Chapter 3
My words made Leonard’s eyes flicker with something like fear.
But Priya jumped in first: “Maya, Leo built his company through hard work and pure talent. He earned his success and financial freedom all by himself. Stop acting like you had anything to do with it.”
I stared at her in disbelief. Talent? Hard work? Financial freedom?
The man couldn’t even understand a basic business proposal, and now he was some kind of genius?
When he wanted to start his company, I gave him a hundred grand from my own savings and got my dad to throw him several million-dollar contracts.
I even had my father transfer some of his top executives to Leonard’s company so he wouldn’t fail. I did all of this without telling him because I didn’t want to hurt his precious ego.
Only Leonard was stupid enough to think these industry veterans chose his tiny startup because they saw his “potential.”
Without me pulling strings behind the scenes, there’s no way he could’ve turned a small company into something about to go public in just two years.
The other college kids started whispering among themselves after hearing our conversation.
“Wait, did that woman just say this is her house and Priya’s the mistress? Do you think there’s any truth to that?”
“I mean, it’s possible. That woman looks about the same age as Priya’s boyfriend. I always thought it was weird that Priya was dating someone so much older-what if she’s being played?”
“But if this was really the wife catching the mistress, would a cheating husband really protect his side piece this boldly?”
“Ooh, this is getting spicy. Let’s see how this plays out.”
The pixie-cut girl couldn’t stand listening to their speculation anymore and snapped.
“Stop making stuff up! This is totally Priya’s house-I’ve been here tons of times. I’ve literally seen Priya and her boyfriend in the master bedroom together, and I’ve met her mom. Now that woman is true old money elegance.”
My stomach churned thinking about them rolling around in my bed. Absolutely disgusting.
Priya twisted the diamond ring on her finger and spoke up again.
“This is my home, and everyone here can vouch for that. You’re the one who needs to leave. Leo, I don’t want to look at her anymore. Can you make her go?”
Leonard nodded without hesitation. “It’s your house, babe. Whatever makes you happy.”
The short-haired girl grabbed a fistful of my hair and started dragging me toward the door.
“Lady, you need some serious self-awareness. I’ve never seen someone so shameless about stealing other people’s boyfriends. How are you this desperate?”
Then she called out to the others.
“Hey guys, want to see what this slut looks like with her clothes off? Let’s give Priya some real payback!”
My eyes went wide with panic as I instinctively covered my chest.
Some of the guys were already getting excited, reaching out to rip at my clothes.
I fought back desperately, screaming at Leonard, hoping he’d stop them and save me.
Leonard frowned and started to raise his hand to intervene, but Priya grabbed his arm.
“Leo, relax. My friends know when to stop-they just want to stick up for me. Plus, this way you’ll have way more leverage over her later, right?”
Leonard’s expression cleared as he touched her cheek affectionately. They both watched as my clothes got torn to shreds.
“Let me go! This is assault-you’re all breaking the law!”
The short-haired girl slapped me hard across the face.
“We’re doing society a favor. Besides, don’t you love stealing men? We’ve got plenty of guys right here-you should be thrilled.”
As soon as she finished speaking, I felt countless hands all over my body…
Just when I thought all hope was lost, a voice rang out from the doorway.
