Chapter 2

My dad's efficiency is terrifying.

Early the next morning, I receive detailed information about Austin Shaw, along with an invitation to a charity gala. Immediately after, my banking app pings with a deposit notification.

A string of zeros so long I can't count them, with Dad's message simple and direct: Buy whatever you want.

Having shed the mental burden named "Damien," the first thing I do is call the housekeeper and point to my closet full of pilled hoodies and nine-dollar jeans bought in bulk—all "high-value purchases" Damien forced me to buy over three years to "build my character."

"Throw it all away."

For three years, Damien subjected me to comprehensive "poverty transformation."

If I wore anything slightly expensive, he called me "materialistic." If I put on makeup, he said I looked "gaudy." Even when I took a cab to school, he'd furrow his brow and say with pained disappointment that I was "spoiled."

Afraid of making him angry, I tried to please him constantly, forcibly transforming myself from "Miss Hayes" into a "poverty case student."

But now? This young lady is done serving him.

I change into a limited-edition Chanel suit and put on the sapphire necklace that's been gathering dust in my jewelry box for three years.

Looking at my radiant reflection in the mirror, I smile with satisfaction.

After three years, the pink sports car I'd left to collect dust in the garage finally sees daylight again.

The roar of the engine explodes at the school gate, instantly drawing countless eyes.

"Vivian!"

It's Damien!

My heart jumps and I want to flee.

In the past, whenever I displayed wealth, Damien would punish me with thousand-word essays or give me the cold shoulder for days.

But then I think—we've broken up. Why should I fear him?

While I'm hesitating, Damien has already strode over, with Lydia following behind him, struggling under an armful of books and gasping for breath.

His gaze sweeps over my eye-catching car and outfit, as if I'm some bloodsucking capitalist exploiter.

"Are you insane? Dressed like this, driving this kind of car to school?"

"Everyone walks or bikes here, and you show up in this thing—afraid people won't know you have money? This behavior will corrupt the school atmosphere!"

I almost laugh with anger. Just as I'm about to retort, I catch sight of Lydia behind him.

"I didn't steal or rob anyone. What do I have to fear?"

I raise an eyebrow and look pointedly at the two of them.

"The school rules don't forbid dating, and they don't forbid driving to school, right?"

Hearing this, Damien's face darkens further. "What are you talking about?!"

Lydia also peeks out from behind her stack of books, looking timid. "You've misunderstood. He was just helping me because the books were too heavy... I didn't expect you'd think that."

"Have you made enough of a scene?"

He suddenly reaches out and grabs my wrist, his grip so tight it feels like he'll crush my bones.

"Since we've run into each other, help Lydia carry these books to the office and cure yourself of that lazy disease!"

My wrist throbs with pain. I struggle desperately. "I won't! Damien, let go! We've already broken up—why should I listen to you?!"