This was her way of telling me that if I didn't obey her like the other students, running errands for her, she'd find ways to make my life difficult, starting with canceling my financial aid.

I turned my back on her, giving her no chance to speak further, and she stormed off in anger.

After she left, Joel came in.

In front of everyone, he held a bouquet and approached me.

"Erica, do you have plans later? I'd like to take you out for dinner."

I knew his friends were peeking from outside the door, and Juliette, who had been chasing Joel, was also watching.

Oblivious to the truth, Juliette sneered, "She doesn't have time; she's busy collecting trash. Joel, what's with your taste? Shouldn't you get your eyes checked?"

To spite Juliette, I took the flowers from Joel. "I don't have other plans."

Joel's eyes lit up with joy, and he glanced smugly at his friends outside. "Shall we go then?"

As we left, I hooked my arm through Joel's and said to Juliette, "Jealousy makes you ugly."

Juliette's face turned pale.

This was just the beginning. The real show was yet to come.

I wasn't going to let any of those who caused my downfall in my past life go unpunished.

Once we were off-campus and out of sight, I let go of Joel's hand and changed my demeanor.

"I suddenly have something to do. Let's have dinner another time."

Joel was taken aback by my sudden change but quickly caught on. "You did that to spite Juliette, didn't you?"

I knew that if I immediately agreed to be Joel's girlfriend to win against Juliette, he would lose interest soon.

Just like in my past life, once he made me fall for him and won the bet, he dumped me instantly, holding Juliette's hand the next moment and mocking me for being delusional.

I wanted both Joel and Juliette to lose their bet miserably.

This act had to continue.

I said coolly, "I admit I accepted your invitation just to spite Juliette. I won't just fall in love with anyone. I only like those who are genuinely kind to me. Sorry, even though you're a great guy, I have no feelings for you."

For someone like Joel, a rich boy who was used to getting his way, a challenge was enticing.

I had to strike a balance, not pushing him away completely or making it too easy.

Sure enough, Joel's interest was piqued. "Don't worry, Erica, my feelings are genuine. If you don't believe me, I'll prove it with my actions."