Chapter 3The Fake Heiress and the Empty Mansion

Ethan's family wasn't well off. When we first got together, he was skinny and pale. Later, I accompanied him to the gym and took him out to eat better food.

I even personally bought his daily necessities, clothes, and accessories.

Watching him transform into a suave, handsome guy, mistaken for a rich kid by our classmates, and secretly crushed on by other girls, filled me with a sense of accomplishment.

I was confident that Ethan only had eyes for me.

Not to mention this fake Chloe was tacky and awkward, and her lies couldn't stand up to scrutiny. Even if she were the real billionaire's daughter, I was confident Ethan would choose me over her.

Therefore, I didn't take Chloe's provocation seriously at all.

After all, this clown would be exposed once the weekend arrived. Why bother getting upset?

That night, a video of my conversation with Chloe in the dining hall was posted on the campus forum.

"Campus Goddess vs. Billionaire Heiress: Cast your vote! Who will win the handsome president?"

The post was pinned, and the number of votes skyrocketed in a short period.

To my absolute shock, the number of votes for Chloe far exceeded the votes for me.

I scrolled through the comments. Someone said, "Given the choice between a beautiful girl and saving 30 years of hard work, I choose the latter."

Another said, "In the face of capital, beauty is worthless."

...

Are people really this materialistic?

It made hiding my true identity feel incredibly stupid.

And are people really this blind?

Chloe's disguise was obviously fake. Why couldn't anyone see it?

I refused to give up and kept scrolling, finally finding a rational comment.

ID, Caleb: "Based on Chloe's age, and calculating the timeline of Mrs. Sterling's pregnancy, the dates don't match up at all. Mrs. Sterling's schedule was packed that year, with photos released year-round, showing no signs of pregnancy."

Attached: "Mrs. Sterling's Year-Round Photos"

A sharp-eyed and logical youth. I immediately hit "like" on his comment.

I didn't care much about the comments from random students. I went to the Student Government office to find Ethan as usual.

As soon as I walked in, I saw Ethan being pestered by Chloe.

I was genuinely furious.

Using my identity to interfere with my relationship. Could Chloe be any more shameless?

"Fake heiress, wasn't playing thief enough for you? Now you want to be a homewrecker?" I swore that was the ugliest thing I had ever said in my life.

Chloe was already guilty. The resounding "fake heiress" made her tremble with anger.

"Aria! Who are you calling a fake?" Chloe scowled.

I scoffed: "Do I need to say it again? You're tacky and awkward. Who gave you the confidence to pretend to be a rich girl?"

I finally said what was on my mind.

I thought Ethan was the one being harassed, so I naturally assumed he would stand by my side.

I didn't expect the slap in the face to come so quickly.

Ethan stepped in front of Chloe, frowning at me: "Aria, stop it. Chloe isn't what you think."

Excuse me?

During the day he tells me he doesn't know her, and at night he's calling her "Chloe"?

"She's not what I think? Then what is she?" I stared into his eyes, demanding an answer.

I'm usually a very easygoing person, but in a relationship, I demand blatant favoritism.

I need my boyfriend to stand by my side, right or wrong.

If he can't do that, then I'll kick him to the curb.

I was willing to listen to his explanation, but he just kept trying to push me away: "I'll walk you back to your dorm first. I'll explain on the way."

I shook off Ethan, pointing at Chloe: "No need. Explain it right here, in front of her. We have plenty of time. Explain."

Ethan stammered, unable to speak.

Seeing this, Chloe smiled smugly and grabbed Ethan's hand: "The truth is, I confessed my feelings to Ethan, and he agreed to give me a chance to pursue him."

Ethan's face looked terrible, but he didn't let go of Chloe's hand.

The hand he used to hold Chloe's was wearing the birthday gift I had given him—a watch I had my cousin bring back from Europe, worth tens of thousands of dollars.