Chapter 221

The more Vera Taylor listened, the more her chest tightened. Panic crept in as a terrifying image came to mind—if she couldn’t beat Cassandra, she’d end up like that forgotten girl from years ago, hiding away in her room while everyone else shone.

If she couldn’t crush Cassandra under her heel, then Cassandra would take her spot. She’d be the one walking beside Dad into fancy galas, getting all the attention from high society. And slowly, the title of “second miss of the Taylor family” would fade into nothing…

Just the thought gave her chills.

No way.

Next time, she’d come out on top. She had to. Cassandra would be beneath her, and she’d take back what was hers.

“Mom, it’s all that scheming witch Cassandra,” Vera snapped, eyes brimmed with cold hate. “She knew finals were coming, and she acted like she was helping by giving me that black card—she knew I’d get distracted and wouldn’t be able to study! If she hadn’t done that, if I’d been able to prepare,