The Psycho I Call Bestie Thinks I'd Steal Her CEO

My best friend wanted to be a pretty but clueless girl who accidentally spills coffee just to catch the attention of the companys new CEO.

I knew better; real life isnt like the internet or those CEO romance novels. Of course, I tried hard to talk her out of it.

She hesitated, but in the end, she finally gave up the idea.

But like something out of a movie, an intern accidentally spilled coffee on the guyand actually ended up being the CEOs wife!

My best friend acted all smiles and congratulations on the surface, but deep down, she blamed everything on me.

During a beach trip, she shoved me into the ocean with a twisted face, shouting, If it wasnt for you meddling, Id be the CEOs wife by now, you damn bitch!

Next thing I knewI woke up back to the night she first told me about her grand coffee-spilling plan.

I looked at her eyes sparkling with delusion, her hands clutching mine.

I gently pulled away, smiled faintly, and said the words she wanted to hear. Go for it.

This time, I wasnt getting in her way.

Lets see if you really have what it takes to marry the CEO.

Shea, the new CEO is single! Everyone at work is crushing on him!

Ive been reading a bunch of novels lately. They all say CEOs like the cute, clueless type. Im pretty, soft-spoken, and Ive got the right vibe. Should I go for it?

Her familiar voice snapped me out of my dazeI was still recovering from the feeling of drowning.

Shea, Im talking to you! she snapped impatiently.

Thats when it hit me. I Ive been reborn!

I was back to the very night Vicky Bobrow told me she wanted to accidentally spill coffee on their new CEO.

Her cheeks were flushed, already lost in her daydreams.

Looking at her, I remembered everything from my last life.

The new CEO at their companyyoung, rich, and handsomehad her totally obsessed after reading too many romance novels.

She was set on playing the clumsy beauty and staging an accident.

As a web novel writer myself, I knew how different fiction was from reality.

I tried hard to convince her otherwise. Eventually, she dropped the idea and just focused on work.

But thenan intern accidentally spilled coffee on the CEO.

Next thing we knew, they publicly announced their wedding.

Vicky pretended to be happy for them, but inside, she was furiouscrushing her teeth in silence.

And all that resentment? She threw it at me, the one who just tried to protect her.

And in the end, that psycho drowned me in the sea!

Now that Im back, I see her for who my best friend really is.

I watched her pose in front of the mirror like some model, and I couldnt help but laugh coldly inside.

Youre gorgeous, I said with a smile. Youll definitely pull it off!

Right? I am the prettiest one at the company. Those old hags cant compare! I just need to use my brain a little

My words clearly boosted her ego.

Oh right, Im going shopping tomorrow. Come with me. Girl, you should buy some nicer clothes, too. Stop walking around in those crappy pajamas! Try to look presentable, okay?

After taking one last look at herself in the mirror, she turned to me, her tone dripping with superiority.

Use your card first. Ill pay you back when I get my salary.

She tossed her clothes on my bed and walked into the bathroom, completely naked.

Without her in sight, my expression darkened instantly.

Same thing happened last time.

Even though she earned over 10,000 a month, it was never enough.

Every time we went shopping, I was the one who paid.

And every time, shed say, Ill pay you back after payday.

But not once did she actually pay me back!

I used to think she was my best friend.

I told myself, Its just money. Who cares? I earn more from writing anyway.

What I didnt realize was that I was enabling her.

And clearly, she got used to it. Whenever we went out, shed just assume Id cover everything.

My gosh, I even paid for her little brothers gifts!

Realizing that now, I just seriously want to slap the Shea I was in my last life.

I mustve been the biggest idiot alivekilled by someone like my so-called best friend.

But now that Ive got a second chance, Im taking everything she owes me back!

When Vicky walked out of the bathroom, I casually said, Looks like the whole clueless beauty thing is super popular these days. CEOs really do fall for that type.

She paused mid-hair-dry, eyes flickering, her tongue not saying anything.

But I knew she was gonna take the bait.

Now, lets see how far youll go to screw yourself over. Im honestly excited!

The next morning, she dragged me to The Shops at The Braven.

She was never shy about spending on herselfespecially when its my money.

Vicky? A tall, well-dressed man walked toward us just as we entered a high-end store. What a coincidence!

Oh, hey, Mr. Blount! Her annoyed face instantly melted into a delighted smile. Fancy seeing you here too!

Theres a partner company nearby Im visiting. My assistant went to grab coffee. Would you ladies like one?

The guy looked classy, polite, and genuinely charming. No wonder Vicky was obsessed with him.

Oh, I wont say no! Vicky replied delightfully.

Her boss then turned to look at me, and I could see he was surprised. There was a flash of interest in his eyes. Oh! Hi! Youre?

Vicky immediately stepped in front of me.

This is my bestie, Shea Brockenbrough. Shes super shy around strangers, Mr. Blount. Dont mind her.

I played along, ducking behind her. The last thing I needed was to get tangled up with some CEO.

Sir Curtis. Your coffee. His assistant returned. Curtis then handed the cups of coffee to Vicky with a warm smile.

She blushed, took it with both hands like a schoolgirl, and then waited. When her prince charming was out of sight, she tossed the other cup in the trash.

You dont really like coffee, right, bestie? she asked with fake sweetness in her voice.

I just ignored her and found a place to sit.

She didnt even care. She just went straight into the fitting room to try on clothes.

Just then, I checked my phone and smirked at the message.

[ALERT: Your card ending in 6823 has been temporarily frozen due to unusual activity. Please contact Riverstone Bank at 1-800-555-2471 or check your mobile app for details.]

Now whats she gonna use to pay?

Maam, your cards been declined. Do you have another one?

Vicky was lounging on the couch, waiting for the sales clerk to ring her up, when she suddenly sat bolt upright.

What? Thats impossible! Your machine must be broken! Try again!

Im sorry, but your cards really not working.

I sat comfortably in the lounge area, watching through the glass as Vickys face turned red then pale.

Wow. Its not every day I see someone so entitled while using someone elses money.

Soon, my phone rang.

The second I picked it up, she barked, Shea! Whats up with your card? Why cant I use it?

Oops, sorry. Just saw a message from my editorturns out someone plagiarized my book, and theyre investigating both sides. My royalties got frozen for now, so

Then give me your credit card! that bitch shamelessly demanded.

I dont have one.

In the end, she still bought the four outfits shed picked outbut not without maxing out five of her credit cards.

On the way out, her face looked like shed swallowed poison.

She shot daggers at me with her eyes. But I acted like I didnt see it.

I just kept scrolling through my phone until a Facebook notification popped up on the screen.

Someone sent me a friend request.

The second she caught a glimpse, Vickys whole face flushed red.

Before I could react, she snatched the phone right out of my hand and slammed it to the floor.

And thenlike someone possessedshe shoved me hard, grabbed my collar, and yanked me down with her!

Shea! Why the hell did Curtis add you?! Were you trying to seduce him?!

My god. Her eyes were bloodshot, her voice low and enraged.

What the hell is wrong with you? I snapped, yanking her hands off me.

She chased after me like a rabid dog, demanding an explanation. Answer me! Why did he add you?!

I was gonna ignore her, but then I paused. Knowing her temper, I figured Id throw her a bone.

Oh, it might be because his company wanted to buy the copyrights to my book. But I already signed with another publisher, and theyre trying to convince me to switch.

Why didnt you just say that earlier? I almost misunderstood, she huffed, smoothing her skirt. I knew it. Theres no way Curtis would be interested in someone like you.

Right. She always looked down on me.

Back in college, she was the arts committee rep and ran the schools PR team while I was just the girl with decent grades and nothing else going for me.

Guess she kept me around as her best friend just so I could be the foil that made her shine brighter.

I didnt bother responding to her mockery. I just picked up my smashed phone and walked away.

Tch. She just writes some trashy book and thinks shes hot shit. What a freak?!

She didnt even try to lower her voiceit was loud enough for me to hear clearly.

In my last life, I wouldve brushed it off as her just being upset.

But now I know better. Dang, my best friend has always been this toxic.

Two days later, I got a contract in the mail from Atlas Publishing.

That night, Vicky knocked on my door.

Shea, dont sell your book rights to Atlas. Sell them to our company instead. I know we cant offer as much, but heywere besties, right? Youll help me out, wont you?

Just like that, she picked up the contract off the table and casually tossed it in the trash.

Damn, I thought, this bitchs so sure Id say yes.

Vicky, I already promised them. I cant help you on this one.

I looked apologetic, lowered my head to hide the annoyance in my eyes, and pulled the contract out of the bin.

Dont forgetCurtiss got his eye on me. Once I become the CEOs wife, youll be lucky if I let you drink the leftover soup. Come on, dont be stupid!

Sorry, Vicky. I really cant break the contract.

She opened her mouth to blow up again until she suddenly seemed to remember something that made her force herself to calm down.

Forget it. Im going to bed. Go take your shower.

I smirked to myself, nodded, and took my pajamas to the bathroom.

After my shower, she was gone.

So was the contract.

Then, I saw her message.

[Had to leave early. Dont worryI sent the contract out for you.]

She really is that desperate. Yikes.

I copied the home security footage, pulled out the real Atlas Publishing contract from my drawer, signed it, and mailed it myself.

The next morning, I got a call from an old college roommate.

Hey, Shea, did Vicky hit the jackpot or something? I mean, her Facebook is full of designer stuff lately. Did she snag a rich boyfriend?

I blinked in a little surprise. I opened Facebook to see what she was talking about.

Oh. Vickys feed looks like a luxury catalog, indeed. Shes probably doing it to get Curtiss attention.

Uhm, I dont really know. She hasnt said anything to me.

Hey That mens suit she posted Dont you think

After the call, I scrolled back to a photo Vicky had posted two days ago.

It was a mans suit jacketstained with coffee.

Normally with high-end suits like that one in her post, one stain and its basically done for.

Looks like without me around to stop her in this life, she still went ahead and pulled the same stunt Only, Im guessing it didnt go quite as smoothly this time.

After all, she didnt look too happy yesterday when she came begging me to sign that contract.

Now, Im really curious. How is Vicky planning to pay for this 40,000 bucks suit?

A week later, Atlas Publishing made their official announcement on their socials about the novel going into production. They tagged methe original author.

Ten minutes later, I got a call from Vicky.

Shea! Didnt you already sell the rights to our company? How come you sold them to Atlas, too? Our contract is exclusive!

She didnt even let me get a word injust launched straight into it like a machine gun as soon as I picked up the phone.

When did I ever sell you the rights? I asked back.

Shea, come on. Dont be greedy. I even double-checked everything with you before signing. Your names clearly on that contractyou signed it yourself. I cant help you this time.

Just like that, she hung up right away.

She was so damn confident that it almost made me laugh. If I hadnt installed a hidden camera, I mightve really taken the fall for this shit.

Half an hour later, Blount & Bluebell Pressthe company where Vicky worked as an assistantreleased a statement, saying the rights to my novel were incomplete, and that they were planning to pursue legal action and demand compensation.

Same book. Same author. Two companies, both big names in the film adaptation business.

Of course, as soon as the announcement dropped, it blew up online.

People arent messing around these days when it comes to intellectual property. Double-selling a books rights? The internet will go crazy about it.

Sure enough, my account in X got flooded with hate in seconds.

At the same time, Vicky made a cryptic post.

[Everyone has to pay for their own greed.]

She even really tagged both my pen name and my book title.

Of course, the internet did its thing and quickly connected the dotsturns out she wasnt just my best friend but also an employee of Blount & Bluebell Press.

Things exploded even more after that, and the hate comments just kept rolling in.

Atlass rep messaged me, totally freaking out, asking what was going on.

I stayed calm and told him straight: [I only sold the rights to Atlas Publishing. Youre the only ones who paid me.]

Atlas Publishings an old, established company, so they caught on quickly.

Their legal team got involved immediately and told me theyd handle the matter ASAP.

At the same time, that same intern who ended up being Curtiss wife in my last life had just joined their company.

Even without the coffee stunt this time, she still got promoted to the CEO assistant a week in. I bet Vicky was livid.

But with the whole copyright mess, she didnt even have the guts to go complain to Curtis.

Instead, she started targeting Brookethe intern.

But Curtis kept defending her, and Vickys hatred just grew.

One day during lunch break, Vicky actually hid Brooke's stockings in Curtiss drawerand then played the victim, accusing the intern of trying to seduce the CEO.

Their office was in total chaos that day, leading to the intern getting fired on the spot for trying to seduce the CEO.

And all of that came straight from the private investigator I hired when I was rebornto keep an eye on Vicky.

This whole cyber bullying she staged was just a bonus discovery.

But honestly, I didnt have the energy to care anymore. The online hate was getting worse, my DMs full of the nastiest insults.

Once I gathered the final piece of evidence, I made a call.

Helga, I need to sue someone.

Got it. Send me everything.