Chapter 17
On Friday after school, Citrine made sure to tell the Carmichael family’s driver not to pick her up.
She’d bought a few things and taken a cab by herself to a private estate in Crestwood
The place was tucked away in the woods on the edge of town, secluded and almost fortress–like with its heavy security–mysterious and imposing.
As soon as the security staff spotted Citrine approaching, they all nodded respectfully
“Welcome, Miss. Please, come in.”
She gave a polite nod in return and headed inside.X
With every step, Citrine felt her heart growing heavier.
She had no idea how she was going to face her grandfather
If it hadn’t been for him–if he hadn’t rescued her in America and treated her like his own granddaughter–she wouldn’t be the Citrine she was today.”
In her previous life, she’d given everything to the Iverson family, barely sparing a thought for her grandfather. In the end, he’d been left disgraced, all because of her
He’d always been so proud. The shame must have crushed him.
Citrine stood in front of the grand old house, wringing her hands so tightly her knuckles whitened, suddenly tempted to tum back.X
But before she could retreat, the front door swung open.
The butler spotted her and hurried over, ushering her inside. “Miss Citrine, you’re back! The master’s been waiting in the sitting room since early this morning, just for you‘
A wave of warmth spread through Citrina’s chest as she made her way down the familiar hall.X
As soon as she stepped into the living room, she saw him–a tall, upright figure sitting alone on the couch.).
At the sight of her, he visibly stiffened.”
Her grandfather’s face was stem, and he let out a huff, turning his head away in feigned annoyance.
Citrine knew he was mad at her. She walked over and plopped down beside him, greeting him with a sweet, “Grandpa
He ignored her. Citrine, unfazed, leaned in closer with a teasing grin. “Hey, grumpy old man?*%
“Mind your manners,” he grumbled, still keeping up the act.!!
“I’m not your grandpa, you know. I’m just a lonely old man with no one to cam for me.”
With her eyes growing misty. Citrine slid closer and wrapped her arms around his. “No way. You’re my favorite grandpa in the whole world.”
She’d always known just how to win him over.
The butler watched the two of them with a smile tugging at his lips. The old man might be getting on in years, a child. I
but he could still sulk like
Scenes like this had played out between them regularly when they lived abroad. The butler had grown used to it.
Her grandfather tried to maintain his stem façade, but when he saw his granddaughter’s eyes brimming with tears, he snapped. With a huff, he upended the fruit bowl on the coffee table, sending apples and oranges clattering across the floor
He was fuming. “Tell me the truth–was it those vultures from the Iverson family? Did they bully you?“:
“I make some calls right now and teach them a lesson.”
He pulled out his phone, ready to act.
Citrine had always been a handful, but this was the first time he’d seen her looking so miserable. All his bluster vanished in an instant.
She hurriedly grabbed his arm, holding him back. Only after a long moment did she finally murmur, voice trembling. “I just missed you Grandpa.” With that, she buried her head in his chest
He huffed again, but his eyes had softened. “If you missed me, why didn’t you come see me sooner?“%
“I was wrong, okay? That’s why I’m here now And I promise I’ll come visit all the time.” Citrine couldn’t help laughing at his stubbornness, raising her hand in a solemn oath
“Really?” His eyes lit up. He’d never married, never had children–his whole life had been devoted to his work. Citrine was the closest thing he had to family.!!
(“Of course,” she said sincerely.
He doted on her, and no matter how upset he got Citrine could always talk him down.
“Tell me, what happened out there? Who upset you? Il set things right for you.”
She didn’t argue for once, which only confirmed his suspicion that something must have happened.!
His expression darkened again as his thoughts turned to the Iverson family.
“Was it Aline and her daughter again? Did they give you trouble?“!
Even though he lived out in Crestwood, he always made a point to keep tabs on the Iversons over in Havencrest. He knew more about their affairs than he let on
