Chapter 2

Every step I took in that life was soaked in sweat no one ever saw, along with calculations no one understood.

By the time I finally secured the CEO's seat, I was no longer the "fake heir" who had to watch people's expressions just to survive.

Now that I had another chance, I was curious, too.

Without the fake heir's halo and the backing of a top university, could I still make it while relying only on myself?

The next second, the bell rang, signaling the end of the college application session.

Our homeroom teacher walked in, looking as if he had just won the lottery. In his hand was a gold-embossed envelope, and the smile on his face was practically glowing.

The floating comments instantly exploded.

[Here it comes! Horace's guaranteed admission letter!]

[In the last life, the fake heir stole this exact spot and completely changed his destiny. That's how he started climbing. But now, Horace has woken up. Let's see how he steals it this time!]

I didn't react.

The teacher cleared his throat, smiling so widely that his cheeks were practically cramping.

"Congratulations to Horace Clark from our class. Thanks to his outstanding grades, he's received guaranteed admission to the physics department at Ashford University!"

Thunderous applause filled the classroom.

Dozens of admiring eyes turned toward Horace.

This time, he didn't reject the offer like he had before. Instead, he took the admission letter from the teacher's hand.

"I accept Ashford University's admission offer. Thank you!"

After saying that, Horace turned and looked straight at me.

The smugness on his pale face was impossible to miss. There was something else, too: the satisfaction of someone who believed revenge was finally within reach.

He leaned down close to my ear and spoke softly, "You thought I'd turn it down again, didn't you? Bet you're disappointed."

The comments rolled by again.

[Hahaha! Look at the fake heir. He looks completely lost. He must be furious!]

[Feels good! The spot's finally back where it belongs. First step in crushing that impostor's dream!]

[Nice one, Horace! Dump the trashy troublemaker girl, go to the same university as the female lead, and take back everything that belongs to you. That's the real heir storyline!]

I didn't say a word.

Horace let out a deep breath, as if he was finally releasing all the frustration he had carried since being reborn.

"Brian, I'm really sorry about this, but this admission spot was always supposed to be mine. Getting back what belongs to me feels pretty damn good. Without a top university on your record… What do you think you'll ever amount to?"

He stared straight into my eyes, searching for something, perhaps panic, despair, or anger.

But he found nothing.

His expression stiffened. He was clearly annoyed.

The truth was, I really didn't care.

Good test scores mattered. Getting into a strong university could definitely open doors. Still, what mattered more was making the right choice for your own life.

I walked past him and calmly turned in my application to North River State College, the top in-state business school, listing finance as my major.

My scores were just enough to place me in their top program.

After ten years of fighting my way through the business world in my last life, I knew something clearly.

The school's alumni network, its location, and its strong focus on real business practice were far more valuable to me than the distant prestige of some famous university.

The comments went wild the moment they saw my application.

[Unbelievable. Without stealing Horace's top university spot, the thief can only end up at some no-name college now?]

[North River State? Never even heard of it. He'll probably graduate and become some low-level accountant.]

[See? Stolen things never fit right. The moment he has to rely on himself, his true level shows. Without the Clarks and without the top university brand, let's see how he struggles through life!]

The corner of my mouth twitched.

I didn't even feel like arguing.