My Bestie Called Money ‘Dirty’, Now She’s Watching Me Get Spoiled by Eight Men Chapter 01

My Bestie Called Money ‘Dirty’, Now She’s Watching Me Get Spoiled by Eight Men Chapter 01

My best friend was everyone’s idea of the perfect, untouchable girl.

Only I knew it was all an act.

The day the Whitmores came to Silver Creek Group Home looking to adopt, Seraphina Vance showed up in a simple white dress, all aloof and above it all.

“Oh, I really don’t mean to be rude, but I have no interest in being adopted by a wealthy family.”

“A family built on money… that just feels so cold and empty, doesn’t it?”

Everyone in the room looked at her with admiration, praising her for sticking to her principles.

Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore, on the other hand, looked visibly disappointed. They turned to leave.

I stood quietly in the corner when a line of floating comments suddenly appeared in midair.

[Oh no, baby girl, you have no idea! The Whitmores are incredible. Her eight brothers are dying for a little sister!]

[They’ve already planned everything for her. The best schools, the best opportunities, even a college fund for studying abroad.]

The words the best schools hit me like a lightning bolt.

Before I knew it, I had raised my hand.

“Mrs. Whitmore… if it’s okay, I’d love to be considered.”

—

The activity room fell completely silent.

Every pair of eyes turned toward me. Including Seraphina’s.

For a split second, the proud expression she’d been wearing almost cracked.

“Brynn… what’s gotten into you?” she asked softly.

“I didn’t think you cared about things like money and status.”

Mrs. Carter hurried over, looking completely flustered.

“Brynn, don’t be silly. The Whitmores are here for Seraphina.”

I stayed where I was and looked straight at Mrs. Whitmore.

She froze. Stopping in her tracks, she slowly turned back toward me.

“You mean… you’d be willing?”

“Yes. I would.”

My palms were soaked with sweat, but I forced myself to say it again.

The other kids immediately started whispering.

“Is Brynn seriously after the Whitmores’ money?”

“Duh. Seraphina just turned them down, and now she’s throwing herself at them. So tacky.”

“Look at Seraphina. She’s so pure and noble. It just makes Brynn look even more shallow.”

Seraphina smiled as if none of it bothered her.

She walked over and gently tugged on my sleeve.

“Brynn, don’t do this on impulse.”

“A family like the Whitmores… it’s not your world, Brynn.”

“I know you’ve always wanted a better life, but don’t sell yourself this cheaply.”

The room’s judgmental stares grew even harsher.

I only looked at her, my mind clearer than ever.

If I didn’t know she was a total fraud who wanted into the Whitmore family more than anyone, I might’ve almost believed her.

I pulled my sleeve free.

“No, I’m sure.”

“I want you to adopt me. Please, just… consider me.”

The SSAT was only a few months away.

Silver Creek Group Home had limited resources.

The teachers were stretched thin, study materials were scarce, and tutoring was completely out of reach.

If the Whitmores could give me the best education, I wanted that chance. I wanted to learn. I wanted to fight for a future.

There was nothing wrong with fighting for it.

The comments floated across the air again.

[Girl, drop the act! If you keep this up, you’re gonna lose your spot for real!]

[Mrs. Whitmore totally hates it when people act like money taints family. Seraphina seriously hurt her feelings with that one.]

[Brynn might be blunt, but she’s being real. I think she actually has a shot!]

My heartbeat sped up.

Mrs. Whitmore watched me for a long moment before walking over and kneeling in front of me.

“Why do you want to join our family?”

I said with sheer sincere, my voice hoarse. “Because I want to go to school.”

“And… I want to know what it feels like to have a family.”

Tears rolled down Mrs. Whitmore’s face. She took my hands in hers.

“Oh, sweetheart. I hear you.”

Mr. Whitmore exchanged a glance with her.

He didn’t give us an answer right away, but neither did he close the door.

“We’ll discuss it as a family and follow up with the group home.”

“This isn’t a decision we can rush.”

With that, they left.

Seraphina remained by the doorway, her eyes red with unshed tears.

The other children rushed over to comfort her.

“Don’t be upset, Seraphina. The Whitmores are definitely going to choose you.”

“They were just caught off guard because Brynn suddenly spoke up.”

“There’s no way they’d pick someone who’s so obsessed with money.”

Seraphina shook her head gently.

“I’m not upset. I’m just worried about Brynn.”

“She wants this so badly… it’s going to break her heart when she doesn’t get chosen.”

I stood a short distance away and almost laughed.

Didn’t get chosen?

Who said the Whitmores were definitely going to pick her?