to the kitchen. "Be good, honey-Mom will make you ssoup to help you feel better." As soon as Hilda left, Citrine turned her gaze to Monica Saunders.

Monica's heart skipped a beat.

She's looking at me? Is she going to say something to me, too? Unaware of Monica's anticipation, Citrine walked over, wrapped her arms around Monica's, and snuggled her like a kitten. "Sis, I like you-hug!" Monica melted instantly; her little sister's affection was her greatest weakness.

She stroked Citrine's hair fondly. "Good girl. I like you too, sweetheart." Citrine grinned, then bounded over to Wade Saunders, ruffling his hair like he was a puppy. "Good boy, little brother." Wade was speechless.

Without waiting for a response, Citrine moved on to Nigel Saunders. She latched onto his arm, looking up at him with big, pleading eyes, as if she were asking for candy. "Oncle, དན་པ་ will you painta picture? Nigel, usually reserved, had a soft spot a mile wide for his niece. At that moment, his heart just melted.

He caved instantly. "Of course. Not just one-ten if you want."

Standing nearby, Gorman Saunders was the only one who hadn't received any attention. He watched his sister with hopeful eyes, silently begging for acknowledgment. His prayers were answered-Citrine headed straight for him.

Gorman's lips curled into a small smile, anticipating her affection.

But his smile quickly vanished as Citrine reached up and pinched his cheeks, squeezing hard.

"You troublemaker! What are you doing in my house?" she scolded, puffing out her cheeks in mock outrage.

Gorman looked like he might cry, while the rest of the family burst into laughter Citrine paid him no mind, wandering back to Travis. She opened her arms, pouting and humming for attention. "Brother, carry me. I want you to carry me." "Okay, okay, your wish is my command," Travis said, exasperated but delighted.

He shot the rest of the Saunders family a smug look, as if to say: See? She likesbest.

The others could only look on with envy-especially Wade.

The favoritism was painfully obvious.

But when he glanced at Gorman, he felt a little better. At least he wasn't the only one who got teased.