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Transcript
00:00Childhood. You are ugly. The housekeeper's daughter crushed me my entire childhood. You are ugly.
00:08Designer clothes are wasted on a girl like you.
00:11Your parents travel constantly because they can't stand to look at you.
00:16I believed her. I spent my past life shrinking, never wearing anything nice, never telling anyone who I was.
00:23Meanwhile, Chloe Miller wore the clothes my parents sent me.
00:26She spent my allowance. She led the whole school against me.
00:30The night before my last SET, she slipped sleeping pills into my milk.
00:35I missed the exam. When I finally woke, it was already afternoon.
00:39I ran. I took out the phone, trying to call my boyfriend Jason.
00:43But Chloe picked up the phone and...
00:46Gosh, you taste tense.
00:50I strongly you.
00:51Bill Miller hit me with the Rolls-Royce in the middle of the room.
00:54When I woke up again, I realized I had come back.
00:58Anyone who runs their mouth at me this time gets that mouth torn apart.
01:01Avery, Chloe's bored. Bark like a dog. Now.
01:07Barking isn't enough. Crawl two.
01:10The humiliation was so loud.
01:12Hurry up! I'm already hitting record.
01:14Unreal, I could barely process it.
01:16Then a familiar, sugary, sweet voice cut through.
01:18Avery, this wasn't my idea.
01:21Everyone just wants a little show.
01:23Jason, the boy who took my first time, now hugged Chloe in his arms with a devilish smile on his
01:29face.
01:30Come on, don't be a buzzkill.
01:32Yeah. You don't want to make people hate you more, right?
01:35I stared at Chloe Miller's pretty face.
01:38Then it hit me. I was back in junior year.
01:41Rage detonated behind my eyes.
01:48I stared at Chloe Miller's pretty face.
01:50Then it hit me.
01:52I was back in junior year.
01:53Rage detonated behind my eyes.
01:57My parents were always traveling when I was little.
02:00The company kept them overseas almost every month.
02:03So they hired a full-time live-in housekeeper.
02:07That housekeeper was Chloe Miller's mother, Mrs. Miller.
02:10At first Mrs. Miller was kind.
02:12Until she figured out I had no one watching over me.
02:15Then she made herself the lady of the house.
02:18She moved Chloe in to enjoy the same life I had.
02:21She even gave her husband a job as our chauffeur.
02:25The three of them were a crazy little family.
02:28I became the extra.
02:29Your parents stayed away because you embarrassed them.
02:32You're too ugly and too dumb to be the heir of a billionaire.
02:38I bought every word.
02:40You're a liability.
02:41I spent my past life hiding, never revealing who I was, never dressing like I belong to my own family.
02:49Meanwhile, Chloe wore the designer clothes and jewelry my parents shipped to me.
02:54She spent my card.
02:55She played rich girl in front of the whole school.
02:57On top of that, she orchestrated every act of bullying against me.
03:01The night before the SAT slipped sleeping pills into my milk.
03:05So I'd miss the exam.
03:06But I didn't expect to hear my boyfriend Jason doing her over the phone.
03:10He was the only one who ever talked to me in school.
03:12Nor that I was standing in the middle of the world.
03:14My future is ruined.
03:16My life gone.
03:18Given a second chance.
03:19I will watch Chloe Miller fall into hell.
03:22One step at a time.
03:24I walked straight up to her.
03:26Cracked my knuckles.
03:27Grabbed a fistful of her hair and slapped her across the face.
03:37Chloe screams at the hallway.
03:39My stare must have been central.
03:41Because not one of her usual puppies stepped forward to stop me.
03:45When her cheek finally swelled up like a bruise,
03:48I lowered my hand and smiled at the circle of onlookers.
03:52Getting me to bark was a big ask.
03:54But I hate killing the mood.
03:56So I'll give you all a different show.
03:58Watch me slap a snake.
04:00Avery Sterling, you hit Chloe?
04:01Do you know who her father is?
04:02He's the richest man in the city.
04:06Check the obituaries this week.
04:08Start writing your own.
04:09Keep your pathetic pride.
04:10It's just barking.
04:11Why the drama?
04:12Avery, you have crossed the line.
04:14Apologize to Chloe right now.
04:16Jason grabbed me by the collar.
04:18Someone I must have snitched.
04:20The teacher appeared.
04:22Chloe pointed at me, barely able to speak through her swollen face.
04:25That's her.
04:26She did this.
04:26Punish her.
04:28The teacher looked at Chloe's face and inhaled sharply.
04:30Avery Sterling, I cannot believe you would attack sweet, kind Chloe for no reason.
04:35This is completely unacceptable.
04:37Call your parents right now.
04:41We are discussing compensation.
04:43If you can't pay, you will face legal consequences.
04:46Call your parents right now.
04:49Perfect.
04:50I'll call them now.
04:52I have a few things to catch them up on anyway.
04:54Chloe went white.
04:55Her entire family's comfortable life depended on my parents.
04:58And none of them had actual talent.
05:00If they fell out of favor, they would never find another job that paid this well.
05:04She lunged forward and played it gracious.
05:06We're all classmates.
05:07We're all classmates.
05:07No reason to make this ugly.
05:09And honestly, Avery's family doesn't have much money.
05:14I'm sure she can't afford damages anyway.
05:16I forgive her.
05:19Put the phone away, Avery.
05:21No need to bother your parents.
05:22The teacher practically melted.
05:25Chloe, you are too good for this world.
05:29Your kindness is your only weakness.
05:31The class piled on.
05:34You're literally a princess, Chloe.
05:36We will protect you always.
05:38Avery, drop to your knees and thank her.
05:41We laughed cold and quiet.
05:43Then I pocketed the phone like they asked.
05:45Chloe exhaled.
05:47Her whole body softened.
05:48She had no idea she was being played.
05:51Every move I made now pulled her on a string.
05:55Did you think this was over, Chloe?
05:58This is only the opening move.
06:02After school, I stood by the gate.
06:04Usually, I would go to take the subway
06:06while Chloe got into my family's fancy car
06:08driven by her dad.
06:09But today, I waited just like her.
06:12As I caught the sight of Roll's voice in the distance,
06:14I was to walk toward it when I heard footsteps drawing near.
06:17Avery.
06:18I didn't turn around immediately.
06:19I already knew the voice.
06:26Jason, with his usual arrogant smile,
06:29I looked at him once.
06:30Then kept walking.
06:32Can you slow down for a second?
06:34I just want to talk.
06:35So talk.
06:36Look, what happened today was a lot.
06:38Chloe's still upset.
06:39And the teacher, the whole class,
06:41you've made enemies out of everyone in one morning.
06:43Are you here to give me advice, Jason?
06:44Or to deliver a message?
06:45I'm here because I'm worried about you.
06:48He laughed a little stiff.
06:49I turned and looked at him the way you look at something
06:52that used to fool you and doesn't anymore.
06:54He was wearing a new watch.
06:55Not his usual brand.
06:57Patek Philippe, rose gold.
06:59The kind that cost more than most people's first car.
07:02I knew that watch.
07:03I'd seen it in the delivery slip that came to my house three months ago.
07:06A gift from my father's business partner.
07:08Addressed to me.
07:09I'd gone to look for it and found it was gone.
07:12Now I knew where it had gone.
07:14Nice watch.
07:16He looked down.
07:17A beat too long.
07:19Birthday gift.
07:20From who?
07:22A friend.
07:23I smiled pleasantly.
07:24Beautiful.
07:24My dad actually has the same one.
07:26Exact same model.
07:27Funny coincidence.
07:28I know.
07:29Avery, I'm serious.
07:31Chloe's dad has connections.
07:32Bill Miller knows people.
07:33If you keep pushing...
07:35Bill what?
07:36He stopped.
07:37Jason!
07:38You took my first time.
07:40I trusted you more than anyone.
07:41And the whole time, you were with her.
07:44I'm not angry anymore.
07:46That's the honest truth.
07:47I just need you to understand one thing.
07:49What?
07:49You're not a friend.
07:50You're not an ex.
07:51You're not someone who gets to warn me about anything.
07:54You are a loose end.
07:56Avery.
07:57Go back to Chloe.
07:58Tell her whatever you want.
07:59But I'd keep that watch somewhere safe if I were you.
08:02It would be a shame if someone traced where it came from.
08:05Just then, I watched Chloe glide into her roles.
08:07Royce under a shower of envious stares.
08:09The driver was her biological father, Bill Miller.
08:13My parents bought that car to drive me to school.
08:15Somehow, it became Chloe's private ride.
08:17She had a luxury car for every errand and a crowd of admirers cheering her on.
08:22I woke up an hour early every morning to take the subway.
08:25Toaday was no different until I stepped directly in front of the roles.
08:31Bill Miller slammed the brakes so hard the car rocked.
08:34He was out in seconds, finger in my face, screaming.
08:37Are you insane?
08:38You want to die?
08:39Do it somewhere else.
08:40Don't hold up Chloe's ride.
08:41My parents bought this car for me.
08:43When exactly did it become Chloe Miller's personal vehicle?
08:48Keeper's daughter really deserve a Ross?
08:53And the servants' quarters, do you call that home?
08:56The car dropped it.
08:57Chloe hadn't seen it coming.
08:58Aubrey, I know you're jealous of the car, but you can't slander me in public like this.
09:03Her face drained, but she recovered fast, flipping to the victim script.
09:07It was a weak excuse.
09:09The crowd believed it anyway.
09:11Suddenly, I was the villain.
09:13Avery's stealing is delusional.
09:14If that's her car, I'll eat the pavement.
09:17Chloe's wardrobe alone costs more than a sugar makes.
09:19Use your brain.
09:20I only know you as poor.
09:21I didn't know you were a liar, too.
09:23You see?
09:24Even the truth sounds insane coming out of your mouth.
09:27I looked down at her, then I laughed.
09:29You think I stopped the car to expose you?
09:31No.
09:32I stopped it to tell you I found a buyer.
09:34This car is sold.
09:35I never use it anyway.
09:36I'd rather have the cash.
09:38Bill, I'll text you an address.
09:39Drop it off there.
09:40The truth was I needed that car gone.
09:42Every time I saw it, I saw myself getting hit.
09:45The crowd went feral.
09:48Did she just say she's selling Chloe's car for pocket money?
09:50A Rolls Royce for pocket money?
09:53Big talk.
09:53Let's see if that car is still there tomorrow.
09:55Can't wait for the embarrassment.
09:56Chloe's too nice.
09:57I'd have already knocked Avery flat.
09:59Who do you think you are?
10:00Nobody is touching that car without my say-sof.
10:02I dare any buyer to try.
10:04Back off, Avery.
10:05Sell that car and you're done at this school.
10:08Some people forget their staff.
10:09They stay comfortable so long they start acting like owners.
10:13I dialed my dad and held out the phone to Bill Miller.
10:16My dad already approved the sale.
10:18If you have problems, take them up with him.
10:23Bill Miller had no nerve to argue with my father.
10:26He went from loudmouth to nodding lapdog the second the call connected.
10:30When he hung up, all the color was gone from his face.
10:33He muttered something under his breath.
10:34Chloe finally understood I wasn't bluffing.
10:37Panic cracked through her expression.
10:38She reached for my hand and pressed out a smile.
10:41Avery, we can work something out.
10:44You hate the subway.
10:46At least let my dad give you a ride when he picks me up.
10:48I pulled my hand away like she was something unclean.
10:51Who exactly do you think you are?
10:53Negotiating with me.
10:54We are employer and employee.
10:56You do what I say.
10:57Where is all this extra commentary coming from?
10:59I walked away without looking back.
11:01I didn't take the subway home that day.
11:03I went to eat first.
11:04A long, good meal.
11:05Mrs. Miller only cooked for her own family anyway.
11:08Going home meant going hungry.
11:11By the time I got back,
11:12it was dark.
11:13I stepped inside and found Chloe sobbing into her mother's chest.
11:17Mrs. Miller looked up at me,
11:19face full of fury.
11:21Avery Sterling,
11:22you have the nerve to come back here?
11:26Why did you hit my daughter today?
11:28Why did you humiliate her in front of the whole school over some car?
11:32If you can't give me a good reason,
11:33you sleep on the street tonight.
11:35She said it like she owned the place.
11:37She seemed to have forgotten she was the housekeeper.
11:40Mom, she's just jealous.
11:41She's always been jealous of me.
11:43Destroy her.
11:44No wonder your parents can't stand being home.
11:47If I had a daughter as rotten as you,
11:50I'd send her back.
11:53Since your parents can't handle you,
11:55I'll do it for them.
11:56Something ignited inside me.
11:58In my past life,
11:59those words broke me.
12:00I believed them.
12:01I thought my parents hated me.
12:03I was too scared to even call them.
12:05This life,
12:06I refuse to break.
12:07And anyone who talks that filth gets hit.
12:09Before Mrs. Miller's hand could connect,
12:11I tackled her to the ground,
12:13and sat on top of her,
12:14and slapped her until the palm went in.
12:18Chloe and Bill Miller froze in shock.
12:20Both of them moved to intervene.
12:22Get off my mom!
12:24Hang on, I'm coming!
12:27Turned and looked at them with one flat,
12:29absolute stare.
12:30Try it.
12:31If I get even one scratch,
12:33I tell my parents everything you've done.
12:35Termination will be the least of your problems.
12:37My stare must have landed
12:38because Chloe and Bill Miller
12:39both stumbled backward and exchanged a look.
12:42Honey, why'd you go and provoke her?
12:45We live under that roof.
12:46Just take it.
12:48Chloe stared at the floor,
12:50too guilty to look up,
12:51with no one stopping me.
12:52Who gave you the right to discipline me?
12:54You eat my family's food!
12:56You sleep under my family's roof!
12:58And you think you'd run this house?
13:01You had one inch of kindness
13:03and decided you were the master?
13:06Chloe and Bill Miller seethed but said nothing.
13:08They were terrified of the call I could make.
13:11When I was done,
13:12I walked into Chloe's room
13:13and threw everything onto the floor.
13:16My Chanel cushion compact!
13:18My designer lipsticks!
13:19Avery, do you know what those cost?
13:21Stop!
13:22I did not stop.
13:23I threw harder.
13:24When her room was done,
13:26I walked into Mrs. Miller's room
13:28and started there.
13:29Bill Miller's face was dark.
13:31Avery Sterling, are you done?
13:33You want to burn this whole house down?
13:35This is my house.
13:37You don't belong in it.
13:38Get to the servants' quarters.
13:40Now!
13:41Finally, Bill Miller broke first
13:43with a forced, toothy smile.
13:45Mrs. Sterling, we overstepped.
13:46We're sorry.
13:48We'll move to the servants' quarter right now.
13:50Mrs. Miller and Chloe looked furious
13:52and opened their mouths.
13:54Bill Miller silenced them with a look.
13:55I had no interest in reading their schemes.
13:59I went to bed feeling lighter than I had in years.
14:03The next morning, Chloe took the subway
14:05and nearly missed first period at lunch.
14:08Chloe, how come your dad didn't pick you up
14:10in the rolls this morning?
14:11The question landed like a grenade.
14:13Everyone remembered what I'd said yesterday.
14:17Simona whispered,
14:18Wait, is that car actually Avery's?
14:22So does that make Chloe a fake hero?
14:26Chloe shot up in her seat.
14:29I am not a fake hero.
14:31She met my eyes, then looked away, clustered.
14:33I just didn't want to show off.
14:35Some people get so jealous,
14:36they spread disgusting rumors.
14:37Everyo nodded like they got it,
14:39but to kill the doubt completely.
14:41Enough of this.
14:44Junior year is brutal and everyone is stressed.
14:47Tonight, I'm taking the entire class out.
14:50The bar downtown.
14:52My treat.
14:54When they turned and started piling on me,
14:56saying the ugliest things they could think of,
14:59they ignored them.
15:00I texted my dad quietly.
15:03Dad, my card got lost.
15:05Freeze it immediately.
15:06Done.
15:07I watched Chloe across the room at the newsroom.
15:09This girl is about to spend my parents
15:11a lot of money on people.
15:13He's locked in a second.
15:14It ran out.
15:14Let's see how loyal and proud is with an empty card.
15:17That night, we showed up at the best bar in the city.
15:19Chloe booked a private room.
15:21She waved her hand with flair.
15:23Order anything.
15:24Don't hold back.
15:25Oh my god, Chloe.
15:26We are so lucky to know you.
15:28Can I order a bottle that's 20,000?
15:30I want to see what it tastes like.
15:33Of course.
15:34Money is replaceable.
15:35A good mood isn't.
15:37Jason sat closest to Chloe.
15:38One arm draped across the back of her chair like he'd earned that seat.
15:41That's what separates real money from fake money.
15:44Real money doesn't hesitate.
15:46Some people show up to other people's parties and don't order a thing.
15:49Too proud to admit they can't afford it.
15:52A wave of laughter went for the winner.
15:54Chloe leaned into him, pleased.
15:57Jason, be nice.
16:02With Chloe's blessing, all classmates went absolutely wild with the winner.
16:06The empty bottles alone took up an entire table.
16:08Within an hour, the room was chaos.
16:10I watched them pour out thousands of dollars worth of wine into the floor and felt something
16:14like anticipation.
16:15How are you going to get out of this room, Chloe?
16:18I didn't belong to this scene, Chloe noticed.
16:23Avery, why aren't you eating?
16:24Am I not being a good enough host?
16:26Right on cue, the whole room became her attack dog.
16:28Ignore her, Chloe.
16:29She's just bitter she can't afford any of this.
16:32A broke girl with that much attitude.
16:34Chloe's practically a saint for tolerating it.
16:36Chloe can buy a $20,000 bottle of wine.
16:38Can you, Avery?
16:41I stayed silent.
16:42They got bored and moved on.
16:44At last, the night ended.
16:45The total is $850,000.
16:48Who will be settling the bill?
16:50Chloe extended her card with perfect composure.
16:54Just run it.
16:55The class erupted in awe.
16:57She's so rich and so beautiful.
16:59I want that life.
17:00A woman who pays is the most attractive thing alive.
17:03Then the server frowned.
17:05Miss, this card has been frozen.
17:08The words hit Chloe like a slap.
17:11What?
17:12Frozen?
17:13Run it again.
17:14You must have done something wrong.
17:15I am certain this card cannot be used.
17:17You'll need another payment method.
17:25Chloe's composure collapsed entirely.
17:27She had no way out.
17:28Then her eyes found me.
17:30Her jaw locked.
17:31Avery Sturley!
17:32You did this!
17:34Fix it!
17:35Right now!
17:36Or I will make your life miserable!
17:38I blinked at her innocently.
17:39I don't have the power to freeze someone else's card.
17:42But hey, you could just call your rich dad.
17:44It's one dinner.
17:45Or are you saying your whole family went broke in the last hour?
17:48The class still hadn't grasped the situation fully.
17:51Chloe, just call your dad and close out the tab.
17:53It's late.
17:53We have school tomorrow.
17:57Eight hundred and fifty thousand?
17:59That's pocket change for you, Chloe.
18:02I just asked my dad for a hundred thousand a few days ago.
18:05If I ask again now, he'll think I'm reckless.
18:08What if everyone just chips in?
18:10It's less than twenty thousand per person.
18:12Chloe, you promised.
18:13You can't go back on that now.
18:14Twenty thousand could literally kill me.
18:16I'm from a normal family.
18:17The complaints got loud.
18:20I don't have the money right now.
18:25If you can't cover it, nobody's leaving.
18:27And honestly, you ordered all of this for good wine on the floor.
18:29You deserve to sit here and think about that.
18:37Fury detonated across the room.
18:43The manager appeared.
18:47He heard the situation and called the police.
18:50911, what's the nature of your emergency?
18:52Yes.
18:53Panic swept through forty-five juniors who had sats in less than a year.
18:59They started pooling money.
19:01Sick about it, but terrified.
19:03I watched Jason during all of it.
19:05Now he sat very still, doing a quiet calculation behind his eyes.
19:09When the others came to him with their share of the bill, he spread his hands apologetically.
19:14I honestly didn't bring enough cash tonight.
19:16I thought Chloe had it covered.
19:18He said it smoothly.
19:19Jason, you have a car.
19:20It's maxed out.
19:23Been meaning to sort that out.
19:24No embarrassment.
19:26Just someone neatly stepping off a sinking ship.
19:28When it came to me, I looked at the wreckage on the table and laughed.
19:31I didn't order a single thing.
19:33I didn't eat anything.
19:34Why am I being asked to pay?
19:35You are all using me as your personal piggy bank.
19:40Avri Sterling, nobody knows what you did or didn't eat.
19:44You were here.
19:45You pay.
19:56I turned calmly to the manager and pulled out a black card.
20:03Sir, I believe this is your VIP card.
20:07My parents were business people.
20:09They had a lot of client dinners.
20:11They'd spend enough here that their account had quietly upgraded to VIP tier without anyone noticing.
20:17I never expected to use it myself.
20:20The manager took the card, studied it carefully, and straightened up immediately.
20:27For a valued guest of this level, we would never trouble you with a tab like this.
20:31Please, don't give it another thought.
20:37Wait, I thought Avery Sterling was broke.
20:40How does she have a black card at this place?
20:44Has Chloe Miller been lying this whole time?
20:47Is Avery the actual rich girl?
20:49Chloe shattered.
20:50She pointed at me, screaming.
20:52Avery, if you had a black card, why didn't you say something earlier?
20:56You just sat there watching us panic on purpose.
21:01Here's your chance to redeem yourself.
21:03Use that card to cover everyone's bill.
21:06Otherwise, you will regret every day at this school.
21:09That last line did its job.
21:12The class dropped their anger at Chloe and pivoted at me.
21:16I looked at them all, bored.
21:18What exactly does any of this have to do with me?
21:21If you want to make my life difficult going forward, be my guest.
21:25I'll be ready.
21:28On my way out, Jason caught up to me near the exit.
21:32He wasn't sneering now.
21:33Hey, can we just talk for a second?
21:37Without all the noise?
21:38I kept walking.
21:40Avery.
21:41Not aggressive.
21:42Just there.
21:43Taking up space the way he always had.
21:45I think I've been an idiot.
21:47About a lot of things.
21:48You didn't deserve the way I treated you.
21:51Is this the part where I forgive you?
21:53I looked at him for a long moment.
21:55No, I just...
21:57I want you to know I see it now.
21:58The card...
21:59The card...
22:00Her parents being your staff.
22:02I had no idea how much she'd lie to everyone.
22:06Including me.
22:07He ran a hand through his hair.
22:09It was a practiced gesture.
22:10He'd always known it looked good.
22:12Avery.
22:14I chose the wrong person.
22:16I think you know what I mean.
22:18I understood exactly what he meant.
22:21He'd watched the power shift in that room, done the arithmetic, and arrived at a new conclusion.
22:26I almost admired the speed of it.
22:30Jason, you are exactly the same person you were an hour ago.
22:34The only thing that changed is the card I'm holding.
22:39I'll see you in school.
22:45I walked out, passing a reflective window.
22:48I stopped for a moment, and actually looked at myself.
22:52The sweater I was wearing had been through three years of washes.
22:55The sneakers on my feet were Chloe's cast-offs.
22:57You are ugly.
22:58The moment Chloe told me nice clothes looked cheap on me.
23:01Designer clothes are wasted on a girl.
23:02I basically stopped buying them entirely.
23:04I decided I was done with that.
23:06I hailed a car and went to the mall and spent with intent.
23:12By the time I got home, it was late.
23:15But I still heard Bill Miller's voice booming from the living room.
23:18I told you, Avery Sternley switched up on us.
23:21She's not the soft target she used to be.
23:24Don't provoke her.
23:26You ignored me!
23:27Someone says a few words, and you go blow 60 people's dinner money.
23:31Now, we're the laughing stock.
23:34Chloe, we need to be patient.
23:36Find the right moment, hit her once, and make it count.
23:40I wasn't scared of them.
23:42These people always thought they were the smartest ones in the room.
23:44I walked inside without slowing down.
23:49Chloe saw all my shopping bags, and her eyes went rigid.
23:56Avery Sterling, you are vicious!
23:58You had money the entire time and let us scramble for nothing?
24:02You just made an enemy of every single person in that class.
24:06Enjoy it.
24:07I tilted my head at her.
24:08My relationship with that class was never good.
24:10So what's actually different?
24:13Worry about yourself, Chloe.
24:14You're the one who has to face 43 angry people tomorrow morning.
24:18Chloe swayed like something knocked her out of balance.
24:21And sure enough, the next morning, the class buried her.
24:24I knew she had enough and slapped the loudest one clean across the face.
24:27You are all beneath me.
24:29After everything I've done for you people.
24:31And the money, 85,000, is nothing to me.
24:34I said I'd pay you back next month.
24:36So, what is your problem?
24:38If any of you come at me again, not one of you sees a cent.
24:41That shut them up.
24:42This crowd only responded to threats.
24:44After final bell, Chloe grabbed her bag and headed for the subway.
24:47And I fell in step behind her.
24:49At the school gate, I saw a Maybach parked outside.
24:52Half the students were openly staring.
24:57I watched Chloe drift toward the Maybach like something pulled her.
25:00She reached out and touched it.
25:02She wasn't claiming it.
25:03But the crowd read it differently.
25:05Look!
25:05Chloe's touching the Maybach!
25:07Is that hers?
25:07Who else at this school has that kind of money?
25:10Now nobody can say she's a fake!
25:14I was already about to leave when the car door opened.
25:17I looked once, just once, and nearly fell over.
25:20The person stepping out was my dad.
25:22And right behind him, poised and put together, was my mother.
25:27No wonder Chloe's so beautiful!
25:29Look at her parents!
25:30Princess from a fairy tale, lucky forever!
25:33The crowd reacted instantly.
25:35But then the crowd noticed something was off.
25:38Because those two adults didn't even glance at Chloe, they were already running toward me.
25:46Avery.
25:48My baby girl.
25:49Mom missed you so much.
25:51Mom pulled me in and held on.
25:52I felt her warmth and my throat closed.
25:55Mom.
25:56Dad, I thought you were buried in work.
25:58What happened?
26:00This was the question I carried my whole past life.
26:03I never got to ask it before I died.
26:06Dad looked at me with guilt all over his face.
26:09Avery, you started texting us.
26:12Sharing things.
26:13Small things.
26:15And your mom and I realized we'd been treating you like you didn't need us.
26:19Your SETs are coming.
26:21We cleared everything.
26:22We wanted to surprise you.
26:24We want to be here for the final stretch.
26:25I cried.
26:26Ugly.
26:27Open.
26:28Completely undone.
26:29Then I stepped into their car and left.
26:32Right in front of everyone.
26:33We got home to find Mrs. Miller Horizontal on the sofa, watching videos on her phone.
26:37Mom took one look at the state of the house and her voice went cold.
26:41Mrs. Miller, would you like to explain what you're doing?
26:44The house is a mess and you're scrolling.
26:47Right now.
26:48If I see this a second time, you're done.
26:54Mrs. Miller scrambled upright.
26:56Ma'am, I had no idea you were coming back.
26:59If you'd warned me...
27:00Mom cut her off.
27:02Mrs. Miller, why exactly would I need to warn you?
27:06Cleaning is in your job description.
27:08That is why I pay you what I pay you.
27:10Now go make Avery dinner.
27:12She just got home from school.
27:15Mrs. Miller went to the kitchen without another word.
27:17With my parents home, the Miller family barely breathed too loud.
27:22Dinner came out dish by dish.
27:25Chloe instinctively moved toward a chair at the table.
27:28Bill Miller grabbed her elbow.
27:31Don't embarrass us.
27:32We're staff.
27:33We don't sit at their table.
27:35Chloe pulled away red-eyed like she'd been punished.
27:39Mom and Dad frowned at the whole thing.
27:41Then Mom spotted something new.
27:42Her voice shifted to something sharp.
27:45Mrs. Miller, come here.
27:47Mrs. Miller appeared immediately.
27:48Is the food not to your taste, ma'am?
27:51Mom pointed at a dish of peanuts.
27:53Before I left the country, I specifically told you three times that Avery is allergic to peanuts.
28:00Why is this on the table?
28:05Mrs. Miller snatched the dish up.
28:07I'll replace it right now, ma'am.
28:10Give me a minute.
28:16Mom waved her hand.
28:18Don't bother.
28:22Don't bother.
28:22After everything I've seen today, I'm starting to wonder if you've been neglecting Avery for years.
28:28Effective immediately, you don't need to come back.
28:32Ma'am, please.
28:34Our whole family lives under your roof.
28:37You can't fire us.
28:39Please.
28:41Bill Miller had been hiding in the hallway.
28:44He couldn't hold it any longer.
28:45He stormed out and slapped Mrs. Miller across the face three times.
28:50Then turned to my mother with a grin.
28:53Ma'am, if my wife did anything wrong, just hit her.
28:56Just please.
28:59Just don't let us go.
29:00Dad's eye twitched.
29:02I knew that look.
29:03He despised men who hit women.
29:05But I couldn't let them get fired.
29:08Not yet.
29:09I stepped in.
29:11Mom, let it go for now.
29:12I'm used to Mrs. Miller.
29:13It would be weird not having her around.
29:17Mom looked at me and relented.
29:19Though barely.
29:19Maybe give her one more chance.
29:22Keep an eye on her and see.
29:26Mrs. Miller.
29:27If Avery comes to me with one more complaint, I don't care what either of us says.
29:31You are gone.
29:32Mrs. Miller nodded furiously and retreated like a dog that'd been kicked.
29:40The next morning, dad drove me to school in my house.
30:05The whole class looked at me differently when I walked in.
30:11Finally, someone cracked.
30:13Avery Sterling, is that Maybach actually yours?
30:16I didn't answer directly, I looked at Chloe instead.
30:19Ask her, she'd know better than anyone.
30:28Since the bar incident.
30:29I am certain, this card cannot be used, you'll need another payment method.
30:34Chloe had been trying to make herself invisible, my sudden spotlight on her hit like a dart.
30:40Why are you asking me, Avery?
30:49I stripped the lie bare without softening it.
30:52Because your parents work for my family, that makes you the most credible witness.
31:04But Chloe's wardrobe doesn't exactly scream housekeeper's kid.
31:10I smiled.
31:13It shouldn't.
31:14She's been wearing my clothes and spending from my card.
31:19Without those resources, she couldn't afford any of it.
31:21Chloe cracked completely.
31:25Avery Sterling, just because you have money doesn't give you the right to humiliate me.
31:33So what if I wore your clothes and used your card?
31:37You never said anything.
31:39You let it happen.
31:41The room turned on her the moment she said it out loud.
31:45Chloe's been pretending to be rich.
31:47I actually envied her.
31:52Honestly, something felt off at the bar.
31:54A real IRS doesn't flinch at 85,000.
31:58Chloe's humiliation was total.
32:00She buried her face on her desk.
32:02But under the desk, both fists were clenched white.
32:08Jason had been quiet through all of it.
32:10That was unlike him.
32:12He was usually the first one to lead the room.
32:15When class ended and the crowd dispersed, he stayed in his seat until it was nearly empty.
32:21Then he walked over to my desk.
32:23I was already packing my bag.
32:26That was brutal.
32:28He said.
32:29Was it?
32:30You didn't have to do it in front of everyone.
32:32I looked up at him.
32:34Jason, when you filmed me in this hallway and made me perform for the class,
32:38did you do that privately or in front of everyone?
32:43He had the grace to go quiet.
32:46That... that was different.
32:48You're right, I said.
32:50It was much worse.
32:51I slung my bag over one shoulder.
32:54I notice you've been putting some distance between yourself and Chloe this week.
32:58He said nothing.
33:00Smart.
33:00Smart.
33:01I said, rats always know when to leave.
33:04Something moved behind his eyes.
33:06Not anger.
33:07Something more complicated than that.
33:09Avery.
33:10I genuinely...
33:11You genuinely nothing, I said.
33:13You are someone who made calculations and landed on the wrong side.
33:19And now you're trying to make new calculations?
33:21I'm just telling you.
33:23Whatever you think I owe you, I'll pay it.
33:26Whatever it takes.
33:28I paused.
33:29I paused.
33:29That was interesting.
33:31Whatever it takes.
33:33I repeated.
33:34Yes.
33:35Okay, I'll let you know, I said.
33:37I walked out.
33:38I could feel his eyes still on my back.
33:42After Chloe's real identity came out, every day became a punishment.
33:46Every person she'd ever wronged, and everyone who'd once flattered her, came back for payback.
33:51Each morning Chloe checked her chair for glue before sitting.
33:55She never let her water bottle out of sight.
33:58She was terrified something had been slipped into it.
34:01Between classes she had to absorb the cruelty in the hallways.
34:05Her parents weren't doing better.
34:07With mom and dad back home, Mrs. Miller got dressed down daily.
34:12She'd gotten too comfortable in the easy life.
34:15Coming back to actual labor wrecked her.
34:19Her performance was sloppy and slow.
34:21That alone made mom furious.
34:23The only reason Mrs. Miller still had a job was because I'd publicly vouched for her.
34:28Bill Miller, meanwhile, had been reassigned by my dad to security duty.
34:32On the surface, the three of them were obedient, compliant.
34:38But I knew better.
34:40They were vipers waiting for the exact right moment to sink their teeth in.
34:46Jason, to his credit, was smarter than the Millers.
34:50He didn't wait.
34:52He started making moves.
34:54That week he found reasons to appear wherever I was.
34:58Outside my next class.
35:01Near the vending machines.
35:03At the library.
35:05He carried himself differently around me now.
35:08Quieter.
35:09Less performance.
35:10He did my homework once, slipping a folder onto my desk without a word.
35:14He had someone deliver coffee to me during a free period.
35:18He walked up to the boy who made a comment about me in the corridor.
35:22And told him, flatly, to stop.
35:24On the surface it looked like penance.
35:26Underneath it was a campaign.
35:28He wanted to get close enough that when I moved against the Millers.
35:31He'd already be standing on the right side.
35:33He had underestimated one thing.
35:35I had already decided what I wanted from him.
35:37And it wasn't proximity.
35:39The days passed.
35:40The sats were closing in.
35:41Then, the night before the exam.
35:43My parents got a call.
35:45They looked frightened.
35:46They booked a late night flight overseas.
35:53Mom looked apologetic at the door.
35:55I'm so sorry, Avery.
35:57I want to be here for your exam.
35:58But this deal can't wait.
35:59I said I understood.
36:01I understood.
36:03But in the car to the airport, I cried the whole drive anyway.
36:06When I got home, Chloe came to comfort me.
36:08She played the role beautifully.
36:10Then Mrs. Miller appeared with two glasses of milk.
36:13She sighed warmly.
36:13Don't be sad, Avery.
36:15Big exam tomorrow.
36:16You need a full night's sleep.
36:17I made both of you a glass.
36:18Drink up before bed.
36:21I drank mine right there in front of them.
36:24Then I pushed them out of my room.
36:26The door was almost shut when I saw it.
36:28A flash of excitement in Mrs. Miller's eyes and Chloe's.
36:32I smiled to myself, alone in the dark.
36:35Last time around, they used this exact trick to make me miss the sats.
36:40This time, I'd make sure the punishment came back to them.
36:43On exam morning, I walked out refreshed and ready.
36:46Bill Miller screamed when he saw me.
36:48Avery, why are you awake?
36:50I smiled pleasantly.
36:53I have the SATs today.
36:55Naturally, I can't be late.
36:57But Mrs. Miller's face changed.
36:59She sprinted to Chloe's room.
37:01Too late.
37:09By the end of the first day of testing, I swung by to enjoy what was left of Chloe's morning.
37:13Mrs. Miller had managed to drag her to the exam hall.
37:16But the dose had been too heavy.
37:18Chloe slept through every section.
37:20Chloe was barely functioning.
37:21She refused to sit for the remaining days.
37:25Wow, Chloe, sleeping in during the SATs.
37:28Really bold choice.
37:29Shut your mouth!
37:30Mrs. Miller's eyes were red.
37:33You did this!
37:34You switched the drink!
37:36She was supposed to be the one sleeping!
37:37You ruined my daughter's future!
37:40I want to see you try to make me pay for that.
37:42Then a voice I recognized cut through the hall.
37:45My parents, who should have been overseas, walked in.
37:48Three police officers followed them.
37:49You left.
37:51You both left.
37:52Why are you here?
37:53If I hadn't left, how else would you feel safe enough to make your name?
37:57Mrs. Miller, you are exactly the kind of person who belongs behind bars.
38:00I installed a camera in the kitchen weeks ago.
38:03I added, helpfully, I've seen everything.
38:07An officer stepped forward.
38:08You've been reported for deliberate poisoning.
38:10You'll need to come with us.
38:15Mrs. Miller collapsed to the floor.
38:18Her eyes were hollow.
38:19The sentencing came down the same day my Ivy League acceptance letter arrived.
38:26Mrs. Miller was convicted of intentional bodily harm.
38:30Six years, Bill Miller had been involved in the dosing plan.
38:33He received three years.
38:35Chloe had already been removed from the house weeks earlier.
38:37The last time I saw her was outside the courthouse.
38:40The girl who once owned every hallway looked crumpled, with sunken eyes, zero energy.
38:44Something had clearly gone very wrong for her recently.
38:47When she saw me, she started crying.
39:01She kept going, cataloging every miserable detail of her current existence.
39:06I listened to all of it, like it was a story someone else told.
39:09The wicked get what they deserve.
39:10All I did was make sure I was there to watch the ending.
39:13Then I heard footsteps behind me.
39:15I turned.
39:16Jason, he looked like he hadn't been sleeping well.
39:19His eyes had lost their old ease.
39:20Avery.
39:21I waited.
39:22I heard about Mrs. Miller and Bill, and I know about the SAT thing.
39:28He stopped and started twice.
39:30Last year, she mentioned she had a plan.
39:34To make you miss the exam.
39:36I didn't ask details.
39:38I told myself it wasn't my problem.
39:42I should have said something, I know that.
39:44Yes, you should have.
39:47Is that what you're gonna use?
39:50Against me?
39:51What makes you think I need to use anything?
39:55He looked at me for a long moment.
39:59Because you've been waiting.
40:01I've been watching you work through every single person.
40:04The Millers are done.
40:06Chloe's done.
40:08I'm the only one left.
40:09He was more perceptive than I'd given him credit for.
40:12I did what you said.
40:14When you told me that day, whatever it takes, I meant it.
40:17I've been waiting for you to name it.
40:19And you thought if you waited long enough, I'd soften?
40:22He didn't answer.
40:23I reached into my bag and took out a folder.
40:26Pedique Philippe.
40:28Rose Gold.
40:29Model 5227.
40:31Reported missing from the Sterling Homehold 14 months ago.
40:34There's a receipt somewhere in there.
40:36Also a record of your bank deposits from that same period.
40:40Chloe made five transfers to you over six months.
40:44Petty cash from my card.
40:47You had this the whole time?
40:50Since our first conversation after the slap.
40:54Then why didn't you?
40:55Because destroying you in October would have been efficient.
40:59But watching you spend months trying to win me over, knowing this was in a drawer somewhere.
41:05That was more interesting.
41:09What happens now?
41:14You're gonna give a full written statement to my family's lawyer.
41:17Everything you know about the sleeping pills plan.
41:19Everything Chloe told you.
41:21Every transfer.
41:22Every instruction.
41:23And if I do that?
41:25Then the watch stays between us.
41:27And the transfer.
41:29He nodded slowly.
41:30That's it?
41:32That's it.
41:32He looked at me for a long time.
41:34You're not gonna make me beg.
41:36I don't want anything from you, Jason.
41:38I don't want your apology and I don't want your suffering.
41:40I just need your signature on a document.
41:43You are nothing to me.
41:45That's not cruelty.
41:46It's just the truth.
41:47I picked up my bag.
41:49The lawyer's office is on 7th.
41:50He's expecting you Thursday morning.
41:52I walked away from him the way I'd walked away from all of them.
41:55Without looking back.
41:56Without anger.
41:57Or without anything left to prove.
41:59The file was already in motion.
42:01Jason's statement would seal the Millers' additional charges.
42:04And confirm the premeditated nature of the poisoning.
42:11He had made his calculation and he had been wrong about the outcome.
42:15Just like all the others.
42:16The only difference was that his punishment was quieter.
42:19More private.
42:20He would spend the next several years explaining himself to the police.
42:23To the courts.
42:24To every school and job application.
42:26That asked about his junior year.
42:28He would never be charged.
42:30But he would never be clean either.
42:31Some people destroy you loudly.
42:33Some people just stand nearby and let it happen.
42:36They all get what they deserve eventually.
42:38The only thing that changes is the shape of the ending.
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