And just like that, I won.
From that moment on, all my problems vanished.
I became one of Chad’s people, working my way up until I was his most trusted confidante.
As for Jeremy? He later took over that casino and became a local big shot. Not because he was some genius, but because he’d adopted me, and my influence rubbed off on him.
***
A grip on my collar jolted me back to the present.
“Where’s Ruth? Where’s that snake?”
I blinked, focusing on his face. It was Jeremy.
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Chapter 6
“She just got into a car with Chad,” I said coolly.
“Damn it!” Jeremy stumbled back and collapsed onto the ground, shouting at the sky. “That wretch! I treated her so well, and the second things go south, she runs off!
“If it wasn’t for her getting me drunk and dragging me there, I wouldn’t have… wouldn’t have-”
Before he could finish, I noticed them–men in black suits, lingering nearby with their hands in their pockets, silently watching.
I said casually, “Wow, since when did pancakes draw such a crowd?”
Jeremy froze, his curses catching in his throat. His eyes darted to the suited men, and without another word, he bolted toward the street like his life depended on it.
Watching his pathetic retreat, I couldn’t help but smirk.
In my last life, Jeremy robbed me of my chance to go to college, only to meet a sudden and miserable end himself.
This time, whether he survives or not? That’s on his luck.
After the spectacle at the school gates, I knew the gossip would spread like wildfire. So I went straight to Mr. Guthrie, the principal, tears in my eyes, and explained how trouble always seemed to find me.
“Ruth’s already dropped out,” I sniffled. “I’d appreciate it if the school could keep my guaranteed admission quiet. It’s better to be cautious–I don’t want to get targeted by wrong kind of people.”
Mr. Guthrie’s gaze lingered on my messy hair and ripped clothes. With a sigh, he nodded.
***
Humming softly, I walked home.
For a while, life felt blissfully simple. I threw myself into studying, prepping for the college entrance exams.
But, of course, Ruth couldn’t stay gone forever.
She waltzed into the Carter house just before the exams.
Benjamin and Miriam met her with icy indifference–at first.
Then Chad showed up. With him behind her, Ruth was suddenly treated like royalty in the Carter household.
Now, she strutted in and out whenever she wanted, like she owned the place.
Every night, she’d crank up ear–splitting electronic music until midnight. If anyone dared to turn it off? She’d scream curses without missing a beat.
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