Fake It Till I Own It: Reborn Heiress Takes It All Back

When I'm scouring for food in the dumpster, I get recognized and taken home by the richest man in the city, Maverick Clark.

As soon as I get home, Camila Clark, the fake heiress who has taken my spot for many years, asks our parents with an aggrieved look, Mom, Dad, now that the actual heiress is home, does that mean I have to leave now?

Upon noticing the frowns on my parents' faces, I quickly sink down on my knees and begin pleading to them pitifully.

"Mom, Dad, if you don't like me, I'll just go back to the alley you found me at."

Camila Clark, you stole my identity and the affection meant for me by pretending to be frail and weak in the previous life. That was how I ended up dying on the streets from starvation.

This time, not only will I kick you out of the Clark family, but I'll also take back the assets and identity you've swindled from my parents by playing the pity card!

Aren't you the most skilled in acting pitiful?

Let's see who's better at tricking the Clarks into voluntarily giving away their assets and social standing on a silver platter!

Chapter 1

On my first day back with the Clark family, I stood looking at the enormous house, a feeling of familiarity mixed with strangeness washing over me.

Dad smiled at me. "Do you like any particular room? Pick one to stay in for now."

I nodded. "Then I'll take this study."

In my past life, the two best rooms on the second floor had both been occupied by my little sister, Camila Clark. One was her bedroom, the other her study. To please my family, I had given them up and moved into a dark, cramped storage room instead.

Sure enough, Dad looked embarrassed. "Beth, why don't you choose a different room? This one is your sister's study."

In my previous life, I would have already compromised, but this time I wasn't going to try so hard to please everyone.

I lowered my head, my voice small and weak. "I'm sorry, Dad. I thought I really could choose my own room."

Camila immediately lowered her head and began to sob, her voice trembling. "Why would you say that, Beth? If you want it, I'll just move out. After all, I'm the one who took over what wasn't mine in the first place."

My brother, Noel Clark, immediately rushed to comfort her, shooting me a disgusted look. "There are so many other rooms in the house. Why do you have to fight over Camy's study?"

Mom spoke up then as well. "Camila has finals coming up. She needs a quiet space to focus. You can stay in one of the other rooms."

I nodded meekly, letting my shoulders slump. "It's okay. I'm just grateful to have a place to rest now. Before, when I was living on the streets, I kept getting soaked by the rain and had to sleep hiding behind dumpsters."

When they heard this, everyone looked shocked. Dad felt guilty and immediately turned to give orders to the helpers. "Clear out Camila's study for Beth right away. Everything should be arranged exactly how Beth wants it!"

Then he turned back to me. "Beth, don't be afraid. From now on, you'll have a share of everything in this house! If there's anything uncomfortable about where you're staying, just tell the maids."

I nodded obediently, playing my part.

Seeing this, the others couldn't argue back. Camila looked like I'd just ruined her day, her face twisted with displeasure. When she looked at me, there was a trace of venom in her eyes.

I ignored her and walked into my room.

In my last life, I'd given in on everything to fit into this family. I'd walked on eggshells, never defended myself even when misunderstood, convinced I could earn my family's approval through compliance.

Instead, all it earned me was worse treatmentmore accusations, more suppression.

This time, I was going to take back everything that belonged to me on my own terms.

Chapter 2

A few days later, my birthday was coming up. Dad instructed Noel to have several custom dresses made for me.

Once they were ready, Noel tossed the clothes in front of me. "Dad told me to get these for you. Make sure you wear one to the birthday party."

I caught the disdain in his voice but just smiled awkwardly, rubbing at a stain on my current outfit. "Do I look that dirty? This is the cleanest thing I own. These dresses are beautiful, though. Thank you."

Noel looked a bit guilty and opened his mouth to say something, but Camila cut him off.

"These are gorgeous." Her eyes filled with tears as she looked up at Noel. "Have you all forgotten about me now that Beth's back?"

Her lower lip trembled as she stared at him pitifully. I had to hand it to her. What a performance!

Noel immediately scrambled to reassure her. "Of course not, Camy! Look what I got you."

He opened his palm, revealing a car key.

Camila's eyes lit up instantly. "A sports car! You're so good to me!"

Noel gazed at her fondly. "Of course. You're my only sister."

Only sister? Right.

I stood there speechless. Camila wasn't done yet, though.

"But Beth's dresses are so pretty. I've never had anything this beautiful."

I asked, "Do you want them, Camy?"

She looked down. "No, I wouldn't dare take what belongs to you."

So I decided to play dumb and state the obvious. "That car costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. These dresses are maybe ten thousand at most.

"Noel clearly treats you better, doesn't he? What are you complaining about? Do you think he doesn't do enough for you?"

Camila rushed to explain. "No, that's not what I meant! The car and the dresses are both gifts from Noel. I would never measure them by price! It's just that he's never picked out clothes for me before."

She paused, still looking down. "If you want the car, I can give it to you."

Her voice was small and hurt as she glanced at Noel.

"In that case" Before Noel could respond, I snatched the car key from his hand.

"I'll take it then."

Mom walked in just in time to witness this, her face filling with disapproval. "Beth, you're the older sister. How can you take things from your younger sister?"

I looked startled. "Camy offered it to me herself."

Mom glanced at Camila, who was already crying softly, and her tone sharpened. "Beth, you just came back from the streets. I understand you don't know better yet, but you can't be this selfish with your sister!"

"I'm selfish?" I asked, my eyes widening with practiced innocence. "But these things were always supposed to be mine."

"You..." Mom was about to continue when Dad interrupted.

"Beth is right. We've neglected her all these years. It's time we made it up to her." He turned to Camila. "You don't need this car, Camy. Let Beth have it."

He set down his newspaper and stood up. "Come on, Beth. I have some free time today. Let's enroll you in driving school."

"Thanks, Dad!" I smiled at him.

As we left together, I heard Mom sigh behind us. "You're going to spoil her rotten."

She headed upstairs.

Noel put his arm around Camila. "Don't be upset with Dad, Camy. I'll buy you an even better car next time."

Camila nodded sweetly. "Don't worry. I'm not mad at Dad or Beth."

But despite her words, the darkness in her eyes only deepened.

Chapter 3

Camila had originally been my replacement. Though she was a year younger than I was, our birthdays were close together. Hers fell the day before mine.

To celebrate my return home, the Clark family planned a birthday party for me. But even though they said it was for me, they scheduled it on her birthday.

In my past life, she'd trapped me in a bathroom to keep me from attending. The Clarks thought I'd thrown a tantrum over the date and decided I was petty and immature. They transferred the company shares meant for me to Camila instead.

Back in the present, Dad asked me the same question he had before. "I know it's not fair to move your birthday up, but celebrating early is better than late, right? Can you let your sister have this one? Next year we'll do them separately."

Before I could answer, Camila started her act again. "If Beth doesn't want to, we can celebrate on her actual birthday. I don't mind."

Her voice broke with a sniffle.

Noel clicked his tongue. "Bethany, it's just one day early. Do you always have to make things difficult for Camila?"

I ignored Noel and tilted my head at Dad. "I never said I didn't agree. No one's ever thrown me a birthday party before anyway. I'm used to it."

Noel shifted uncomfortably.

Dad shot him a glare. "Keep your mouth shut!"

He turned to Camila. "You'll celebrate on Beth's day this year, Camila. Two parties in a row would waste company resources."

Camila nodded slowly, tears welling in her eyes. "Okay."

"That's settled then." Dad's tone was final. "Since Camila's willing, that's what we'll do. Everyone, go get ready."

After the others dispersed, Camila stayed behind. Her face went cold. "Don't celebrate too soon, Bethany."

A few days later, the party began. Guests were still arriving when Camila walked over to me with a smile. She pretended to trip, spilling her drink all over my dress.

"Oh no, Beth! I'm so sorry! Let me help you change in the bathroom!"

I didn't show any suspicion. I just smiled and nodded. "Okay!"

I walked into the bathroom with the outfit she'd handed me. Behind me, Camila smirked. "What an idiot."

While I was changing, I heard several loud clangs. When I tried the door, it wouldn't open, and the clothes I'd hung on the door hook had vanished too.

"Camila?" I called out cautiously.

No response.

I unfolded the outfit she'd given me. It was a janitor's uniform. Even if I managed to get out, I'd humiliate the Clark family.

Back at the party, all the guests had arrived. Dad picked up the microphone and cleared his throat.

"Welcome, everyone, to my daughter's birthday celebration. Today isn't just my daughter Camila's birthday. It's also the birthday of my long-lost biological daughter, Bethany!"

The room buzzed with whispers.

"Mr. Clark has another daughter? Why hasn't he mentioned her before?"

"Didn't you hear? She was lost for years. That means the current one isn't his real daughter."

"I see. I should introduce myself to the real heiress then."

Camila's expression soured as she overheard the gossip.

"Now please welcome both my daughters to the stage!"

As Dad finished speaking, applause thundered through the room. Camila stepped onto the stage under everyone's gaze, but I was nowhere to be seen.

Gradually, the guests grew restless again.

"Where's Mr. Clark's real daughter?"

"I heard the girl the Clarks found used to dig through trash for food."

"No wonder she's not coming up. She's probably never seen anything this fancy."

Dad's face flushed as whispers spread. He leaned down and asked quietly, "Where's your sister?"

Camila looked confused. "I haven't seen Beth at all."

He frowned and immediately ordered a nearby security guard, "Go find Bethany. Now!"

Chapter 4

The security guard nodded and left.

Dad turned back to the guests with an apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry, everyone. My daughter isn't feeling well today, so she won't be able to greet you all. Hopefully, we can introduce you properly another time."

He stepped off the stage. Camila hurried after him.

Below the stage, Noel turned to Dad. "Bethany has no manners! She doesn't know how to behave in public!"

Mom looked equally displeased. "How unreliable. How can we trust her to help manage the company in the future?"

Camila's voice dripped with false sympathy. "Beth must be nervous, but disappearing like that really was too much."

Dad nodded, his disappointment clear. "We'll need to give her some proper guidance. Freezing up at such an important event!"

Just then, the security guard approached. "Mr. Clark, we found Ms. Bethany."

"Where is she?" Dad's tone was stern.

"In the bathroom."

"What?" Dad looked confused. "What's she doing there? Take us to her."

The bathroom door had been locked from the outside. They opened it easily.

When Mom saw me in the janitor's uniform, she didn't ask if I was okay. Instead, she launched right into accusations. "Bethany, do you have any idea how much damage you've done to our company's reputation by disappearing like that?"

Noel chimed in. "You're an adult and you still cause problems! You're nothing like Camila!"

Even Dad frowned. "Beth, what's going on?"

I looked at them innocently. "The door was locked from the outside. Obviously someone did this on purpose. Why are you blaming me for something so obvious? Are you deliberately trying to make things difficult for me?"

Everyone looked embarrassed. Dad tried to smooth things over. "We were just worried about you. Don't overthink it. Do you know who locked you in?"

I looked at Camila.

"Camy spilled her drink on me and told me to come change. But after that, she disappeared. My clothes and phone were gone, and the door was locked. I couldn't get it open no matter what I tried.

"I thought maybe everyone found me embarrassing and had Camy lock me in here. If I'd known I was causing so much trouble, I would've climbed out the window."

Everyone turned to stare at Camila.

"What's this about?" Dad looked at her sternly. "And I remember you saying you hadn't seen Beth at all?"

Camila's eyes widened in panic, then filled with tears. "Beth, I know you can't stand me, but you can't frame me like this! This has nothing to do with me!"

As soon as Camila started crying, they all took her side again.

Mom immediately defended her. "Camila never lies. How could she do something like this?"

Noel chimed in with a rebuke. "Bethany, you can't just accuse Camila to avoid responsibility. You have no manners!"

I frowned, about to speak, but Camila cut me off with more theatrics. "Beth, I know you resent me for taking your place and everyone's affection, but you can't falsely accuse me and hurt everyone like this!"

Dad's expression grew serious. "Beth, you can't say things that cause trouble in this family."

I didn't answer directly. In my past life, I'd had no evidence. Faced with everyone's bias toward Camila, I couldn't defend myself.

This time was different. Instead, I raised my hand and pointed at the wall directly across from the bathroom entrance. "If you don't believe me, check the security cameras!"