In my last life, when the billionaire’s biological daughter was brought home from the orphanage, she insisted on taking me with her. Her excuse? "She’s pretty. I want her as a pet." Everyone believed her. But after she orchestrated my death, I realized the truth. She had stolen my "Starlet System" and signed a demonic pact. The rule was simple: she and I were bound. Whoever was kicked out of the family would be "deleted" by the system. The survivor would inherit double the beauty of the deceased. The true heiress didn't hesitate to bind me. And she succeeded. After I died, her beauty reached impossible levels. She used that face to conquer Hollywood, becoming an A-list sensation overnight. She was hailed as the "Industry’s Ultimate Muse." Whenever people praised her face, she’d smile with fake modesty. "I just grew into it. I have my parents' genes to thank." No one knew the truth. Except me, and I was dead. I thought I would vanish into nothingness, unable to claim my revenge. But I woke up. I returned to the very day the Millers came to the orphanage to find their long-lost daughter. The moment I opened my eyes, I knew Avery had already stolen the system and bound me again. Without a second thought, I dove into the orphanage’s toy bin and dug out a tattered, filth-covered teddy bear. In my previous life, I heard that when Avery went missing as a child, she was clutching this bear. As the years passed, Avery had forgotten all about it. ... The reunion was just finishing. Avery was about to open her mouth to "charitably" bring me along. I "accidentally" let the teddy bear fall out of my bag. The Millers’ expressions shifted instantly. The billionaire father, Arthur: "That bear..." Avery glanced at it, disgusted. "Just some trashy toy from the bin. Chloe, aren't you worried about germs?" I looked at her, trembling like a frightened bird. "I just... it feels familiar to me..." Half an hour later, Avery barely got the words out to suggest bringing me along before the Millers practically tripped over themselves to agree. As we climbed into the luxury SUV, I studied Avery’s face. I wondered... after she’s deleted, how much will my stats actually go up? 1 As soon as we reached the Miller estate, Avery made her first move. "Dad, Mom, Chloe isn't your biological daughter, but we grew up together in the home. We’re like sisters." "I want her to stay in the room right next to mine. Is that okay?" Avery hugged my arm, smiling with artificial sweetness. In my last life, I was so moved I cried on the spot. Later, I realized... putting me next to her was the only way she could monitor me, frame me, and complete her system tasks. Most people wouldn't believe a fifteen-year-old could be so calculating. Sure enough, Arthur and Evelyn were deeply touched. They pulled her into a hug. "Our sweet, sensible girl." "Chloe, you come here too. From now on... we’ll take care of you." I walked over with faked hesitation, leaning my cheek against Evelyn’s shoulder. I had spent a lifetime studying this woman’s habits. Evelyn Miller loved cats. Usually, she liked it best when her kittens rubbed against her for attention. I was right. Evelyn’s eyes lit up. The look she gave me held a flicker of genuine affection. It was a little pathetic. But I didn’t care. Arthur and Evelyn were soft-hearted fools. In the last life, Avery won them over with ease and whispered poison in their ears every night. I suffered every indignity because of it. Why would I ignore a winning strategy? This time, I was going to make sure Avery was the one erased from existence. 2 However, I faced a major problem. Avery and I would inevitably be taken for a DNA test. A family this rich doesn't just let strangers in without verification. The only reason they hadn't done it yet was to "build a bond" first. But once the results came out proving Avery was the biological daughter, my whispers wouldn't matter. I lay on the expensive, silk sheets, unable to sleep. This was a battlefield of life and death. I had to play my cards perfectly. Recalling the past, I woke up early the next day and tied my hair into two simple braids. I put on a vintage-style floral dress. I looked like the quintessential girl-next-door. The moment Avery saw me, she laughed out loud. "Chloe, we’re in a billionaire's mansion now." "Can you leave the 'orphanage chic' behind? You look like a peasant." As she spoke, Arthur and Evelyn came downstairs for breakfast. Avery rushed to Evelyn’s side, continuing her mockery. "Mom, look at Chloe. She looks like a farm girl from the last century." "We’re going to see Grandma and Grandpa today, right? If she wears that, won't it be embarrassing?" I looked at them, feigning confusion. Sure enough, Evelyn’s eyes welled with tears. Arthur, standing behind her, froze. "Evelyn... Chloe looks exactly like you did in your debutante photos." Evelyn choked back a sob, rushing forward to grab my hands. She couldn't stop nodding. I acted completely overwhelmed, making them look at me with even more heartbreak. Avery, on the other hand, was stunned. "Dad? Mom? What are you talking about?" They didn't answer. Arthur went to the storage room and pulled out a yellowed photo album. The album I had memorized in my last life. Evelyn: "Look! Chloe’s outfit... it’s a near-perfect match for my old photos!" "We have to let your grandmother see this." "She’ll be in tears." Avery’s face went pale. I lowered my head to hide my smirk. The first move was mine. I was integrating into this family faster than she ever could. 3 Avery acted like the undisputed heiress. But Evelyn’s sudden closeness to me made her feel the threat. She started framing me, just like before. No boundaries, no shame. The day after we returned from the grandparents' house, Evelyn realized her diamond necklace was missing. After searching the house, Evelyn gave up. "Forget it. It wasn't that expensive." Avery suddenly transformed into a champion of justice. "How can things just go missing in our own home? No, we have to find it!" "If it’s really gone... that means someone stole it!" I understood exactly what she meant. If I guessed correctly, that necklace was in my room right now. "Forget it," Evelyn said. "It’s just a necklace. If someone liked it, they can keep it." Avery’s brow furrowed. "That’s not the point, Mom!" Right. That wasn't the point. I stood up too. "Mom, you really should look for it." "Avery and I just joined the family. If that necklace isn't found, there will always be a cloud of suspicion over both of us." Evelyn finally agreed. Avery smiled, her eyes darting across my face. She looked at my features as if they were a prize she had already won. To prove her "innocence," she spoke up first. "Mom, start with my room!" Of course, they found nothing in Avery’s bedroom. Then it was my turn. But I wasn't worried. Because while they were in her room, I had discreetly swiped a few strands of her hair and some nail clippings I found in her trash can and hid them. 4 As we reached my door, Avery put on a dramatic, pained expression. "Chloe." "If you just confess, Mom won't be mad." "You took it, didn't you?" I shook my head, my face a mask of terror. "Mom, I didn't..." Avery cut me off. "Mom, I was afraid to say it because I didn't want to hurt you." "But I saw her sneak into your room yesterday." "I thought she was just going to talk to you. I didn't think she was going to steal!" Evelyn looked at me, her brow furrowed. I knew it. Her "soft-hearted" weakness was acting up. But that was fine. I needed a reason to put on a show. I didn't argue. I simply opened my bedroom door. Avery was the first to rush in. After tossing my bed, she went straight for my vanity. "Avery, if it’s not there, let it go," Evelyn said. Evelyn hadn't moved a muscle to help, but she also hadn't stopped Avery. A second later, Avery pulled the necklace out of my vanity drawer. "Mom, look!!!" "I told you! She really stole it!" Evelyn stared at me, shocked. She checked the necklace. "It really is mine." "Chloe, you..." Evelyn looked heartbroken. "You’ve only been here a few days. How could you do this?" "This necklace isn't even that valuable. If you wanted one, I would have taken you shopping. Why steal it?" Avery kept stoking the fire, dramatically clutching her chest and taking two steps back. "Chloe, I thought you would leave your orphanage habits behind once you came here." "I brought you into this family out of the goodness of my heart, and this is how you repay me?" 5 Avery spoke loudly, making sure the housekeepers heard. Arthur walked through the front door at that exact moment. "What’s going on?" Avery embellished the story with extra venom. Arthur’s face darkened instantly. I shook my head, my eyes red. "Dad, Mom, I didn't take that necklace. I swear." Before they could respond, Avery sneered. "Caught red-handed, and you’re still making excuses?" From an angle the parents couldn't see, Avery smirked at me. She looked like she had already won. I let my lips curl up for a fraction of a second. Then, I dropped to my knees. "Dad, Mom, I didn't take it." Evelyn turned away, clearly done with me. "Chloe, I’m afraid we can't keep you here." Arthur’s voice was cold. Avery couldn't hide her excitement. But how could I let her win so easily? I wiped my tears and pulled out my phone. I dialed 911. The Millers turned around, their eyes bulging. "Chloe, what are you doing?" I stood there, spine straight. "Dad, Mom, if I stole it, you can let the police take me away." "There are only a few of us in this house. The fingerprints on that necklace will prove who the thief is." Avery panicked visibly. "Wh-what fingerprints? You’re talking nonsense!" She tried to snatch the necklace back, but I blocked her. "Chloe! What are you trying to do?! Do you know who our parents are? You want to drag our family name through the mud?" "Calling the cops over a necklace? You’re just trying to embarrass them!" "You ungrateful little brat!" I ignored her and looked at the Millers. A single tear escaped my eye. In that moment, I knew. Evelyn was wavering. 6 I kept my back straight, projecting total transparency. "Dad, Mom, only the police can prove my innocence now." Arthur frowned. "You’re being too impulsive!" "Avery is right. Any scandal involving our family becomes national news." Avery nodded frantically, acting like the defender of the family honor. But I knew. The only prints on that necklace belonged to Avery and Evelyn. If the police arrived, Avery’s theft would be a legal fact. She didn't dare let them come. Soon, the sound of sirens approached. The cruiser pulled into the driveway. Ultimately, Arthur didn't let the police inside. He dismissed them with a few quick words. "We’ll let this go for now," Arthur said. "If it happens again, you’re going back to the home." They might have let it go, but I knew if I accepted that "grace," I had lost. I discreetly pinched myself, using the sharp pain to force more tears to fall. "No," I choked out, standing up with stubborn pride. "You don't believe me, but you won't let the police clear my name. You just want me gone." "I’ll leave." As I turned, I saw Avery’s face light up. But Evelyn was faster. She grabbed my arm. "Chloe, that’s not what we meant!" "Chloe, I believe you. Maybe the maid just misplaced it?" I lowered my gaze. It was time to trigger the plan I had laid days ago. I looked at them through blurry eyes. "Dad, Mom, Avery... have a good life. I’m going." "You probably won't believe me, but I’m bound to a mysterious 'System'." "If I’m kicked out of this house... I will be permanently deleted." The moment the words left my mouth, Avery froze. She didn't expect me to say that. But Arthur and Evelyn had no idea what I was talking about. Arthur: "What are you rambling about? Deleted?" I didn't explain. I shook my head and walked toward the door. But before I left, just as Evelyn called my name, I collapsed. That’s right. I was gambling. I was betting that my carefully crafted "perfect daughter" persona over the last few days... Had already taken root in Evelyn’s heart. 7 I won the bet. The moment I fell, Arthur and Evelyn rushed forward to catch me. "Chloe! Why did she just faint like that?" Evelyn was frantic. I could hear the tremor in her voice. But as they were shouting for an ambulance, Avery muttered something under her breath in a daze. "So, the System is real? It’s actually real... then I..." Her voice turned into a whisper of pure excitement. I felt the Millers' movements pause. "What system?" "What Chloe said was true?" "Forget that! Get her to her room!" Once I felt the timing was right, I "slowly" woke up. They were both sitting by my bed. "Thank God, she’s awake." Evelyn let out a long breath, clutching her chest. "You silly girl, you scared us half to death." "The thing earlier was just a misunderstanding. Why did you take it so seriously?" Avery was standing behind them, glaring at me with pure venom. She had seen through my act. But so what? The Millers were hooked. I bit my lip and whispered, "Dad... Mom..." 8 Evelyn pulled me into a protective hug. "Oh, sweetheart. Don't cry." I lay against her, feeling absolutely nothing. She only loved me because she thought I was her daughter. In the last life, she was exactly the same way with Avery. Even after I died and vanished, they never looked for me once. They didn't care about "good" or "bad." They only cared about who shared their blood. After a few minutes, Arthur spoke up. "Chloe, why did you faint at the door?" I explained the "System" in meticulous detail. They were skeptical. Avery scoffed. "Dad, Mom, you actually believe this?" "A 'System'? She’s clearly making up stories." See? The people who frame you are always the ones who know exactly how innocent you are. I shook my head and didn't defend myself. I whispered: "Dad, Mom... I don't know why you brought me back." "But if you brought me here... is it because I might be your biological daughter?" "I heard at the home that there’s something called a DNA test. I want... to do one." "If I’m not your daughter, I’ll leave immediately." "Even if... I’m deleted. I accept it." Arthur and Evelyn looked at each other. In the original timeline, they were supposed to suggest this in a few days. They just didn't expect me to bring it up first. Avery tilted her chin up, arrogant as ever. She had reason to be. She was the biological one. But today was not like the last life. In the last life, she took my life. In this one, I’m using her own game to turn her into stardust. 9 The DNA test was scheduled. The Millers were considerate enough to let me rest for a day first. That evening, Arthur and Evelyn went out for an event, leaving only Avery and me at home. I purposefully took a bowl of expensive mangosteens and walked past her. "Tch." She sneered. "Eat up. You’re only picking the expensive stuff because you’re a peasant." "Enjoy it while you can. Once you're kicked out, you won't even be able to afford a burger!" "I’m telling you, you are not their daughter. Get ready to rot!" I didn't say a word, just squinted my eyes at how delicious the fruit was. Avery couldn't take it. She kicked the trash can over and barked at me. "Hey! I’m talking to you!" "Go get me some mangosteens and peel an apple for me!!" I didn't move. Avery stood up, threatening me. "Hurry up! Did you not learn your lesson the last few days?" "I could have them throw you out tonight!" I finished the last mangosteen and checked the time. The Millers were due back any minute. "Okay. I’m going." I ran to the kitchen, listening for the sound of the front door. As soon as I heard it open, I "accidentally" let the paring knife slip across my thumb. The cut wasn't huge, but it was deep. Blood started flowing fast. "Blood... blood!" My eyes rolled back, and I dropped the apple and collapsed to the kitchen floor. My head hit the tile with a loud, sickening thud. The housekeeper heard it and rushed in. "Oh my God! Chloe fainted again!!!" I lay perfectly still on the floor. It actually hurt quite a bit. But compared to the pain Avery inflicted on me in the last life? This was nothing. 10 The Millers frantically carried me back to my room. "What happened? She didn't even leave the house!" "Oh my God, look at all this blood!" Evelyn gently disinfected the cut while questioning the housekeeper. "What is going on?!" "We were only gone for an hour! How is she unconscious again?" Avery was baffled. "Wait, is the System glitched? Is she being deleted early?" "Mom, do I look prettier yet?" Arthur barked at her. "What are you talking about? Is your sister’s looks the priority right now?" "Mrs. Gable, tell me! What happened!" The housekeeper hesitated. "Well... Avery told Chloe to get her some fruit... and then I heard a loud bang. When I went in, Chloe was already down." Arthur took a deep breath. When he spoke again, his voice was laced with blame. "We have staff for that! Why are you bossing Chloe around?" "If you want fruit, get it yourself—" I "slowly" opened my eyes and weakly grabbed Arthur’s sleeve. "Dad... don't blame Avery. It was my fault. I’m just... faint at the sight of blood." Avery’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. "What?!" "You never fainted at blood in the home! Chloe, stop lying—" "ENOUGH!!" Even the gentle Evelyn had reached her limit. "I don't care who is biological. You are both our daughters. Sisters should support each other." She turned to Avery. "Avery, you were the one who insisted on bringing Chloe back. Why are you treating her like an enemy now?" Avery froze, her eyes immediately filling with tears. "Mom!!" Evelyn turned away, her chest heaving with anger. I helped her steady her breathing. "Let’s do the DNA test tomorrow." "But I’m afraid of blood... I might..." Arthur waved his hand. "That’s fine." "DNA tests don't need blood. Hair and nail clippings work just as well." 11 Evelyn stayed by my bed all night, terrified I’d have another "deletion event." The next morning, we went straight to the clinic. "Chloe’s afraid of blood, so we’ll just use hair and nails." Avery shrugged, seemingly unbothered. She looked confident. I found it strange. Had the System told her something? When we got to the lab, I discreetly handed over the hair and nail clippings of Avery I had collected the day before. As for the samples Avery submitted? I had already swapped them out for mine. On the way home from the hospital, Avery was humming a song. "Mom, I’m your real daughter." "We’ve missed out on so much time. You have to make it up to me from now on." Avery snuggled into Evelyn’s arms. But if I wasn't mistaken, Evelyn’s arms were stiff. Her hands hovered in the air, unsure of what to do. Finally, she gave Avery a light pat on the back. "Okay." I looked out the window at the scenery. Enjoy it while it lasts, Avery. In a few days, when the results come back, you won't be humming anymore. 12 DNA results usually take seven days. But Avery couldn't wait. She was becoming more reckless by the hour. "Hey, bring me that new dress Mom bought you. I want to wear it." She was eating snacks and watching TV, gesturing at me with her chin. I didn't argue. It was just a dress. "And the money in your allowance card? That belongs to my family. Transfer it all to my account." "Everything in this house is mine. Don't think you're taking a cent with you!" I continued to play the submissive victim. As I was walking down the stairs, she stepped up behind me and gave me a violent shove! I was prepared for it, so I knew how to fall. I let myself tumble, ensuring I didn't take any serious damage, but I made sure my forehead hit the banister hard enough to swell. This time, even the housekeepers couldn't stay quiet. By the time Arthur and Evelyn got home, the head maid was already bringing out the first aid kit. "Chloe, let me see that forehead. The swelling is bad." Arthur and Evelyn exchanged a look. "What happened?" I glanced at Avery, terrified, and didn't say a word. They sensed the tension and turned to Avery. "Avery? Talk." She flipped through channels on the TV. "She just fell, Dad. Why are you making a big deal out of it?" "She’s leaving soon anyway." Avery was right. If the results showed I wasn't the daughter, I was gone. But for now, the results weren't in. Arthur, normally a calm man, slammed his hand onto the coffee table. "TELL ME! What happened!" Avery jumped. But relying on her "true heiress" status, she wasn't truly afraid. "Dad! Why are you screaming?" "I just gave her a little push while she was going downstairs. She’s the one who couldn't balance. How is that my fault?" Arthur’s face was livid. "You tried to hurt her! Go apologize!" Avery rolled her eyes, her apology sounding forced and insincere. "Yelling at your own daughter for a stray orphan..." "Let’s see if you regret it later!" 13 Because of my "injury," Arthur kept Avery on a tight leash for the rest of the week. But she didn't care. She kept telling me that she was "granting me one last week." When we went to the hospital to pick up the results, she was strutting, holding Arthur and Evelyn’s arms. "Dad, Mom, you're about to find out who really belongs." "Chloe, I was going to let you stay as a pet. But since you’re so clumsy and sneaky... don't regret it when you're on the street." She was so drunk on her own arrogance that even Arthur frowned. A man who became a billionaire doesn't like people who can't keep their cool. Avery had been acting like a queen regnant all week. "Stop talking. Let’s get the results," Evelyn said, her hands shaking. "Chloe, come on." I stood a few feet away from Avery as they went to the desk. Avery crossed her arms, humming. "Chloe, do you know what I want to be once I’m official?" "I’m going to be the most beautiful woman in the world, become a superstar, and have millions of fans." She sighed. "I didn't want to go under the knife, so I guess I have to thank you for your face." She actually thought I couldn't understand her. Before I could reply, the Millers walked back, their eyes red. "Dad! Mom! I told you—" Before she could finish, I was pulled into their arms. "My sweet daughter." "We’re so sorry. We took so long to find you." I was hugged so tightly I could barely breathe. Evelyn was cupping my face, laughing and crying at the same time. "Thank God. Thank God." Arthur stroked my hair, his eyes full of unspoken relief. We looked like the perfect family. Avery, meanwhile, looked like she was losing her mind. 14 "Dad! Mom! You must be reading it wrong!" She snatched the paper from their hands. After a full minute of silence, her hands went limp, and the paper fluttered to the floor. I picked it up. Probability of Paternity: 99.99% (Chloe Sterling & Arthur Miller) "Impossible. This can't be happening," Avery whispered, shaking her head. "The System told me! I’m the daughter!" "The test is wrong! We have to do it again! Right now!" Avery lunged at me, grabbing my wrist so hard she left red marks. Arthur, a grown man, had to use all his strength to pry her off me. "Avery! Calm down!" "We already told you—even if you aren't the biological daughter, you can stay with us." Once she calmed down, Avery glared at me with pure hatred. But she was smart. She waited until we were back at the house to confront me in private. "It was you, wasn't it?" "You rigged the test?" I smiled. "Yeah." "So what? The results are official. I’m the Miller heiress now." I purposefully goaded her, tugging at the sleeve of the dress she was wearing. "All those clothes you took from me? You’re going to have to give them all back." "And from now on, you better be very, very polite to me." "Otherwise... getting kicked out by your 'real' parents would be a very painful way to die, wouldn't it?" I expected her to snap. But she didn't. She swallowed her rage. She just left me with a threat: "I’m the protagonist of this System. Get ready to die." I didn't sleep that night. Avery’s eyes were too dark for me to feel safe.
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