Chapter 9
Clifford had spotted Citine a while ago. Normally, she’d have rushed over, eager to please him, but today, she didn’t even spare him a glance
Well, look who’s grown a backbone, Clifford scoffed under his breath!!
He couldn’t stop thinking about how, just yesterday, she’d dared to kick him and call him worthless. His face darkened, his mood shifting from imitation to outright anger
“Oh, Clifford, isn’t that your little lapdog over there?” Laird followed Clifford’s gaze, a mocking smile playing on his lips. “She’s got some nerve now How come she isn’t glued to your side today?”
Gideon cast a fleeting, indifferent glance at Citrine before turning to Jeanette, serving her food with obvious affection.
Gideon and Laird were Clifford’s closest friends–they were thick as thieves, practically inseparable. They treated Jeanette, Clifford’s younger sister as if she were a precious gem.
Thinking back to yesterday’s humiliation, Clifford simmered with resentment. Hearing his friends mock Citrine, he didn’t bother to stop them, in fact, he took a bit of twisted pleasure in it. X
Maybe it was time Citrine leamed her lesson
He let out a cold huff. “She deserves to be ignored for a few days. Let her stew in it, shall come crawling back, begging for forgiveness” Jeanette glanced at her brother, noting his obvious displeasure, and a sly smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
“Clifford, I’m sure Citrine is just upset with me. Let me go apologize to her, Jeanette said sweetly!
Gideon reached over and gently patted Jeanette’s head, his tone worm and dating. “You did nothing wrong, Jeanette. She’s the one who crossed the line You’re just too kind–hearted, that’s all.”
Laird chimed in, “Exactly. Why should you, the real deal, have to apologize to someone like her?”
Clifford gave his sister an approving look, ruffling her hair affectionately, his dislike for Citrine only growing.
“There’s no reason for you to apologize. She’s the one at fault–if anyone’s apologizing, it should be her, and to you!
He paused, then added, “Don’t worry, Jeanette. Give it a few days–Citrine will come around. I make sure she apologizes to you.“”
“It’s alright, Clifford. As long as she comes home. I’ll be happy” Jeanette replied, her eyes wide and innocent
Clifford’s heart softened at his thoughtful sister and his exasperation with Citrine only deepened!!
But Laird wasn’t done. A flicker of malice crossed his face
He stood up and strode over to Citrine, looking down at her with a smug authority. “Citrine, Jeanette’s thirsty. Go get her a coffee” “Don’t you think you’re going too far?” Amelia shot to her feet her expression icy. She’d never liked how Clifford and his friends ordered Citrine around
Laird jabbed a finger at Amelia’s forehead and sneered, “And who asked for your opinion? Know your place.”
Suddenly. Citrine set down her fork and, without hesitation, slapped Laird hard across the face
It was swift–almost too fast to see
“If you have something to say, say it. Keep your hands to yourself,” she snapped, quietly stepping in front of Amelia, shielding her from Laird’s glare.X
Laird clutched his cheek, stunned into silence for a long moment. When he finally found his voice, it was hoarse with rage. “You crazy bitch. How dare you hit me?‘
Everyone at the table stared, wide–eyed with shock.
Citrine had always been obedient to Clifford and his friends, going along with whatever they wanted, never talking back or resisting. She might have disliked Jeanette, but she’d never stood up to the rest of them.!!
Now, the once docile girl had grown a spine–and claws.
“So what if I hit you?” Citrine scanned the group, her gaze full of disdain.
“What’s the matter? Are your hands broken, or are your legs not working?“” She looked them up and down, then let out a cold laugh. “You’re just Clifford’s obedient mutt. What are you acting so high and mighty for?” Citrine’s words were like a dagger aimed straight at Lards pride I
Laird’s face twisted with fury, there was nothing he hated more
than being
being called Clifford’s lapdog.!!
He glared at her murderous intent in his eyes. “Watch your mouth, Citrine.”
Then, shooting Clifford a look, he added with a sneer, “She won’t listen to me, but she’ll listen to you, right, Clifford?”
Still brooding
over ye
yesterday. Clifford snapped, “Go get the coffee. If Jeanette doesn’t get her drink today, you’ll regret it
