Chapter 3

Chloe's reputation was ruined. Mom and Dad were thoroughly disgusted by her, and the relatives ridiculed her in the group chat every single day.

Yet she refused to leave the chat.

She even dropped bold declarations, saying everyone would regret looking down on her.

All the relatives mocked her, asking if she had lost her mind.

Then one day, Chloe dropped a photo in the group chat.

She was sitting in the passenger seat of a Maybach, and a man's sculpted, razor-sharp side profile was captured in the frame.

She sent a gloating voice note:

"Didn't you all look down on me? Take a look at my boyfriend—Damian Vance. The crown prince of this city's elite. A man who holds the entire world in his hands, someone high-society heiresses can only dream of meeting.

"You all thought I was just hostessing, but the truth is, I did it to elevate our family into high society. Once I'm a billionaire, of course I'll help you all out. Don't you get that?

"Whatever. Even though you all badmouthed me, I'm generous. You're my family, so I'll forgive you."

With that, she began spamming massive money transfers in the group.

The relatives and our parents were stunned.

It worked like a charm. The tone of the chat flipped in a heartbeat.

No one insulted her anymore.

Even Mom and Dad eagerly asked about Damian Vance's family background and how deep their relationship went.

Chloe basked in the spotlight like a revered queen.

Watching it all unfold, a mocking smirk curled on my lips.

Because in my past life, I had done the exact same thing.

When I first met Damian Vance, he settled my lounge contract with a single word, led me out of that hellhole, and asked me to be his girlfriend.

Back then, I genuinely believed he was my savior.

I was captivated, arrogant, and used his wealth to slap my family and relatives in the face.

Only later did I realize...

He wasn't my salvation.

He was an abyss far more terrifying.

And right now, Chloe was just like I had been.

She truly thought she had become a princess in a fairy tale.

Well, let her drown in her delusion a little longer.

The deeper she sank, the more agonizing it would be when the fantasy shattered.

After Chloe showered the group with money and bought Mom and Dad a luxury car and an apartment, everyone praised her for being brilliant and capable. Not a single person brought up her past at the lounge.

Riding high on her ego, she came knocking on my door to flaunt.

"Maya, see this? Damian bought this bag for me yesterday. It costs fifty grand! You could slave away at that pathetic job of yours for years and still not afford a single strap.

"Besides, Damian already introduced me to all his elite friends. I'm going to be Mrs. Vance very soon.

"Aren't you dying of jealousy right now? Grinding your teeth in envy?"

Her words only made me want to laugh.

"Damian Vance is the most eligible bachelor in the city. Countless women throw themselves at him. Chloe, why did he fall for you at first sight?"

I looked at her, asking smoothly.

She froze for a second, then propped her hands on her hips, shouting defensively, "Because I'm exceptional! He was captivated by me the second he saw me!"

"You look decent, Chloe, but there are plenty of stunning girls in that high-end lounge. Instead of wasting time bragging to me, you'd better keep a close eye on Damian. What if another girl swoops in and steals your spot?"

Chloe's brow furrowed. She shot me a venomous glare and hurried off.

My words had clearly struck a nerve.

For the next few days, she didn't come around to bother me.

I enjoyed my peaceful, ordinary life.

Over the weekend, my coworker Lily invited me to go shopping at the mall, and I gladly agreed.

Lily and I were each holding an ice cream cone when we noticed a crowd gathering ahead.

Curious, Lily dragged me over to see the commotion.

"You shameless bitch! How dare you try to seduce my boyfriend? Look in the mirror—who do you think you are?!"

The familiar voice made me freeze.

I shifted my position, and sure enough, it was Chloe.

She was grabbing a young woman by the hair, violently slapping her across the face.

When I got a clear look at the woman's face, my breath hitched.

"Slut! Just watch me rip your clothes off and tear your face to shreds! Let's see if you ever try stealing someone's man again!"

Chloe began violently tearing at the girl's clothes.

Just then, a deep, chilled voice cut through the air: "What are you doing?"

The instant I heard that voice, a visceral shudder tore through my body.

I turned around and saw Damian Vance walking toward the crowd.

His cold, menacing eyes swept across the onlookers. When his gaze brushed past me, our eyes met.

A chilling shiver ran down my spine.