Semua Bab A Pawn's Guide to Success: Bab 1 - Bab 8

Jarrold stared, utterly thrown.He hadn't expected me to take the bag. In the past, I'd always refused his gifts, terrified he'd think I was some cheap gold digger.When he finally found his voice, he said, "As long as you like it."I looked down at the purse in my hands—a five-figure masterpiece that screamed old money. The longer I stared, the more I liked it.My father was a degenerate gambler. My mother was rotting away in a hospital bed. We were drowning in a sea of debt they didn't know I knew about.In my past life, I'd been a pawn in Jarrold and Cindy's twisted game, tangled in their mess until it got me killed. And for what? I hadn't gained a thing.Back then, I'd still believed in something as naive as pure love. How pathetically foolish.Now, I knew better. Now, my only true loyalty was to the cold, hard cash that could buy my freedom.Since I was stuck in their game, I might as well play to win.When Cindy saw her bag hanging from my arm, her face purpled with rage

The moment Cindy’s fingers closed around my wrist, I knew exactly what she was planning.A setup. She’d pulled this same stunt in my past life.Back then, Jarrold had believed her lies—that I’d maliciously pushed her down the stairs. His retaliation had been swift and brutal. He’d made sure I was blacklisted, that no one in this city would ever hire me again.Not this time.The second I realized her intention, I didn’t resist. Instead, I yanked her toward me, spinning us in a half-turn. Then, I let the tears fall—louder, more desperate, and infinitely more convincing than hers.I smirked inwardly, 'You want to play the victim, Cindy? Let me show you how it's done.'"Please, Cindy, let me go!" I cried, my voice trembling with feigned terror. "Don't push me! Somebody, help!"Then, feeling her grip loosen in shock, I released my own.I let my body fall backward, tumbling down the staircase. The world became a blur of pain and motion until I landed in a heap on the cold floor.Gas

A cold stillness settled deep in my bones.So that was the truth of it. It didn't matter if I was guilty or innocent. All that mattered was Cindy's happiness. My suffering was just collateral damage.How utterly pathetic.If I hadn't managed to call the police in time, my naked photos would be circulating across the internet right now.Jarrold watched me, his composure unshaken. "Don't worry. I'll make it up to you."I remained silent. Arguing was pointless. For now, I still needed his resources and the protection his name offered. I wasn't strong enough to stand against him yet.His idea of "compensation" was a luxury high-rise apartment in the heart of the financial district.I had to admit, he was generous. But that generosity only confirmed one thing: my usefulness to him wasn't over yet.Using his money, I enrolled in intensive French lessons and a prestigious jewelry design certification program.My days became a blur of relentless effort—working my day job, studying lat

Jarrold didn't believe me. "Susan, don't lie. I know you like me. If this is about Cindy, don't worry. There's nothing left between us."Across the room, Cindy's perfectly composed face twisted into something ugly."Don't flatter yourself," I said, my voice cold and clear, cutting through the gala's murmur. "Do you think I'm blind? From the very beginning, you never had an ounce of sincerity for me. I was just a pawn in your little game with Cindy—a tool to make her jealous, a shield for your own pride."You claim to love her, yet you were too proud to genuinely win her back. Instead, you dangled me in front of her, throwing me into the line of fire over and over. If I hadn't been clever, I would've been dead long ago."And now you have the audacity to confess to me?" I let my gaze sweep over his stunned face. "You think every woman should revolve around your sun? You were born into luck, Jarrold. Nothing more. You don't impress me."The words I had carried for a lifetime, throu