The Real Heiress Is a Freeloader

1
My name is Willa Thorne. I'm twenty-two, a graduate of a top-tier university.
I also suffer from a severe allergy to stupidity. I have zero desire to interact with people.
For this reason, I have proudly embraced the life of a professional moocher, living off my parents.
My mother, Vivian Shaw, a permanent fixture on the Forbes Rich List, has finally reached her breaking point with me.
She kicked me onto the set of a corporate reality TV show, claiming it would give me some real-world experience and cure me of my "attitude problem."
So there I stood, in flip-flops, in front of the office building designated by the show.
A girl in a white bubble dress was blocking the entrance turnstile, having the time of her life. Behind her, a sea of employees on the verge of being late fumed in silence.
I tried to politely inform her that she was in the way. Her response was to scream at me.
So what if Im in the way? She planted her hands on her hips. My dad owns this entire company, Aura Corp! I can play wherever I want!
Wait. What? My dad has an illegitimate daughter?
I immediately fired off a text to the Queen of my household. Your Majesty, I think Dad has an illegitimate daughter. Prepare for battle.

She would tap her ID badge. The turnstile would beep and swing open. She wouldnt go through.
Shed wait for it to close, then tap her badge again. Beep. Open. Still not go through.
She repeated this cycle, endlessly, lost in her own little world.
Behind her, a dark crowd of employees watched their window for clocking in on time shrink to nothing. Every face was painted with the silent, soul-crushing despair of the almost-late.
My allergy-to-stupidity radar began to scream, and my blood pressure skyrocketed.
I took a deep breath, silently chanted world peace three times, and walked over to tap her on the shoulder.
Excuse me, miss? Could you please go through? Everyones going to be late.
The girl spun around and gave me a disdainful once-over.
Who do you think you are, telling me what to do? Do you have any idea who I am? Her shrill voice grated against my eardrums.
I clenched my fists, resisting the primal urge to shove her designer handbag into her mouth.
Who I am doesnt matter. What matters is that youre blocking the way.
So what if Im in the way? she shot back, hands on her hips. My dad owns this entire company, Aura Corp! I can play wherever I want!
I froze.
My dads company?
How was I unaware that my completely whipped father had secretly produced another daughter? A daughter who appeared to have been born with an underdeveloped cerebellum and a completely smooth brain?
Was my mother, the Queen, about to be usurped?
Was my own title as Crown Princess in jeopardy?
As my mind reeled, a girl with glasses, who looked like another intern, gently tugged on my sleeve.
Just leave it, she whispered. Dont mess with her. Thats Mimi Monroe. Her dad is Mr. Thorne, the shows biggest sponsor. He literally funded this entire season just to make her famous.
Mr. Thornes only daughter?
Then what was I? A freebie that came with a phone plan?
Just then, a sharp, impeccably dressed woman in a business suit hurried over, her face plastered with a sycophantic smile.
Miss Monroe, what are you doing out here? Mr. Thorne is waiting for you in his office.
Seeing her ally arrive, Mimis arrogance swelled. She pointed a finger at me and whined to the woman, Ms. Hayes, this person was bullying me! She told me to stop playing!
The woman, Ms. Hayes, immediately turned on me, her expression hardening. Her eyes scanned me critically. Which department are you with? Whats your name? Harassing Miss Monroe on your first day of work? Are you trying to get fired before you even start?
I glanced at the ID badge on her chest: Ms. Hayes, Executive Secretary to the Chairman.
My dads secretary.
A woman who had worked for my family for five years, who had watched me grow up, was now looking at me as if I were a complete stranger.
Interesting. Very interesting.
A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. I made it as pleasant as I could. My name is Willa Thorne. Im an intern with the show. I wasnt harassing her. I was simply suggesting she follow basic public etiquette.
Ms. Hayess face soured, clearly not expecting me to talk back.
Mimi, however, puffed up with self-importance. Etiquette? I am the etiquette! Ms. Hayes, get her out of here! Fire her!
Well Ms. Hayes hesitated, glancing nervously at the surrounding cameras. Miss Monroe, this is being broadcast live. It wouldnt look very good. Why dont we head inside first?
As clueless as Mimi was, she seemed to understand the implications of a live feed. She shot me a venomous glare and finally, flanked by Ms. Hayes, sailed haughtily through the turnstile.
The human dam broke, and the crowd of employees surged forward. The girl with the glasses gave me a sympathetic look. Youre in for it now. You just made an enemy of the princess and her top courtier, Ms. Hayes.
I shrugged, unconcerned.
In for it?
The show was just getting started.
I pulled out my phone and sent a message to my mother, Vivian Shaw.
Mom, I think Ive stumbled upon some major family drama. Your marital status and my inheritance are at stake.
Vivian replied instantly. Explain, or your allowance is halved this month.
I gave her the short version of the Mimi Monroe situation.
The other end was silent for a full minute. Then, a single line of text appeared: Hold your position. Continue observation. Report any new developments. And remember, you are the legitimate heir. Act like it.
Reading the words legitimate heir, I smiled.
Alright then. Lets see what kind of demon dares to challenge my mothers reign.

2
Once inside, the shows director gave us interns a quick briefing and assigned our roles.
I was sent to the marketing department. Mimi, of course, was sent nowhere. She was to remain in the chairmans office with her daddy.
My mentor was a kind woman who showed me around. As we passed the chairmans office, I saw Mimi with her legs crossed, ordering Ms. Hayes to peel an apple for her.
And Ms. Hayes, my fathers most competent and trusted secretary, was acting like a doting nanny, peeling the fruit with painstaking care, not a hint of impatience on her face.
I scoffed internally.
Just then, a handsome guy in a crisp white shirt, tall and well-built, walked by with a stack of files.
Mimis eyes lit up like a wolf spotting a lamb.
Hey! You, handsome! Stop right there!
The man stopped and politely adjusted his glasses. Miss Monroe. Can I help you with something?
Whats your name? Which department? Do you have a girlfriend? Mimi fired off the questions, practically drooling.
A muscle in the mans jaw twitched, but he maintained a professional smile. My name is Leo. Im in the tech department. Im sorry, but Id rather not discuss my personal life.
Leo?
I almost burst out laughing.
That was my cousin, my mothers nephew, the undercover agent Vivian had planted in my dads company specifically to make sure he wasnt fooling around.
I never thought this little mouse would run right into my trap.
Mimi was clearly not satisfied. She stood up, sashayed over to Leo, and reached out a hand with long, bright white nails, aiming for his chest.
Not discuss it? Whats there not to discuss with me? My father is Marcus Thorne. The fact that Im interested in you is the best thing thats ever happened to you!
Leos expression soured. He took a quick step back, dodging her wandering hand, his brow furrowed in annoyance.
Everyone in the open-plan office was now staring. The looks on their faces ranged from amusement to contempt, but no one dared to say a word.
I couldnt watch anymore.
Harassing my family was a line you didnt cross.
I walked over, grabbed Leos arm, and pulled him behind me, facing Mimi with a smile that didnt reach my eyes.
Miss Monroe, workplace sexual harassment is illegal.
Seeing me meddling again, Mimis face twisted in rage. Willa! Are you doing this on purpose? Do you have a death wish? Ill have my dad fire you right now, you see if I dont!
Im sure you will, I said with an earnest nod. After all, your dad owns the whole company. But before you have me fired, Id suggest you look up the relevant laws. Because if you dont, it wont be about me getting fired. Itll be about the police coming to have a little chat with you.
My voice wasnt loud, but it was clear enough for everyone to hear.
Ms. Hayess face turned a shade of gray. She rushed over and grabbed the sputtering Mimi.
Miss Monroe, dont lower yourself to her level. Lets go back to the office. This is creating a scene.
As she spoke, she shot me a look that was pure poison.
Mimi let herself be dragged back into the office. The drama was over.
Leo let out a breath of relief and gave me a grateful smile. Thanks, Wills.
No problem, I said, patting his shoulder. Do me a favor and send me the security footage of you being harassed just now.
Huh? What for? he asked, confused.
Evidence, I said with a mysterious wink. Itll be very useful later.
Leo caught on immediately and gave me an OK sign.
I returned to my desk. The girl with the glasses sidled over, her eyes shining with admiration.
Willa, youre so brave! Youre the first person Ive ever seen stand up to Mimi Monroe!
I just smiled.
That wasnt standing up to her. That was just the appetizer.
I opened the company intranet and started searching for any information on Mimi Monroe and her mother.
Strangely, there was nothing. It was as if they had materialized out of thin air.
So I switched tactics and started researching my father, Marcus Thorne, and his activities over the past three years.
Three years ago, after a bad investment led to a huge fight with my mother, he staged a mid-life rebellion and stormed out, vowing to prove himself on his own.
My mother, furious, froze all his credit cards and cut off his connections, leaving him with nothing but this one half-dead company, Aura Corp, to play with.
To his credit, he had actually managed to turn the company around in those three years.
But I never imagined that as his business grew, so would his audacity. I couldnt believe hed actually been keeping a mistress stashed away, and had a daughter this old with her.

3
The next day, an unexpected person showed up at the office.
Chloe, my childhood best friend, strode into the marketing department in four-inch heels. Her new title: Sales Director.
My jaw almost hit the floor.
In the conference room, she was methodically leading a department meeting, her logic impeccable, her presence commanding. She was a completely different person from the girl I knew, the one who would get drunk and cry on my shoulder.
After the meeting, I dragged her into the breakroom.
What are you doing here? Did Aunt Vivian send you?
Chloe shot me an exasperated look as she pulled a lipstick from her purse to touch up her makeup. What do you mean, did Aunt Vivian send me? You think Im like you, a professional moocher? I got this job on my own merit, thank you very much. Aura Corp pays well, so of course I applied.
I looked at the lipstick in her hand. It was a new limited-edition shade from a luxury brand, a bold, fierce color that perfectly matched her queenly vibe.
Nice lipstick, I said sincerely.
Of course it is. I had to fight tooth and nail to get my hands on it, Chloe said with a proud flick of her wrist.
As we were chatting, a discordant voice cut in.
Hey. That lipstick. I want it.
I turned around. It was Mimi again.
She had snuck up behind us, her eyes glued to the lipstick in Chloes hand, her expression pure greed.
Chloe frowned and put the lipstick back in her bag. Sorry, this is my personal property. Its not for sale.
I dont care if its for sale! I saw it, so its mine! Mimi said, and then she actually tried to snatch Chloes purse.
That was the last straw.
Bully me? I can tolerate it. Bully my best friend? Not a chance in hell.
I grabbed Mimis wrist, my grip so tight she cried out in pain.
Mimi, Im warning you. Show some respect. My voice was ice.
Willa! Youre protecting someone else again! What is wrong with you?! Mimi shrieked, losing it.
I think youre the one with a problem, I said, shoving her hand away and pulling Chloe behind me. If you like something, buy it yourself. What kind of person steals from others? Oh, right, I forgot. You probably dont even recognize the brand.
My words hit their mark. The one thing she couldnt stand was having her cheap origins exposed. Her face flushed red and white, and she just stammered, unable to form a coherent sentence.
A crowd of curious colleagues had started to gather, whispering and pointing at her.
Humiliated, Mimi suddenly lunged forward like a feral animal. Her target wasnt me, but Chloes bag.
Chloe, caught off guard, stumbled back. The bag fell to the floor, and the lipstick rolled out.
Mimis eyes lit up. She snatched the lipstick, then looked at us with a triumphant smirk. In front of everyone, with a loud click, she twisted the lipstick tube until the entire bullet of color was exposed. Then she viciously smeared a thick red line across the back of her hand before tossing the ruined lipstick on the floor like a piece of trash.
If I cant have it, no one can! she snarled.
The breakroom fell silent.
Chloes eyes immediately filled with tears.
It wasnt just a lipstick. It was a gift she had bought for herself, a reward for her hard work.
The fire in my chest exploded, roaring up to the top of my skull.
I walked toward Mimi, step by step. As she watched me, her eyes widening in fear, I raised my hand and, without hesitation, slapped her across the face.
The crack was clean and loud.
For a moment, the entire world went quiet.
That, I said, my voice dangerously low as I looked at her reddening cheek, was to teach you some manners. Apologize.
Mimi was stunned. She clutched her face, staring at me in disbelief. You you hit me?
So what if I did? I took another step forward, my presence overwhelming. Apologize! Apologize to my friend!
Our colleagues were speechless. The cameras faithfully recorded every second.
Mimi, recovering from the shock, collapsed to the floor and started wailing. Aaaah! She hit me! Willa hit me! Im going to have my dad fire her! Im going to have her thrown in jail!
Just then, Ms. Hayes and several security guards rushed in.
Whats going on? Ms. Hayess face paled when she saw the red handprint on Mimis cheek. She pointed a trembling finger at me. Willa! How dare you! You assaulted someone on company property! Security, seize her!
The guards exchanged hesitant looks.
Chloe immediately stepped in front of me and spoke to Ms. Hayes, her voice calm and steady. Ms. Hayes, this incident began when Miss Monroe attempted to steal and then destroyed my personal property. Willa was acting to protect me. There are security cameras here, as well as numerous witnesses.
Ms. Hayess expression flickered. She hadnt expected this new director to be so formidable.
Mimi continued her performance, clinging to Ms. Hayess arm and sobbing. Auntie Hayes, she hit me! Look at my face! Call my mom! Tell her to come here and stand up for me!
Auntie Hayes?
I watched the whole scene with cold detachment.
Fine. The little one cant win, so she calls in the big one.
Lets see what kind of show this mother-daughter duo can put on.

4
Less than ten minutes later, a woman in a Chanel suit, flanked by an entourage, stormed into the office.
It was the woman from the photos, Melanie Monroe.
She rushed straight to Mimi, her face twisting in pain as she saw the red mark on her daughters cheek.
My precious baby! Who did this to you? Who would dare!
Mimi pointed a tear-stained finger at me. Mom, it was her! This witch, Willa! Shes jealous of me, so she hit me!
Melanies head snapped towards me, her sharp eyes like poisoned daggers.
Youre the one who hit my daughter? she hissed, striding over to look down her nose at me.
I had to admit, the woman had a certain presence. It was a shame she was using it for this.
I met her gaze without flinching. I am, I said calmly. Because she tried to steal my friends property, destroyed it, and has absolutely no manners.
What a sharp-tongued little brat! Melanie laughed, a cold, humorless sound. Manners? Who do you think you are to talk to my daughter about manners? Let me tell you, this isnt over! Im going to make you kneel and apologize to my daughter, and then youre going to get the hell out of Aura Corp!
I almost laughed out loud. Make me kneel and apologize? On what authority?
On what authority? Melanie sneered. She pulled a small red booklet from her Herms bag and slammed it on the table.
On the authority of this! I am Marcus Thornes legal wife, the chairmans wife of Aura Corp! And I am telling an employee of my company to get lost. You tell me on what authority!
The sight of the glaringly red marriage certificate made everyone in the room gasp.
So the rumors were true!
Mr. Thorne really had gotten remarried!
The looks from my colleagues instantly shifted from sympathy to schadenfreude. This intern had offended the future chairmans wife and his precious daughter. She was finished.
Ms. Hayes stepped forward at the perfect moment, her face a mask of disappointment. Willa, how could you be so thoughtless? Apologize to Mrs. Thorne and Miss Monroe at once.
I watched their little performance and nearly laughed myself sick.
Legal wife?
My mother and Marcus Thorne had never finalized their divorce. How could he possibly have another legal wife?
Bigamy was a criminal offense.
I took out my phone, aimed the camera at the marriage certificate, and hit record.
Mrs. Monroe, is it? Since you claim this is a marriage certificate, would you dare let me film it? I can post it online, let the public be the judge, and see exactly how a married man legally married you.
The color drained from Melanies face.
She clearly hadnt expected me to be so bold, or to know that Marcus was still married.
Her eyes darted around nervously, but she tried to maintain her composure. What nonsense are you talking about! Marcus and that washed-up old wife of his have been over for years! A divorce is just a matter of time! Were the ones who are truly in love!
Truly in love? I scoffed. So in love that you need a fake marriage certificate to prove it? Mrs. Monroe, forging official government documents is a crime just as serious as bigamy.
You youre slandering me! Who says its fake? Melanie blustered, her bravado failing her.
We can find out if its fake easily enough. A quick check with the county records office will clear it up, I said, pressing my advantage. Or, we could just call Marcus Thorne over here right now and ask him ourselves.
Fine! Call him! Whos afraid!
Just then, a deep, magnetic, but slightly panicked male voice sounded from the doorway.
What is all this shouting! What is the meaning of this!
My deadbeat dad, Marcus Thorne, who had been gone for three years, had finally made his grand entrance.

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