The Hypnotized Stand-In Has Awakened—the True Heiress Is Terrified Chapter 05

The Hypnotized Stand-In Has Awakened—the True Heiress Is Terrified Chapter 05

After that, I went to the Whitmore Estate every evening to tutor Mason.

My late returns quickly drew Blair’s suspicion.

“Elise, where do you keep sneaking off to every night?”

I kept my head down. “I found a part-time job.”

“A part-time job?”

“You’re using my face to flirt with your rich boyfriend online.”

“And now you’re sneaking out to make money too?”

She held out her hand, utterly shameless.

“I slave over editing those photos every day just so you can string him along.”

“Don’t you think I deserve something for my trouble?”

Without a word, I transferred five hundred to her.

Seeing how obedient I was, Blair didn’t question me further.

Three weeks later. Mason’s exam results came out. His math score had improved a lot.

He rushed up to me, beaming.

“Elise, you have to give me a reward! There’s a basketball game this Saturday—will you come cheer for me?”

I spoke softly, “There’ll be so many people there. I’m… I’m not really comfortable with crowds.”

Mason immediately deflated and went to beg Adrian instead.

That night, Adrian stopped me as I was about to leave.

“Miss Harrington, Mason has improved a lot this time. There’s a twenty-thousand bonus.”

“If you’re willing to go to his game this weekend, I’ll double the bonus.”

I stayed silent for a moment, then nodded lightly. “…Okay.”

That weekend, the Westbrook Gymnasium was packed and roaring with noise.

I sat rigid beside Adrian the whole time, head bowed, wishing I could just disappear into thin air.

“Not feeling well?” His voice cut clearly through the noise.

I shook my head.

“If you’re not feeling well, feel free to leave early.” His eyes stayed on the court, his tone even. “The bonus still stands.”

“No.” My voice was soft but firm. “I promised Mason I’d stay until the end.”

Adrian turned his head and glanced at me, then said nothing more.

After the game, Mason ran over, drenched in sweat, followed by a group of equally tall, high-spirited boys.

“Elise! We won!”

The moment they saw me, they went quiet for a split second, then erupted into even louder cheers.

“Damn, Mason, this is your tutor?!”

“She’s insanely pretty!”

“Can I get your number?”

More and more eyes gathered around me, mixed with excited chatter and whistles.

Shame flooded through me. I just wanted to run.

Then someone raised a phone. “Can we take a picture together?”

“Me too! I want one too!”

More voices joined in, praising my looks, asking for photos.

I was surrounded. My head dropped lower and lower, my fingers tightening around my clothes.

“I’m sorry… I want to leave.” I spoke softly, trying to push my way out.

A tall boy blocked my path, his tone teasing.

“What’s with the whole shy act? Think you’re too pretty for us? It’s just a picture, what’s the big deal?”

I looked up, my eyes already red.

“Is this… is this fun for you? Humiliating me like this?”

“Please stop making fun of me. Just let me go. I know I’m ugly…”

The look on every face around me shifted on the spot.

Mason was the first to react. He shoved the boy aside. “Get the hell out!”

After snapping at him, he turned back to me in a panic and quickly switched on his front camera.

“Elise, you’re really beautiful.”

“If someone who looks like you is ugly, then what’s even considered beautiful in this world?”

I stared at my reflection, tears streaming down my face.

“My face’s disgusting… So disgusting…”

Enough. It was the perfect moment.

I closed my eyes, my body going limp as I fell backward.

Adrian caught me immediately. “Elise?”

I didn’t open my eyes. I kept my breathing light and shallow.

I could feel his arms tighten, holding me firmly against him.

“Nate, get the car. We’re taking her to the hospital.”

Nestled in his arms, I pressed my lips together tightly, forcing down the smile.

He took the bait.