The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress (Citrine) novel Chapter 361

That year, when Alicia was only five, a group of boys cornered her at the school gates and took everything of value she had.

Terrified, little Alicia burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

From across the yard, young Citrine caught sight of what was happening and shouted, “Alicia!”

Without a second thought, she dropped her backpack and charged straight at the boys.

“Don’t you dare touch her!” Citrine hurled herself at one of them, sinking her teeth into his ear with a fierceness that was wild and wolfish.

The boy screamed, his face twisted in pain. “Let go of me, you brat!”

“No!” Citrine refused, clinging on with all her might.

The boy grimaced and yelled to his friends, “Come on, help me out!”

The others rushed at Citrine, and soon she and the boys were tangled in a chaotic scuffle. In the end, Citrine was left battered and bruised, her face swollen and streaked with tears. But the boys didn’t escape unscathed—frightened by her ferocity, they ran home crying for their parents.

When they were gone, Citrine ran to Alicia’s side.

Ignoring the pain on her face, Citrine forced a brave smile. “Alicia, don’t be scared. As long as I’m here, I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Now, at eighteen, Citrine had become cold and distant, but in that moment, the memory of the fearless little girl who once risked everything to save her from danger merged with the woman standing in front of Alicia.

Alicia gazed at her, a tear slipping down her cheek.

With sadness and guilt in her eyes, she apologized again, her voice trembling. “Citrine, I’m sorry.”

Citrine just stared at her, silent.

Alicia knew she wouldn’t get a response. She didn’t take offense—she simply smiled, a bitter, rueful smile.

When the police arrived, it finally hit her just how determined Citrine was to cut her out of her life.