A Beautiful Collapse

All our mutual friends knew Janet and I were supposed to be best friends, so when they saw her post, they immediately came to me.

"Was Janet throwing shade at you? What happened between you two?"

In my previous life, I had been the one who brought Janet into my social circle. The rich guy she had her eye on back then was someone she met through my friends.

However, once things went sour between us, Janet turned around and trashed me everywhere. She spread rumors, drove a wedge between my friends and me, and slowly took them all for herself.

This time, I made the first move. I put on my sweetest, most innocent act.

"It's like this. Janet's been renting herself out online, and I've tried to talk her out of it. She got a little upset…

"You all know she's been wanting a rich boyfriend. To keep up appearances, she wanted to borrow my real designer bags, but I said no. That was why she posted those things."

I even shared Janet's post with them so they could see it for themselves.

At the end, I gently said, "However, honestly, I was probably too harsh. I'll just apologize to her later."

My friends were stunned.

"Wait, so she's the one acting fake and then accusing you? Those bags cost tens of thousands. Why should you just hand them over? You've spoiled her too much."

"Seriously, that's messed up. Renting herself out online? How is that any different from selling herself?"

I kept up my act, softly defending Janet. I told them her family background was not great, that she was just trying to earn money and build a better life for herself.

They all knew how well I had treated her before. I bought her meals, took her out, and even lent her new clothes.

Compared to Janet's post, they quickly took my side instead.

"You should be careful. Janet might be using you. Honestly, she's probably just after your money. Being friends with someone that materialistic, you need to watch out."

"If she can stab you in the back today just because you wouldn't lend her a bag, who knows what she'll do to you tomorrow?"

At the same time, they made it clear they did not want anything to do with Janet anymore.

Just like that, I cut off Janet's chances of borrowing designer bags from anyone.

Sure enough, with no other options left, Janet came back to me and apologized.

"I was being emotional that day. I shouldn't have said those things.

"I know you've always been the best toward me. And now I've got many people online trying to book me. I really need to buy some real luxury items to keep up appearances. Can you lend me some money?"