I Stole the Bully’s Fiancé and Started to Revenge novel Chapter 3

I closed the door, and my panicked expression vanished instantly. 

Looking down at the red marks on my wrist, I frowned in disgust. 

I pulled out my phone and sent a message: 

[Met them.] 

The reply came instantly: [How did it go?] 

I glanced back at the office, faintly hearing Ashley's voice. 

I smirked, my eyes cold. 

"Same as always—fake, arrogant, stupid." 

But they'll fit right in. 

In hell. 

With me. 

From that day on, Ethan started harassing me even more. 

Already under scrutiny for being an intern turned lead designer, the rumors about me exploded. 

They said I slept my way to the top. 

That I got plastic surgery to marry into wealth. 

I couldn't take it anymore and often escaped to the company rooftop. 

It was quiet there, and Ethan never bothered me. 

Finally, I could find some peace. 

One day, I was sitting in the corner, flipping through The Aesthetics of Fashion Design. 

A tall figure blocked the sunlight. 

I looked up and met Daniel's deep gaze. 

"Not many people read this book." 

"True," I said with a smile. 

"I was drawn to its unique take on design aesthetics, especially the part about color and emotion. It's refreshing." 

Though a classic in the industry, few truly understood its essence. 

Daniel's eyes lit up with surprise.

"I admire that perspective too." 

That day, we talked for hours about design philosophies, our views surprisingly aligned. 

It felt like I'd found a kindred spirit. 

As the sun set, the rooftop grew darker. 

Daniel said seriously, "Ethan's Ashley's brother, but he's reckless."

"I'd keep my distance if I were you." 

"I'm not interested in him. I admire people who are honest and kind, like—" 

I blinked and grinned.

"Someone like you, Daniel." 

He paused, realizing I was teasing, and chuckled before saying goodbye. 

I watched him walk away until he disappeared. 

Then I turned and headed in the opposite direction.

Then, a cold voice came from behind me: 

"Drop the act. He's not someone you can ever have." 

It was Ashley. 

Her usually sweet face was now icy, her eyes piercingly cold. 

Without another word, she walked away. 

I watched her retreating figure, a smirk curling on my lips. 

So, she'd overheard our conversation. 

That meant she'd make her move. 

Sure enough, the next day, the rumors at the company got worse. 

---

Ethan went around the office telling everyone I was his girl, warning them to stay away from me. 

I brushed it off and continued, "My principal was really good to me."

"I was happy here. It's just a shame I didn't get to see him this time." 

He explained, "I heard he went back to his hometown."

"Probably won't be back for a while." 

"Really?" 

A cold glint flashed in my eyes, but my tone was regretful.

"What a pity." 

Daniel seemed to notice something, but before he could dwell on it, a group of kids swarmed around me. 

"Sophia, play with us!" 

"I want to play with Sophia too!" 

The kids pulled me away from the classroom. 

As I turned the corner, I glanced back.

Daniel was still standing there, watching me. 

A knowing smile played on my lips. 

Just then, someone grabbed my wrist. 

"Sophia, he's awake." 

I walked into the basement and saw the principal tied to a chair. 

He always cared about his image, but now he looked utterly broken. 

After three days without food, his earlier bravado was gone. 

In the endless darkness, all he had left was fear and despair. 

He trembled, his voice weak.

"Please let me go. I'll give you all my savings."

"Just let me have some water. I'm dying of thirst…" 

"Remember that girl?"