NovelGoldChapter 32 Everyone assumed it was Citrine who started the fire-that she'd tried to kill Jeanette.
Overnight, she becthe Iverson family's pariah.
Later, when she went back to school, Citrine sought out Alicia, and Alicia promised she'd cto the house that night to testify on her behalf.
That evening, Citrine was in high spirits; finally, she would clear her name. But reality was cruel.
The girl who once stood by her side through everything-Alicia-pointed at her and said, word by word, "It was her. She's the one who tried to burn Jeanette alive." The last light in Citrine's eyes flickered out.
From that moment on, she lost her left ear-and her best friend.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtCitrine pulled herself out of the memory.
Suddenly, she laughed.
"Why shouldn't I hate you?" she said, her voice tinged with bitterness. Betrayal was the one thing she despised most.
Alicia bit her lip, then pressed on, "So this is why you're taking revenge on me?" Citrine shook her head. "The Chase family brought this on themselves. Their downfall is their own doing-it has nothing to do with me." Yes, she hated Alicia, but taking down Chase Group Holdings, acquiring everything they owned-none of that had anything to do with Alicia personally.
She was only interested in what the Chase family was worth.
"Is there any way to save my family?" Alicia's voice trembled. She already knew the answer, but saying it aloud, she couldn't help but hope-just a little.
After all, Citrine had once risked her life to protect her.
Alicia knew, deep down, even her own parents might not have done the same. Citrine didn't hesitate for a second; she crushed Alicia's hope without mercy. "No. I'm not letting go of your family." Alicia gave a bitter, broken smile. In that moment, regret washed over her.
For years, she'd owed Citrine an apology. Now, she was afraid if she didn't say it, she'd never get another chance. "I'm sorry." The words cout years too late.
Since that day, guilt gnawed at her every tshe saw Citrine. Over time, that guilt twisted into something darker. She started to resent Citrine for cutting her out.
She hated that Citrine ended their friendship because of what happened.
That hatred festered, warped her, made her pick fights, bully and provoke Citrine at every turn.
Bit by bit, she becmore like the rest of the Chase family.
Looking back now, the kind, gentle girl she'd once been seemed like a stranger.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThings had cthis far-there was nothing left to hide.
"I didn't mean to lie back then." She finally laid everything out for Citrine. "My dad forced me. He said Jeanette was the real Iverson heiress, and if I didn't lie to protect her, if I crossed the Iversons, he'd throw Mom andout of the family. He'd let his mistress and her son move in instead."
Citrine listened quietly, but there wasn't a trace of It was aslifcheprise on her face.
It was as if she'd known all along. Alicia glanced at her, face going pale. "You knew?" "I did." Citrine nodded. She'd known for a long time-Jeanette had told her everything.
After the fire, Aline had already made sure the Chase family was in on it.
Alicia's expression twisted with shame. Citrine looked at her and let out a cold, scornful laugh.
"Did you really think tellingall this now would makeforgive you?" Alicia pressed her lips together, silent.
Seeing Alicia so lost and broken, Citrine gave her a smile sharp and smile sharp and merciless. My biggest regret was saving your life that day." "When I was ten, I lost my left ear. My best friend, Alicia, died in that fire too."
With that, Citrine picked up her bag and walked away, leaving Alicia M standing there, empty and alone.
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