Chapter 3

Theo scowled and shoved me hard.

"You've really crossed the line this time. Don't act like you're something special!"

"If it weren't for that unfortunate arranged marriage from our childhood, we wouldn't even give you a second glance!"

Jasper's expression was one of utter disgust, as if he had tasted something revolting.

"The Declan's family is willing to accept you, and that's already generous. Don't make me sick."

I fell to the ground, humiliated. Having my childhood friends treat me this way brought tears to my eyes.

But this time, I refused to endure it any longer. I finally voiced my first words of defiance in years.

"If not to you, then does it have to be him?"

"I'm Fiona, not some trash waiting for you two to pick up!"

Cora's shoulders trembled as she tried to appear righteous.

"Miss, who else do you want to give yourself to? Have you found someone new outside? Can you really do this to Theo and Jasper? Even I can see how good they are to you, you're just going too far!"

"If I were loved by two such outstanding men, I'd cherish it and not look at a third person—"

I stood up, filled with anger, and interrupted her.

"When did it become your place to lecture me?"

I pulled open her loose collar, revealing the scattered red marks underneath.

"You must be dreaming of marrying them, thinking that by getting into their bed, they'll actually marry you? Living in my house for a few years and you’ve forgotten where you came from? Wake up, marrying into a wealthy family requires background too!"

Adeline screamed, covering her clothes as tears immediately poured out.

The two who had been watching the drama instantly changed their expressions.

Jasper shielded her behind him, and Theo stepped forward, delivering a heavy slap to my face.

I was knocked to the ground.

He looked down at me, then patted my reddened cheek.

"Where do you get the confidence to look down on Cora? Have you forgotten that not only did your family fall into decline, making you a second-generation failure, but you were also kidnapped for three days and lost your dignity?"

"We didn't hold it against you, that's already saving you face. What right do you have to speak against Cora?"

"Apologize!"

With red eyes, I stubbornly lifted my head.

"Why? Do you think I don't know what happened during those three days?"

But before I could finish, Jasper grabbed my hair and slammed my head against the ground repeatedly.

He spoke each word forcefully:

"We're all girls here. What's your intention in humiliating her like this?"

I felt a warm flow on my forehead, and my vision turned crimson.

Frightened, Adeline cried and hugged his arm.

"Don't do this for me, let's go. If the Miss complains to Grandpa Gideon, you'll get scolded again."

He clicked his tongue and finally let go.

"Don't think this is over!"

After they left, I sat on the ground, dazed.

It took a while to regain my senses and crawl back to the table to continue copying scriptures.

I needed to copy without interruption for seventy-two hours to be sincere.

I quietly copied for another day, and the whispers outside grew louder.

"Hey, look, isn't this her on the internet?"

"Shameless! Looks decent ordinarily, but who knew she'd be into such wild stuff."

"Rich people have all sorts of quirks, maybe she’s addicted to that stuff, probably a public transport!"

I forced myself to calm down, finishing the last copy of the Heart Sutra before checking my phone.

Only then did I realize the video from the auction had been turned into photos and was all over the internet.

Shortly after, Adeline sent several messages.

[Don’t think marrying into the Declan's family means you can overlook me, it's just a useless red book.

Even ancient emperors' concubines spent their lives in cold palaces, let alone someone like you who's only wanted because of a contract!]

[Theo and Jasper love me, I won't let you have either of them!]

[Just a few tears from me and Theo and Jasper will teach you a lesson. Do you still think you're some high and mighty Miss?]

I stared at the latest trending topic, completely disheartened.

[In a week, an explosive full video of a fallen two-word heiress from the capital circle will be released for free!]