If you plagiarize, I refund the network - Chapter 8

“I don’t want your money. Admit you copied me. Apologize publicly. Then I’ll tell everyone it was a collaboration.”

“Never! I’m not ruining my career for you! I’ll just… ignore it. The internet has a short memory.”

I hung up. Michael grinned.

“All done?” I asked.

“You bet. And I sent them a little… bonus gift.”

Michael had found a way to break whatever hold Olivia had over me. And to send some karmic payback her way. He’d spent years traveling, studying ancient folklore and rituals.

I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Ethan too. He’d desecrated my parents‘ resting place. He wouldn’t get away with it. Olivia’s downfall was swift and brutal. Her facial fillers migrated, her skin erupted in painful sores. She couldn’t film anymore.

Her agency dropped her, reclaiming her Instagram account. Then, late one night, she went live on a burner account.

“It was me! I copied Jenna! I’m sorry! Please forgive me!”

She sobbed, then her voice turned harsh.

“Why her? Why does she get everything? The followers, the hot boyfriend… I’ve loved Ethan since high school! I’m better than Jenna! Why doesn’t anyone see that?!”

She laughed hysterically, a terrifying mix of tears and rage. Even at that late hour, thousands of people tuned in to watch her unravel.

A few days later, Olivia and Ethan’s car went off a cliff on a remote mountain road. Their bodies were never recovered.

After the truth came out, people apologized for accusing me, for the hate they’d spewed. Michael went back to his travels, promising to send postcards. Before he left, he told me my parents had taken care of Olivia and Ethan. He told me to visit their grave and thank them.

Finally, I could breathe again. I slept soundly for the first time in months. I dreamt of my parents.

“We took care of it, honey. You haven’t been taking care of yourself.”

I hugged them tight, tears streaming down my face.

“It’s time for us to go. Live your life, Jenna. Be happy.”

I nodded, watching them fade away. I started a new Instagram account. A different niche. I documented my life in the countryside, spending time with Grandma, visiting my parents. My new account quickly gained a million followers.

This time, it was on my terms.