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