The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress (Citrine) novel Chapter 299

Citrine moved with a sharpness that was almost feline—quick reflexes, precise strikes, and absolutely ruthless.

It didn’t take Hastings long to realize she was doing it on purpose. Each blow was aimed directly at his face.

And every time he tried to anticipate her, she caught him off guard. He couldn’t keep up with her unpredictability, and soon he was completely outmatched, left with no room to fight back.

The realization that she was far better than him was a bitter pill to swallow. Hastings’s face darkened.

He was the commander of the Vermillion Vanguard; nobody in the squad could beat him in hand-to-hand combat—until now. No one had ever managed to take him down.

But today, in the middle of training, he’d lost to a girl half his size.

Utterly humiliating.

The whole sparring match was over in just five minutes.

Standing over him, Citrine looked down from above, offering her hand to help him up.

A sly smile tugged at her lips. “Thanks for the lesson, Mr. Cooper.”

Lesson? Hastings was sure she was mocking him.

He hesitated for a long moment before finally reaching for her hand. But as soon as he was about to touch her, Citrine pulled her hand back at the last second.

Hastings’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that she was doing it deliberately, almost as if she was getting back at him.

But he had no proof.

Meanwhile, the crowd that had gathered to watch was completely stunned.

“Holy crap, Citrine is badass. I think I’m in love.”

“She’s incredible! Mr. Cooper didn’t even stand a chance.”

“I always thought she was just gorgeous, but turns out she’s not only drop-dead beautiful—she’s insanely cool.”

“From now on, Citrine is officially my girl crush.”