1 The most explosive scandal of the year at Kingston University wasn't about grades or cheating—it was an intimate video of Joy’s first time, leaked to the entire campus network. The video was filmed in the presidential suite of a five-star hotel. Joy, completely bare, was pressed against a floor-to-ceiling window by a man who towered over her, a breathless rhythm that echoed against the glass. When it was over, the man leaned in, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "Such a good girl." Two simple words, yet they detonated like a bomb in the campus group chats. 【That voice… is that Shane Sterling?】 【Damn, Joy really plays her cards right. She actually managed to snag a member of the university's board of directors! No wonder all her bullies suddenly vanished.】 【I always thought Joy was this innocent little thing. Turns out she's a scheming social climber. What do you expect from the other woman's daughter?】 The rumors reached Joy while she was in her dorm room, knitting a scarf for Shane. Her roommate blasted the video’s audio, a smirk plastered on her face as she passed her phone around. "Wow, Joy," she drawled, "you sound like a pro. Guess you get a lot of practice, huh?" A wave of cruel laughter washed over the room. Joy froze, the color draining from her face. The half-finished scarf slipped from her numb fingers as she bolted from the room. She ran, stumbling, toward Shane’s office, desperate to ask him what was happening. But as she neared the door, she heard voices drifting from within, laced with mockery. "Shane, you really don't pull your punches, man. You made sure to get her face crystal clear in that shot. She doesn't even have a sliver of plausible deniability." The words hit Joy like a physical blow. A chilling coldness seeped into her bones. "Well, she brought it on herself," another voice chimed in. "You don't mess with the woman Shane truly loves and get away with it. She deserved the payback." "Still, props to our boy Shane. He had to spread those rumors about Joy's mom being a homewrecker, then swoop in like a white knight to deal with her bullies, all while playing the part of the devoted lover. That's some serious method acting." "Speaking of which, when are you gonna drop the bomb on her, Shane? When that girl finds out the man she’s been obsessed with is actually her future brother-in-law, she’s gonna cry herself into a coma. Hahaha…" On the sofa, Shane Sterling sat in a cloud of smoke, the picture of lazy indifference. He tapped his cigarette on the edge of an ashtray, his expression unreadable. One of his friends noticed his silence. "What, getting soft on her? Don't forget how she schemed to get your precious Sierra exiled abroad for two whole years. She made Sierra’s life a living hell over there, barely enough to eat. You can't let her off that easy." At the mention of Sierra’s name, Shane finally stirred. He stubbed out his cigarette. "I'll wait for Sierra to come back," he said, his voice a low, gravelly murmur. "Her return coincides with the anniversary Joy’s been looking forward to. I’ll give her a ‘surprise’ she'll never forget. It’s time she paid back every last thing she owes Sierra." Joy’s breath hitched. Through the haze of smoke, her eyes fixed on Shane's handsome, cold face. A chasm ripped open in her chest, the pain so sharp it made her vision swim. So, he was the one who spread those vicious lies about her mother. He pursued her, protected her, all as part of a twisted game of revenge. The person he truly loved was her half-sister, Sierra. She couldn't bear to hear another word. She turned and fled. She hadn’t made it more than a few steps before a group of girls blocked her path. "Well, well, if it isn't the star of the show!" "Just came from the office, did you? Offering yourself up for another round?" Joy’s face was ashen. She tried to push past them, but they shoved her back and forth like a rag doll. Just then, Shane's icy voice cut through the air from behind her. "You dare touch Joy right under my nose? Got a death wish?" Shane had emerged from his office, his tall, imposing figure striding toward them. The girls scattered like frightened birds. He reached Joy’s side, his fingers gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. He leaned down, his thumb stroking her cheek as their eyes met. "What did I tell you? If anyone gives you trouble, you use my name." The familiar scent of tobacco filled her nostrils, so sharp it made her eyes burn. The man before her blurred with the countless memories of him protecting her, a dream that had become a nightmare. After her mother's suicide, her father had rekindled his romance with his first love, leaving Joy in a life lonelier than any orphan's. Then the rumors started—that her mother was a homewrecker, that Sierra was the true, legitimate daughter. As "the other woman's daughter," she became an easy target for bullies. It was Shane who had saved her. As a member of the university's board, he had effortlessly created a sanctuary for her. Just last night, on his birthday, fueled by wine and desire, they had finally crossed that line. He had shed his usual elegant and noble demeanor, pressing her forcefully against the bare glass of the panoramic window, his gaze devouring her trembling body. In that moment, Joy had felt like a bird long lost at sea, finally finding its nest. She never imagined the nest was a trap, built on a foundation of lies and manipulation. Her mind reeled. By the time she snapped out of her daze, Shane was leading her out of the building and settling her into the passenger seat of his car. 2 As he always did, Shane leaned over to fasten her seatbelt. He noticed her red-rimmed eyes and softened his voice. "The video was an accident. I'll have it taken care of. You're not in a good state today. I'll take you home to rest." Joy pressed her lips together, his words from the office echoing in her mind. Tears she couldn't control began to fall. Shane paused, his expression shifting slightly. He gently wiped a tear from her cheek, then seemed to remember something. "Wait here a second. I need to grab something." The car door clicked shut. It was only then that Joy noticed Shane had left his phone behind. It sat in the console's recess, and with a sense of dread, she picked it up. She typed in Sierra’s birthday. The phone unlocked. At the top of his messages, pinned, was Sierra’s name. In their most recent chat, Sierra had asked if he could break things off with Joy cleanly before she returned. Shane’s reply: She’s just a toy. We were never really together. Joy’s heart seized. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she scrolled up. For the two years Sierra was abroad, Shane had called her every single day, without fail, around 8 PM. This was the time he always told Joy he had a "board meeting" and couldn't be disturbed. He also transferred a six-figure sum to Sierra's account every month, no message attached, just cold, hard cash. Sierra, in return, was a master of affection, sending selfies for his approval. Shane would reply with cute pet emojis Joy had never seen him use, reminding her not to wear too little and to take care not to catch a cold. Staring at the screen, Joy finally understood. She had never known the real Shane. The tenderness he showed her was merely the tip of an iceberg, a pale reflection of the ocean of affection he reserved for Sierra. When Shane returned, he was holding a small box. Emergency contraception. He stroked her hair, his voice a gentle caress. "Last night was… rushed. I wasn't careful enough. Take this, just in case." Joy's hands clenched around the box, her nails digging into the cardboard. She bit her lip so hard she could taste blood. If she hadn't heard the truth with her own ears, she would still be naively believing he genuinely cared for her. Now, she was wide awake. When the car pulled up to her family's villa, Shane leaned in for their customary farewell kiss. But Joy flinched away, fumbling to unbuckle her seatbelt. His eyes darkened. He wrapped an arm around her, trapping her against the seat. "Still upset about the video?" "..." "I didn't record it, Joy. The hotel manager has already been fired." He tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at him. "I never intended to hurt you, and I never will. Our anniversary is coming up. I'll make it up to you then, I promise." A lie disguised as kindness was a blade that cut deeper than the truth. Joy's nose stung. She pushed him away. "I'm going inside." She practically sprinted into the villa. But as she burst through the door, she collided with her father. His face was a thundercloud. Before she could speak, his hand swung through the air, and a sharp slap echoed in the foyer. "Joy, I really underestimated you. A relationship is one thing, but to film that kind of disgraceful video… you've brought nothing but shame on this family!" "No wonder those kids at your school target you. You're so filthy yourself, you attract flies!" He finished his tirade by throwing a plane ticket at her feet. "I've booked you a flight for seven days from now. Get as far away from here as you can, and don't ever come back!" Joy picked up the ticket, her fingers trembling. It felt like a verdict, a final sentence declaring her an outcast from the world. Her father was ashamed of her. He wanted her gone. Fine. She didn't want to stay either. "I'll go," she said, her voice eerily calm. "And I'll listen to you. I'll never come back." Her father blinked, as if he'd misheard. He'd tried to convince her to go abroad with Sierra for further studies before, but Joy had refused, admitting she was in a relationship with someone she loved more than anything. He'd expected her to refuse again. He hadn't expected this quiet, immediate compliance. His anger subsided slightly. "Sierra is coming home this weekend," he said, his tone still cold. "I'm hosting a welcome-home party for her. You will attend. The video is already out there. If you don't show your face, you'll just be confirming all the rumors." Joy nodded. "I understand." … Joy took three days off from the university. She spent them packing up every gift Shane had ever given her and listing them for sale online. Three days later, Sierra returned. Her father threw a lavish party at the city's grandest hotel, inviting every influential figure in the business world. Including Shane. Joy hadn't expected to see him there. She turned to leave, but he caught her wrist, pulling her into a deserted corridor. He pressed her against the wall, his hands caging her in, his hot breath fanning across her ear. "You haven't been to class. You haven't answered my messages. You didn't even say a word about our anniversary." "Joy," he growled, "do you have any idea how worried I've been?" 3 His gaze bored into her, raw with frustration over her disappearance. Joy pressed her lips together, summoning the courage to meet his eyes. "Since when does Shane Sterling worry about an insignificant f*ck buddy?" Her sudden defiance, so different from her usual compliance, seemed to catch him off guard. A flicker of something dark crossed his face, a rebellious spark igniting in his eyes. He yanked her closer, his arm tightening around her waist like a steel band. "Fck buddy?" he snarled. "We were together for two years, and it happened once. You call that a fck buddy relationship?" Joy didn't know what had gotten into him. He was leaning in, his lips about to crush hers, when a voice interrupted them. "Shane, there you are. Sierra's been looking for you." Shane’s brow furrowed. He released Joy, turning to his friend. "Got it. I'll be right there." Joy seized the opportunity, her voice a mask of surprise. "You know my sister?" "Know her?" Shane's friend laughed, a look of pure mischief on his face. "Oh, their relationship is a lot more thrilling than you think. Joy, you'd better prepare to have your mind blown." As the two men walked away, a flicker of scorn crossed Joy’s face. They thought she was still in the dark, planning to stage a grand humiliation for her tonight. They had no idea she had already pulled herself together, ready to sever all ties with Shane for good. Later that evening, in the middle of the bustling banquet, the lights suddenly died. A single spotlight shot to the stage, illuminating Shane, dapper in a tailored suit, with Sierra on his arm, radiant in a white couture gown. Joy’s father beamed, raising a hand to quiet the crowd. "Friends, I've invited you all here tonight for two reasons. First, to welcome my daughter Sierra home from her studies abroad. And second, to announce some wonderful news!" "The Sterlings and our family have been friends for generations. Years ago, we arranged a marriage between Sierra and young Shane. Now, seeing them so deeply in love, we are thrilled to announce that their engagement party will be held at the end of the month. We hope you will all join us to witness their happiness!" As her father finished, Shane’s friends all turned in unison to look at Joy, their faces alight with anticipation, waiting for her to break. But Joy simply stood there in the crowd, her expression a placid mask, as if the drama unfolding on stage had nothing to do with her. Shane frowned. In his script, Joy was supposed to have a complete meltdown upon learning the truth. But her composure was unsettling, almost unnatural. A strange unease coiled in his gut. Sierra, ever perceptive, sensed his shift in mood. "Shane, what's wrong?" she whispered. He pulled his gaze away from Joy. "Nothing. Just lost in thought for a moment." He knew Joy. He knew how deeply she felt for him. She couldn't possibly be this unfazed. She had to be putting on a brave face. … Joy escaped to the restroom and splashed cold water on her face. Thinking back on her foolish infatuation with Shane, she felt like the world's biggest idiot. No wonder he had only touched her once in two years. It wasn't because he treasured her; it was because he found her repulsive. Her first time, something she had held so sacred, was nothing more than a weapon for him to use, a perfect tool for her public ruin. When she returned to the banquet hall, her father immediately called her over. "Joy, come and say hello to your brother-in-law." She walked up to Shane, a perfectly polite smile gracing her lips. "Hello, brother-in-law." At the words "brother-in-law," Shane’s face tightened. Sierra, however, was oblivious, her smile radiant. "Joy! I just heard Shane is on the board at your university. What a coincidence! If you ever run into any trouble, you can just ask your brother-in-law for help. We're all family now, after all." Joy clenched her jaw. "I won't be any trouble," she said, each word a carefully carved stone. She didn't look at Shane, but she could feel his gaze on her, sharp and cold as a winter wind, making her shiver. After a few more strained pleasantries, Joy tried to excuse herself. But Sierra looped an arm through hers, her voice cloyingly sweet. "Joy, it's been so long. I have so much to tell you." Without waiting for a reply, she dragged Joy into a private lounge. The moment the door clicked shut, Sierra’s smile vanished, replaced by a cold, venomous sneer. "Joy, I heard you slept with Shane. And that the video is everywhere. Did you really think you could use such a cheap trick to keep him?" "Let me tell you the truth. He doesn't like you. In fact, he's disgusted by you." "The rumors about your mother being a homewrecker? I had him spread them. Him pursuing you? That was my idea, too. I wanted to watch you fall hopelessly in love with him, only to be destroyed by his own hand!" 4 "Why?" Joy whispered, the single word escaping her lips. "Why?" Sierra sneered. "Because you have no self-awareness! Your mother has been dead for years, yet you still cling to everything that belongs to the Joy family. That wealth, that status—it should have all been mine! You're the daughter of a homewrecker. What right do you have to any of it?" Joy could endure anything, but she would not stand for her mother being insulted. She lunged forward, her voice a low hiss forced through gritted teeth. "My mother was not a homewrecker. When she married my father, she didn't even know you and your mother existed. You're the ones who drove her to her death!" Stunned by Joy's defiance, Sierra raised her hand to strike. But just then, the lounge door was pushed open. Catching a glimpse of Shane in her peripheral vision, Sierra’s mind raced. In a flash of cunning, she snatched a handful of nutty pastries from the table and shoved them into her mouth. The next second, her body went limp. She collapsed to the floor, her voice a muffled, panicked cry. "Joy… why did you make me eat this? You know I'm allergic to nuts…" Shane rushed to Sierra’s side, shoving Joy out of the way. Joy stumbled backward, her back slamming hard against a glass coffee table. With a sickening crash, the cups on the table shattered. Shards of glass dug into her palms, drawing blood. Shane didn't even spare her a glance. He knelt, scooping Sierra into his arms. "Sierra, are you okay?" Tears welled in Sierra's eyes as she clutched his arm. "I just wanted to talk to her… I don't know what I did to offend her, but she just suddenly forced me to eat those pastries…" "Look at me," she choked out, "am I breaking out in hives?" Shane looked down. Sure enough, angry red welts were blooming across Sierra's skin at an alarming rate. "What do I do? The party isn't over, I can't embarrass you. Makeup… I need makeup to cover it!" Shane grabbed her wrist, his voice firm. "This is no time for that! Come on, I'm taking you to the hospital." He lifted Sierra into his arms. Before leaving, he shot Joy a look of pure, cold loathing. Joy pushed herself up, fighting through the searing pain. Blood dripped from her hands, staining the hem of her dress crimson. But she felt numb, as if falling into an abyss had robbed her of all sensation. She called a waiter for a first-aid kit and, with trembling hands, clumsily bandaged her wounds. Exhausted and drained, she dragged her heavy feet out of the lounge, intending to leave. But as she stepped into the corridor, shadows lunged from a nearby storage closet, dragging her inside. A rough hand clamped over her jaw, forcing her head back. A stream of concentrated chili water was poured down her throat. Joy’s eyes flew open in terror. Like Sierra, she had a severe allergy—hers was to chili peppers. This much could kill her. "Mmph… stop…" She struggled wildly, but her attackers were relentless, forcing cup after cup of the burning liquid into her. She choked and gagged, her body convulsing violently. Her wounded hands clawed helplessly at the floor, the sound a frantic, desperate scratching. Her tormentors, seeing her agony, only grew more vicious. "Sierra is the woman Shane treasures most. Did you really think you could touch her and get away with it?" "We heard you got bullied a lot at school. You must be used up, passed around by all sorts of guys. A man like Shane, with his high standards, would never want a filthy, used-up whore like you." "Just drink up. Consider it your apology to Sierra. Otherwise, we'll make sure you suffer." Joy's vision blurred, her consciousness fading. With her last ounce of strength, she almost unconsciously whispered his name. "Shane…" A chorus of harsh laughter rained down on her. "Hahaha! You're not actually hoping he'll come save you, are you?" "He's the one who told us to do this. You hurt Sierra. He'd be thrilled if you were dead!" "Come on, boys, let's rip her clothes off and send some pictures to Shane. Let him have a little fun, too!" The men swarmed her, and in an instant, her dress was torn to shreds. They snapped photo after photo of her half-naked, dying body, not stopping until she finally lost her battle for consciousness and the world went black.
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