Chapter 8
In my past life, I was vilified online. []
Every night, I stared at the hateful comments, tears streaming down my face. However, the more I tried to defend myself, the more malicious the internet became.[]
Eventually, photos of me scavenging for plastic bottles near the orphanage and wolfing down hard bread spread across every platform.
They called me “the trash heiress.“[]
I had crumbled under the pressure, driven to madness.
Only after my death did I learn that Bella had orchestrated all of it.] –
Only
This time, I would make her pay–tenfold.]
I had people dig up every bit of dirt on Bella.[]
And fortunately for me, she had plenty of skeletons in her closet.[]
She couldn’t clear her name–every time she tried, the backlash only grew stronger.]
Even Preston Corporation’s stock took a hit.[]
My father hired online commenters to control the damage, but the tide wouldn’t turn.[]
It was as if an even greater force was fueling the flames.]]
Of course, my mother–despite leaving with nothing–was still the daughter of the esteemed Harley family.[]
And she had plenty of money to spend on swaying public opinion.[]
Eventually, my father lost his patience. After scolding Bella harshly, he also froze her credit cards.
Bella was furious. She pointed at me, her voice filled with rage.]
“Valerie! This is all your doing, isn’t it?!“]
“Why are you doing this to me?! I’ve been so good to you! I gave you the biggest room, I even—“[]
I let out a cold laugh.]
“Good to me? If the big room was so great, why didn’t you keep it for yourself? And that gown you left in your care–why was it Damon who sold the diamonds from it?[]
“You can try lying to me, but don’t lie to yourself.“[]
She suddenly stopped her hysterics. No more theatrics–just a piercing glare locked onto me.[]
Chhoti
“You’ll never win.“[]
“I’m Dad’s favorite child. You’ll never surpass me.‘
“My mother died in childbirth–she died at the age he loved her most.”
For several days, Bella didn’t make any moves against me.]
She simply spent her time clutching a photo of her mother, weeping in front of my father.]]
“If Mom were still here, would I not have to suffer like this?“]
“Dad, I don’t want you to hate me. I can leave this house…“]]
“As long as it makes you a little happier.“]
At first, my father remained unmoved.[]
Even when he did show slight sympathy, it was quickly overshadowed by the company’s plummeting stock.[]
But everything changed when she fell violently ill after eating a meal I had prepared.[]
When the doctor diagnosed her with food poisoning, my father’s gaze toward me shifted.[]
And his tenderness toward her returned.]
“We’re family. We should be supporting each other.“[]
I acted as if I didn’t understand his meaning.
Instead, I hired even more online commenters, quietly aiding my mother’s efforts to drag both him and Bella through the mud.[]
At the same time, my mother’s family orchestrated an engagement between Damon and Miss Hope, the heiress of the Hope Corporation.
A union between the Harley and Hope families–it was the biggest news in the city.[]
Everyone knew my parents had parted on bad terms, so naturally, most people sided with the Harley family.[]
Watching Preston Corporation crumble under mounting pressure, my father finally reached his breaking point.[]
His body swayed.]
And then, he collapsed.]
As Bella panicked, I immediately summoned the family doctor.]
Dr. Jason performed acupuncture, and soon, my father groggily came to.[]
“Mr. Preston,” Dr. Jason said, “have you been using scented herbs excessively lately?]
“Your symptoms…. they resemble poisoning.“]
Chapers R
My father inhaled sharply.]
“Poisoning? No wonder I’ve been feeling so out of it lately… But it was Victoria who tried to poison me, wasn’t it? She failed, so how-”
Dr. Jason, following the script I had prepared for him, calmly replied:[]
“Judging by your pulse, this seems to be a recent poisoning.
“We should locate the source first–then we can find the right treatment.“[]
I glanced at Bella’s guilty expression, then pretended to have a sudden realization.[]
“Dr. Jason, why don’t you check the house? The only things with fragrance here are Mom’s perfumes and cosmetics…. scented candles…”
JOh! And the pillow Bella gave you!“[]
