Chapter 2

Just before the evening study hall began, Sloane slipped quietly into the classroom, her face bruised and swollen.

Sloane, with her stunning looks and popularity, drew everyone's attention the moment she appeared so badly hurt. Despite class having started, students instantly crowded around her desk.

"Sloane, what happened to you?" one of the classmates asked.

"Sloane, don't cry. Say something. Who messed with you? I'll get all the guys in class to have your back," another guy shouted.

*****

Sloane didn't say a word. She just pointed a trembling finger in my direction, bawling even louder.

Everyone followed her finger and instantly pegged me as the culprit.

In my previous life, Sloane used my money to win people over. Classmates who didn't know her family situation thought her dad had hit the jackpot, so they all assumed she was some spoiled rich kid.

But even as the so-called rich kid, Sloane never looked down on anyone. She always made sure to share whatever good stuff she had with everyone, which made her even more popular in class.

I had no idea Sloane was spreading rumors behind my back. Whenever she used my money to treat others, I thought she was just being kind. I was so naive that I even increased her monthly allowance.

By the time I realized I was being pushed out and tried to explain, everyone had already bought into Sloane's story of me as the villain. No one was willing to listen.

Now, Sloane pulled the same old trick again, attempting to shift the blame onto my shoulders.

I quickly finished the nutrition soup my driver had dropped off at the school gate.

"Let's be real, Sloane. You got caught stealing bread. Kimberly gave you what you deserved. If I'd stepped in, everyone would've thought I was your accomplice. I'm not ruining my reputation for you," I said.

Sloane was completely caught off guard. She never expected me, the girl who once did everything for her, to confront her so bluntly in public. Her face flushed bright red, but not a single word came out.

The whole class was stunned too. They knew Sloane wasn't well-off, but no one imagined she'd actually steal to survive.

All those judging eyes turned toward her like knives. She'd always been the pretty, admired one and never faced this kind of shame before. Now, she was on the verge of breaking down.

The room fell silent, everyone waiting for Sloane to respond.

That was when the class monitor, Quito, slammed his hand on the desk.

"Quiet, all of you. You're seniors now. Can't you think before you speak? Are you really going to believe whatever Romina said?

"She's rich. Her dad donated an entire building just to get her into this school. Sloane earned her place here. So who's more credible, a hardworking genius, or a spoiled slacker?"

*****

Quito's eyes were cold, his brows furrowed like a self-righteous hero ready to put me on public trial.

And just like that, the mood in the room began to shift.

"He's right," one student agreed. "Sloane is a model student. She'd never steal. Romina is just jealous because Sloane is prettier and smarter than she is."

"Romina," another said firmly, "you'd better explain yourself. Money doesn't give you the right to do whatever you want."

"Yeah, Romina," a third added, "this is a school, not your personal playground. If you want to throw a tantrum, go do it at home."

*****

Quito was the undisputed heartthrob of the school, top of the class, beloved by teachers. Even without money, he was the crush of half the girls in our grade.

Just as he was turning everyone against me and I was about to speak up, the teacher, Elaine Ramos, walked into the room.

Sloane's voice trembled as she pointed at me, turning toward Elaine.

"Ms. Ramos, Romina is spreading lies about me, saying I stole something. She's trying to get everyone to gang up on me and bully me," she said.

I didn't waste time arguing. Instead, I pulled out my phone and played the video. It clearly showed Sloane by the school back gate, being yelled at and slapped by Kimberly, desperately begging for mercy.

The class went silent. Now they understood. Sloane had been taking free food from the bakery owner for a long time, but this time, Kimberly caught her stealing and finally beat her up.

Sloane's face turned deathly pale. With nothing left to say, she shot me a hateful glare. Then, in a sudden act of recklessness, she rushed to the window and jumped out. Elaine was so shocked she collapsed on the spot.

"Call an ambulance now! Check on Sloane," Elaine managed to shout.

The moment Sloane jumped, Quito, who knew exactly I had a crush on him, spun around and glared at me.

"If anything happens to Sloane, her blood will be on your hands. I hope you can live with that, Romina," he snapped.

Without another word, Quito ran out of the classroom and rushed downstairs.