Scamming the Heiress: But She Knew It All

Im conning the citys most powerful heiress, and the terrifying part isI think she knows.

My mentor erased my existence. My rival stole my life's work. They left me in the rain with nothing but the clothes on my back and a burning need for revenge. So, I targeted Arabella Sterling. She is the untouchable princess of the elite world, the one person who can crush my enemies with a snap of her manicured fingers.

I approached her with a lie. Im playing the role of the perfect, devoted boyfriend just to use her power. But as she wipes the blood from my face and buys out an entire store just because I looked at a shirt, I realize something dangerous.

Im not the hunter here. Im the one falling into a trap of unconditional love, and I never want to escape.

Chapter 1

With a brand-new iPhone, I managed to hook the legendary princess of the elite circle.

On the day I bought the latest model, a womanbeautiful beyond reasonwalked straight up to me in the Apple Store. She asked if she could borrow my phone to shoot a video.

She held my phone, looked into the lens with a shy expression, and cooed, "Thank you to my darling for buying me the latest iPhone~"

Her voice was pinched so high and sounded so fake that I wanted to crawl out of my own skin.

Then, she cleared her throat and continued her performance for the front-facing camera.

"3 PM. Time for my daily humblebrag."

"The new raw titanium finish? It's mid. A phone worth a grand is pocket change to me."

"That's it for today. In a few days, I'll take you guys to see the new car my darling bought me~"

"Don't be too sour. Some of you want to land a sugar daddy? Go take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask yourself if you're worthy first."

The moment she said that, the air around us went dead silent.

A beat later, the store erupted in laughter.

"Oh my god, is the bar for flexing this low now? You have to borrow a stranger's phone?"

"And the money for one afternoon tea? Why doesn't she say it's a whole month's rent?"

"Land a sugar daddy? Does she even know that guy?"

My buddy, Brooks, covered his face, looking like he wanted to dissolve into the floor. "Rhys, I told you. This woman is a total clout chaser. I said don't lend it, but you just had to be nice."

The beauty cut the recording and handed the phone back to me, looking a bit sheepish. "Thank you. You really helped me out."

The jeers around us were getting harsher. Watching her pretend to be unbothered while clutching her purse, I found it somewhat amusing.

Before I could stop myself, I spoke up. "How about I just buy you a phone? That way you won't have to go around begging strangers for props."

I added, "You seem like you really need one."

The beauty paused, then a genuine smile bloomed on her face. "I don't need it anymore. How about we exchange numbers? I'll treat you to a meal next time to thank you."

I was about to nod when Brooks grabbed my arm again, his voice a harsh whisper. "Don't do it! This kind of womanthick skin, pretty facethey're experts at scamming guys. Watch out, or you'll get played!"

I just smiled and accepted her friend request.

Brooks didn't know.

That girl was the sole heir of the Sterling family, the legendary princess who never showed her face in publicArabella Sterling.

I had been targeting her for a long time.

"Whose idea was this Truth or Dare punishment? Making me go to the Apple Store to act like an influencer wannabe? And reading such cringe lines? I've never been so humiliated!"

A group of her girlfriends were laughing so hard they were practically on the floor. "Well, who told you to lose the game, Arabella? Didn't Sasha have to hug a pillar in the mall elevator and scream 'Mommy'? We're even."

"Quick, show us the video!"

The group crowded around.

"Hahaha, Arabella, your expression is killer! So vain and artificial, I literally want to slap you!"

"But who's the guy who lent you the phone? He's hot. Great vibe."

The tips of Arabella's ears turned pink. Her fingers unconsciously traced the rim of her wine glass. "Just a kind passerby. There were so many people, but he was the only one willing to lend it to me."

"Ooh" The group immediately sniffed out the tea. "Is our Arabella catching feelings? A crush?"

Arabella rolled her eyes at them and opened her chat with me. It was empty.

She scolded them, "Get lost. Stop making things up."

But just like that, I was branded a traitor, publicly expelled and blacklisted from the entire industry by the very mentor I served.

All because she found her "true muse"Jagger.

Chapter 2

Today was the deadline for me to move out of the studio.

I silently packed my sketches and tools, dragging my suitcase toward the exit.

But Jagger blocked the doorway, arms crossed, looking down at me with a smirk. "Hold it. You're not taking a single thing that belongs to Sylvia."

As he spoke, he roughly unzipped my suitcase and dumped everything outmy design drafts accumulated over years, awards, even the reference books I bought with my own money and the folder containing access to my life savings. He dumped it all onto the floor like trash.

Only a few changes of clothes remained in the bag.

"I saved every penny in that account myself. You have no right to stop me from taking it," I shot back.

"You only rose in this industry because of Sylvia's name. You have no talent of your own. Why should you get to take anything?"

I looked toward the sofa nearby. My mentor, Sylvia, sat there watching coldly, saying nothing.

Chelsea, the senior colleague who used to look out for me, was busy fawning over Jagger, handing him water as if I didn't exist.

Humiliation burned through me.

I crouched down, silently stuffed my clothes back into the suitcase, tossed the financial folder aside, stood up, and gave them one last look.

Let them keep it for now. They couldn't withdraw the money without my password anyway.

I moved into my buddy Brooks's place.

While helping me make the bed, Brooks tried to comfort me. "It's alright, Rhys. Staying here is fine. That studio wasn't worth your time anyway!"

I knew this was only temporary.

Brooks always said I was naive, but he didn't know that someone dragged from the clouds into the mud learns to survive fast.

A fire was burning inside me. I was going to make Sylvia and Jagger regret this.

Running into Arabella at the Apple Store might just be my turning point. She had just returned from abroad, untouched by the toxicity of this circle.

Thank god for my looks and the skills I've honed over the years.

That was all I had left.

I promised to treat you to a meal. Are you free today?

Looking at the text, the curve of my lips grew wider.

That new Italian spot on Grand Avenue. 7 PM. See you there.

When I walked into the restaurant, the atmosphere felt charged.

Some diners pretended to study menus but kept stealing glances. Others held up phones for "selfies," but the lenses were clearly pointed my way.

Arabella was already by the window.

When she saw me, she gave an unnatural cough. Immediately, those people sat up straight, pretending nothing had happened.

But Arabella's ears turned red again.

I instantly understood. Her gossip-loving sisters.

I sat down opposite her.

I wore a black shirt I designed myself. Simple cut, but the details screamed craftsmanship, perfectly showing off my build. Understated, expensive.

"I haven't asked your name yet," I said, breaking the silence.

Arabella seemed nervous. "Ara Arabella. Just Bella. Bella as in beautiful."

I extended my hand, smiling warmly. "I'm Rhys."

Her fingertips were hot. The moment we touched, she pulled back as if shocked.

Arabella tried hard to maintain her cool, aloof persona, but her ears were burning. Stifled giggles drifted from surrounding tables.

Watching the flush spread to her neck, I knew I had made the right move.

This meal was worth it.

She was even more innocent than I imagined.

After dinner, we said our goodbyes. I stood at the entrance hailing a cab and faintly heard Arabella's suppressed voice from behind:

"Who told you guys to follow me? Huh? Staring like searchlights Scram, all of you!"

Chapter 3

I stood by the roadside waiting for an Uber. It was taking forever.

In the past, I always had a company car. The drop in my quality of life was painful.

I wondered if Jagger was currently enjoying everything that should have been mine.

Suddenly, the sky opened up. Soaked to the bone in seconds.

When I got back to Brooks's, he immediately handed me a towel. "What happened? Why didn't you find cover? Are you okay?"

He looked concerned.

My nose stung. I almost cried, but I held it back.

I, Rhys, had lived a life of glory for over twenty years. In the end, all that truly belonged to me was one brother, a draining bank account, and a twenty-four-year-old body.

From that moment on, my phone wouldn't stop buzzing. Arabella was relentless. She shared every trivial detail of her life.

"Dragged to a cocktail party. So boring. I want to go to the art museum with you. Can I still ask you out?"

In the photo she sent, I saw Jagger.

He was wearing a suit I designed, being introduced to industry big shots by Sylvia. He was smiling, looking incredibly pleased with himself.

The gala was lavish. She didn't hide anything, just zoomed out.

"My legs are numb from standing."

I understood the assignment.

"I noticed at the Apple Store you were exceptionally tall. Over 5'7", right?"

"5'9", barefoot."

I could picture her in a corner, bored, crossing her legs and smirking at my reply.

Unlike Jagger.

He had no talent; he only knew how to copy. Yet, relying on his smooth talking, he had won Sylvia's favor.

I was different.

Sylvia had been strict with me. She once said I was the most spirited designer she had ever seen. I worked harder than anyone. Reputation, money, accoladesI strove for them to bring glory to the studio.

Just as she was about to announce me as her successor, Jagger appeared.

He replaced me effortlessly.

I only found out recently that Sylvia knew Jagger stole my work, but she turned a blind eye. No wonder she wasn't happy when I won the international award.

The mentor who valued me, the colleagues who cared for menow they all revolved around Jagger.

I was the disposable one.

Except for Brooks.

So, what belonged to me, I had to take back.

Arabella messaged again. "Good thing I have you to chat with, otherwise this place would drive me insane."

I feigned curiosity. "What kind of party is it? Sounds important. Couldn't you skip it?"

"It's the celebration gala for Sylvia's studio. Celebrating their new designer, Jagger, winning a major award. My grandma knows Sylvia, so we had to come."

Jagger won an award? And a celebration gala?

My hand trembled. My phone hit the floor.

My blood, sweat, and tears, the countless all-nightersall of it had become the stepping stones for his sudden fame.

"What happened? That was loud."

I picked up the phone. "Dropped my phone. But why did your family attend? A gala of this level usually only invites people with real power, right?"

Arabella's reply was quick, playful. "Hehe, actually, I sneaked out behind Grandma's back. Want me to bring you something?"

"You're amazing," I replied. "Could you bring me a piece of tiramisu? Craving it."

"On it."

After agreeing on a meeting place, I looked at my shattered screen.

I couldn't just swap it for the latest model anymore.

This life had to end.

I prepared for the meeting. I was going to make sure Arabella took the bait completely.

Chapter 4

I popped into a 7-Eleven to pick up a few things, hoping to add spice to my "date."

But I never made it.

Parked outside was a Ferrari I knew all too well.

Chelsea stepped out of the driver's seat. She opened the passenger door for Jagger. He was dressed like royalty.

"Chelsea, this place is a dump. I don't want to stay here for a second," Jagger complained, nose wrinkling.

Chelsea brushed hair from his forehead, her tone dripping with indulgence. "We're just here to scare Brooks off. Tell him to stop helping Rhys. Just hang in there, Jag."

Brooks was my brother. My best friend.

My eyes went red.

Threaten him? Just because he took me in?

Chelsea are you really this heartless?

All for Jagger?

Once they use you up, they throw you out like trash.

I crouched in the shadows until the Ferrari roared away.

Brooks's family company was heavily dependent on the corporation that owned Sylvia's studio.

When I got back, Brooks's father was cold. His mother looked at me with disdain. Brooks stood in the middle, pained.

"Rhys, I"

I squeezed out a smile. "Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, sorry for the trouble. Thank you for taking me in. I won't bother you anymore."

I sat by the roadside, suitcase against my leg. Tears smashed onto the pavement.

I checked my phone. 99+ unread messages.

I expected abuse from Chelsea, or taunts from Jagger.

To my surprise, it was all Arabella.

I had almost forgotten her.

Rhys, I'm here. Early. Didn't want you to wait.

Holy crap, saw a stray cat do parkour. Sending pic.

Two hours later.

Are you here yet?

I dressed up for you. I look good. Hehe.

Got the tiramisu. Waiting.

Another hour.

Where are you?

Do you not want to talk to me?

Tiramisu is melting. I ate it for you.

Rhys, let me treat you next time, okay?

Several missed calls.

Where are you? Did something happen? Text me '1' if you see this.

I wiped the rain and tears from my face.

Sorry, Bella. Family emergency. Can't make it.

Eat the cake.

Sorry I made you wait.

I dragged my suitcase down the empty street.

If I asked to crash at Arabella's, she probably wouldn't refuse.

But.

I didn't want to.

It would make me look cheap. Being abandoned and hunted was humiliating enough.

Brooks called.

I tried to sound normal. "Hello? I'm fine. Found a hotel. King-size bed. Talk tomorrow. Silver lining, right?"

Silence.

"Rhys, stop pretending. I'm across the street."

"My parents are jerks, but I'm not. I can help."

I turned around.

Brooks stood there, holding an umbrella.

Chapter 5

He shoved a key into my hand. "Compensation from my dad. Rhys, get it together."

Twenty-four. Supposed to be my prime. Instead, I felt like trash.

Yet Brooks stood there like a knight.

"Thanks," I choked out.

He grabbed my suitcase. "Don't mention it."

On the way to the apartment, I saw someone on a roadside bench.

A melted cake box on her lap. Head bowed, eyes glued to her phone.

Arabella.

The spare apartment was dusty. I thought about a cleaning service, checked my balance, and abandoned the idea.

Arabella hadn't messaged, but my phone kept vibrating.

Brooks left. "Can't stay out. Call if you need anything."

"Okay."

I hugged a pillow.

Sylvia used to be strict with me too. Now? She wouldn't care if I died in a ditch. Jagger was her new "Muse."

I video-called Arabella.

She picked up instantly.

"I thought you hated me! I thought you were done with me."

"You said family emergency. Do you need help?"

"Just say the word."

"You lent me your phone. I owe you."

"I really thought you were ghosting me."

One second, a "sad girl" post. Next, a "fully recharged" meme. The whiplash was real. She must have grown up surrounded by love to be this resilient.

A stranger stood her up, vanished, then called back. Most heiresses would think I was playing games.

Not her. "Do you need help?"

I looked into her eyes. Pure. Untainted.

"Bella, why did you call so many times?"

"Because I was worried."

I smiled. "You care this much about everyone?"

She panicked. "No! Only you."

"Is that so?" I teased.

Arabella flushed crimson. "Because you're different."

I gazed at her. "Arabella, I want to be your boyfriend. Will you let me?"

Ten, nine, eight

If she refused, I'd walk away. I couldn't afford to play with fire if I was just going to get burned.

"Rhys, did you think I liked you? Just for fun." I couldn't handle that.

Four, three

She snapped out of it, ears burning. "Re really?"

"I Yes! I'd love to!"

I smiled, genuinely. The exhaustion vanished. "Go to sleep, Bella."

Chapter 6

Now that Arabella had agreed, I was going to use my status as her boyfriend to claw my way back into the circle I once knew and reclaim everything that was mine.

I knew it wasn't fair to Arabella, but I had no choice. Blacklisted by the entire industry, I couldn't break out of this cage on my own, no matter how talented I was.

Sylvia's studio might be powerful, but compared to Arabella's family, it was like comparing a candle to the sun.

She added me to her group chat with her besties.

"Ahem, let me introduce you guys. This is my boyfriend."

Me: "Hi everyone, I'm Rhys."

They were all friends Arabella had grown up with overseas, so they didn't recognize me. But I knew it wouldn't be long before the scandal of me being "expelled" spread through the entire circle.

We set up our first official date.

I went on an empty stomach.

Sylvia had frozen my bank accounts, so all I had on me was the wad of cash that Jagger had "bestowed" upon me.

That day, he had smashed my portfolio case and torched the precious sketches inside.

"Rhys, you copied all of these from me! And you think you can take them with you? Keep dreaming!"

He threw a stack of bills at me.

"Don't say we treated you poorly."

"This is what you deserve. You've been living a stolen life for years, Rhys. You owe me this."

At that moment, my mentor, Sylvia, just stood there, watching coldly. Chelsea even fanned the flames for Jagger, as if afraid the fire wasn't burning hot enough.

That day, I ran out of the studio and found Brooks. He took me to the Apple Store, hoping a new phone might cheer me up.

And then, Arabella appeared.

She stood at the entrance and asked, "Can anyone lend me a phone?"

I wanted to hold onto her.

So, I gave her the phone.

Arabella took me to meet her friends. "The girls are dying to meet you. Come on, I need to show them that I'm not going to be single forever. My boyfriend is handsome and talented!"

I agreed.

But the moment I walked into the private room, my blood ran cold.

There was someone sitting inside that I knew.

Regina, the heiress to another top design studio, was looking at me with a smirk that wasn't quite a smile. "Arabella, this is your boyfriend?"

Before Arabella could even introduce us, Regina spoke up. The mockery in her tone was undisguised.

"I don't just know him. I used to chase after him."

The noisy room instantly fell silent, and everyone's gaze locked onto me. The vibe in the room instantly dropped to sub-zero.

Regina swirled her wine glass and let out a light laugh. "Why so quiet all of a sudden?"

She stood up slowly, walked over to me, and looked me up and down with an air of superiority.

"It's true, I pursued him. For two whole years. And he never even gave me the time of day."

"After all, the great Designer Rhys was known for his high standards. He was notoriously hard to get."

Her tone shifted, dripping with malice. "But now I bet any woman who throws you a bone can get you to wag your tail and follow her home."

Someone couldn't take it anymore. "Regina, what is that supposed to mean?!"

"We invited you here because we thought you were a friend."

Arabella yanked me behind her. Her slender frame somehow shielded me completely, blocking Regina's venomous stare.

"Are you done