The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

At that moment, everyone in the office watched as the CEO strode straight into Mr. Vesper's office-their stares practically glued to the scene.

"Told you, the CEO and Mr. Vesper definitely have something going on."

"Did you see the CEO's face just now? She looked pissed. They must've had a fight."noveldrama

"She's probably in there demanding an explanation. Looks like Mr. Vesper really got under her skin this time."

"Come on, couples argue all the time. It's normal."

"I just wish we knew what they're fighting about!"

With the scent of gossip thick in the air, the company employees settled in, cracking open bags of chips and sunflower seeds, munching away as they speculated.

Citrine stormed into Sebastian's office, her face thunderous-so angry she didn't even bother knocking.

Sebastian set his paperwork aside the moment he saw her, his eyes softening. "What brings you here today? No classes at the university?"

Citrine didn't answer. She just stared at him, searching his expression for any hint that he might be the type to spread wild rumors behind her back. No matter how hard she looked, she couldn't see it.

Noticing the flush on her cheeks, Sebastian assumed she was overheated. He poured her a glass of water, then poured one for himself.

After a tense silence, Citrine finally calmed down a little. She looked at him, testing the waters. "So... I heard you've been telling people I'm your girlfriend?"

Sebastian choked on his water, coughing so hard it echoed through the room. Then, suddenly, he let out a low laugh.

He glanced at her, amused. "Who told you I said that?"

"No one. I just overheard the staff talking." Citrine hesitated, but ultimately decided not to throw Carlotta under the bus.

After speaking, she reached for the other glass of water on the coffee table, taking a sip to hide her discomfort.

Sebastian could tell she wasn't telling the whole truth, but he just smiled and let it

go.

Citrine felt a pang of guilt.

But then Sebastian grinned. "What's wrong? Is it really that terrible to be associated with me?"

Her heart skipped a beat. She scrambled for an excuse. "No, that's not it... I just worry it might affect your work."

He leaned back, eyes narrowing.

"Are you worried my personal feelings will get in the way of business, or are you afraid this will mess with our... mutually beneficial arrangement?" His tone turned serious; even though he'd always suspected she knew he liked her, this was the first time he dared to say it out loud.

This girl was a born negotiator—always thinking, always logical, even now. He had to admit, he admired her for it.

Citrine paled, caught off guard by how accurately he'd read her.

He wasn't wrong. She knew he liked her, and she'd be the first to admit she'd brought him on as president of CICI Group because of that. Hearing what Carlotta had said, her first reaction wasn't embarrassment. It was fear-that Sebastian would start expecting more from her which could complicate their business relationship.

Suddenly, Citrine smiled. If he was going to be so blunt, she had nothing to hide either. "And what about you? Back in Havencrest, you kept finding ways to run into me—at the bakery, at the karaoke bar. Wasn't that a little too convenient?"

A flicker of pain crossed Sebastian's face.

He fell silent for a moment, then finally offered an apology. “I'm sorry."

Citrine opened her mouth but couldn't find the words.

He went on, voice low. "It's true. I approached you on purpose. My mom was sick, and someone told me you had connections at Viridis Medical Institute. I thought if I got close to you, maybe I could help her. But... by the time I actually tried, it was already too late."

He laid out everything, not hiding a single truth.