Chapter 4Stolen Identity Sweet Revenge

In the Dean’s office, Janelle dissolved into hysterical tears.

"Rowan, please, you have to forgive me," she sobbed, clutching at my sleeve. "In the beginning, I really did just want to help you. But before I could tell you, my grandmother got sick. You know my parents don't care if she lives or dies, but she’s the only person in the world who ever loved me. Zach has so much money... I only used those transfers to pay her hospital bills. I’m so sorry..."

Her crying was so desperate that even Dean Avery looked slightly swayed.

The Dean sighed, rubbing her temples, and looked at me. "Rowan, if that photo was only sent to Zach and hasn't been leaked publicly, maybe we should bring him in to discuss this. He’s a major party in this situation. If we can resolve this privately, it might be best for everyone."

I looked at Janelle.

She hadn't yet received the funds to go abroad or get the cosmetic procedures that would alter her square jaw and plain features. Even with her makeup, her face looked stressed and unremarkable.

In my past life, Zach had sworn up and down that he would have chosen Janelle regardless of her looks because of their "soul connection."

I wondered if he would make the same choice looking at her now.

I nodded at the Dean. "Let's bring him in."

Within twenty minutes, Zach arrived. He burst into the office and rushed straight to my side, his face tense with anxiety. "Baby! What did your Dean mean on the phone? What do you mean we're both victims? Is your roommate trying to steal the money I sent you?"

He whirled around, glaring at Janelle with pure disgust. "Hey! Are you shameless? That money was for Rowan. Who the hell do you think you are, keeping it?"

Hearing Zach’s harsh words, Janelle’s tears froze on her cheeks. Her throat tightened, and she felt as if the floor were tilting beneath her.

For months, they had stayed up until the early hours of the morning, exchanging sweet, intimate words.

[Kiss me, baby.]

[I love you so much.]

[It doesn't matter if you aren't as beautiful as your photos. I'm not that shallow.]

[We are soulmates, Ro. I could never be angry with you.]

Those tender words had convinced Janelle that Zach truly loved her mind. She believed his affection transcended the empty beauty of the photos she had sent.

But now, he was calling her shameless in front of everyone.

I watched the subtle shift in Janelle’s expression. Even while crying, she instinctively tilted her head to what she thought was her best angle, looking up at Zach with big, pleading eyes.

"I'm sorry, Zach," she whispered. "The truth is... the person you've been talking to this whole time isn't Rowan. It was me. I wanted to bring you two together, but..."

Zach stared at her, completely dumbfounded.

Then, he let out an aggressive, defensive shout. "Don't talk absolute garbage! Who would ever want to talk to you? Do you think I have that much free time? If you hadn't uploaded Rowan’s student ID to the profile, I wouldn't have given you a second of my day!"

I kept my eyes fixed on Zach.

He was practically vibrating with panic, desperate to distance himself from her. He looked exactly the same as he did in my past life when he was trying to shift blame—selfish, defensive, and furious that his own stupidity had been exposed.

"Don't be so quick to dismiss her, Zach," I said, my voice smooth and deliberate. "You two spoke for months. You must have realized how compatible your personalities are. Surely you aren't so shallow that you only care about a face? Why don't you two just date for real?"

Zach looked like he was about to blow a fuse. "Are you kidding me? She looks like a square box! Who would date that? I’d be the laughingstock of my entire family! Janelle, you are a sick, twisted freak. You used Rowan’s face because no actual guy would ever look at you. You’re going to return every single cent, or I’m suing you."

"Zach, my grandmother is dying..." Janelle whimpered.

"What does your grandmother have to do with me?" Zach spat, cutting her off ruthlessly. "Does her being sick give you the right to play with my feelings? You scammed my emotions, and you scammed my money. I’m not letting this go. You pay me back, and you write a formal apology, or I will make sure you spend graduation in a jail cell!"

Janelle’s face completely shattered.

She took a deep breath, turning to the Dean. "Dean Avery, can Rowan step out for a moment? I want to discuss the details of the transfers with Zach privately. It’s... a very large sum, and I want to explain things clearly."