The classmates who finally learned the truth realized they had wronged me. They exchanged uneasy glances and fell silent.
Just then, Jessica—the class monitor and the impoverished student I sponsored—stepped forward.
She snatched my phone and said with a fake smile, "Oh come on, it’s all just a misunderstanding! Monica, why be so petty?"
"I’m sure Chandler didn’t mean it. His parents just died—he’s grieving! Can’t you forgive him?"
"Besides, if it weren’t for delivering your exam papers, his parents wouldn’t have been on the road. Since your family’s so rich, why not just have your parents compensate him?"
I clenched my fists, staring at Jessica’s sickeningly sweet expression.
She was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
In my past life, during a charity trip to the mountains with my parents, I’d seen her being beaten by her own family.
She had knelt before me in tears, showing off her bruises, claiming her parents favored sons over daughters and refused to educate her.
Moved, I convinced my parents to sponsor her schooling in the city.
Only later did I learn the truth—Jessica had targeted my family’s wealth from the start.
Her parents hadn’t beaten her out of sexism.
That day, she had stolen the family’s entire food budget—just to buy makeup.
In those impoverished mountains, where even filling one’s stomach was a struggle, she had squandered their survival money on vanity.
The fact that her parents hadn’t killed her for it proved their kindness—not hers.
And now, her "defense" of Chandler? Just another scheme. They were already colluding to milk me for money.
Without hesitation, I raised my hand and slapped her—twice.
Twin red marks bloomed on her cheeks. Jessica clutched her face in shock.
Tears welled up instantly. "Monica, I was just worried your temper would make people talk! Why would you hit me?"
The class erupted in outrage at her performance.
"Monica, how dare you slap someone in front of everyone?"
"What, just because your family’s rich, you think you own the school?"
"Disgusting! Only someone as kind as Jessica would still defend you!"
I scoffed at their baseless accusations.
"My family’s wealth is our achievement. Who are you to judge?"
"The video proves Chandler’s parents died because of their own greed. What good could come from thieves’ blood?"
"And Jessica—if you love defending him so much, stop taking my money. Or have you forgotten? I’m the reason you’re even standing here."
The class fell into confused murmurs.
My parents gave Jessica the same monthly allowance as me—so she’d quickly adopted lavish habits.
With her parents never attending school events and Jessica dodging questions about her background, everyone had assumed she was some hidden heiress.
Now exposed, her face drained of color.
"W-What nonsense! I’m here because of my parents!" she stammered.
I just smirked, gathered my things, and turned to leave.
Seeing Jessica cornered, Chandler immediately blocked my path.
