The True Heiress's Return

As soon as Shakira sat down, she opened her textbook and began to read. After a flurry of noise and conversation, someone plopped down beside her.

Glancing over at Xanthe, who had moved across the room, Shakira maintained her usual calm demeanor. "You really love Yvette, but if she set you up to take the blame, are you really willing to be her lapdog and come after me?" Xanthe bared her teeth, ready for a fight. "I'm itching to bite someone, but it's those two backstabbing brats who pushed me into this mess!" Shakira raised an eyebrow. "Then go ahead. Why are you here bothering me?" "Come on, Shakira! You can't stand Yvette and Berry, right?" "Xanthe's eyes sparkled with desperation as she seemed eager for some kind of validation. That "can't" was used just right. Shakira wasn't interested in getting tangled up in their "best friends" drama. She looked up and met Xanthe's intense gaze. "You know what? I can't stand you either." Xanthe froz froze. her expression morphing into one of pure embarrassment. Recalling the times when Yvette had subtly manipulated her into thinking Shakira was her greatest enemy, she felt a simmering rage. She had wanted nothing more than to tear Shakira apart. Countless times, she led the she led the charge against Shakira, while everyone assumed she was just being impulsive and foolish. Meanwhile, Yvette played the pity card, hiding behind a facade of vulnerability, crying just enough to gain sympathy from everyone. That's how things escalated to this point-Shakira always came out on top, while Xanthe was painted as the bitter one, attempting to retaliate against Shakira, while the true instigator, Yvette, conveniently absconded unscathed, keeping her sweet and innocent image intact. The more she the tighter Xanthe's fists clenched, her anger bubbling just below the surface. She knew she was being shameless by even coming to find Shakira... She thought, 'But honestly, who else could I turn to?" With her head Xanthe fell silent. But she didn't give up. All day long, she shadowed Shakira-wherever Shakira went, Xanthe followed. Even when Shakira went to the bathroom, she didn't let up. Xanthe stubbornly declared, "I have everything that you have, and even more than what you don't. So why would you be scared of me?"

She down.

Shakira was speechless.

When they finally made it to the canteen, Shakira managed to find a solitary corner table. But just as she settled in another unwanted presence joined her. Mitchell casually shooed away the student occupying the seat, claiming three spots in total to sit down, and Xanthe quickly seized her chance to sit beside him. The two exchanged glances after a brief moment. Mitchell's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "How long are you going to follow Shakira around?" Xanthe, now full of disdain for Yvette, said, "Mr. Nelson, eat less! Your sister's over there!" She pointed to Yvette, who was seated diagonally across the room. Mitchell shot back sarcastically, "Xanthe, you're really something, aren't you? I'm wondering how Shakira upset you so much that you're fixated on her." Xanthe laughed derisively. "Oh, come on, Mitchell! It's hilarious that just the other day you were all about Yvette, and now

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you're running after Shakira instead. What's wrong? Did you finally see her true colors and regret it?"

Mitchell

chell said, "Ugh! Xanthe, you keep targeting Shakira with your petty tricks and slanderous tactics. Now you want to act all. noble? Please, save it!"

Xanthe retorted, "Oh, please! You've been pushing Shakira to donate a kidney to your precious sister; let's not pretend to be the moral compass here. You're such a disgusting act!" Mitchell was fuming. "Shut your mouth, you gossip!"

Xanthe fired back, "And you're the dumbest loser around!"

Shakira sat back, watching the two of them trade insults like it was the main event of a reality show, their faces turning red as they yelled at each other. She found it amusing. She suddenly seemed a lot more appetizing. Maybe she could even eat more. Not far away, Yvette was watching Mitchell and Xanthe squabble across the table, feeling very displeased. It was like a spotlight had shifted from her to Shakira! Mitchell no longer catered to her every whim, and her hard-earned friendship with Xanthe seemed to be slipping right through her fingers.

"Yvette, do you think Xanthe is trying to team up with Shakira to get back at us?" Berry asked, worry creeping into her tone, revealing a malicious glint in her eyes

She had once been a nobody, timid and insecure. Now that she had tasted what it felt like to be treated as special, the idea of losing that status was unbearable. She was determined not to let any upheaval ruin her newfound fairy-tale life.

Seeing Berry's transformation, Yvette felt surprised. All these years, Berry had been so quiet. It turned out she was just waiting for the right opportunity. Now that she was climbing up the social ladder, she was more relentless than Yvette had ever imagined. "Relax," Yvette said dismissively. "Xanthe can't make waves anymore. Why are you still scared of her?"

Berry said, "Wh "What t do I have to be scared of? My parents always told me to be nice to her because of her family. But now, I've got Mr. Lopez. What do I care?"

Yvette's eyes gleamed with intrigue. "So, how was your first date with Mr. Lopez last night?"

Berry's face lit up with a big smile. "He rented the whole revolving restaurant! Just the two of us had dinner together. I was surprised-he seems so cold on the outside, but he's actually really romantic!"

Yvette felt a twinge of jealousy stirs inside her. She thought, 'Even though Joe and I were considered a model couple, how could the Ortiz family compare to the prestigious Lopez family? Even if Walter was a disabled waste, he was still the heir of the Lopez family, born into wealth and privilege!"

She couldn't stand the fact that Shakira was thriving while she was not. Similarly, Berry didn't deserve this happiness. She thought, 'What would Berry even have without my help?'

Yet, Yvette kept her composure and smiled. "Congratulations, Berry! I'm so happy to see you this!"

"You don't have to worry about a thing. Once I marry Mr. Lopez and become Mrs. Lopez, I won't forget you," Berry boasted.

Yvette forced a laugh, mentally cursing Berry a thousand times in her mind

Just then, Shakira finished her meal and was about to clear the table, when Mitchell and Xanthe caught her again. She frowned, her patience wearing thin. "What do you two want?" Mitchell said, "Just thought you looked bored, so here I am to keep you company."

"Shakira, I want to team up with you!" Xanthe declared boldly.