After leaving the ballroom, Citrine followed Vester out to the backyard.
Once they arrived, Citrine’s curiosity finally got the better of her. “Mr. Vester, I’ve already agreed to the partnership between our families. What else is it you wanted to discuss with me?”
The backyard was empty, the hush making her wary. She eyed Vester with open suspicion.
Vester, amused by her guardedness, let a small smile slip. “Ms. Carmichael, you don’t need to worry. I just wanted a word with you in private.”
“What about?” Citrine’s tone was dead serious.
He didn’t bother with preamble. “Ms. Carmichael, Mr. Vesper isn’t really your boyfriend, is he?”
Citrine didn’t reply, just hesitated ever so slightly.
She and Sebastian Vesper were never actually a couple, just putting on a show. If Vester had seen through it, it wasn’t all that surprising.
Citrine’s silence dragged out, bordering on stubborn. Vester only smiled wider and went on, “Aren’t you curious how I found out?”
She went along with it, meeting his gaze. “Sure, I’m curious.”
His eyes softened. “I’ve never dated anyone myself, but I’ve seen enough couples to know what real chemistry looks like. You and Mr. Vesper—there’s none of that tension between you; it’s all too measured. The way he looks at you is… let’s just say it’s not entirely innocent. But the way you look at him? It’s perfectly clear.”
Vester had known from the first moment he saw them together that they were faking it.
“You’re right. We’re not a couple.” Was that really the whole reason he’d dragged her out here? Citrine frowned, growing impatient.
She didn’t get to finish voicing her annoyance before Vester continued.
“Ms. Carmichael, from what I’ve found, you started your business in the Federated States of Magnolia. In fact, your ventures there far outweigh what you have in Northriver. Have you ever considered settling in Magnolia for good?”
He watched her closely, fidgeting nervously with his hands.
Citrine’s frown deepened. Her voice dropped. “Northriver is where I was born. My family and friends are there. What exactly is your point, Mr. Vester?”



But then Vester’s next words hit his ears, and Sebastian’s composure nearly fractured.
Citrine stood there, stunned, uncertain how to even react.
“Mr. Vester, you must be joking.”
Who confessed their feelings and proposed marriage the very first time they met? Was he out of his mind?
Vester shook his head. “I’m not joking. Since you and Mr. Vesper are only pretending, why not give me a chance?”
Sebastian nearly ground his teeth to dust.
He knows we’re faking it? Did he figure it out on his own, or did Citrine tell him herself?

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress
Update soon plz...
When are u going to update?...
Omg. Been so long since I read this that I had to go back and re read it all ... I really wanna see how the two identities are gonna end up.... Almost seems like the last story line to finish....
Finally! You no idea how much i waited for u to update. Thank u....
If it was for all of the ads I would love it even more...
this novel is one of the best I've ever read. It has taken me from crying to laughter so many times it's crazy and I'm only in the early 400s chapter...
Please update more chapters Thank you...
Please add more chapters. Thank you:)...
Please update. Amazing job so far...
Please update daily 🙏...