“I’m sorry, Makenzie, but I can only marry someone whose status matches mine.”

“I do care about you. But let’s be real—you were adopted by the Bell family. You’re not their real daughter. Being with you doesn’t do anything for my career.”

“Let’s end this, Makenzie. I’m with Kristen now. You deserve better.”

“I mean it—I’m truly sorry.”

Makenzie Bell jolted awake, realizing she’d just had the world’s most dramatic nightmare—getting dumped for being the adopted, not-real daughter. But the creepier part was her surroundings. The luxurious, cream-colored bedroom was a total far cry from her usual rustic attic room.

She rubbed her eyes, completely disoriented as she took in the unfamiliar room. “What the hell is this place?”

Suddenly, a sweet, disembodied voice echoed in her ears. “Dear Makenzie, you fell into a deep sleep. But now you’ve been given a one-of-a-kind chance to be reborn—and gain a billion dollars. Seize the moment!”

Makenzie glanced around the empty room, confused. “Where are you? Who’s talking?”

“I’m in your head,” the voice chirped.

“Who are you? Am I dead?” she asked as panic rose.

“I’m System 66. You had a sudden cerebral embolism and… yeah. You kind of died.”

“What?” Makenzie couldn’t believe it. Had she really just dropped dead out of nowhere?

“So who am I now? And where exactly am I?” she asked, still dazed.

“You’re now living as the penniless, soon-to-be-abandoned stand-in daughter of the Bell family. Thanks to a mix-up in this book universe, we urgently need someone to play the stand-in lover for a wealthy mogul. You’ll fill his emotional void, and once the main couple gets their happy ending, you can return to your original world with a billion-dollar reward. This could change your life!”

Makenzie let out a nervous laugh. “A billion dollars from the Bank of Imagination? No thanks. I’m not playing some doomed side character. I refuse.”

Even in her wildest dreams, she never would’ve imagined a scenario like this—and now, in some bizarre afterlife, they were pitching her this fantasy offer. What a scam.

System 66 sounded amused but firm. “If you refuse, you’ll explode right here, and your soul will be obliterated. Are you sure about your decision, dear host?”

Caught between skepticism and fear for her soul, Makenzie answered quickly. “I take it back. I agree.”

System 66 continued, “No need to worry. The billion dollars is real—in your original world’s currency. Once you complete the task, it’ll be transferred to you as bank deposits, real estate, bonds, stocks, etc. System 66’s credibility is top-notch. We would never deceive a hardworking individual. Every time you move the plot forward even a little, the male lead’s favorability will increase, bringing you one step closer to home. Bonus payments will be made accordingly with every increase. Currently, your favorability rating is at zero.”

“Are you serious?!” she exclaimed, springing upright on the bed. She’d just bought a fixer-upper and had zero money left for renovations—the idea of a billion dollars was intoxicating.

She clapped her hands eagerly. “Playing stand-in lover for a wealthy mogul? Sacrificing a little personal reputation and comfort? Please. That’s nothing.”

Hesitating over money was definitely not in her nature.

System 66 added, “I might have miscommunicated slightly. It’s not one mogul—it’s four.”

“What? Is this some kind of multidimensional role-playing game?” She’d read more than a few novels like this.

“It’s not like that. This jumbled-up book universe has four male leads and four female leads. You’ll need to be the stand-in for four different moguls at the same time—in the same setting.”

Makenzie was taken aback, her eyes widening. After processing that for a moment, she asked, “Four stand-ins at the same time, in the same world? Do all these female leads have such generic faces?”

“Unfortunately, the supporting-role market isn’t attracting many souls lately. But rest assured, the male leads will instinctively project similarities between your features and the female leads’. So there’s no issue of them all seeing the same face.”

She massaged her temples. “Alright. I can overlook a few flaws. I’ll take on the task.”

For a billion dollars, she had no choice but to—very willingly—sign up.

Just then, there was a commotion outside the door.

“Miss Bell, you need to get up and pack your things,” a servant called, knocking before entering with a look of disdain. “The moving truck is downstairs. Let us know if there’s anything else you need to take.”

From what System 66 had relayed, in this chaotic crossover book world, Makenzie’s current identity was the Bell family’s adopted daughter—pampered for years, but now being cast aside in favor of their real daughter.

At age twenty, an accident revealed she wasn’t actually a Bell by blood. The real daughter, Kristen, was found and brought home—marking the end of Makenzie’s easy life.

Kristen reclaimed the family’s love, and even Makenzie’s boyfriend was snatched away. That led to a series of retaliations from Makenzie against Kristen—retaliations that always backfired, leaving her family deeply disappointed and estranged.

Then, at a recent charity gala on a yacht, Makenzie’s ex-boyfriend Jason proposed to Kristen. In a fit of jealousy, Makenzie pushed Kristen overboard and nearly drowned her.

The Bell family had had enough. Her father, in a fury, wanted her arrested and imprisoned, but Theo Mason—owner of the Mason Financial Group—intervened on her behalf and saved her from jail time.

Though she was spared from prison, the new Makenzie found herself in a dire situation: the family was ceremoniously kicking her out. And with her extravagant habits, her bank accounts were nearly empty.

System 66 prompted, “Your role was meant to be the stand-in female lead from ‘The Unattainable Muse.’ Theo Mason is one of the story’s dual male leads, and he’s your best point of entry.”

“Got it,” Makenzie replied, rising and heading to the bathroom. Her face wasn’t exactly generic—red lips, white teeth, fair skin. Her long brown hair fell messily over her chest, giving her a wild, untamed beauty.

She had that innocent-but-enticing look, with sleepy hazel eyes that were alluringly enchanting—a true rarity.

She touched her face, satisfied.

There wasn’t much to pack. From the former supporting character’s memories, Makenzie found Theo Mason’s business card in her drawer.

He had helped her out of police custody after the incident with Kristen, intrigued by how much her face resembled a female lead’s—and waiting for her to take the bait.

She tucked the card away carefully, changed into a casual outfit, and headed downstairs with her bag.

The Bell family’s living room was bustling. Everyone was centered around Kristen and Jason as they discussed wedding plans, basking in the harmony.

It had been three years since Kristen returned. She and Jason had been dating for a year and had recently gotten engaged during the charity cruise.

Makenzie’s arrival was like a splash of cold water. The room went silent.

Her father frowned. “Packed your things?”

“Are you really leaving?” Kristen, who had just recovered from an illness, stood with pleading eyes fixed on their father. “It was an accident on the yacht. Dad, this has nothing to do with Makenzie.”

“Even now, you’re defending her?” Her father barked, glaring at Makenzie in frustration. “Kristen has suffered so much because of her. Hospital visits became routine! We only need one real daughter in this family.”

“Dad! Please don’t,” Kristen coughed softly, looking delicate and vulnerable. “I told you, I fell on my own.”

“Makenzie was spoiled by us,” her brother remarked with a light laugh, though his gaze softened slightly, betraying a hint of concern.

He had grown up with Makenzie, and despite his harsh words, he never intended for her to actually leave the family.

Jason stood, holding Kristen’s hand, his expression resigned but tinged with disdain. “Makenzie, let’s not drag Kristen into our past anymore. Please, just let her be.”

It was a familiar melodramatic trope—complete with all the usual supporting-role script elements.

Makenzie smirked, then finally spoke, slow and deliberate. “Do you really think you’re some irresistible star, beloved by everyone? Get over yourself.”

“Makenzie, don’t talk about Jason like that,” Kristen cut in, stepping protectively in front of him. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but her voice held steady. “We’ve realized we’re meant to be together. Let’s just move on from the past, okay?”

“Move on?” Makenzie echoed, a sardonic smile curving her red lips. Her eyes gleamed with something caught between sarcasm and sorrow. Jason, trapped in her gaze, felt his heart skip a beat—her face had always had a way of holding him captive.

Jason pressed his lips into a thin line, then pulled himself together. “Makenzie, we ended things on good terms a year ago.”

“Yes. It ended.” Her voice went sharper. “It’s not like it used to be—when you’d skip class with me to play video games, or when we’d share a cup of coffee at the amusement park after riding the carousel. It’s not even like that night you had a 104-degree fever and I stayed up with you at the hospital.”

Makenzie recounted every memory, one by one, forcing them back into Jason’s conscience. She watched guilt flicker through his eyes while Kristen shifted uncomfortably beside him. The sight gave Makenzie a grim satisfaction.

Which current girlfriend wants to hear about her boyfriend’s sweet-and-sour past with his ex?

“Makenzie, enough. Please stop,” Jason said, tightening his grip on Kristen’s hand. “I made mistakes in the past, but now I only love Kristen.”

Makenzie let out a short laugh. “After three years together, you realized it was a mistake—and within a year, you found your soulmate? Even my family seems to agree.”

Kristen couldn’t help herself. “Makenzie, you were always causing trouble for me and stirring up drama. That’s when Jason finally saw you for who you really are—and left.”

“Causing you trouble?” Makenzie fixed them with a piercing stare, a bitter smile playing at her lips. “All you ever saw was poor Kristen. Not once did anyone stop to consider that I was innocent too. I never cared that Kristen reclaimed what was rightfully hers—including the family and the money. All I wanted was Jason. I loved him for three years, and he promised he’d marry only me.”

“But what happened?”

“In the end, the sister who took everything from me still wasn’t satisfied. She came back and took away the only light in my dark world. Now my family is happily planning their wedding, and I’m not even allowed to be upset?”

Watching Makenzie’s tears threaten to spill over, Jason tightened his hold on Kristen’s hand even more. Suddenly, through the sheer force of Makenzie’s love for him, he understood her past actions. Guilt and a sharp pang of heartache rose inside him. He swallowed hard, his gaze shifting almost imperceptibly.

“I didn’t mean to, Makenzie.” Kristen bit her lip, her face draining of color. “I never wanted to come between you two.”

“Of course not. You’re far too pure to do anything as underhanded as stealing your sister’s boyfriend, right? It must’ve been Jason’s wandering heart getting tangled up with yours—leading to our so-called amicable breakup. Do you know that the night he broke up with me was our three-year anniversary? I’d already bought a ring. I was ready to propose to him.”

Makenzie’s laughter was full of tears, her words sharp enough to cut. The family sat exposed. Who could say she was wrong? The story had always made it clear that Makenzie’s love for Jason burned hot and fierce.

Jason had pursued Kristen, knowing full well what it meant. Kristen had known too. The reasoning was simple: family alliances couldn’t hinge on an outsider’s involvement.

Everyone silently accepted it. Everyone empathized with Kristen’s past. No one considered Makenzie—and that was how she became the villain.

The living room seemed to grow colder, the air more suffocating than before. It was Makenzie’s mother who broke first. She rose and pulled Makenzie into her arms, her voice thick with regret. “I’m so sorry, Makenzie. I’ve always known how much you’ve endured. I always thought you were strong enough—that you wouldn’t leave us. You’ve been my daughter for so many years.”

One was Kristen, who had been with them for only three years. The other was Makenzie, who had been with them for twenty-three. Even if she wasn’t their biological daughter, Makenzie’s mother couldn’t sever that bond so easily.

Makenzie gently pushed her away. “Starting today, I, Makenzie, am leaving the Bell family. From now on, you’re Kristen’s mom—not mine.”

She turned on her heel and headed for the door.

“Makenzie!” Her brother rushed forward and grabbed her. “You don’t have a penny. Where are you going? Just apologize to Kristen and Dad. We can still be a family.”

“A family?” Makenzie shook off his grip and turned back, landing one final blow on Jason—the ex who had betrayed her. “Stay and watch my sister marry the man I loved for three years? Have children with him? Under one roof?” Her voice cracked. “I’d rather die.”

Her eyes were wet, her nose red, and she looked fragile, like she might collapse at any second. “I’m leaving for good today—as an apology for my past immaturity. I promise you all, I, Makenzie, will never interfere with Jason and Kristen again. I wish you happiness and a growing family.”

As Jason let go of Kristen’s hand, he unconsciously took a step forward.

“Jason?” Kristen seized his hand and pulled him back. “Are you going after her? Do you still love her?”

The step he’d taken faltered. He retreated, lowering his eyes as his thoughts tangled together.

He knew how much Makenzie loved him. He had loved her too—who wouldn’t fall for someone so beautiful and devoted?

But now that she was a nobody, she was no longer fit to enter his family’s gates.

System 66, which had been quietly observing all along, watched Makenzie exit with her bag. Then its tone shifted with interest as Makenzie pulled out a recording device and clicked it off. “Host, what’s that for?”

“Always have a backup plan. Didn’t you say the rumors were all about how Makenzie bullied Kristen?” she replied, weighing the recorder in her hand before slipping it back into her bag. “Now that I’m in charge, I need to clear my name before I can properly take on my role as a stand-in.”

“What do you plan to do?”

“First, find Theo Mason.”

“What for?” System 66 seemed caught between the recording and its connection to the male lead.

“To start making money, of course!” Makenzie said matter-of-factly, dialing a number from the black, gold-embossed card in her hand.

In the financial district, where skyscrapers rose like giants lording over the city, the lights of Mason Financial Group’s building blazed brightly. A meeting had just ended.

A tall man, immaculate in a tailored suit, stepped out of the boardroom, his refined, cold face utterly unreadable. Behind him, his assistant, Amari Wilson, kept his eyes fixed on a tablet, briefing him on the rest of the day’s schedule.

“Mr. Mason, we’ve handled the tabloid rumors about your brother from last night. At six p.m., you’re scheduled to meet Mr. Smith from Plains Securities. And the Diaz family matriarch called to invite you to her birthday dinner tomorrow night.”

Amari Wilson hesitated at the mention of the Diaz family, then shot an uneasy glance at the resolute man in front of him. “If you don’t want to attend, I can turn them down on your behalf and tell them you’re swamped.”

He stopped mid-step, the room holding its breath around him. Frowning in thought, he pulled out his phone—it had been buzzing nonstop.

An unknown number had been blowing up his phone from the start of the meeting to the end.

“Hello.”

His voice came through the phone low and detached, straight into Makenzie Bell’s ear.

She was sitting on a busy city street, the noise around her making her soft voice sound hesitant. “Hello? Mr. Mason? It’s Makenzie Bell. I wanted to ask if what you mentioned before still stands?”

She’d called four times between ten and two, and slowly, a memory surfaced. Theo Mason remembered her eyes—how strikingly they resembled Lila Roberts’s.

His lips pressed into a thin line. When he finally spoke, his voice was cool and indifferent. “Send me the address. Someone will come get you.”

When the call ended, Amari Wilson—still trailing behind him—held his breath and waited for instructions.

Theo turned slightly, his sharp jaw tight. “No need to cancel the schedule. Just send someone to pick up Makenzie Bell.”

A second later, an address popped up on Amari’s tablet. He arched a brow. “Makenzie Bell? The Bell family’s supposed daughter?”

The notorious imposter daughter who kept landing in headlines for all the wrong reasons? Amari remembered how Theo had personally bailed her out of the police station after the Bells cut her off—a rare move for him.

The reason was obvious: she looked strikingly like Lila Roberts, even though Lila had married another man. Theo’s intentions were clear.

Amari nodded. “Where should we take her?”

Theo paused for a beat. “Sunrise Court.”

“Got it.”

Makenzie was sitting on the sidewalk, savoring spicy mac and cheese, when a notification from System 66 popped up—a deposit and a progress update.

“Deposit: ten thousand dollars. Theo Mason’s favorability increased by one percent.”

The spice made her cough, tears stinging her eyes, while curious bystanders discreetly filmed her on their phones.

Sniffling, Makenzie checked her phone and saw several thousand dollars had landed in her bank account. Her voice wavered. “Is this ten thousand in my original world’s currency? Why’d it just show up?”

System 66 replied, “Your call with Theo Mason advanced the plot. You earned a bonus.”

Makenzie paused for a second, then happily dug back into her mac and cheese.

Finally, a real opportunity had shown up.

A sleek Mercedes executive car eased to a stop in front of her. The driver scanned the street until his gaze landed on the woman eating mac and cheese at the bus stop. He hesitated for a moment, then spoke into his phone. “I found Miss Bell, but there’s a slight delay.”

Amari asked automatically, “What’s the holdup?”

“It’s not hesitation. She’s just finishing her mac and cheese. She looks starved.”

Inside the car, tension crackled. Amari’s surprised expression was impossible to miss. He glanced at Theo, who was reviewing documents in the backseat. After a beat, Theo said calmly, “Send a chef over.”

Even Theo hadn’t expected the Bell family to be so harsh—leaving their adopted daughter to eat mac and cheese in public and forcing her to come to him for help.

Oblivious to her sudden fame, Makenzie was just relieved to finally eat. When she noticed the car waiting, she got up and tossed her mac and cheese cup. The driver stepped forward. “Miss Bell? Mr. Mason sent me to pick you up.”

So it really was for her. With a bashful smile, she climbed in.

To help her get better acquainted with Theo Mason, System 66 spent the drive filling her in on his background.

At twenty-eight, Theo Mason was CEO of Mason Financial Group, overseeing investments across finance, securities, pharmaceuticals, and entertainment—a formidable presence in the financial district and a powerhouse across the region.

But his current success hadn’t always been guaranteed.

At twenty-six, Theo was merely the heir to a fledgling venture capital firm. His potential marriage to Lila Roberts seemed like a smart match—until his father’s business collapsed, throwing the company into immediate financial chaos and ending the engagement.

Lila loved Theo, but she had no control over the situation. She ended up marrying Kelvin Diaz, the Diaz family’s eldest son. No one expected Theo to resurrect the company within two years and emerge as a force to be reckoned with.

Even when he collaborated with the Diaz family on projects, Theo’s motives seemed tangled up with his lingering feelings for Lila. To Makenzie, his discreet aid to the Diaz family looked like misplaced devotion.

The situation was further complicated by Kelvin’s deteriorating health. At twenty-eight, he wasn’t expected to survive past thirty. That meant Makenzie only had to convincingly stand in for Lila for two years, earn Theo’s favor, and make her exit once Lila became a widow.

“Sounds doable—as long as I don’t go looking for trouble,” Makenzie muttered to herself.

“Does he have the usual CEO ailments?” she mused aloud. “You know—out of ten CEOs, five are limping, three have fake scars, two have ulcers, and one has night blindness. If he’s got that whole no-touch rule with the heroine, that’s tricky.”

System 66 chuckled. “You’re pretty observant. But since your first assignment is crucial, I promise I’ve picked very refined male leads for this chaotic world. Theo has a severe ulcer that flares up under stress. He manages it alone.”

Makenzie nodded and searched for photos of Theo online. Her memory of his face was blurry.

Seeing the disciplined lines of his body and the noticeable maturity in his features in the photos made her blink. Instinctively, she asked, “Can I sleep with him? Stand-in roles usually come with that, right?”

System 66 hesitated. “Technically, yes—but you can’t. Their physical scenes are reserved for the heroine, usually for the reconciliation finale.”

“Well, then.”

While she kept chatting with System 66, the luxury minivan pulled up to Sunrise Court.

It was the most opulent neighborhood around, full of standalone villas with million-dollar price tags. Theo used the place to house his treasured possessions in lavish comfort.

From what Makenzie remembered, the night Theo bailed her out of the precinct and handed her his business card, he’d left her with one parting remark.