Mirabelle's POV
My classmates were stunned.
“Man, the world of rich people is just too complicated,” one of them said, shaking his head. “I don’t get it at all.”
Another leaned closer, curious. “Mirabelle, why would you want to cut ties with your dad? Your mom practically changed your whole fate when she married that rich stepfather. And now you’re throwing it away? I don’t get it. If I had a stepdad that rich, I wouldn’t even bother going to college. I’d be living the high life already.”
I didn’t answer them. I just gave a faint, bitter smile.
My best friend, Pansy Bowen, looked more worried than judgmental. She pulled me aside and lowered her voice. “Mirabelle, I’ve heard that some rich guys have unusual hobbies. Your stepdad’s never had any other kids, only you. Did he ever do anything bad to you? You can tell me. My dad’s a cop. If you’ve been hurt, I can get him involved.”
I blinked, taken aback. “What? No. You’ve got it all wrong. He’s always treated me well.”
Her brows knitted together in confusion. “Then why? If he’s that good to you, why would you want to cut ties?”
Before I could answer, a familiar voice rang out from across the courtyard.
“Because Mirabelle’s just an ungrateful brat, that’s why!”
Heads turned toward the voice.
Strutting toward us was my aunt, wearing a fiery red dress that revealed more skin than fabric, both front and back. My classmates quickly averted their eyes as they felt uncomfortable. Clearly, she hadn’t been subtle about trying to seduce my father, and she didn’t care.
Shooing my classmates away, she crossed her arms and smirked. “Mirabelle, I want to know too. Why cut ties with your father? What’s your plan? Playing hard to get so he’ll rush to write you into the will?”
I let out a sharp, cold laugh. “This is between me and my dad. None of your business.”
I turned to leave, unwilling to waste another breath on her.
But her voice chased after me, dripping with venom. “Just wait until I marry your father and give him a son. Let’s see if you’re still so smug then!”
It didn’t take long before the headlines exploded about my father marrying my aunt.
The internet lit up. Some people already knew about my family and piled on the insults, calling me heartless, an ungrateful parasite. They said it served me right that my dad was remarrying. Someone like me didn’t deserve to inherit his fortune.
Others framed it as some kind of noble sacrifice, saying I’d cut ties so my dad could have his own biological son while he still could.
I stared at my phone for a long moment, my grip tightening until my knuckles went white.
Even the chatter at school was relentless.
“Mirabelle, you need to take time off and go home to apologize! Did you see what your aunt was wearing the last time she came here? She’s bad news. If she marries your dad, you’ll be left with nothing!”
“Exactly! You can’t be this stupid. Go stop the wedding! Our future chances of knowing a rich heiress depend on you.”
My lips felt cold and pale as I answered flatly, “I’ve already cut ties with him. Whoever he marries now is none of my business.”
Pansy flicked my forehead. “Don’t give me that. I don’t believe for a second you’re just some ungrateful brat. Wake up, Mirabelle. Your dad’s mines alone are worth at least a couple billion. Even if you’re mad, pick the right time and place to show it.”
The others chimed in with teasing grins. “Yeah! If you don’t want the money, we’ll be more than happy to spend it for you!”
