Tricia's POV
At one stage, I felt like backing off, but it was too late to do that now. And on second thought, I couldn't believe Yvonne was the real Belfort heiress. Her, of all people? She didn't deserve all of this, you know. I mean, come on-she's been a nobody her whole life, scrubbing floors, keeping her head low like the cleaner's daughter she is. What would she even do with this kind of power, this kind of spotlight? She wouldn't know how to act or how to shine with it.
And that's where I came in.
Deep down, the sweetest part wasn't even the bracelet itself-it was the taste of victory, the thought of having all the "goodies" that came with the heiress title right in my hands. If anyone was meant to step into this crown, it was me and I could beat my chest with regard to that. I've always been the queen bee, and now the whole school would finally see that wasn't just a nickname. I was born for this.
And no one could stop my shine.
While I was still basking in the glow of my own thoughts right beside the Belfort brothers, Adrian strolled toward me, casual as always, his hand shoved in his pocket. But then, with that smirk of his, he slid an arm around me and said, loud enough for the whole school to hear:
"Tricia is my girlfriend, actually."
The words dropped into the air like glitter. I tilted my head up at him, blinking, then smiled slowly. Adrian knew exactly what he was doing, and so did I. He loved beautiful things, shiny things, things that made people look twice. And I loved the power of being chosen, being claimed in front of everyone. There was no reason to oppose what he said-why would I? His declaration only made me look more untouchable.
I leaned into him just enough to show I didn't mind, to show I belonged right here. Because the truth was, I needed him as much as he needed me. He knew what was at stake. With him backing me, there'd be no reason for anyone to doubt me, even if the Belfort brothers had a glimpse of suspicion.
My original plan when I heard about the Belfort brothers transferring to our school, was actually to cozy my way into dating one of the brothers and do away with Adrian himself. But when luck handed me this perfect setup, why chase crumbs when I could have the whole feast? They already believed I was their sister, all because of the bracelet I snatched from Yvonne.
Poor, pathetic Yvonne.
I glanced around the gymnasium, scanning the crowd for her, but I think she'd already slipped away like the coward she was. The space where she'd been standing was empty. It almost made me laugh. Even if she tried to speak up, who would believe her? Nobody wanted the word of a cleaner's daughter over mine. And if she dared to, I'd make sure the crowd drowned her out. Everyone loved a spectacle, and I was their star.
Adrian tightened his arm around my waist, and I let my fingers brush over the bracelet on my wrist which seemed to be the perfect prop. Just imagine if I hadn't stolen it when I did. What would I even be standing on right now? The thought almost made me shiver. Timing was everything, and I had nailed it.
I didn't know how far this ride could take me, but I was more than willing to push it as far as it would go.
Adrian's voice cut into my thoughts, as smooth as anything one could imagine. "It's such a relief that you guys finally found her. She's always longed to be with her real family."
He was looking straight at the Belfort brothers when he said it, his tone dripping with sincerity that I almost clapped. I hadn't even asked him to play wingman for me, but here he was, feeding them exactly what they wanted to hear. That's what I liked about Adrian-he knew how to play the game.
And I wasn't about to be left behind. I tilted my head, letting my eyes water just enough to look soft. "This bracelet is all I had to give me hope... that someday, I'd see you guys again."
Oh, I deserved an award. The way my voice trembled? It all screamed perfection. I could feel all eyes on me, soaking in every word. Playing the victim had never felt so good, you know.
The brothers' expressions shifted almost instantly with shock, relief, even a little guilt flashing in their eyes as they couldn't hide it. And I knew right there that they believed me. My heart kicked in my chest, but it wasn't nerves, it was triumph.
The gym buzzed all up with low whispers. I caught girls in the corner whispering furiously, others glaring in envy. Some boys looked impressed, like they suddenly saw me in a new light. I'd never been invisible, but now I was way more untouchable.
Just when I thought the moment had reached peak perfection, when the brothers' eyes softened, their lips curving into relieved smiles.
"Enough! Enough!"
The voice cracked through the air like a whip, slicing through the applause and whispers. The gym fell silent, and I didn't even need to turn my head to know who it was.
Of course. Yvonne.
She walked in from the entrance, with her shoulders squared, her eyes locked on me like she'd been waiting for this all along. My stomach tightened, though I forced myself not to flinch. A second ago, I'd thought she'd slunk away with her two left legs. Clearly, I was wrong.
The crowd turned as one as their whispers rushed back like a wave. Her footsteps echoed against the polished gym floor, each one slower and heavier than the last, like she was milking the attention I thought belonged to me.
"I don't know anything about heiresses or long-lost brothers," she said, her voice felt steady, too steady for someone like her. Her eyes flicked to my wrist straight up, sharp and accusing. "But that bracelet... is mine."
There were gasps here and there and a ripple spread through the room like I'd just been slapped.
I narrowed my eyes at her, trying not to show how her sudden boldness threw me. Since when did Yvonne talk like this? Since when did she stand in front of people instead of hiding behind everyone else.
She stepped closer with her chin lifting, and stretched out her hand toward me. "Give it back. Now."
Her tone wasn't pleading. It was commanding. Like she had the right. Like she wasn't the nobody she's always been.
And you know the worst part? The Belfort brothers actually looked at her. Not just looked-studied her, having their faces shifting in real time. Their eyes flicked from her to me, back to her again,and I could bet that was doubt flashing across their features.
I swallowed hard, though I kept my smile slightly held high. No way was I going to let her steal this moment.
"What!" one of the Belfort brothers said, his voice louder than he meant it to be.
"That bracelet is yours?" another added, disbelief painting his tone.
And just like that, the room went into chaos.
