I looked at Maximilian, weighing the pros and cons of forcing a marriage versus just taking the job at OmniCorp.
He adjusted his gold–rimmed glasses.
“We’ve had a family issue. It seems there was a mix–up at the hospital years ago. My biological sister was swapped with the one on my birth certificate.”
X
“My biological sister, Jenna Croft, came to us today. While she was telling us about the hardships she’s faced, she mentioned you.”
“She seems to hold a strong grudge against you. She claims you abused a beastman and made her life difficult in various ways…”
“I tried to explain, but my parents think I’m just covering for you…”
Unbelievable. The villain playing the victim.
Before I could speak, Maximilian continued.
“Calla, I know you’re not that kind of person. There must be some misunderstanding between you. So I’d like to bring you home with me, to meet my parents…”
The System was one step ahead of me.
[It’s useless for the villain to bring the villainess home. The Graves mansion is the FL’s turf now!]
[Takedown incoming!]
I thought of the security footage I had saved from my living room.
I wondered if Maximilian’s parents were as easily fooled.
If I didn’t go, the misunderstanding would only deepen.
If I went, and presented my case, there might be a surprising outcome.
I went with him.
Maximilian had prepared all the gifts, carefully chosen based on his parents‘ tastes.
On the way, I frowned at the excited chatter of the System.
Maximilian, thinking I was nervous, took my hand.
“It’s okay, Calla. I’ll always be on your side.”
I nodded.
“I know.”
14:57 Mon, Aug
The Rolls–Royce glided into a lavish, gated community.
The commentary grew more crowded.
[Here we go! I bet this is the iconic scene!]
[Let the show begin!]
93%
X
The car came to a stop.
The door was opened from the outside.
As I stepped out, I saw Maximilian’s parents.
And my scalp went numb.
Two faces. So familiar.
The resemblance was staggering.
Ninety percent, at least.
My pupils dilated, and my fingers trembled.
My knowledge of basic biology was screaming at me.
Something was wrong.
The System was wrong.
The plot was wrong.
Jenna Croft was probably not the true heiress at all.
She was a cuckoo, laying her eggs in another bird’s nest.
Over and over again.
Taking what didn’t belong to her.
I looked up.
Jenna stood beside Mrs. Graves, her features bearing no resemblance to either of Maximilian’s
parents.
The person who truly resembled them was the new beastman handler I had just hired.
My expression was an open book.
The System was confused.
