Chapter 2

Now that I had a second chance at life, I would stay away from Jonathan. I wanted to keep my father, William Stoneridge, and the company safe. I also wanted to make Jonathan and Henrietta pay for what they did to me.

First, I wanted to see how Jonathan would survive without my money. I expected him to come to me but didn't expect it to happen so soon. The day after the donation incident, he stopped me from entering the classroom.

I sidestepped him to head inside, but he stretched out an arm to stop me. He frowned and asked, "Where's my breakfast, Thalia?"

"What breakfast?" I raised an eyebrow. "I'm not into running errands for others."

Jonathan stiffened. He asked in displeasure, "What's your game this time? Do you think you can catch my attention by refusing to donate and not bringing me breakfast?"

I pushed his arm away with a finger. "Why are you standing in my way, then? It seems more to me that you're trying to catch my attention."

He retracted his arm, his expression turning hideous.

I wondered whether he realized how hypocritical he was. He'd never stopped taking my money, yet he hated me for throwing it at him.

Whenever I transferred money to him, he berated and insulted me upon receiving it. He warned me not to harbor any ridiculous fantasies about him, but he didn't say anything about not taking the money. He also never talked about returning it to me. He was so matter-of-fact about it that it was as if I owed it to him.

His so-called friends were just like him. They looked down on me because they thought I was showing off my wealth, yet they only gathered around Jonathan because of the money I'd given him.

Jonathan thought they were genuine in befriending him, but they were just in it for the money. I'd never met bigger hypocrites in my life.

Jonathan returned empty-handed to his seat. His buddies circled him and asked, "What's on the menu today, Jonathan?"

He glanced at me without saying anything. In my past life, I would buy various items for his breakfast. He would pick one before distributing the rest to his buddies. It was too bad they were destined for disappointment this time.

Someone slammed a desk when they saw that there wasn't any food. He snapped, "It's one thing for you not to donate to Jonathan, Thalia. How could you not have brought him breakfast, too? How can you be so selfish?"

I wasn't happy to have these people ruin my mood so early in the morning, so I snapped impatiently, "What? Don't tell me you expect me to continue providing for you like you're my children. Call me 'Mom,' then. Do it, and I'll consider it!"

The guy's face turned red with rage, but he didn't back down. "It's just breakfast. You have plenty of money anyway. Don't tell me you can't bear to part with such a small amount!"

I scanned him thoughtfully before clicking my tongue. "You know what? You really look like a beggar when you're asking me for food."

Jonathan had been silent this whole time. He finally couldn't take it anymore and snarled, "That's enough! I'll get the scholarship, so I no longer need your charity!"

I looked at him. This was my first time hearing him say something with such backbone. I couldn't help laughing.

His expression turned ugly. "Why are you laughing? Do you think I can't do it?"

"Oh, it's nothing. I wish you all the best and look forward to you proving me wrong," I said breezily. If he could get the scholarship, why hadn't he done it in the past?

…

In my past life, I'd transferred money to Jonathan every month. He would spend it all. Whenever he received the money, his buddies would clamor for him to treat them to meals. Henrietta would also hint that life wasn't easy for her, and he would split the money with her. He would even buy her gifts.

In hindsight, I was so kind. I'd provided for so many people—I'd yet to become independent, yet I already had so many people relying on me for money.

This month, I didn't transfer anything to Jonathan. I wanted to see what he could do.

Connie was gravely ill and needed money for her treatment. The donations everyone had given were meager, and Jonathan wouldn't be able to pay the medical bill even if he were to pool all his money.

When my driver picked me up after class, he asked out of habit, "Are we heading to the hospital, Ms. Stoneridge?"

I would visit Connie at the hospital at the end of every month and pay the bill while I was there. This time, however, I shook my head. "Nope! Take me home. I'm not going to the hospital anymore, so you don't need to ask me about it."

His eyes flickered with surprise, but he immediately turned the car around after composing himself.

I received a call from the hospital just as I got home. "This month's medical bill has yet to be settled, Ms. Stoneridge."

I couldn't believe I'd allowed Jonathan to list me as Connie's emergency contact at the hospital. I said, "Please speak to the patient's son, Jonathan Pickle, about this from now on. I'm not her daughter, so I won't be paying for her treatment anymore."

As I hung up and put my phone away, I heard Dad's voice come from behind. He asked happily, "Why are you back so early, Tia?"

My eyes welled up. In my past life, Dad had been in poor health after working himself to the bone. He was strong enough to raise me alone and get Stoneridge Group through several crises, yet he'd chosen to jump off a building on the day the company went bankrupt.

I knew it was because he didn't want to drag me down with him.

Dad hurried forward anxiously when I didn't answer him. "What's wrong? Has someone bullied you? Is it the Pickle brat? I'll go get him!"

I quickly stopped him. "No one can bully me, Dad. Also, I don't have anything to do with him anymore."

He stopped and scrutinized me in surprise. Then, he burst into laughter. "That's great! You've finally woken up and seen his true colors, sweetheart!"

Dad had never had a good impression of Jonathan and had tried to talk me out of pursuing him, but I'd been adamant. All he could do was try his best to shield me from harm, but Jonathan had ultimately ruined everything.

I took a deep breath and switched subjects. "I saw from social media that everyone your age is starting to adopt healthy lifestyles, Dad. I'm taking you to the hospital for a medical checkup tomorrow."

He nodded, looking pleased. "Okay. I can't say no when my daughter is concerned about me, right?"

…

Dad and I went to the hospital the following day. I went to settle the bill as he did the tests. That was when I saw Jonathan and Henrietta begging the doctor to give them more time. They wanted him to treat Connie first and promised they would settle the bill later.

As I got in line to pay, Henrietta spotted me. She cried, "The person who will pay the bill is here, doctor! You can continue with the treatment now, right?"