Chapter 2I’m Fluent in Six Languages—Until My Earpiece Crossed Lines and Exposed His Lies

“Julian, your ‘stand-in plan’ is absolutely brilliant,”

The other man’s voice was filled with admiration.

“You get to use Seraphina’s capabilities to close your deals, and you’ve kept the real Eleanor so perfectly shielded.”

Another voice cut in, Julian’s cousin, Derek Vance.

“Yeah, Eleanor has always been spoiled and delicate since she was a kid. She could never handle the cutthroat schemes of the business world. With Seraphina taking the brunt of it, Eleanor just gets to enjoy her life abroad. Bro, this arrangement? It’s real devotion to Eleanor.”

His friend sighed.

“It’s just tough on Seraphina. She loves you so much. If she ever found out she was just a shadow, from beginning to end…”

“She won’t find out.”

Julian’s voice was like ice.

“And even if she did, so what? An orphan with no family. I gave her three good years, letting her move in the highest circles of power and prestige. She should be grateful. This position, she practically stole it.”

Derek scoffed.

“You’re right, Bro. Besides, she’s head over heels for you, isn’t she? She’d do anything to stay by your side. Even if she knew the truth, she’d probably cry a couple of times, you’d snap your fingers, and she’d still cling to you. After all, without you, she’s nothing.”

“Her desperate ambition to climb the social ladder—wasn’t it all for this? To be Eleanor’s stand-in? It’s her honor.”

A few low chuckles followed, their words dripping with scorn and mockery, like countless steel needles piercing my brain through the headset.

I sat there, spine ramrod straight, maintaining a perfectly professional smile.

But under the table, my nails were digging deep into my palms.

What did they mean? Everything I was proud of was just a meticulously planned “stand-in training” program?

I’d pushed myself to master six languages, stayed up all night studying international business etiquette.

I’d shielded him from countless shots of hard liquor at galas, throwing up until my gut was raw.

I thought it was love, mutual devotion.

Turns out, it was just the professional conduct of a “replacement.”

The conversation in my earpiece continued, but I couldn't really hear it anymore.

Eleanor Vance, the one they mentioned—I knew about her. The true heiress of the Vance family, raised abroad, very mysterious.

I'd once asked Julian about her curiously. He just stroked my head, saying gently:

“Don't overthink it. You are you. In my heart, no one compares.”

Now I understood.

I truly was unique.

A uniquely perfect, tool.