The Poverty Lie Of The Lincoln Heir

I was eating the subsidized mealthe 0-0.99 'Financial Aid' specialin the cafeteria when I scrolled past the livestream.
On the screen, my ID tag was clipped to the collar of a golden retriever.
Atherton Universitys elite It Girls were playing a ring toss game.
Whoever managed to loop a ring over the dog was declared my "master."
The golden retrievers neck already had four brightly colored rings stacked on it.
Savannah Savvy Shaw, the Student Council President, let out a light, dismissive laugh.
How delightful. It looks like well all be playing with the same little puppy, then.
Phoebe Alcott, the financial departments resident new queen, raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow.
A new transfer on an aid package? Hell be completely obsessed. Well have him wrapped around our fingers before the month is out.
Willow Bellweather, the campuss reigning drama star, leaned forward excitedly.
Why dont we make a bet? A full month. Lets see which one of us the puppy becomes most devoted to?
Anya Wells, the medical genius known for her cold precision, didnt speak, but the look in her eyes was all high-stakes certainty.
I closed the app and let a slow, cold smirk crawl across my face.
What a coincidence.
My father sent me to Atherton precisely to select a fiance from among these four families.
How unfortunate for them. You all just failed the test.
1
In the livestream, the girl on camera laughed and called the dog by my alias.
Lincoln Asher, heel! Come here.
Good boy!
A poor transfer student running into four evil villains right at the start of his college life? How unlucky for him!
The surrounding crowd erupted in a roar of laughter.
Isnt that why poor students come to Atherton? To climb the social ladder? He must be thrilled right now!
I recall the last few victims you girls had were either physically scarred or forced to drop out. Maybe try something new this time?
I cant wait to see the pathetic, lovesick look on his face!
Savannah leaned against a guythe host, I assumedwith a playful, seductive smile.
It was your idea, Chad. Were just playing along, and now youre calling us mean?
Phoebe stood on the guys other side, stroking his sculpted bicep with a look of mock helplessness.
Exactly. Last time, we were too easy on him. The guy just cried a little, and you were bored again.
What exactly do we have to do to satisfy you, Princess?
Willow twirled a strand of her perfectly highlighted hair, confidence radiating off her.
Just weave a beautiful, rags-to-riches fantasy for the poor boy. I know that script inside and out.
Come on, place your bets! Im putting down a million dollars on myself!
Anya remained impassive, calmly taking a seat.
Fifteen million.
They could shame me all they wanted; I didn't care.
After all, I wasnt Lincoln Asher. My real name was Asher Lincoln.
I had taken on a fake identity as a poor student to quietly vet the candidates for my future wife, as per my fathers instructions.
But what did anger me was the casual crueltythe absolute lack of remorse as they humiliated and hurt innocent people.
I shook my head in utter disappointment. The four little tagalongs who used to follow me around as children had morphed into this.
Zero out of a hundred.
They were fundamentally flawed. These people were not fit to be the future mistress of the Lincoln empire.
Just as I was about to lock my phone, a few new comments popped up on the stream.
[Why are four women revolving around just one guy?! Is he planning to marry them all?]
[Duh, thats Chadwick Riley! The Chad Riley! The future of the Riley Group!]
[Theyre his childhood friends! They swore even if they didn't marry Chad, theyd dedicate their lives to him!]
Chadwick Riley? The Riley Group?
Since when did my parents decide to give me a younger brother I didnt know about?
I was still puzzling over this when a shadow fell over my table.
I looked up. Savannah and Phoebe had flanked me, sitting on either side, while Willow and Anya took the opposing seats.
The noisy cafeteria instantly fell silent. Every single eye in the room was fixed on my table.
Savannah, ever the gracious hostess, reached out naturally to brush a non-existent piece of lint from my shirt.
Why are you eating this garbage, sweetie?
I forced myself to take a few miserable bites of rice.
Im poor. No money.
A flicker of contemptquickly maskedpassed through all four pairs of eyes.
Willow slipped into character instantly, taking my hand.
Someone as handsome as you shouldnt be eating scraps.
She pulled me straight out of the dining hall, shoved me into a luxury SUV, and we were whisked toward the citys most famous Michelin five-star restaurant.
I had to suppress a tiny moment of confusion. Isn't this place just my dining room?
The head chef at this restaurant was one my parents had personally hired to cook for me whenever I was in town, and they had conveniently opened a restaurant around him.
The moment we walked in, the manager spotted me, hurried over, and was about to greet me as "Sir" or "Owner."
I gave him a subtle shake of the head.
He immediately understood, his respectful expression flawless.
Phoebe pulled out my chair for me.
Order anything you want. Its just some basic home-style cooking.
In my house, yes, it is, I thought with a silent laugh.
They began showing off, describing every exclusive dish in exaggerated detail. But I was already tired of all of it, my appetite nonexistent. I poked listlessly at the food.
In their eyes, my lack of enthusiasm was interpreted quite differently.
They must have assumed I didnt even know how to eat such fine cuisine.
Anya reached across the table, took a deep-sea blue crab claw, expertly cracked it, and brought the meat right to my mouth.
I caught the glint of the small pinhole camera on her chest and was suddenly intrigued.
I feigned bashfulness.
Anya, I heard your hands are only used for scalpel work.
A muscle twitched in Anyas cheek. It took her a long moment to reply.
Youre special.
So you can be disgusted, but I cant play along?
I leaned in, acting shy and awkward, my face flushed as I took the bite.
For the rest of the meal, the four of them took turns doting on me: clipping off greens, peeling shrimp, wiping the corner of my mouth. They didn't stop for a minute.
I played my role dutifully, a convincing, smitten pauper with each of them.
I was exhausted and ready to roll my eyes by the time I collapsed back into my dorm room. My roommates expressions were... complex.
I opened my phone. Sure enough, Chad Riley was streaming again.
The footage of Anya feeding me the crab leg was on a loop. The comments were hysterical.
Willow slapped her thigh, doubled over in laughter.
I almost lost it! His expression was so genuine! He truly thinks hes the male lead in a romance drama!
Anyas face was dark with annoyance.
Funny? I washed my hands three times with medical-grade sanitizer afterward. I still feel contaminated.
Phoebe patted Anya's shoulder, trying to hold back her own laughter.
The poor student is probably head-over-heels now! Congrats, Anya! Hahaha!
After that event, the four of them only became more attentive.
Flowers, gifts, elaborate invitations.
I played my role day in and day out, acting as their entertainment for the stream. Even when my classmates snickered as I walked past, I pretended to be blissfully unaware.
Until one evening.
I was suddenly pulled into a shadowed corner.
The person who grabbed me swallowed hard, then spoke in a rush.
Lincoln, youre being played! Those girls are not good people!
Nearly everyone in the school was aware of my predicament. For a month, most had either watched for entertainment or been too afraid to intervene.
She was the only one who had dared to warn me.
Before I could say anything, she was roughly shoved away, stumbling and falling to the floor.
The Quad Squad stood in front of me.
Savannah flashed her Student Council badge like a shield.
Stay away from Asher!
Youre on an aid packageI suggest you dont get any ideas about Lincoln, or Ill make sure you never graduate from Atherton!
She turned to me, her tone instantly softening and testing.
Lincoln, she didnt say anything weird to you, did she?
I shook my head, my face blank and confused.
They finally relaxed.
Its your birthday at the end of the month, right? Were taking you to a gala auction to buy you a gift.
I quickly caught upI had filled in a random date for my fake profileand slipped into character.
You you remember my birthday? Im so touched!
But Ive never been to an auction. Ill embarrass you
They told me not to worry. Before the event, a bespoke custom suit was delivered to my dorm.
I frowned.
Wait. My own custom, limited-edition formalwear is currently hanging in my closet. Why is a duplicate in their possession?
I had a flash of realization, opened my phone, and searched for Chad Riley's stream. He was live.
Bringing the poor boy out to see the real world again.
His suit? I lent it to him. I never wear my formalwear twice.
He covered his mouth to stifle a laugh, showing off the three-hundred-million-dollar timepiece on his wrist.
I bet he doesnt even know how to tie a bow tie. Think hell make a complete fool of himself?
My face went cold.
Chads suit, his watch, his ringevery single piece of "luxury" he worewas mine.
I walked out as if nothing had happened.
The Quad Squad was waiting for me at the venue entrance. Chad was there too, phone held high, ready to live-stream my anticipated disaster.
The moment I stepped out, everyone in the ballroomnot just the four womenturned to stare.
Who is that?
Is he from one of the Singaporean families?
Chads face twisted with jealousy as he watched the girls' eyes practically glue themselves to me.
I tossed my hair back nonchalantly.
Theyre only staring because they know the name of the man who owns this suit.
The jewelry auction began. I was bored.
Under the four girls' urging, I casually pointed to a watch.
Willow immediately called out a price.
Three hundred thousand!
To my surprise, Anya countered.
Five hundred thousand!
Sorry, Willow. Im not letting up this time.
Savannah laughed and joined the fray.
Eight hundred thousand!
Chad watched from the side, practically spitting fire as the four women flung money at me. He tried to interrupt but couldn't get a word in edgewise.
They escalated into a frenzy, driving the price up to three million dollars.
Willow and Anya were forced to bow out.
Savannah was about to gloat when Phoebe, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.
Ill raise the stakes.
She leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs lazily, and then leaned her head against my shoulder.
I promised Id personally win Lincolns birthday gift. And I always keep my promises.
The auction ended, and I held the watcha decent but uninteresting piecein my hand. I told them I didn't want it because, ironically, the few items that were actually nice were pieces I had already eliminated from my own collection.
Chad timidly shuffled over.
Phoebe, I really like this watch. Can you give it to me?
He then pulled a few hundred dollars out of his pocket and threw it at me.
The watch matches the man. You should go find something on a street corner, little brother.
I turned to Phoebe, my eyes welling up with fake tears, ready to hand the watch back.
I really dont deserve it. Maybe you should take it back
I was dressed immaculately, and the look of pathetic devastation on my face broke Phoebes resolve instantly.
Who says you dont deserve it?!
She spun around, her expression hardening, and shot a furious glare at Chad.
Youre trying to steal his birthday gift? Do you think thats appropriate?
Lincoln was happy, and you just had to make him cry! Apologize to Lincoln!
She gave Chad no quarter.
The eyes of everyone in the room converged on him. Chads face went scarlet with shame, and he turned and ran out of the room.
The evening livestream was scheduled to start on time.
Chad sat between the four girls, his face a picture of tearful self-pity.
You guys actually yelled at me today!
Savannah was quick to wipe his tears.
We had to, baby. It was all for show. To make the poor boy believe we were seriously pursuing him.
Phoebe chimed in with a laugh.
Look how devoted he is now. When we finally dump him, its going to be epic!
Willow added, Dont be sad, Chad. Ill buy you the most expensive watch next time, with my next paycheck.
Anya, with a dark look behind her glasses, offered the most brutal suggestion.
Why buy? Well make the poor boy pay back everything hes gotten from us, tenfold, to compensate Chad.
The live chat viewers, watching the footage of me looking utterly besotted with the four girls, filled the screen with mockery.
[A few cheap gifts, and look how touched he is!]
[Hes going to try to kill himself when he finds out its all a lie, LOL!]
[You HAVE to live stream the breakup! I can't wait!]
The others finally managed to cheer Chad up. He smiled sweetly at the camera.
Next Monday is the final day.
Eight p.m. sharp. Well be live from the outdoor amphitheater for the Puppy Dump stream!
I smiled to myself, a faint, cold expression.
Next Monday. That was also the day I had to report my final selection results to my father.
During these last few days, the Quad Squad was desperate to confirm my affection.
I made sure to look utterly, profoundly in love with each of them.
I wouldnt want their confidence to flag.
Sure enough, a few days later, my dorm door was buried under an avalanche of roses. Four bouquets, four personalized cards.
Just as the stream promised, they had all set up a meeting with me for Monday at 8 p.m.
That night, I made sure to be dressed for the occasion.
I wore the suit I hadnt returned and the expensive watch they had bought me. I gave them all the room they needed for their grand performance.
I arrived at the meeting spot. Before I could see the four girls, someone pulled me aside.
Lincoln!
I focused. It was the same girl who had warned me before.
You cant go! Youll regret it!
When I didn't respond, she anxiously yanked out her phone and opened Chad Riley's stream.
Theyve been playing you this whole time! Its a joke!
I tilted my head, an amused look on my face.
I know.
But whos playing whom? That remains to be seen, doesn't it?
Without waiting for her reaction, I brushed past her and continued toward the amphitheater.
Waiting for me were the Quad Squad, Chad Riley, and a small mob of students holding up their phones to watch the entertainment.
The four girls finally dropped the act.
Savannah was the first to speak, her tone dripping with condescension.
You didnt actually think we were going to confess to you, did you?
Phoebe chuckled softly.
We were just messing with you, babe. Did you actually fall for it?
The laughter from the crowd swelled.
Someone in the back yelled, Did he really think he was good enough for them?
He was probably already picking out his wedding suit, haha!
My "inner actor" took over. My eyes instantly welled up.
So you were all lying to me? The flowers, the dates, the auctionall of it was fake?
Willow raised her phone and opened the stream.
Not only were we lying to you, but everyone was in on the joke. The whole school watched.
You were a funny little dancing monkey.
Anya reached out and snatched the watch from my wrist.
Chad likes this. You dont deserve to wear it.
Chad slowly walked up to me, looking me up and down.
They say clothes make the man. Youre wearing my suit and my watchIll admit, you almost looked the part.
But the dream is over.
He moved closer, attempting to yank the blazer off my shoulders.
Take it off. Give it back.
A few crass whistles sounded from the crowd.
I didnt react in anger. I just smiled, a thin, cold smile, and then backhanded Chadwick Riley across the face.
The sound was a sharp crack.
Chad stared at me, eyes wide with disbelief.
The four girls erupted in fury.
You bastard! How dare you hit Chad!
We played with you for a month, and now youve forgotten your place? Did you actually think you were worthy of us?!
Im going to strip you naked right here and make you walk back to your dorm!
The words were barely out of their mouths when a figure appeared silently behind me.
A heavy, custom-made jacket was draped over my shoulders.
In the next instant, the figuremy lead security detailmoved, and all four girls were instantly slammed to the ground.
I looked down at them, my expression one of profound disappointment.
The observation is over.
Unfortunately.
You are not worthy of me. You are not fit to be my fiance candidates. And you will never be the future mistress of the Lincoln empire.

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