This time, I had used the information gap to buy up as much of the land as I could six months ago, waiting for the redevelopment to make a profit. If everything went as planned, I would make a fortune, enough for me and my family to live comfortably for life.
As we reached the school gates, Duncan suddenly said, "Erica, don't get involved with Joel."
After hesitating, he added, "Joel isn't sincere. He's with you because of a bet with someone else."
"I know," I replied calmly.
"Then why are you still—" Duncan began, confused.
Before he could finish, Joel appeared, having come to the gate after not being able to reach me by phone. He ran into us as we were heading back.
Joel wrapped his arm around my shoulders possessively. "Erica, I've been waiting for you. Let's have dinner together tonight."
I pushed Joel's arm away and stepped closer to Duncan, deliberately saying, "I'm afraid not. Duncan and I have some academic matters to discuss. Maybe another time."
In my previous life, even though Joel had become my boyfriend due to the bet, he often used "discussions" as an excuse to leave me and go out with Juliette.