---
Maria woke up and dragged herself to the bathroom. When she looked in the mirror, her eyes were red, and dried tears clung to her skin. She had dreamt of her past life again.
"How could I have been so foolish?" she whispered to herself.
She slapped her cheeks gently and stared into her reflection. "No stupid thoughts. The past is the past. It's meant to strengthen me, not bring me down."
She got dressed in a white biker skirt and a white knitted sweater, tied her hair into a ponytail, and pulled on a white face mask. Sitting at her desk, she turned on her laptop, began singing, and recorded herself. Her voice was silky and captivating—like a siren. As she danced, her movements were dazzling and fluid, perfectly in sync with her voice.
She posted the video online.
Maria wasn't afraid of her parents overhearing—each room in the house was soundproof. After uploading the performance, she turned off her laptop, removed her mask, and went downstairs.
In the living room, her grandmother was speaking with her mom.
"Tsk, the queen is finally awake. I thought you'd sleep until the world ended. Want us to serve food in bed too?" her grandma mocked.
"Yes, I would love food in bed. But the service here is so poor, the queen must serve herself," Maria replied casually, heading into the kitchen.
Her grandma and mother stared at her, stunned.
"Very good! Look at the product you gave birth to. Clap for yourself! This is what you call a child?" her grandma shouted at her mom.
"She's also your son's child! Why is the bad child my fault, but the good one your son's success?" her mom mumbled, lowering her gaze.
"You dare talk back? Like mother, like daughter," her grandma hissed.
"Mother-in-law, don't say that. Oliver is my product too, you know. If I were so bad at raising kids, Oliver wouldn't have turned out the way she did. That should count for something," her mom said with a forced laugh.
"That's the only reason you're still a madam in this house! Otherwise, I'd have kicked you out long ago. You can't birth a male child and can't even raise one of your daughters right! That brat Maria is a headache to this family—" she added.
But Maria completed the sentence with a smirk.
"—she should have died when she was born. Gave birth to a devil and called it a child. This is why you don't like girl children. Only Oliver is reasonable."
Both women turned to stare at her.
"I completed what you were going to say. Did I get it right? And why'd you stop talking? I was enjoying the film. The wicked mother-in-law and the weak daughter-in-law. Honestly, Grandma, you're the real queen here. I don't have anyone fawning over me like Mom does for you. But don't stop. Continue—I'll just sit and watch," Maria said, sitting on the floor with a bowl of rice in her hand.
"You stupid child! Is this how you talk to your elders? Did you eat all your manners along with your brain?" her mom yelled, taking her anger out on her.
"Sigh. This is what I get for being nice. And oh—poor Grandma. Should I order you headphones? Your daughter-in-law yells so much, it's like she's trying to deafen you so no one can order you around. Clever woman, my mom," Maria said with a smile, heading upstairs.
When her grandmother was sure Maria had left, she glared at her mom.
"So this is your plan all along. No wonder you're always shouting—you and that devil child have the same evil heart! Stay away from Oliver before she becomes like you. And make sure to write out the family law!"
Then she stormed off, leaving Maria's mom trembling.
From the top of the stairs, Maria watched everything. This family is a comedy show, she thought. Mom hates Grandma but still bows to her because Dad is a mama's boy. Grandma hates girls but loves Oliver only because she's talented and sweet-tongued. They call me the devil child… maybe I should live up to the name.
She met her mother's gaze, smirked, and calmly walked back to her room.
She didn't come out until dinner.
---
Later That Night
Dinner was... quiet.
Her mom was still copying the family law in her room. Grandma ate in her own room. Oliver was at a friend's place. And her dad? He ate like someone being forced to chew nails.
Maria ate her food calmly. The more uncomfortable her father grew, the more she savored each bite.
---
The Next Day (Sunday)
After her bath, Maria opened her laptop. The masked girl—her—was trending.
Thousands of people were asking who the masked girl was. The internet had gone crazy.
She posted another performance, dancing and singing once more. Then she removed her mask and headed downstairs.
From the staircase, she could hear laughter and giggles.
In the living room were her mom, Oliver, three of her mom's friends, and one of the women's daughters.
As Maria entered, the room fell silent.
She walked past them into the kitchen.
The women exchanged glances, finally deciding what to use to taunt her mother.
"Wow, your twin daughters are so... different. Very unique," one woman in green said sarcastically.
"Very unique indeed. One is in university abroad, and the other is still in high school," another added.
"I heard Oliver always comes first in class. Different companies are already offering her jobs," the third chimed in.
"Yes! Oliver even started a website in junior school—it's huge now. But Maria... well, she carries last and has no talent. God is fair, at least," the woman in green said.
"But I think Maria could use some help from her sister on how to behave. I heard she's chasing boys now. Very bad—you need to be strict on the child or she'll ruin Oliver's reputation," she added.
"My daughter is in a rebellious phase," Maria's mom replied, faking a chuckle. "We give her freedom so she doesn't feel suffocated. Oliver, on the other hand, is naturally gifted with high EQ and IQ. So we plan her future carefully."
"I think everyone is unique in their own way," Oliver said politely. "It's not right to compare sisters. And what Maria does is a family matter—we're not comfortable with outsiders commenting."
The women shut up.
Then Maria stepped out.
"I appreciate your advice, Aunty. I'll try to learn from your daughter—so kind, smart, and helpful. She's the topic of conversation around boys. I heard she even teaches her classmates. Both boys and girls… especially boys. She's so dedicated, she goes to clubs to look for the students she tutors. Sometimes even the hotel. Maybe it's quiet there?"
The room went dead silent.
Oliver covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. The woman in green went pale as the others shifted away from her. Her daughter blushed.
"What are you saying, Maria?! How dare you embarrass me?! You're just jealous!"
"Why are you yelling? I'm not deaf," Maria replied, picking at her ear. "And jealous? Please. I'm not even jealous of my sister, who carries first in the whole country. You think I'd envy someone who ranks 15th?"
She smirked. "I didn't say anything bad. I just praised your dedication. Who else would take a student to a hotel just to tutor them? You must be passionate about education. I never accused you of anything. But if you're not guilty, why are you panicking? Shouldn't you explain calmly?"
The woman in green stood up, furious. "Wow! Sophia, the daughter you raised! So proud, right? Maybe your daughter should learn some manners first. She's the one who made a girl jump off the stage at the art festival!"
Maria's mom turned and glared at her. If looks could kill, Maria would be dead.
"Tsk. Is that my fault?" Maria said. "Did I push her? Blackmail her? No. I took back what belonged to me. Someone chose to jump—that's their decision. What, should I have stayed silent and let them ruin me so people wouldn't cry? Do I look like a saint? I should let others use my work to shine? Will I get a good citizen award with cash for it?"
She laughed lightly. "Call me wicked if it makes you feel better. At least I won't be a future grandma."
She walked off.
Oliver smiled as she watched her sister leave.
The women left, embarrassed.
---
The Next Day
The stocks Maria had secretly bought became a national sensation. The so-called "dead companies" suddenly skyrocketed. News headlines praised the mysterious investor, now dubbed the Stock God.
And where was the Stock God?
Getting ready for school.
As Maria walked into the school compound, students pointed and whispered.
"She's the one the judge stole the painting from…"
"She actually won…"
"Ivy hurt her hand—she wouldn't have lost if not for that."
"What are you talking about? Ivy stole her painting!"
"Shut up. It was Ella. If you paid attention, you'd know."
Maria ignored the noise and entered her class.
Inside, students stared at her from their seats and from the windows.
Then came the whisper—
"Chris is back."
Maria's hand, holding her pen, trembled slightly.
Chris… is back. The guy I gave everything to—who still chose Ivy.
So he's back now? Tsk.
She calmly continued writing. When he entered the room, the atmosphere shifted.
All eyes darted between Maria and Chris.
Maria stood and walked out—supposedly to the restroom.
When she returned, a security guard followed her in.
"I have a package for Chris. Who's Chris?"
Everyone pointed.
"I didn't order anything," Chris said.
"It's yours. It arrived last month, but you were absent. Today, the sender called school security personally and insisted we deliver it. It's from Maria. She mentioned her name four times to make sure we remembered. Very thoughtful of her," the security guard said with a smile.
The class went dead silent.
They looked at Maria. Then at Chris. Then at the box. Then back at Maria.
No one moved.
Chris nodded and accepted the box. A twitch in his lip—but he didn't open it. Instead, he calmly took out his homework.
Maria stared, confused.
Since when did I send him a gift?
"Tsk. Didn't she say she doesn't like Chris anymore? Liar."
One curious classmate couldn't take it anymore—they opened the box and dumped its contents on Chris's desk.
Silence.
One minute. Two minutes.
No one moved.
All eyes were on the gift. Then Chris. Then Maria. Then back to the gift.
The class was so quiet, a pin drop could be heard.
---
Another minute passed. They still stared at the box in shock, until someone gasped. Like a chain reaction, the whole class erupted in disbelief—including Maria. Chris calmly raised the gift with the tip of his pen and turned to Maria.
"Won't you go and collect your property?" he asked coolly.
Maria lowered her hat and clenched her fist.
Damn it. How did she forget that? Wow, Ivy… wow. You're at home, yet you still can't rest your brain—scheme too much.
In her past life, Ivy had told her that Chris liked daring and sexy girls and convinced her to gift him red lace panties—panties she had rubbed with white soap to make them look wet and used. Maria had been too busy at the time to double-check after her rebirth, or maybe she'd subconsciously buried the memory because it was so humiliating.
Bestie, huh? she thought sarcastically.
Chris cleared his throat, snapping her out of her thoughts. She looked up and realized everyone in the class was staring at her. Quietly, she stood up, walked over to Chris, took the panties, and threw them in the bin.
"I was young and foolish," she said, her voice calm. "It was stupid of me to send this before. But I've passed that stage—I won't kill myself over something that already happened. I'm still young, but I'm not foolish anymore. And I no longer like you."
She looked around the class. "I don't know who was dumb enough to resend this using my name, but if you don't believe me, we can check the school security footage. And if you still think I'm doing this for attention, then suit yourself. Think whatever makes you happy. Just stay in your lane—or that will be another problem."
Maria returned to her seat. Chris simply sat down and continued writing like nothing had happened.
Then the teacher entered.
"Maria," she said, "go to the principal's office."
Maria stood and walked off. As she approached the office, she heard a woman sobbing and a man shouting.
"She needs to be expelled or I'll kill her!"
Maria sneered and pushed open the door without knocking.
Inside were the principal, the vice principal, and Ella's parents.
"You're the one who made my Ella jump from the stage!" her mother cried. "She's in the hospital—critical! The doctor said she might never walk again!"
"I think we should expel her," the vice principal said in disgust. "This girl is rude, disrespectful, and ruined the school's talent showcase. She even mocked the judge! And she came last in class—clearly, she has no talent!"
"So I came last," Maria said calmly. "That means I have no talent? This school's motto is 'United no matter the circumstances', yet you're mocking me over my grades? Did I kill your chickens by scoring low—is that why you hate me?"
"Look at her!" Ella's mother shrieked.
"No manners! My daughter's fighting for her life, and she shows no remorse! I don't want an apology—I want five million dollars for surgery! And monthly payments too!" Ella's father yelled.
"Call me 'Mom' first. No, call me 'Ancestor,'" Maria shot back. "You want five million and a monthly allowance? What are you—my grandchild? That's disgusting. I'd never want someone like you in my family."
"Maria, enough!" the principal said. "Mr. James, we understand your pain. Let's wait—"
"I don't care!" Ella's dad shouted. "My daughter's life is at stake! The school owes us!"
"The best thing is to expel Maria," the vice principal said.
Suddenly, someone clapped. All eyes turned as Oliver stepped in.
"Wow. Just wow. So this is the prestigious Nobel School?" he said.
"And who are you?" Ella's mom asked.
"I'm Maria's sister. You're blaming my sister—on what basis? Did you see her push Ella?"
"And you," Oliver turned to the vice principal, "is this how you talk to students? Expel her? Good luck repeating that in court."
"We don't need to reach that stage," the principal said. "Maria still shares the blame—"
"Really? Before Ella jumped, she said she was punishing herself for making Ivy look bad," Maria cut in calmly. "Your 'sweet Ella' bribed the judge. She stole my painting. And your vice principal—" she pointed, "—watched it all happen. Even after the truth came out, he did nothing because the judges were social media influencers. So what exactly did I do wrong—stand up for myself?"
"I'm not leaving without the money," Ella's dad insisted. "You'll regret it!"
"Oh really?" came another voice. Mike strolled in and sat down like a boss.
"And who is this now?" Ella's mother shrieked. "Is this how your school operates—letting students interrupt adult conversations? I wouldn't have sent my daughter to this school if I'd known they had no manners—rich damn kids."
"Tsk. Like you had another choice. Your daughter got a scholarship to this 'prestigious school.' Of course you accepted, just so you could brag. Do you even care about your daughter—or just the compensation?" Mike asked.
"Don't be rude, boy!" Ella's father yelled. "The five million is for her surgery! You think we're rich?"
"I'm not mocking the poor," Mike said, rubbing his chin.
"But you give poor people a bad name. Being poor isn't a crime. But being lazy and manipulative is. James Harvard, fifth son of the Harvard family—you're a gambler, a drunk, a wife-beater. You only look for jobs when you're broke. You even harass your wife at work. And when she had no more money, you vanished—for a year. No calls. No support. Only calling when you did have money," Oliver said.
"What—what are you saying?" his wife stammered. "My husband is a good man!"
"Don't twist it!" she screamed. "I'll slap you!"
Oliver caught her hand mid-swing and pulled out a folder.
"I investigated you, your daughter, and your husband before I came here. Gotta be prepared, right?"
"So what? My daughter's still in the hospital!" James roared.
"Let's be real. You just want money," Maria said with a smile. "You probably owe debts and saw this as your chance."
"Maria, regardless, she jumped because of you!" the vice principal snapped. "You owe the school and the family an apology!"
"Tsk. You think she's actually critical?" Mike asked. "Did any of you even visit her?"
"We didn't have time," the principal replied. "But we trust her parents—"
"You trust words more than evidence? Even after the truth was shown?" Mike said. "Fine. Let's see what you say now."
The door opened. Ella limped in with her crutch, followed by Mike's two lackeys.
Gasps filled the room.
"Oh my gosh—is that Ella? The one in a coma? The one who'll never walk again?" Maria mocked.
Ella lowered her head. One of her legs was bandaged. Her hands, mouth, and head were bruised.
"This isn't my daughter!" James roared. "You brought a fake!"
"I jumped on my own," Ella said quietly. "I felt guilty about Ivy, so I jumped. My mom called my dad. When he saw me, he thought I wasn't hurt enough and beat me unconscious. My mom supported him—like always—to impress my dad, who only wants compensation."
"Ella, don't say that! We love you!" her mom cried.
"You stood and watched as Dad sold my sister," Ella said, voice trembling. "You told yourself it was for her sake. When she died and they returned her body, you said it was her fault for being raped. She was ten. You called her a slut."
"You only love your husband—that's the only thing you see. The world can be damned and you still wouldn't care. If he sold you, I bet you'd count the money for him."
Gasps. Silence.
"I've already reported everything to the police. If this goes to court, I'll testify. I have proof of the abuse."
She turned and limped out with Mike's lackeys supporting her.
Maria folded her arms. "Well then. Talk about family drama. Right now, this school owes me an apology."
---