Chapter 4

In the days that followed, I set myself a rigorous schedule.

I woke up at five in the morning and kept doing practice questions, studying until the early hours.

On the very day my interviews concluded, Noah's call came through impatiently, asking about them.

After I gave him a positive answer, Noah's barely contained excitement was palpable through the phone.

Ten days later, the interview results from the industry-leading company were announced. At the same time, I received a text message on my phone, reporting for a temporary janitorial position.

I immediately posted a social media update visible only to Chloe.

"After a year of preparation, I finally passed the exam and company interviews. A new beginning."

The post included a picture of my score and the text message notifying me of my new job.

The next day, as I went to my room to pack, Noah, with a grim face, blocked my way.

Noah gnashed his teeth, seething with rage.

"Cassie, do you have any shame?! You didn't even attend the company interviews, so how dare you pretend you got a job?!"

My heart tightened. How did he know?

Just as I grew tense, Noah continued.

"And don't think I don't know this: Chloe was the one who scored 99! How dare you pass off her achievement as your own?!"

I quickly pulled out my phone to check.

Sure enough, the job notification text I'd received yesterday was gone.

It seemed Chloe had already used her dark ritual, exchanging ten years of her life to swap my janitorial position.

I couldn't help but curve my lips into a smile. Seeing this, Noah became even more enraged.

"You dare smile? You're absolutely shameless!"

I sneered.

"We're breaking up right now! You can be with Chloe!"

Noah hadn't expected this reaction from me and panicked.

"Fine! If you want to break up, then break up! Don't come crying back!"

I watched him leave with cold eyes.

That evening, just as expected, Chloe eagerly announced her Certified Senior Real Estate Broker Exam pass on her live stream, even showing the acceptance text message from the industry-leading company.

"Holy crap, she actually passed!"

"OMG, please share your secret! I'd pay 9999 dollars for it!"

The chat was filled with praise for Chloe. Her live stream's popularity skyrocketed, hitting number one in trending.

Chloe clearly perked up at the mention of money. She cleared her throat.

"I'm not doing this for the money. I mainly want to help more students pass the exam. I'll share my study methods with everyone when I get a chance."

"I'm starting my new job next week. I'll do a live stream from there on my first day. No one can doubt me then, right?!"

In a flash, it was my reporting day. I put on a suit, tied my hair into a high ponytail, and set off, feeling invigorated.

Just as I reached the company entrance, I heard a furious shout.

"You seriously don't give up! You actually followed me here."