Chapter 8
Moreover, Jeanette was still there X
Meanwhile, the Havencrest Preparatory Academy forum had already exploded. Two videos were spreading like wildfire across the school’s website X
One showed Citrine on her knees in the hospital, surrounded by people berating her
The other captured Jeanette falling down the stairs–just as Citrine reached out her hand
The forum was flooded with vicious comments !!
> “Wow, I always thought Citrine was shameless enough, freeloading off the Iversons, but I didn’t think she could stoop any lower”
“No wonder a girl with no parents could do something so disgusting“||
“The Iversons took her in and she tries to kill th
their real daughter? This is literally the story of the fammer and the viper.”
Trash. Absolute trash.
“Why isn’t someone like this just kicked out of school for good?%
> “No wonder she’s deaf in one ear–karma.”
“Why did the Iversons even bother adopting her? She’s a total waste, not even worthy to lick Jeanette’s shoes
> “Heard the Iversons finally snapped, kicked her out, and cut all ties.”
> “Is that for real?”
> “Totally confirmed.”
“Serves her right, She brought this on herself.”‘ll
> “Filth like this has no place at our school.“8
The
e next moming, Ismael had already arranged for a driver to take her to school. Citrine didn’t refuse.
Junior year, Science Class 8.X
A cluster of students sat together, heatedly discussing the latest drama from the school forum.
The moment Citrine–the notorious subject of the gossip–walked into the classroom, all conversation stopped. Every head turned her
way
She was used to it by now.
With a wry tug at the comer of her mouth, Citrine swept a mocking glance over the curious stares, then made her way to her seat as it nothing had happened
in voice. “Citrine, you should check the school
No sooner had she sat down than her desk mate nudged her arm, speaking in a cool, even forum
Her desk mate wore her hair in a sharp bob, her features staking and confident. This was the first time she had ever looked Cine directly in the eye. I
She was also one of the very few people at school who had ever shown her any kindness.
“Thanks” Citrine managed a small smile.>
Amelia Lawson looked momentarily stunned, almost flustered. “N–no problem.”
Oh my god, she actually talked to me. She even smiled–she’s so cute, I just want to squeeze her cheeks.
Citrine opened the school forum and scrolled through the latest posts, but quickly lost interest.
Amelia, misreading Citrine’s indifference as hurt, tried to comfort her. “Don’t listen to them. They don’t know you at all.”
Citrine paused. “You believe me?”
Amelia nodded “Seeing isn’t always believing.”
She would never forget the day her father, drunk and belligerent, had stored into the school and even tried to hit her. Every other student had laughed at her except Citrine, who’d stepped in and chased her father away. To Amelia, Citrine was a ray of light.
Even with the whole school trashing Citrine online, Amelia never doubted her for a second.
Citrine wasn’t used to unconditional trust. She remembered, a little wistfully, that her desk mate had comforted her like this in her previous life, too. The warmth in her heart surprised her. “Thank you for believing in me.” Kindness like this was rare–and precious.
At lunch. Citrine finally gave in to Amelia’s enthusiasm and went with her to the cafeteria
No sooner had they sat down than they spotted Jeanette across the room, surrounded by a crowd.
Citrine, isn’t that your brother over there? Amelia’s tone changed. She’d never liked Citrine’s brother–he’d always treated Citrine badly–but for some reason, Citrine adored him.X
meant nothing.
“I see him,” Citrine replied, unbothered, continuing to eat as
as if it me
“You’re not going over?” Amelia was surprised
It was a fair question. In the past, Citrine would have rushed over without a second thought
Citrine replied evenly. “No. I won’t anymore. The Iversons and 1–we’re done?
Amelia remembered the rumors on the school forum about the Iversons cutting ties with Citrine, but she’d never really believed them until
now
She couldn’t help but worry. “So, what will you do now?”
Citrine couldn’t help but smile at Amelia’s anxious face. Relax. I’ve found my real dad.
Only then did Amelia let out a sigh of relief.
