Chapter 4

When I left Joel's office, my mind was a chaotic mess.

As soon as I got home, I walked toward Chloe’s room.

The door was slightly cracked. From inside, I heard her hushed but clearly triumphant voice.

"Don't worry, babe, the cash will hit my account tomorrow."

"Elena folded the second I threatened to hurt myself."

She was on the phone, her tone incredibly flirty. But I knew for a fact she wasn't talking to Joel.

She continued, "Joel is such an idiot. He actually thinks I'm head over heels for him. He only asked for $200,000 like a coward."

"I demanded $500,000 from Elena, told Joel she was giving it to us as a gift, so he’d treat me like a queen."

"When the wire goes through, $200,000 goes to his company, and the other $300,000 is ours."

"Once the cash is in hand, I’ll buy that sports car you wanted."

"Joel? He's just a stepping stone."

"Elena? She's just a human ATM."

"She’s single and lonely anyway. If she doesn't spend her money on me, what is she going to do with it? Take it to her grave?"

"Besides, half of that house belonged to me anyway."

"I'm just taking what’s mine a little early."

I couldn't hear the voice on the other end, but Chloe’s giggling sounded like a poisoned blade tearing through my chest.

I had never imagined that Chloe—the girl I cherished more than my own life—was calculating against me like this.

To her, family was a bargaining chip. Her lover was a stepping stone.

And I was nothing but a brainless ATM.

I recalled my past life, lying on that freezing hospital bed, watching my life slip away.

Chloe had cried by my bedside, sobbing about how she had been scammed and left with nothing.

At the time, I only felt pity for her, worrying about her safety even in my final moments.

Now, I wondered: how much of those tears were real, and how much was pure acting?

I didn't storm in to confront her. Instead, I quietly retreated back to my own room.

My heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, making it hard to breathe. But at the same time, a cold wash of clarity settled over me.

Perfect. Since you love playing a part, Chloe, I’ll gladly play along.

Let's see who gets the last laugh when the curtain falls on this little drama.