My Fake Heiress BFF Keeps Testing My Jerks

After my twentieth boyfriend was exposed as a total jerk by my best friend, Scarlett Pierce, I finally caved and agreed to an arranged marriage, tying the knot with Ryan Carter, scion of a powerful family, in a whirlwind ceremony.

Later, at a friends gathering, Scarlett, with a half-eaten slice of cake, sidled up to Ryan, her voice dripping with artificial sweetness. Ryan, honey, I find this a tad too sweet. Could you possibly finish it for me?

I intervened, but instead of seeing the problem, she erupted. Whats the big deal? I was just testing your husbands character! What are you getting so worked up about?!

Weve been best friends for over a decade. You dont honestly think Im after your husband, do you?

In the past, I might have fallen for it. But not this time. Id been reborn.

I grabbed the cake from the table and smashed it right into her face. You, of all people, to test someone elses character? What a joke!

Youre nothing but my former drivers daughter, so stop pretending to be a socialite!

I think youve not only set your sights on my husband, but youve probably already mapped out how youre going to climb into his bed!

My outburst turned heads. Friends started gathering around, and Scarletts face cycled through shades of crimson and white. It took her a full minute to compose herself. Wiping the cake from her face, she shrieked, Olivia Howard, how could you speak to me like that?!

All these years, if I hadnt helped you weed out those twenty jerks, would you even be married to Ryan right now?

Ryans brow furrowed, just as I expected. He knew Id had ex-boyfriends, but he likely had no idea the number was so impressive.

I smiled, my gaze fixed on Scarlett, and countered, Back then, every time I started dating someone new, you were practically desperate to test them for me. So, me going through boyfriends every two months, thats perfectly normal, isnt it?

And speaking of which, I bet youve slept with quite a few of my exes, havent you?

Scarlett was, in fact, the daughter of my familys driver. When I was in elementary school, her father died saving mine, and his only wish was for the Howards to look after his daughter. My father, a man of profound gratitude, not only financially supported Scarlett for years but also let her live with us. We were inseparable, quickly becoming confidantes. Shed always post my designer items online, cultivating this image of a wealthy socialite, and I never said a word.

But I never imagined that while I treated her as my best friend, she resented my good fortune.

In my previous life, she grew green with envy over my marriage into a prominent family. She spread rumors about my promiscuity, and my ex-boyfriends, eager to please her, actually conspired to drug and assault me, even taking compromising photos. The trauma was too much, and I jumped to my death. It was only in my final moments that I discovered her scheme: shed consistently used the identity of the true Howard heiress to seduce my boyfriends. Afterwards, shed always put on an innocent act. Olivia, I truly had no idea that would happen. I only exchanged a few words with him, and suddenly he showed his true colors.

But perhaps its for the best. At least you saw him for who he really was. Good riddance to a jerk like that.

Shed then wash her hands of it, as if the fault lay entirely with the men.

The memory churned my stomach, making me feel violently ill.

Scarletts eyes welled up, and she cast a pathetic glance at Ryan, biting her lip. I didnt! I had a strict upbringing, with a curfew and everything. How could I possibly do something like that?

I havent even had a boyfriend to this day

Just like in my past life, she was playing the innocent, pure socialite. I couldnt stomach her act a second longer and stood up to leave.

But Ryan grabbed my arm, pulling me back into my seat. Olivia, Scarletts intentions were good. Lets just drop it. It was just a joke, and I didnt fall for it. Dont worry, Im not a jerk.

Those words sounded eerily familiar. After all, which of my twenty exes hadnt sworn they werent jerks? It seemed Scarletts plan had worked.

However, this time, I was going to make sure Scarlett Pierce bore the full consequences of messing with my alliance with the Carters!

Ryan, as the sole heir to the Carter fortune, naturally commanded respect from our friends. They quickly chimed in, trying to placate me. Thats right, Olivia, youre already married to the Carter heir. Are you seriously worried about him running off?

Exactly! I think Scarlett was just overly concerned for you.

Wasnt Scarlett your proudest best friend? How could she ever harm you?

You have a wealthy husband and a socialite best friend. Were all so envious. You should be grateful.

I clenched my fists, almost grinding my back teeth together, before forcing myself to sit back down, my rage barely contained.

Scarlett smirked, winking at me, then plopped down next to me, deliberately placing her limited edition alligator skin bag on the table with a loud thwack. My friends gasped as they recognized it. Scarlett! You actually got that bag!

Oh my God! There are only three in the world, and the citys richest man owns one. Are you?

Scarlett, clearly surprised by the bags prestige, immediately seized the opportunity. With an arrogant air, she declared, Oh, its nothing. My family has plenty of bags like this.

I almost burst out laughing. That bag was clearly my mothers. How did it end up in Scarletts hands? In my previous life, she used to steal my mothers jewelry and rent it out to fake socialites. This bag was likely acquired the same way.

One friend looked from me to Scarlett, her expression thoughtful. But isnt the Carter family allied with the richest family in the city? If youre the richest familys daughter, then Olivia must be

She paused, her tone subtly shifting. Could it be true what people are saying outside, that Olivia is just an adopted daughter of the richest family?

Another immediately chimed in, Yes, thats right! I heard that to repay a debt of gratitude, they adopted their drivers daughter and treated her as their own. So that must be Olivia.

To sacrifice their own daughters marital happiness for a debt of gratitude, thats a bit hard to understand.

Oh dear, I wonder what the richest family was thinking, to use an adopted daughter for a marriage alliance! How disrespectful to the Carters!

I think Scarlett and the Carter heir are a much better match!

Scarletts face flickered. After all, Ryan and I had eloped, and she wasn't aware that ours was a commercial alliance. Ryans expression instantly darkened as well; his pride was clearly wounded.

I pulled out my phone and leisurely scrolled through a local app. Hmm, I think Ive seen this bag on quite a few influencers in the city

I paused deliberately, looking at Scarlett. But all their profiles claim theyre wealthy socialites Could it be that you all rent this bag and share it?

Scarletts face went from red to white, her eyes glaring at me as if she wanted to tear me apart. It made sense; in the past, Id been so naive, never exposing her publicly like this, and even thanking her for testing those jerks for me.

Seeing that our friends were starting to doubt her, Scarlett, in a fit of furious embarrassment, snatched a pair of scissors from the front desk and began slashing at the bag, shouting, This is mine! How dare you slander me?! Ill cut it to shreds, and then youll have nothing to say!

A collective gasp swept through the room. No one dared to speak as a million-dollar alligator skin bag was ruined before our eyes.

I tutted, a mocking smile playing on my lips. Enjoying yourself, are we? Have you figured out how youre going to explain this to my mom?!

The words had barely left my mouth when Scarlett's face contorted in panic. The scissors slipped from her trembling hand, plunging straight into her finger.

A piercing shriek filled the air, and crimson beads of blood instantly welled up. She dissolved into a fit of dramatic sobbing, her eyes, overflowing with tears, turned to me, a picture of pathetic despair. "Olivia, are you satisfied now?"

Ryan seized her hand, gently sucking the blood from her wound with tender concern, then quickly bandaged it with a tissue. He led her towards the exit. "To the hospital."

Seeing me still rooted to my seat, he flared up. "Olivia, Scarlett isn't just your best friend, she's like your sister! How could you treat her like that?"

"You are now the Carter family's daughter-in-law. I'm doing this for the family's reputation! I'll tell my father about this, and you'd better reflect on your actions!"

I strolled out unhurriedly, only to find Ryan already helping Scarlett into the passenger seat. He didn't spare me a glance, floored the accelerator, and sped away.

I leisurely browsed the mall for a bit, then returned to the Carter mansion. The moment I stepped inside, I ran into Scarlett, who was sprawled comfortably on the living room sofa, looking quite pleased with herself.

Seeing me, she rubbed her temples. "Olivia, Ryan said I could stay at the Carter house for a while. You don't mind, do you?"

I set down my belongings and asked, a hint of mockery in my voice, "No more curfew for you, then?"

Ryan's cold voice cut in from behind me. "Olivia Howard! What's with the passive aggression?! If you hadn't scared Scarlett, she wouldn't have gotten hurt!"

"She'll be recuperating here for a while, and since you're the one responsible, you'll be personally taking care of her!"

Ah, I understood. He expected me, the true heiress, to play maid to Scarlett.

I picked up my handbag again, ready to leave. "Alright then, I won't intrude. I'll go back to the Howard estate."

"You!" Ryan was speechless, momentarily stunned by my defiance. Scarlett, standing behind him, looked fragile and pale, a picture of vulnerability. She spoke softly, "Olivia, it's alright, it's not a big deal. I don't need your apology."

"Ryan is a good man. I just hope you cherish him."

A flicker of tenderness crossed Ryan's face, a look I had never seen directed at me since our marriage. He took Scarletts hand and instructed the housekeeper, Mrs. Davies! Prepare the room on the second floor. Get Scarlett whatever she needs.

Then he turned to me, his tone impatient. You, wait here! Ill settle this with you when I get back!

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "Mm, I'll be waiting. We'll see who's settling scores with whom."

"Since you're so smitten with my former driver's daughter, I'll just tell my parents to grant you both your wish!"

Scarlett swayed, her eyes welling up, on the verge of tears. "Olivia, I know you're still mad at me, but I truly did all this because I considered you my best friend, my sister."

"Even if you can't understand me, you shouldn't slander me like this"

If I hadn't been reborn, I might have actually fallen for her act again.

I stood up, glancing at Ryan, who was protectively holding Scarlett close. A mocking smile played on my lips. "You just called Ryan a good man? He's practically embracing you right now. How does that still qualify him as 'good'?"

"Or is it only when a man sleeps with you, like before, that he earns the title of 'jerk'?"

"Olivia Howard!" Ryan pointed a furious finger at me. "Scarlett just showed me those chat logs! She had nothing going on with your exes!"

"She merely exchanged a few messages, realized they had impure intentions, and kindly warned you!"

"And I haven't even started on you. With so many ex-boyfriends, just how desperate are you?!"

Scarlett silently shed tears, murmuring, "Ryan, don't blame Olivia. It's my fault for interfering so much."

Ryan gently squeezed Scarletts shoulder, his voice dismissive. Shes just an adopted girl who lives in your house; she has no real socialite upbringing in her bones.

The Howards are really showing how little they think of the Carters, letting such a shameless slut marry into our family!

See? This was the twenty-first jerk Scarlett had tested for me. This time, I was truly grateful to her.

I simply sat down, crossed my legs, and asked, nonchalantly, So, youre saying you want to call off the engagement?

At that, both Ryan and Scarlett froze. Scarlett had only ever dared to impersonate me to sabotage my relationships. Calling off a commercial alliance? That was a bridge too far, even for her.

Ryan, however, quickly recovered, his voice firm. Its good that you know your place! The position of Carter familys daughter-in-law was never meant for a fickle woman like you!

If you know whats good for you, get out! Dont soil our Carter familys property!

Utterly preposterous! The words had barely left his lips when a furious roar came from the doorway. Call off the engagement?! Its not your place to say!

Everyone turned to look. My father, Arthur Howard, strode in, his face thunderous, followed by my displeased mother, and the somewhat uncomfortable-looking Carter parents.

Ryan immediately pointed at me, lodging his complaint. Dad! The Howards actually used an adopted daughter to ally with us! Its scandalous! When did the Carters start marrying adopted daughters?!

My father-in-law, Christopher Carter, turned green at Ryans words. He pointed a finger at Ryans nose and shouted, You! Ryan! What nonsense are you spouting?!

He then turned back to my father, forcing a smile. Arthur, the children are being foolish. Dont pay them any mind.

My mother pulled me behind her, her eyes scanning me with concern. Olivia, if you hadnt told me today, I wouldnt have known how much youve suffered

My father, his fury boiling, pointed at Christopher and roared, Who just said they wanted to call off the engagement? Fine! Does our Olivia even care about this Carter family daughter-in-law title? Take a good look at yourselves in the mirror!

My Howard daughter, when did it become your place to look down on her?!

Ryan finally realized hed stirred up a hornets nest. He immediately let go of Scarletts hand, his face panicked. Dad, its not like that, youve misunderstood! I just

Scarlett hung her head, wishing the floor would swallow her, and mumbled, I didnt say anything

My mother grabbed her arm, clutching her chest as she fumed, Scarlett Pierce! How have we treated you all these years?!

You ate our food, lived under our roof, and this is how you bully Olivia?! Do you have any conscience at all?!

All these years, my parents treated her like their own daughter, showering her with generous gifts and allowances during holidays. Faced with such a betrayal, my mothers heart naturally ached.

Scarlett knew she was in the wrong but stubbornly retorted, raising her head to argue, If it werent for my father, would Mr. Howard be where he is today?

You dont even appreciate me, and now youre ganging up to bully me! What did I do wrong?

My mother rubbed her temples in frustration. What did we, the Howards, ever deny you? But you insisted on taking Olivias Do you have no shame?!

Then my mother spotted the ruined alligator bag, her hands trembling uncontrollably. You! I worked so hard to get that bag! And you destroyed it like this?!

Scarlett nervously stepped back. So what? You owe my dad, and that pathetic bag isnt even enough to repay it!

My mother seemed to lose all hope in that moment, her voice chilling. Either you pay for it, or I call the police.

Pay for it? That bag was currently worth 500,000 dollarsenough to force her to cough up all the money shed earned from impersonating a socialite over the years! Hearing the word police, Scarlett looked panicked at Ryan, but he was too preoccupied to notice her.

Seeing my mother pull out her phone to call the police, she stammered, Fine, Ill pay! Youre all fake philanthropists! You give me things only to take them back! Its disgusting!

My father took a deep breath, choosing to ignore the peculiar Scarlett. He coldly addressed Christopher Carter, Given the circumstances, we, the Howards, no longer recognize Ryan as our son-in-law! Well arrange the divorce tomorrow!

Christopher panicked. While the Carter family was wealthy, they had recently been heavily pressured by competitors, and their stock had plummeted like a stone. He had pleaded with my father for over half a year to secure this marriage, hoping it would prop up the Carter family.

Now, everything was ruined by Scarlett and Ryan.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead, his face plastered with a forced smile as he addressed me, Olivia, Ryan was just momentarily confused. Please forgive him. Our Carter family only recognizes you as our daughter-in-law!

My mother-in-law, her face flushed with fury, didnt say a word. She simply walked up and slapped Scarlett. Its all your fault, you vixen! Seducing Ryan!

Then she turned to me, her face beaming with a gentle smile. Thats right, Olivia, it seems its all this vixens fault. Dont be angry!

I turned my head in disgust. What are you talking about? Scarlett was doing me a favor, testing my husbands loyalty.

Now that its proven my husbands a jerk, why would I stay with him?

Scarlett clutched her face, tears streaming down, looking utterly fragile. "I... I didn't do anything!"

"I just said a few words, and those men came at me. Is that my fault? Blame her for being so unlucky!"

Even now, she was still putting on an act.

I smiled, holding up my phone. "Are you sure you just 'said a few words'?"

"Did you really think by deleting and editing the chat logs, no one would notice?"

My father took the phone. After reading through it, his face turned ashen.

The phone displayed a group chat with twenty-one membersall my ex-boyfriends. At this moment, they were enthusiastically sending screenshots of their intimate conversations with Scarlett into the group, the content utterly disgusting.

In my past life, these jerks were so smitten by Scarlett's "true heiress" persona that, to curry favor with her, they even conspired to kill me. Reborn, the first thing I did was reconnect with all those jerks and then presented undeniable proof of my true identity, thoroughly humiliating them.

When they saw Scarletts childhood photos with me, they couldn't help but mock her. "She really claimed she was naturally beautiful? Which part of her hasn't been touched up?"

"Honestly, if she hadn't always pulled her collar down, I wouldn't have even looked at her."