The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

"What kind of stray mutt thinks it can bark at the Carmichael family's door?" Weston's voice rang out before he even appeared.

He'd just finished fishing and was heading home when he spotted his granddaughter being blocked at their gate by members of the Iverson family— clearly, they were giving her trouble.

Weston's expression immediately darkened.

After these past months, his fondness for Citrine had only grown. He was blatantly biased now, unable to stand seeing her bullied.

Not that he ever liked the Iversons to begin with. Holbrook Iverson had always been an arrogant man, impossible to tolerate when he was young. After his spectacular downfall-practically bankrupting Iverson Enterprises his son Sawyer managed to single-handedly rebuild the family business. Admirable, perhaps, but in recent years, Sawyer's behavior had become increasingly erratic, surpassing even his father's in arrogance.

At Weston's words, a shadow flickered in Sawyer's eyes, but he quickly recovered, wearing his signature, insincere smile. "Weston, we're here for a friendly visit, but your butler said you weren't home and left us waiting outside."

Sawyer was a natural at polite small talk, but Weston wasn't buying it—he had no patience for empty courtesies.

"I gave the order myself. No Iversons-man or beast-are allowed inside." Weston snorted, making no effort to hide his disdain for Sawyer's phony charm.

Sawyer's smile froze awkwardly on his face.

Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to continue. "Weston, I came for an important reason. My father is ill-and he needs the medicine that Citrine has."

It was clear Sawyer hoped Weston would pressure Citrine into complying.noveldrama

Weston saw right through them. He gave Sawyer and his companion a chilly look and sneered, "Citrine can make her own decisions. And if your father's sick, take him to a hospital. The nerve of you, coming to a child and begging for medicine- have you no shame at all?"

Sawyer's face turned ugly, his motives laid bare.

He opened his mouth to retort, but when he glanced up, Citrine was looking at him with open disgust. Sawyer faltered, lost for words.

In the end, he left empty-handed-no medicine, no solutions. Frustrated, he had to look elsewhere.

He barely slept all week.

Then, finally, hope appeared: the world-renowned Viridis Medical Institute announced on its website that it was opening a branch in Havencrest.

Viridis was top-of-the-line, boasting cutting-edge medical equipment and technology. News of their new branch in Havencrest sent shockwaves through the global medical community.

The announcement made headlines, with major hospitals and research institutes around the world sending congratulations, eager to show respect for Viridis.

The moment he heard, Sawyer grabbed Norton and rushed to the grand opening of Viridis Medical Institute.

That same day, Citrine arrived with Carlotta for the event-and ran into Sawyer right at the entrance.

Citrine silently cursed her bad luck.

"Citrine? What are you doing here?" Sawyer frowned at the sight of her.

Citrine ignored him and started inside, but suddenly, Norton lunged forward, grabbing her arm and yanking her back so abruptly she nearly stumbled. Glaring, she wrenched her arm free and snapped, "Are you insane?"

Norton glared right back, barely containing his irritation. "Citrine, enough with the attitude. You refused to give Grandpa the medicine, fine. But today, Dad needs to get help from Viridis for Grandpa's illness. If you won't help, then stay out of our way."