Chapter 1

My childhood sweetheart and my biological brother hated my guts.

They were convinced I had bullied their precious little angel, Misty.

To get revenge, they publicly slandered me at my own promotion gala.

Pierce, the man I’d loved since we were kids, pointed a finger at me in front of everyone.

“She’s a toxic bully who harassed her classmates. A woman this vile shouldn't be in a position of power!”

Under the spotlight, Misty Sterling made her entrance with a fragile smile.

“I’ve found peace now,” she whispered.

“Even though the scars she left on me are permanent, I’ve learned to look forward.”

In front of dozens of cameras, she was showered with praise and sympathy.

I, on the other hand, was crucified by the internet and attacked by her fanatical followers.

In the chaos, a heavy bottle of wine was smashed over my head.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day the rumors first started.

Misty slapped her own face hard and looked at me with a taunting smirk. “Better start thinking about how you’re going to beg for my forgiveness!”

I grabbed her by the hair and delivered two sharp slaps to her face.

“Now, this is what real bullying looks like!”

1.

In my past life, the last thing I felt was the agonizing sting of glass shards piercing my brain.

Blood mixed with red wine, streaming down my cheeks.

As my vision blurred, I saw my brother, Zachary Vance, holding Misty Sterling tightly.

She was trembling like a frightened little rabbit, completely triggering Zachary’s protective instincts.

“Don't be afraid, Misty. This monster finally got what she deserved!” he snarled.

“She should rot in hell!”

His voice was filled with such pure loathing, as if I were his greatest enemy in the world.

When I opened my eyes again, I was in a place that felt both strange and familiar.

It was the school stairwell.

Misty had just slapped herself with all her might.

A bright red handprint was already blooming on her cheek.

“Shara Vance, you’re no stranger to the topic of school bullying, are you?”

She furrowed her brows, her large, innocent eyes brimming with tears. She looked like a tragic heroine, the kind that makes men want to move mountains for her.

I shook my heavy head, my brain finally clicking into gear.

I had actually been reborn. I was back at the very beginning of their lies.

Seeing that I wasn't reacting, Misty assumed I was paralyzed with fear.

She let out a contemptuous sneer. “You better think long and hard about how you’re going to crawl to me and beg for mercy!”

She adjusted her face back into a mask of pathetic misery and started walking away, ready to play the victim.

A wave of memories from my past life hit me―the way she had lied through her teeth to ruin me.

New grudges and old debts, I was going to settle them all today!

I stepped forward and lunged, grabbing a fistful of her hair.

“Ah! What are you doing?” Misty shrieked, her panic finally real.

I grabbed a filthy, wet rag hanging from the railing and shoved it into her mouth.

“Shut your mouth. I’m going to show you what real bullying actually looks like!”

Misty thrashed around, trying to break free, but it was useless.

I slammed her head against the wall.

Once. Twice. Three times.

My voice sounded like a demon crawling out of the abyss.

“Beg for mercy? How about you start by kneeling and bowing to me first!”

I wasn't that soft, pushover heiress of the Vance family anymore.

Every injustice and act of cruelty I suffered in my last life would be repaid a hundredfold.