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

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!"

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!"