- 9 hours ago
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00:00My husband's personal assistant, Ivy, had a company card technically.
00:04Mine, and she was swiping it like it was Monopoly money,
00:07then had the nerve to call me a trophy wife in a high-end French restaurant.
00:10So I froze the card on the spot.
00:12The restaurant manager called the cops.
00:15She spent the night at the precinct explaining why she was borrowing my husband's money.
00:19Karma is a bitch, isn't it?
00:21When my husband, Ethan, found out, he just tapped my nose and laughed.
00:26Babe, you're a grown woman.
00:28Why are you fighting over that?
00:30You got her laughed out of the place.
00:32He didn't blame me, acted like it was nothing.
00:35Then on my birthday, he took me back to that same French place
00:38and ordered tables and tables of expensive dishes and vintage wine.
00:44Darling, I have to step out for a moment.
00:46I'll be right back to celebrate with you.
00:48I waited and waited.
00:50The restaurant was about to close.
00:52No husband, no friends.
00:54When I pulled out my card to pay, the manager leaned in.
00:58Mrs. Cater, this card's been frozen.
01:01Frozen?
01:02Are you kidding me?
01:04Ethan gave me this.
01:05Before he left, he took my usual one and said,
01:09It's your birthday.
01:10I'm paying tonight.
01:11I was actually touched.
01:13I thought I'd married a perfect man.
01:16Now he was gone.
01:17I called him 30 times.
01:19No answer.
01:20And if that card declined, I was in serious trouble.
01:25The manager's tone shifted, polite to irritated.
01:29Do you have another card?
01:31We don't allow tabs here.
01:33You know, after what happened last month.
01:36Of course I remembered.
01:37Last month, Ivy blew through thousands and called.
01:40Me, trophy wife.
01:42And suddenly this awful feeling crept up my spine.
01:44Was this revenge?
01:46Was Ethan getting even for her?
01:48Right then footsteps.
01:50Dress shoes on marble.
01:51I turned.
01:53It was.
01:54Ethan and Ivy.
01:56Olivia, don't you love punishing people who can't pay?
02:00Well, now you get to see what that feels like.
02:05Olivia's just a nobody from the sticks.
02:08She definitely hit the jackpot, but the luck just ran out.
02:10Look, Mr. Carter is here with his side spit to watch her fall from grace.
02:14Tragic.
02:15See?
02:15That's what happens when your only asset is a pretty face.
02:18Once the expiration date hits, you're out.
02:21My fists clenched.
02:22The humiliation burned through me.
02:25However she embarrassed you, I'll return the favor.
02:28You're the best, Ethan.
02:30You're just a pretty face.
02:32Who gave you the right to freeze my card?
02:35I've got him paying tonight.
02:36I could smash every bottle in here and it wouldn't matter.
02:39But you?
02:40You're done.
02:42Don't look at me like that.
02:43If you've got money, pay and leave.
02:45You doesn't have a dime without him.
02:47Ethan scanned the room.
02:49Voice ice cold.
02:52Anyone who helps her tonight is my enemy.
02:56One of our business partners started to stand.
02:58Whoa.
02:59Mr. Carter is damn serious.
03:02After that threat, no one moved.
03:04I lost it.
03:05I grabbed his arm.
03:07Ethan, are you humiliating me for her?
03:10Are you serious?
03:12Yes.
03:13That's exactly what I'm doing.
03:15I stared at him like I didn't even know who he was.
03:18We'd been married three years.
03:20People used to call us the perfect couple.
03:22He was the one who chased me when I first moved here.
03:25At our wedding, he swore he'd be loyal forever.
03:28No betrayal.
03:30Love me with his life.
03:31Till death.
03:32And now, only three years later, every vow, every memory, shredded like it meant nothing.
03:38Guess they were right.
03:40When you marry rich with your face, you don't get dignity.
03:43The second someone younger shows up, your luxury life expires.
03:47But what Ethan never understood.
03:49I didn't marry him for money.
03:51I married him because I loved him.
03:53He looked at my red eyes, then casually wiped the hand I'd touched with.
03:57A napkin.
03:59Olivia, let's see what you do if you can't pay.
04:02Mr. Carter is ruthless.
04:04After tonight, she's toast.
04:07Shh.
04:08This is getting good.
04:10Before we left home, he took my card.
04:13And now, my phone was dead.
04:15This wasn't random.
04:17This was planned.
04:18Time is ticking away, Olivia.
04:20If you don't have the cash, I'd be happy to call the police.
04:23A few nights in jail would do you good.
04:26Isn't that what you did to me?
04:28I stared at Ethan like I could burn him alive.
04:30Little did they know, the Carter Empire only skyrocketed because of me.
04:35I opened doors, cleared enemies, and made calls that erased threats overnight.
04:39Tonight, I was going to tell him who I really was.
04:42Not some small-town nobody.
04:44I'm the heiress to the richest family in Westbridge.
04:47But he changed faster than I imagined.
04:50Ethan, is this really what you want?
04:52Then what do you think this is?
04:54Enjoy prison life, Olivia.
04:55Or since you love embarrassing people so much, now it's your turn.
04:59You're going to record a full apology video now to the camera.
05:02Apologize to me and post it online.
05:05You asked for this.
05:07When the Carter Empire falls, it will be your responsibility.
05:12Oh, please.
05:14What is this, a soap opera?
05:15Miss Carter.
05:17Cash?
05:18Or is someone covering you?
05:20To his credit, he kept it professional.
05:23No public humiliation.
05:25Not yet.
05:26I scanned the room, then walked toward one of our long-time partners.
05:30Olivia, don't.
05:32I can't cross him.
05:34I just need your phone.
05:36I'll call a friend.
05:37Oh, please.
05:38Who's coming to save you?
05:39That's fine.
05:40Let her call.
05:41You've got 30 minutes.
05:43I dialed one number.
05:45Half an hour.
05:45Bring cash.
05:46Now.
05:47Every second felt louder.
05:49It's been 20 minutes.
05:51No one is coming to save you.
05:52Olivia, you're just playing us.
05:54Call security and seize her now.
05:57There's still 10.
05:58If no one shows up in 30 minutes,
06:01I'll record the video.
06:02I swear.
06:03The whole restaurant erupted again.
06:05Phones were already out.
06:07Man, I'm not even leaving.
06:08This is better than Netflix.
06:09I came here for dinner and got front road seats to a live meltdown.
06:1210 minutes.
06:14Almost up.
06:15A heavy set man reached for me.
06:17Don't you dare touch me.
06:18Nice figure, though.
06:19I can tell without even laying a hand on her.
06:22Mr. Carter, mind if I take her?
06:24Why not?
06:25If she can't pay, then she's all yours.
06:27Everyone was convinced I couldn't pay.
06:29And just like that, they stopped.
06:32Pretending to be civilized and started reaching for me.
06:35If hatred could take physical form, everyone in my line of sight would have dropped where
06:39they stood.
06:40But hatred doesn't work that way.
06:42Go.
06:43Grab her.
06:44Hold her down so those pigs can have their fun.
06:47Yes, sir.
06:48I looked at Ethan.
06:50Something inside me went completely cold.
06:52He didn't even flinch.
06:54Don't look at me like that.
06:55I'm not helping you.
06:56As long as Ivy feels better, that's all that matters.
06:59We were still legally married.
07:00And he stood there like I was nothing.
07:03Sweetheart, come with me.
07:05I've got money.
07:06I'll cover your bill.
07:08Pick me instead.
07:09I've got plenty of cash.
07:11And as you can see, I'm in much better shape than those guys.
07:13If you touch me, you'll regret it.
07:15I swear to God you'll pay for this.
07:17My ass.
07:18Strip her.
07:19Time's up.
07:20No more act.
07:21She didn't even finish the sentence.
07:23The doors burst open.
07:24Men in black suits stormed in.
07:26They moved fast, precise.
07:28Control taking down every man around me.
07:30In seconds.
07:31And right behind them, Nathan Reed.
07:34Riverton's most powerful banking.
07:36Executive.
07:37He walked in carrying a sleek case, expression carved in stone.
07:41Mrs. Clark, I brought the funds.
07:44I'm not too late, am I?
07:45Mr. Reed, what are you doing here?
07:47You're a big name.
07:48How could someone like her possibly get you to show up with money?
07:51Ivy rubbed her eyes hard, like she thought she was hallucinating.
07:55But no matter how many times she blinked, he was still there.
07:58It was really Nathan Reed.
08:00Nathan didn't even spare Ethan or Ivy a glance.
08:02He walked straight to me with respect.
08:05Ms. Clark, Ms. Monroe asked me to handle this immediately.
08:07She's on her way.
08:10And who gave you the nerve to treat Ms. Clark like this?
08:15The noisy restaurant dropped into instant,
08:17suffocating silence thought if the Carter group was the richest empire in the city,
08:20then the power behind Nathan could crush them without breaking a sweat.
08:24When Ethan first hit number one, people whispered,
08:27they just never guessed the trophy wife they mocked was the one pulling the strings.
08:30Ethan once told me,
08:31I'm gonna be the richest man alive so my wife can spend without limits.
08:36Funny how things change.
08:38I built his throne.
08:40I can kick it out from under him.
08:42Under Nathan's icy glare, no one dared whisper.
08:45Did Olivia seriously call in money?
08:50How is Mr. Reed her contact?
08:52Nathan turned to Ivy, voice razor sharp.
08:55Was this humiliation you're doing?
08:58I'm there for you.
09:00Everything's gonna be fine.
09:01Ivy hid behind him, forcing down her panic.
09:05Yeah, Ethan's the richest man in Riverton.
09:08I might be intimidated by Nathan,
09:11but that doesn't mean Ethan is.
09:13The second she said it, her confidence came rushing back.
09:16She straightened her spine like she just remembered who she thought she was.
09:20Ethan stepped forward, voice turning cold.
09:22I don't know what kind of connection you think you have with Reed,
09:25but let me make something clear.
09:27In Rivervind, I can freeze you out.
09:28And Mr. Reed, this is a private family matter.
09:32It's not your place to interfere.
09:33I beat you once to claim the top spot, and I can do it again.
09:37Don't push me.
09:37I can have you pushed out of the city.
09:39Nathan let out a soft laugh.
09:40Big words.
09:42If it weren't for Mrs. Clark,
09:44your company would have been finished whole years ago.
09:47Everything you have came from her.
09:52You had everything handed to you,
09:54and you didn't even realize it.
09:56Ethan scoffed like it was a joke.
09:59I was tired.
10:01Done explaining myself.
10:02I've paid the bill.
10:04Ivy, remember what you promised?
10:06Yeah.
10:07I said it.
10:09So what are you going to do about it?
10:11Ethan runs this town.
10:13I lowered my gaze slightly.
10:15You think hiding behind Mr. Reed gives you power over me?
10:18Keep dreaming.
10:19I said softly.
10:22When the news hits that Carter Stock is tumping,
10:25I hope Ethan can still look at you with that same devotion.
10:29My smile turned even colder.
10:30When the alert comes in that Carter Stock is sliding,
10:33I hope Ethan can still look at Ivy with that same devotion.
10:37Nathan's brow tightened slightly.
10:39He gave a subtle nod to the men in black.
10:41They understood instantly.
10:43In one swift move,
10:44one of them scrubbed Ivy and knocked her down right in front of me.
10:47She collapsed on the floor, scrambling on her hands and knees pathetic, almost animal-like.
10:53You made the promise, so you're going to honor it.
10:57Right now.
10:59Right now.
11:00You are going to apologize.
11:02Admit what you did.
11:03And say it loud enough for everyone to hear.
11:07Someone shoved a phone in her face.
11:09The red wreck light blinked.
11:13Ethan!
11:13Help me!
11:15I'd rather die than go through this!
11:17Screams finally snapped Ethan out of his shock.
11:19Her chair flared across his face.
11:21Get her out of here!
11:22He blocked out his own men.
11:23Within seconds, Nathan's men and Ethan's clashed.
11:26But it didn't last long.
11:28Ethan's men were on the floor almost immediately.
11:31They were never on Nathan's level to begin with.
11:34They weren't amateurs.
11:35Those men were professionally trained.
11:38Ivy's face drained of color again.
11:40Sweat rolled down her forehead.
11:41Ethan stared at us, fury burning in his eyes.
11:44Nathan, I show you a little courtesy and you think you own the place?
11:48Push me and I can make you disappear from Riverville right now.
11:52Don't go to war with me over Olivia.
11:54That would be incredibly stupid.
11:56Nathan didn't even dignify that threat with a reaction.
11:59Instead, he turned to me with calm respect.
12:02Everything follows Ms. Clark's decision.
12:04I smiled at Ethan slow, deliberate.
12:06What's wrong?
12:08You're allowed to humiliate me but I'm not allowed to return the favor?
12:11And call my lawyer.
12:13I want the divorce papers drafted now.
12:15Make it fast.
12:16The second I finished speaking, Ethan exploded.
12:20You want a divorce?
12:22You don't get to decide that, Olivia.
12:25You're just a nobody I picked up.
12:27Know your place.
12:28You'll understand exactly who I am once you're signing those papers.
12:33Oh, and your father?
12:34He might be on his way to skin you alive.
12:38Shut up!
12:40Who the hell do you think you are?
12:43My dad's gonna show up and kill me for you?
12:46Please.
12:48Now I see it.
12:49You're really good at talking big.
12:51I don't know what trick you pulled to get Nathan on your side, but he can't protect you forever.
12:55While he was running his mouth.
12:58Since we're divorced, I'm done building the Carter name.
13:01Within 30 minutes, the second my call goes out, your stock starts sliding.
13:04And it won't stop until the Carter empire hits zero.
13:09Olivia, aren't you tired of this little act yet?
13:12Enough!
13:13You're doing nothing but stalling.
13:14Give it up, Olivia!
13:15You think Reed can ever take down the Carters?
13:18You ever wonder why he's forever the runner-up?
13:20Because the Carters keep him there.
13:22After the divorce papers, Ethan looked at me with this bored disgust like I was already yesterday's trash.
13:28Olivia.
13:30Olivia, I'll be merciful.
13:31For old time's sake.
13:32I'll let you keep some dignity.
13:34Since you paid for it, get on your knees and apologize to Ivy.
13:42I stared at him like, are you actually insane?
13:45She hadn't even paid for what she said she'd do, and he wanted me.
13:49Begging first?
13:50What is wrong with him?
13:51I checked my watch and smiled cold.
13:54Call your father.
13:55Ask him if Carter's stock is dropping.
13:57The way I said it hit different.
14:00Ethan's face twitched.
14:01Just a flicker of panic.
14:03Right as he reached for his phone, the door slammed open his father.
14:07Victor barged in wearing a robe and slippers.
14:10You stupid, ungrateful idiot.
14:12How did I raise someone this damn reckless?
14:15Victor hurried over, hands up.
14:18Oh dear, you hit it well.
14:20How could you never mention you were the successor to the most powerful family in Westbrook?
14:29Elizabeth?
14:30I hadn't heard that name in a long time.
14:32My real name isn't Elizabeth Clark.
14:34Back then, I came to Riverland to Skylar quietly.
14:38So I buried my identity.
14:40I never thought I'd end up on Ethan's radar.
14:43He worked me.
14:44Sweet words, perfect dates.
14:46That I'll protect you act, until I fell.
14:49Ethan snapped toward his father, then grabbed my arm.
14:52Elizabeth Clark?
14:53That's your real name?
14:54You're not kidding?
14:55The heiress to the Clark dynasty of Westbrook?
14:57The one who never makes public appearance?
14:58I yanked my arm away.
15:00Nathan immediately handed me a napkin gentle, respectful like I mattered.
15:04Ethan went pale on the spot.
15:06Because an hour ago, he wiped his hand after I touched him.
15:10Like I was contaminated.
15:12When I didn't answer him, he turned to his father, desperate.
15:15Dad?
15:17What the hell is going on?
15:19Ivy looked like she couldn't breathe.
15:21She was waiting for Victor to say.
15:23It was a mistake.
15:25She'd heard rumors about Elizabeth Clark.
15:27Everyone had.
15:28But nobody had.
15:30Ever seen her in person.
15:31And if I really was her?
15:33Ivy was finished.
15:34So was the Carter family.
15:36Victor turned on Ethan.
15:38Teeth clenched.
15:39That is right.
15:40She's Elizabeth Clark.
15:42And you're a damn fool!
15:45You threw away your wife for a cheap little side piece, and you provoked her.
15:50Ethan froze.
15:51Ivy froze harder.
15:53The whole restaurant exploded into chaos.
15:55Wait, what the hell?
15:56Someone pinch me!
15:58Am I dreaming or is this real?
16:00Some idiot actually pinched his friend hard.
16:02Ethan screamed.
16:04Holy shit, it's real!
16:06We were literally just trashing her.
16:08We're so screwed!
16:09What are we gonna do?
16:11She's going to ruin us!
16:12The panic around me sounded like a swarm of insects' prayers, regrets, excuses.
16:18Everyone was silently begging I'd forget their faces.
16:22We literally just helped them.
16:23We tried to rip her clothes.
16:26I said this already.
16:28Anyone who tries to make me a joke...
16:30I lifted my chin.
16:32Becomes the joke.
16:34Victor reacted first and kicked Ivy.
16:36You poisonous little leech!
16:38Who do you think you are going against Ms. Clark?
16:41You let those disgusting men touch her.
16:43And you actually tried to film her being humiliated?
16:46Ivy was dealt with.
16:48I turned to leave.
16:49But this time, no one backed her up.
16:53Not a single soul.
16:55The Carters have everything because of Ms. Clark.
16:58I, I didn't know at first.
17:01I went to Westbrook.
17:05But then, I went to Bridge.
17:08Bridge.
17:09I saw her sitting at the head of the table with billionaires.
17:14Running the meeting like she owned the world.
17:17That's when it hit me.
17:19Just how powerful she really is.
17:23She was going to reveal it tonight.
17:25Bring you home to Westbrook.
17:27And introduce you to her family.
17:29She tried to make you part of her dynasty.
17:33And you ruined it.
17:35For a useless nobody.
17:38Ethan's eyes went wide and his whole body started shaking.
17:41He looked at me.
17:42Mouth open, no sound.
17:43Reality finally slammed him in the face.
17:46Victor checked his phone and his face dropped.
17:49Elizabeth, no.
17:51Mrs. Clark, please, call them off.
17:56Carter's stock is falling fast.
17:58If it keeps dropping, we're finished.
18:00I calmly adjusted my clothes.
18:02No emotion, no warmth.
18:04I said, I can lift the Carter family to the top.
18:08And I can also crush you into the mud.
18:10Victor didn't hesitate.
18:11He slapped Ethan across the face.
18:14What are you standing there for?
18:16Apologize to Miss Clark right now.
18:18You want to take us all down with you?
18:20Ethan finally snapped back into his body.
18:23He kicked Ivy in the face.
18:25It's all because of you.
18:27You made us fighting down.
18:28You made us fight each other.
18:31Hold her down.
18:32One out.
18:33His security grabbed Ivy and pinned her.
18:35Ivy sobbed, voice cracking.
18:38Ethan, make them let me go.
18:40This isn't what I wanted.
18:42Ethan, make them stop.
18:44You said you'd get revenge for me.
18:47Shut up.
18:48You encouraged me to do this.
18:50And now you're not willing to admit it.
18:52Ivy laughed through tears, bitter and wild.
18:54Wow, Ethan, you're really a professional at dodging responsibility.
19:01Don't think punishing me means Elizabeth will forgive you or forgive the Carters.
19:06Dream on.
19:07And she was right.
19:08Even if Ethan punished Ivy, I wasn't letting the Carters off the hook.
19:12But they still didn't get it.
19:14No, she's just angry right now.
19:17That's all.
19:17She loves me.
19:18Otherwise, she wouldn't have hidden her identity and stayed with the Carters for three whole years.
19:23That alone proves how much she loves me.
19:26Once she cools off, I'll apologize.
19:27We'll fix this.
19:29We always do.
19:30Please, don't hurt me.
19:35What are you idiots standing around for?
19:40If she won't do the video, then make her.
19:44Beat her until she does.
19:45At his command, the guards started kicking Ivy hard.
19:48Not random hits either.
19:50They targeted joints, knees, ankles, places that ruin you.
19:56Ivy's screams turned sharp and piercing as the glows landed.
19:59Around us, people shrank back into themselves, too afraid to breathe too loud and no one wanted
20:04to offend the powerful.
20:05I'll do the video!
20:06I'll do anything!
20:08Just make them stop!
20:09They're gonna snap my legs!
20:10She cried hysterically.
20:12Terrified of losing the one thing she valued most, she finally gave in.
20:16Her fingers trembled as she took the phone.
20:19The camera light burned into her face.
20:21I stole from the company.
20:23She sobbed.
20:25I went after a married man.
20:28I framed her.
20:30I lied about everything.
20:33Every word echoed in the silent restaurant.
20:35I turned to leave.
20:36Babe, where are you going?
20:37I punished Ivy.
20:38I'll never embarrass you again.
20:39Come home with me, please.
20:41Carter, are you out of your mind?
20:43Know your place and stop calling every woman you grab, babe.
20:46We signed divorce papers.
20:47Did you forget?
20:48Next time you see me, don't get my name wrong.
20:51The second I yanked my arm away, my childhood friend Miles Morgan walked in.
20:55Liz, so this is why you refused to marry me back then?
20:58Him?
20:59Seriously?
21:00That's your type?
21:01Your taste is awful.
21:02He's not as good looking as me.
21:03Not even close.
21:04And he definitely doesn't carry himself like I do.
21:06And most importantly, I've loved you for 10 years straight.
21:09He couldn't even stay faithful for three.
21:11The room instantly went O-H-H-H, like a crowd at a live show.
21:14They didn't know who I really was.
21:16But they all knew Miles Morgan, one of the richest men in the world.
21:20His face was everywhere.
21:22Magazine.
21:23Covers.
21:24Business headlines.
21:26Global summits.
21:27And yeah, Miles was tall, sharp, unfairly handsome.
21:30Next to him, Ethan didn't even register.
21:33Standing side by side, Miles completely wiped him off the screen.
21:37With Miles there, Ethan finally felt real danger and he panicked.
21:41We were divorced.
21:42He'd humiliated me publicly.
21:45Trying to get me back.
21:46Now, impossible.
21:48Babe.
21:49Elizabeth.
21:50Who is he?
21:50Before I could answer, Miles shot Ethan a look like he was gum on a shoe.
21:54You seriously have to ask?
21:56I'm her fiancƩ.
21:58You two are done.
21:59And she's not marrying anybody else.
22:01Except me.
22:02I sighed and smiled because that's just Miles no filter.
22:05He's always been blunt.
22:07Always loud about what he wants.
22:09Come on.
22:11I haven't been home to see my parents in a long time.
22:14Ethan chased after us.
22:16Liz, what about me?
22:18And what about the Carters?
22:19I paused, but I didn't turn around.
22:22We're divorced.
22:23Why would you be my problem?
22:24Ethan's voice broke.
22:25Tears dropped fast, like his body gave up, pretending.
22:29If I hadn't humiliated you because of Ivy, if I'd stopped them before they touched you,
22:34would you forgive me?
22:36If you didn't find out I'm Elizabeth Clark, would you still realize your mistake?
22:41Would you still punish Ivy?
22:43That question strangled him.
22:45He couldn't answer.
22:46And I didn't stay for his silence.
22:48I walked out with Miles.
22:50Because life doesn't do what if.
22:52Wrong is wrong and some doors don't.
22:54Reopen.
22:55The moment we left that French restaurant, the night wind hit my face sharp, late autumn
22:59cold.
23:00I tucked my messy hair behind my ear.
23:02My couture dress was stained and wrinkled, but it couldn't hide what I was underneath.
23:07Miles took off his suit jacket and draped it over my shoulders.
23:10When his fingers brushed my cold skin, he moved carefully gentle.
23:13Liz, they didn't deserve you.
23:16I shook my head and looked out at the traffic in neon.
23:18The lights reflected in my eyes, but nothing felt warm.
23:22I'm free now.
23:23Finally.
23:25Better to learn the truth now than waste a lifetime on a lie.
23:29Miles started the engine, and the black luxury car slid smoothly into traffic.
23:33I already have eyes on the Carters.
23:37Carter stock is dropping hard.
23:39Victor is spinning out.
23:43He called me a dozen times begging for peace.
23:46I rejected everyone.
23:47Liz, I shouldn't have let Ivies manipulate me.
23:50I shouldn't have done those things to you.
23:52Please, just give me another chance.
23:56I'll give you anything.
23:57The company, my money, it's all yours.
24:01Just forgive me.
24:03Employees stared, whispering, pointing like this was a live meltdown.
24:07I frowned and spoke to security.
24:09Get him out of here.
24:10And if he comes back, don't let him within 10 feet of this building.
24:13Yes, Ms. Clark.
24:14They grabbed Ethan and started hauling him out.
24:17Liz, I know you still love me.
24:20You gave up everything in West Brick to come here and find me.
24:23You still love me.
24:24I know you do.
24:25I watched him with cold eyes until he vanished down the hall.
24:28Then I turned back to Adam.
24:30Continue.
24:31But after that scene, I had zero interest in touring anything.
24:35Miles picked up on it instantly.
24:36Well, that's enough for today.
24:39Let's get out of here, Liz.
24:41I'll take you somewhere quiet.
24:43Claire handed me a tablet.
24:45On screen, Carter Group's livestock chart.
24:47A straight dive.
24:49No bounce.
24:50No mercy.
24:51The comments were chaos.
24:53Investors were dumping shares like a sinking ship.
24:56Mrs. Clark.
24:58Victor sent expensive gifts again.
25:00And a handwritten apology.
25:02I had it returned.
25:04Ethan called dozens of times.
25:06I blocked every number.
25:09And he sent a ton of texts too.
25:11Apologies.
25:13Saying he knows he was wrong.
25:15Begging for another chance.
25:19I glanced at the previews.
25:21Same recycled lines.
25:23I wasn't thinking.
25:24I didn't mean that way.
25:25You're the only one I love.
25:27It was pathetic.
25:29Three years together.
25:30And he never learned who I am.
25:32He thought a sorry text could erase trauma.
25:34He thought I'd melt like I used to.
25:36Not anymore.
25:38I ignore it.
25:39Send the word.
25:40Every Westbridge partner.
25:41Cut the Carters off.
25:43Immediately.
25:43And pull every illegal move they made using the Clark name.
25:47Organize the evidence and hand it to the authorities.
25:50Claire nodded and moved fast.
25:52Miles watched me carefully.
25:53Liz.
25:54You're going to erase them, aren't you?
25:56They came for me first.
25:58I looked up.
25:59My eyes cold.
26:00Ethan let Ivy humiliate me.
26:02He even let those disgusting men put their hands on me.
26:04Did he think there would be no consequences?
26:06My boundaries aren't something anyone gets to test.
26:09Miles nodded.
26:10Silence.
26:11He simply handed me warm tea.
26:14Take some rest.
26:15I'll keep watch on everything.
26:16That night, no one said more.
26:18By morning, Birdsong woke me.
26:21Right after I got ready, Nathan called.
26:25Good morning, Ms. Clark.
26:27Carter Group released an emergency statement at dawn.
26:30They're begging for peace.
26:31They're offering 30% of the company just to make you stop.
26:35And Ethan's been outside our bank since morning.
26:38He wanted to apologize in person.
26:39I had him removed.
26:41Hey!
26:41No!
26:42Let me go!
26:42I don't want their shares.
26:44I gave a small laugh.
26:46Carter's stock is nothing but trash to me.
26:48Tell Victor I can show mercy.
26:50He brings Ethan to my brother's grave, and they beg for forgiveness?
26:54Yes, ma'am.
26:54They don't stop until I'm satisfied.
26:57Years ago, my brother Evan Clark personally escorted a shipment to help me evaluate Riverton's
27:02market.
27:02He was a tax supposedly random.
27:05But the truth is, the Carters did it quietly so they could swallow Clark assets in Riverton.
27:10That's why I hid my name, partly to watch Ethan, but mostly, to collect proof, and avenge my
27:16brother.
27:17Nathan agreed immediately that I ended the call.
27:20Claire came in.
27:21Ms. Clark, Mr. Morgan is waiting downstairs.
27:23He said he wants to show you a few projects today.
27:27I nodded and changed into a clean white suit, sharp lines, no softness.
27:31With slim heels, my whole presence snapped into place, nothing like the woman they tried
27:36to humiliate last night.
27:37When I came down, Miles was leaning against the car.
27:40Liz, suits were made for you.
27:43I smiled and got in.
27:44Miles started the car and nodded toward the skyline.
27:47Even while I was lying low, I never stopped building my position in Riverton.
27:52Tech ventures, real estate developments, multiple projects, all under my control.
27:57And Ethan never had a clue.
27:58He truly believed I was just a trophy wife living off him.
28:01We pulled up in front of a brand new glass tower.
28:04This was my tech company.
28:06The company's managing director, Adam, was already waiting at the entrance.
28:11Mrs. Clark, welcome.
28:13We went inside.
28:15He started briefing me on updates, numbers, expansion.
28:19Miles walked beside me, adding details here and there.
28:22Then noise near the elevator.
28:24I turned.
28:25Ethan looked wrecked wrinkled clothes, messy hair, bloodshot eyes.
28:28He was fighting security, trying to rush toward me.
28:32Liz, Liz, honey, just look at me.
28:37I'm sorry, honey.
28:39I'm so sorry.
28:40Security held him back.
28:42He kept thrashing, eyes full of regret and desperate pleading.
28:45Do what you have to do.
28:47Do what you're to meant.
28:48Don't hold back.
28:50I leaned back and closed my eyes.
28:52Ethan's panicked face flashed in my mind, and that last question he couldn't answer.
28:56All I felt was emptiness.
28:58I resurrected the Carters.
29:00I handed them the climb.
29:01They chose to waste it.
29:03They sealed their own end.
29:05The car entered a quiet, gated neighborhood.
29:08My private place in Riverton Clean, understated.
29:11Tastefully powerful.
29:12Not loud like the Carter Mansion.
29:15Claire was waiting at the door.
29:16The second she saw me, her eyes reddened and she hurried over to steady me.
29:20Miss Clark, thank God you're back.
29:23Are you all right?
29:26I'm fine.
29:27Tell the kitchen to keep it simple.
29:29Something hot, something light.
29:30After a shower, I changed into soft lounge clothes.
29:33One bowl of warm comfort food, and the tension finally loosened just a little.
29:37Miles took me to a hot spring resort outside Riverton Quiet, tucked away in the hills.
29:42No noise.
29:43No paparazzi.
29:45Just airing trees.
29:47Sinking into the hot water melted the tension out of my muscles.
29:50Miles sat nearby, watching me.
29:53You know what's insane?
29:55Ethan still thinks you hid your name because you loved him.
29:58He has no idea you had a reason from day one.
30:00I ran my fingers through the water.
30:02He's arrogant.
30:04He honestly thinks marrying him was the best thing that ever happened to me.
30:09But he never asked the real question.
30:12Who am I?
30:14And why would I choose him?
30:16When I first arrived in Riverton, Ethan came at me hard full court press.
30:19He was attentive, generous, always saying yes, always making me feel taken care of.
30:25For a newcomer, it felt like belonging.
30:27And he looked ambitious back then like he might actually be worth investing in.
30:31So I stayed.
30:32Kept my name hidden.
30:34I wanted to see if he was truly worth my family's backing.
30:37I leveraged the Clark family's influence to clear his path.
30:41I helped him crush competitor after competitor until the Carters went from who?
30:45To the richest family in Riverton.
30:47But I didn't expect that the higher he climbed, the more his ego swelled and the uglier his ambition got.
30:52He started looking down on my background, acting like I wasn't good enough for Mr. Richest Man in Riverton.
30:58And suddenly, there were women everywhere laughing too loud, staying a little too long.
31:03Ivy was the worst of them, the boldest, the most shameless.
31:07It's not like I didn't notice.
31:09I did.
31:10I just waited waiting for him to come back to his senses and waiting for the perfect moment to take
31:15the Carters down for good.
31:16And my birthday dinner?
31:18That was the opening.
31:20To get revenge for Ivy.
31:21He set me up humiliated me on purpose.
31:24And that's when I finally saw him clearly.
31:27Every last bit of attachment died right there.
31:29Back in my room after the hot springs, Claire sent me a message.
31:33The moment Ethan dropped Ivy, the crowd that used to swarm her turned on her instantly.
31:38She ended up broke, chased by debt collectors, and basically living on the street.
31:43Rumor was she was digging through a produce market for thrown out scraps, looking absolutely wrecked.
31:48Victor forced Ethan to issue a public confession.
31:51A three-hour live stream apology press conferences, social media statements, every outlet you can imagine.
31:57They humiliated themselves in front of millions.
32:00And I still didn't move.
32:02My brother's life isn't something you settle with PR damage control.
32:05What the Carters owe me what they owe the Clarks.
32:07I'm collecting it slowly, with interest.
32:10Days passed.
32:11The Carters got worse.
32:13Partners pulled contracts.
32:15Banks called in loans.
32:17Regulators stepped in the Carter Group couldn't hold the line.
32:20Bankruptcy.
32:21Liquidation.
32:22Victor couldn't take it.
32:24He had a massive brain hemorrhage, landed in the hospital, and slipped into a vegetative state.
32:29Ethan went from the top of Riverton, to nothing overnight.
32:32He sold every property and every luxury car to pay for Victor's treatment but it barely made a dent.
32:37He tried a hundred ways to get to me.
32:39I shut every door.
32:41He even went to Westbridge, trying to beg the senior members of the Clark family to step in.
32:46They didn't even grant him a meeting.
32:49Security showed him the door.
32:50That night, I went with Miles to a business gala pact with elites.
32:54As the Clark heiress, I was the center of attention.
32:58The very people who once looked down on my background were now scrambling to align themselves with me.
33:02Their faces were coated in fake smiles nothing like that cold, mocking energy they had in the restaurant.
33:07I handled it smoothly, calm, elegant, charming when I wanted to be.
33:12Miles stayed at my side the entire time, shielding me from the noise.
33:15The warmth in his eyes wasn't even trying to hide.
33:18Halfway through the night, a commotion hit the entrance.
33:21Ethan walked in looking like he'd aged 10 years overnight rumpled clothes, gray streaking his hair, exhaustion etched into his
33:27face.
33:27The confident CEO Carter from a few months ago was gone.
33:31He fought past security and sprinted toward me, shouting.
33:35Liz! It's me, Tom. Liz.
33:38He broke free, reached me, and dropped to his knees with a thud.
33:42He grabbed my dress, desperation all over his face.
33:45Liz, I know I screwed up.
33:47I was an idiot.
33:48I threw everything away.
33:50Please.
33:52Please save my dad.
33:54Don't take everything from me.
33:55I just want to be with you.
33:56I'll do anything.
33:57I swear.
33:59I'll spend the rest of my life making this right.
34:01People stared, whispered, and pointed.
34:04Their eyes were full of amusement and disgust.
34:07I looked down at him with zero emotion.
34:10I gently pulled my clothing free and looked down at him.
34:13Ethan.
34:14Look at you.
34:16Do you even recognize what you've become?
34:18He looked up, tears streaking down his face.
34:21I look like a damn fool.
34:23That's what I am.
34:27Liz, please forgive me.
34:30Giz.
34:32Just one more chance.
34:35I gave you countless chances.
34:37When you let Ivy humiliate me.
34:39When you hit me.
34:41When you stood there while those men put their hands on me.
34:44And you didn't move.
34:47Did you ever think this day would come?
34:50I wasn't thinking.
34:51Ivy fooled me.
34:53Liz, you were always the only one.
34:56I've always loved you.
34:58Love?
34:59I laughed soft, sharp, mocking.
35:01Don't call that love.
35:02That's not love.
35:03Ethan, remember this.
35:04You destroyed what we had with your own hands.
35:07And you pushed the Carters into the grave.
35:09This is on you.
35:10Nobody else.
35:11I paused, letting my eyes drag over his pale face.
35:14And one more thing, you never loved me.
35:17You loved what I gave you.
35:19You loved my family's influence.
35:21You loved the leverage.
35:22The power.
35:23The reach.
35:24And now that it's gone, you want me back?
35:27That's not how this works.
35:29Ethan's face went paper white.
35:31He collapsed onto the floor.
35:33The light in his eyes dying inch by inch.
35:35His mouth opened, but nothing came out.
35:38Security stepped in and dragged him out.
35:40His screams and begging faded into the night.
35:43Miles took my hand and said softly.
35:45It's over.
35:46I nodded and looked up at the sky full of stars.
35:49My mind finally clear.
35:50Yeah, it was all over.
35:52All the ugliness, all the pain, vanished with the Carter collapse.
35:56After the gala, Miles drove me home.
35:58As we moved through the dark, he spoke up.
36:01Liz, look.
36:02The stars are so bright tonight.
36:03I looked up.
36:04The sky was scattered with light sharp and gorgeous.
36:07It looked like my future.
36:09Liz?
36:10Miles said as he pulled over,
36:11turning to me with a seriousness that made my chest tighten.
36:14I've waited ten years.
36:16From a reckless teenager to the man I am now.
36:19I've never changed.
36:20Ethan is out of your world.
36:24So, can you give me a chance?
36:26To stay by your side and protect you for the rest of my life?
36:29I looked into his eyes so much devotion, so much certainty and warmth spread through me.
36:34Ten years.
36:35Miles had been there for ten years.
36:37When I was at my lowest, he guarded me quietly.
36:40When I hid my name, he handled everything in Westbridge for me.
36:44When Ethan humiliated me, Miles was the first one to show up and stand between me and the world.
36:48It's not like I didn't feel his feelings.
36:51I was just trapped in my own storm revenge strategy, planning blind to the warmth right next to me.
36:57I smiled softly and nodded.
37:00Okay.
37:01Miles' eyes lit up like someone turned the sun on.
37:04He held my hand carefully, like he was holding everything he'd ever wanted.
37:08Outside, the night breeze drifted by, carrying a faint floral scent.
37:13I leaned on his shoulder, staring at the stars, feeling hope fill my chest.
37:17Ethan's regret wasn't my problem.
37:19The Carter downfall was self-inflicted.
37:21And me, Elizabeth Clark.
37:23Heiress of Westbridge's Clark family finally stepped out of the shadows and into my own light.
37:27With Miles beside me, with my family behind me, and with my own strength.
37:32I knew my future would be bright, loud, beautiful, unstoppable.
37:36And the people who hurt me?
37:37They'd spend the rest of their lives choking on regret.
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