The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 293

It was the first time Hastings had ever been publicly embarrassed like this, and his face immediately darkened.

But he knew full well that he’d been in the wrong—he had misunderstood her. Though his expression remained stern, he finally lowered his head. “I’m sorry, miss. I didn’t have all the facts.”

Hastings thought that would be the end of it.

He hadn’t counted on the girl pushing further.

“Mr. Cooper, could you speak up, please? I can hardly hear you.”

Citrine pointed to her own cheek, glancing around at the other students with a look of wounded innocence.

“Oh my god, she’s still bleeding, and Mr. Cooper just won’t admit he was out of line.”

“Seriously, I’m with Citrine on this one.”

“Mr. Cooper was way too rough.”

“How could he scratch her face like that?”

The murmurs grew louder and louder as the crowd watched.

With his jaw set, Hastings finally raised his voice so that everyone could hear. “Miss, I’m sorry. I didn’t have all the facts and I misjudged you.”

This time, his apology rang out clearly across the room.

And so, a morning packed with drama ended with Hastings’ public apology.

By lunchtime, Citrine was heading to the campus dining hall with Ingrid and Lisa.

As they walked, the three girls grumbled about the morning’s events.

“I must have been out of my mind to think Hastings was a heartthrob,” Ingrid said, still rubbing her sore arm.

“Right? He’s a total nightmare. I bet he’ll make our lives miserable from now on,” Lisa chimed in, then turned to Citrine, eyes wide with admiration. “By the way, Citrine, you were honestly amazing back there!”

Ingrid burst out laughing. “God, just thinking about the look on Hastings’ face when he had to eat his words—priceless! He totally had it coming.”

Citrine grinned. “I can’t deny, it was pretty satisfying.”