The Mask We Wear in Shadows

Elena Autumn has always prided herself on her intelligence and savvy, believing herself impervious to the tricks of online fraudsters. As a popular streamer, she entertains her audience by outsmarting hapless scammers during her sessions. However, her self-assured world collapses with a single tap when her unsuspecting five-year-old nephew accidentally transfers twenty thousand dollars to an online scammer using her phone. Suddenly, Elena finds herself the victim, thrust into a public spectacle of humiliation as a cautionary tale at her school, her confidence shattered. In a quest to reclaim her dignity and the lost money, Elena becomes determined to turn the tables on the scammer. Inspired by a news story about a young woman who defrauded a scammer of fifty thousand dollars, she immerses herself in online courses to master the art of disguise and manipulation. Under the anonymous guise, she cultivates a virtual friendship with the scammer, leading to a risky pact to meet in person after six months of elaborate role-play. As the fateful meeting nears, the tension mounts. Elena is armed with the cleverness and courage she has honed, ready to confront the notorious Hugo Frost, the charming yet elusive figure behind the scam. Known as the "Beauty of Campus," Hugo presents a striking contrast to Elena’s bold persona, whose plans hang in the balance against their brewing connection. When they finally meet, their dynamic shifts dramatically, revealing unexpected layers of passion, deception, and identity. Caught in a web of intrigue, both Elena and Hugo must navigate the complexities of their hidden truths. As she dons the masks of her intentions, Elena discovers that the line between hunter and hunted is blurred, leading to a thrilling conclusion full of suspense and unexpected revelations. Will she outwit the scammer to reclaim her life, or will love complicate her grand scheme? This tale of resilience, identity, and the twists of fate leaves readers captivated until the very end. ...