Turning the Fake Heiress' Manipulative Tricks on Her

Ruth wanted to snitch on me, huh?

I let out a wicked little smile, laced my fingers together, and pressed down hard on her chest.

"Mom, Dad, get help! Ruth got too excited when she heard about the engagement and fainted after missing a step. I'm giving her CPR, so get an ambulance, quick!"

I used my full strength with every push. Ruth could only wheeze under my hands, her face turning a dark, ugly purple. "Ugh…"

Mom and Dad fumbled to dial 911 in a panic, while I threw myself over Ruth like a devoted sister, wrapping my arms around her neck. "Ruth has been so protective of me this whole time. Without her, I'd never have gotten into high society at all! Ruth, hang in there. I won't let you die on me!"

I sobbed as I spoke, all while tightening my forearms around her throat.

Ruth's eyes bulged. Then, they rolled back, and she finally passed out cold.

The corners of my mouth lifted in a chilly smile. She wanted to play mind games with me? Did she really think I was a harmless pushover when I'd passed an interview with a psycho like Mason?

…

When Ruth slowly came to in the hospital, the first thing she did was fling herself straight into Mom's arms. She clutched at Mom's sleeves and burst into tears, looking delicate and pitiful.

"Jemima, I know you're upset. The engagement was supposed to be yours in the first place. If you really like Mr. Frost that much, I can give him up to you… Just please don't hit me again, please…"

What gave her the blind confidence to think the Frosts would even be interested in her? Was it because she could fake being a loving sister and a refined young lady? Did she really think a marriage alliance between affluent families was as easy as picking up loose change off the sidewalk?

I was just about to tear into her when the hospital room door was suddenly shoved open. A man in a perfectly tailored suit rushed in, his expression tight with worry. "Ruth, how are you feeling?"

I didn't even get a clear look at him before Ruth instantly burst into louder sobs. "Micah, it hurts so much… Jemima, she…"

Oh, so this was my so-called older brother, Micah Stark.

The moment he saw all the bruises and marks on Ruth, his face twisted with pain and fury. He spun around and glared at me with hatred. "Do you have any shred of humanity left, Jemima? Ruth was kind enough to bring you into our social circle, and you repaid her kindness by beating her half to death?"

"Micah, don't be mad at Jemima… It's all my fault. I shouldn't have stolen her identity for so many years. I shouldn't have stolen the engagement that was supposed to be hers… If she hates me for it, it's what I deserve." Ruth sniffled.

Micah's body went rigid. His voice shook slightly as he asked, "Engagement? Between you and…"

"The Frosts. Their butler came by with the betrothal gifts today."

Micah's hands balled into tight fists by his sides as he listened to her.

Oh?

This reaction… Was this one of those trashy plots where the guy was into the girl, but she didn't feel the same?

My radar lit up. The drama was getting good. I was happily munching on the metaphorical popcorn when Micah suddenly sucked in a deep breath and turned on me, exploding. "Jemima Stark, you're a vicious, jealous shrew!

"Ruth is the apple of my—of our family's eye. If the Frosts chose her, it's because she deserves it. You think some wild, uneducated bumpkin from the sticks like you is worthy of competing with her?"