Chapter 3

In the days that followed, I pretended to stick to an insanely strict schedule.

I told Declan I woke up at 5:00 AM every day and went through practice questions nonstop until 11:00 PM.

By the time the interview period was over, Declan's phone calls were relentless, pressing for details.

Once I gave him a confident answer, the excitement in his voice was impossible to hide.

Ten days later, the final exam rankings were released. At the same time, my phone buzzed with a text confirming a start date—not for the government job, but for the temporary position I had secretly applied for as a backup plan in my past life's memory.

I immediately posted a social media update just for Sutton to see.

"Three years of grinding, and I've finally made it. A fresh start."

Attached was a screenshot of the position I had applied for, along with the onboarding notice.

The next day, as I was packing up my things, Declan blocked my way, his face dark with fury.

"Harper, do you have any shame at all? You didn't even go to the interview. How dare you edit a fake score and pretend you passed?"

My stomach dropped—or at least, I pretended it did. How did he find out?

Before I could react, he continued, teeth gritted with rage.

"Don't think I'm stupid. It was Sutton who scored 100! She's first in that position! And you still had the nerve to steal her score and claim it as your own?"

I quickly checked my phone.

Sure enough, the onboarding text I got yesterday had disappeared.

Sutton must have used one of her forbidden spells again, trading 30 years of her life to steal what she thought was the golden position meant for me.

A smirk tugged at my lips. Declan's face darkened even more.

"You actually have the nerve to smile? You're shameless! Someone like you will never step foot in my house!"

I laughed coldly. "In fact, that's exactly what I want. We're done here, Declan. You and Sutton, the exam's top scorer, can go live happily ever after!"

Declan didn't expect my reaction and panicked.

"What nonsense are you talking about? I haven't even settled this with you yet, and you already want to break up?"

"Fine. We're done. Don't regret it later."

I watched him storm off, emotionless.

That evening, Sutton couldn't wait to announce her victory on livestream, showing off her onboarding text.

"No way! She's the real deal! How did she even do it? Teach me!"

"Oh my gosh! Can we get her to run a class? I'd pay $10,000!"

"Even a regular prep course costs $20,000. This is the top scorer! I'd pay $50,000!"

The chat exploded with praise, and the livestream's popularity shot to the top.

Sutton, seeing all the hype, cleared her throat.

"Hey, I'm not in it for the money. I just want to help more students succeed. I'll share my methods if I get the chance."

"Next week, I'll be starting my new job. I'll do a live broadcast then, so nobody will doubt it anymore!"

The first day on the job arrived. I showed up in a sharp suit, my hair in a high ponytail, looking composed and confident.

The moment I reached the office entrance, a sharp, angry voice cut through the air.

"You really don't know when to quit! You actually followed me here!"