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00:01The hotel just alerted me that a condom charge from the previous night had been posted to my
00:06bill. When I confronted my husband, Rex Dillon, he stared back at me with a look of utter
00:12bewilderment plastered across his face. Sweetheart, this has got to be a system glitch, or someone
00:19keyed in the wrong membership number. I'll call and lodge a formal complaint first thing tomorrow.
00:25Little does he know, the hotel's lead investor is my ride-or-die best friend.
00:30Hey, can you pull up who Rex checked into the hotel with last night? I'm gonna catch them
00:35red-handed. The card was linked exclusively to my personal information, meaning no one else could
00:39use it. Yet the hotel had called, claiming I'd checked into the presidential suite the night
00:45before and used the condoms in the room. I asked three times to confirm, and the person on the line
00:51insisted it was Leela Ruth herself who'd checked in. I couldn't swallow this humiliation. What made it
00:57worse was that once, when I'd mention using the card. What do you want me to say? Rex had looked
01:02utterly annoyed and snapped. Is our home not good enough for you? Why would you rather sleep
01:06elsewhere? I'm so sick of your ridiculous spending habits. I didn't get it. Why was he so pissed off
01:11just cause I wanted to use a free card? The angrier I grew, the faster I drove. Heading straight for
01:18the
01:18hotel. Hello, I'm Leela Ruth. You called me this morning. My anger simmering just beneath the surface.
01:27The receptionist looked up, her face clouding with confusion. Mrs. Ruth? I thought you just went
01:33back to your room. You made it clear that no housekeeping service was needed a moment ago.
01:37My face darkened instantly. The reception went on. Just 10 minutes ago, Mrs. Ruth called and
01:44activated the do not disturb service. I was so furious that I trembled all over. That woman had
01:50the nerve to check in under my name, grunting my teeth. But I am the real Leela Ruth. The receptionist
02:00eyed me up and down impatiently. Madam, if you don't have a reservation, please leave. We have many
02:08guests today. Please don't cause a scene here. It hit me like a bolt of lightning. My heart
02:14husband had become someone else's husband? The irony was bitter enough to choke on.
02:21At that moment, the elevator dinged open. Tiffany Butler stepped out, clad in the latest Chanel suit
02:27of the season. The diamond necklace around her neck was the one I bought at auction for 1.8 million
02:31as far as I knew. She was just my husband's newly graduated junior, the receptionist's face lit up as
02:36if she'd spotted a savior. She pointed straight at Tiffany and said to me, this is the real Mrs.
02:41Ruth, the rightful one. I suggest you leave immediately and stop making trouble. Tiffany's
02:46face blanched the second she saw me, but she recovered fast, forcing a sickly sweet smile.
02:51What a coincidence. Are you staying here too? I coldly shook off her outstretched hand.
02:57Tiffany, don't you think you owe me an explanation? Why did you check in under my name?
03:01And why were the condoms you used charged to my account?
03:07Also, why are my shoes on your feet? And when did my husband become yours?
03:12My voice cut through the lobby, and the previously noisy crowd fell dead silent.
03:17Every pair of eyes locked onto Tiffany. Tiffany glanced around nervously,
03:21then her eyes immediately welled with tears.
03:24What are you talking about? My husband gave me this card because he felt bad about my frequent
03:29business trips, and he bought me these shoes as well as for the condoms. She feigned shyness
03:34and lowered her head. What's wrong with me using them with my husband? Are you upset because your
03:39husband doesn't treat you well? Need my help to get you a psychiatrist? Look at her haggard face.
03:48Her husband must not want to touch her. A card like that starts at $300,000. She
03:53doesn't seem like someone who could afford it. Are they seriously letting in just anybody at such
03:58a high-end place? I was only wearing casual clothes today, hardly the shabby mess they made
04:04me out to be. I never realized you were so good with words. Did you verify her identity when the
04:15co-called Mrs. Ruth checked in? The receptionist hesitated, her face flushing. She said she didn't
04:21have her ID, but Mr. Dylan is a regular, so... So you just broke the rules? Your hotel security
04:27is a joke. She's just a receptionist. Why are you picking on her? People stay at hotels
04:37they can't afford. Don't make a scene here. Answer it. Put it on speaker. Let's hear how
04:49Rex is going to spin this. As she tapped the speaker button, she burst into fake, heaving sobs.
04:56Honey, come to the hotel, quick! There's a crazy woman saying I'm not your wife and trying to kick
05:02me out! She wailed dramatically, and Rex's furious voice exploded from the phone at once.
05:08A crazy woman? Dare she bully you? Don't be skied. I'm on my way. A crazy woman? So that was
05:14what I was
05:14to him now. The onlookers stared at me with open disdain, some even stepping forward to comfort
05:19Tiffany. Don't take it to heart. She's insane. Tiffany murmured her thanks, then turned to me
05:25with a look of feigned concern. My husband will be here soon. He has a terrible temper. You better
05:32leave fast. Who knows what he might do to you? He just gave me that $300,000 VIP card, you
05:37know,
05:37shows how much he spoils me. If he gets here, who knows what he might do to you? It sounded
05:42like a
05:42warning, but it was nothing but a slap in the face, a bare-faced provocation. I trembled with
05:46rage. Every fiber of me screaming to tear off her hypocritical mask right then and there.
05:51Rex arrived faster than I'd expected, and he burst through the hotel doors.
05:56The second his eyes landed on me, they turned cold and vicious. He roughly shoved me aside,
06:01then pulled Tiffany into a tight, protective embrace. Don't be afraid, I'm here.
06:07The way he gently stroked Tiffany's hair was so tender it hurt to watch, pushed by him,
06:11I stumbled backward, my waist slamming hard into the sofa arm behind me. If not for the furniture,
06:16I would have crashed straight to the ground. Meanwhile, Tiffany stood on tiptoes, wrapped her
06:20arms around his neck, and the two locked in a long, wet, lingering kiss.
06:25You're so good to me, honey. Tiffany panted, her voice thick with coquetry.
06:28You need to set this woman straight. She won't believe I'm your wife.
06:33Only then did Rex turn his gaze to me. There was no flicker of guilt.
06:37Only pure disgust. He released Tiffany and strode over, then slapped me hard across the face.
06:43Tiffany, have you no shame? Just cause I turned you down when you tried to hint for a permanent
06:48position, you've held a grudge ever since. Now you dare to bully my wife in public?
06:52I clapped a hand to my cheek, which flared red, swollen, and burning hot.
06:56I stared at him in disbelief. The man before me was a stranger, terrifyingly unfamiliar.
07:02Before I'd come to the hotel, he'd feigned ignorance on the phone,
07:05using his usual gentle patience to tell me not to go there. Yet, in the blink of an eye,
07:10he could twist the truth without batting an eye and even hurt me. He'd always had two faces,
07:15it turned out. Now that I thought back, the signs had been there all along. He'd only lit up at
07:21the
07:21latest gaming console I'd bought him, but dismissed my painstakingly developed scientific research as
07:25nothing but scrap. His so-called concern had always circled back to my bank card. Maybe he'd never
07:31loved me. Maybe he'd never even tried to understand the real me out. A strange sense of calm rose from
07:36the depths of my chest, drowning out all the anger. I lowered my hand from my face and looked straight
07:41at him, my voice shockingly steady, even to myself. Rex, repeat what you just said.
07:47Tell me who am I, and who is she? A flicker of panic crossed Rex's eyes,
07:52but it vanished as quickly as it came. You really are crazy! Wasn't I clear enough?
07:57She is my lawfully wedded wife, Lila. And you? You're just some intern who failed to climb the
08:04ladder, Tiffany. He raked his eyes over me, his voice cold and cruel.
08:12Look at yourself. You're pushing 40, aren't you? How could I possibly marry someone like you?
08:18Don't embarrass yourself, okay?
08:21Can't get a man herself, so she's jealous of others' happiness.
08:25I told you she must be crazy. Didn't think she'd start having delusions too. That's really scary.
08:30Poor couple. They're so unlucky to run into a nut shed like this.
08:34I stayed quiet, just watching their little show. Rex was clearly dead set on protecting Tiffany,
08:40even if it meant grinding me into the dirt. But did he really think he could twist the truth
08:44with just a few lies, slowly? I pulled my ID card and marriage certificate out of my bag.
08:51These should be enough to prove who I am. Rex and Tiffany's faces froze at once,
08:55but Tiffany's eyes went wide with shock. Rex lunged forward, snatched the ID and marriage
09:01certificate out of my hand, and without even glancing at them, hurled them straight out
09:05the hotel's revolving glass door.
09:07Will you just stop?
09:08Last time, you waved a fake ID at me to disgust me, and now this new trick?
09:13Forging an ID and a marriage certificate? Tiffany, have some shame.
09:18Do you think I won't call the cops and report you for harassment and forging official documents?
09:24The onlooker's stares shifted from disdain to outright aggression, and they echoed immunity.
09:28Call the police! Do it now!
09:32She's a fraud!
09:34She should be arrested.
09:35She's not welcome here. Kick her out, or we'll complain about the hotel!
09:40Tiffany visibly relaxed at that. She snuggled back into Rex's eyes and spoke to me in a tone
09:44that sounded concerned but oozed malice.
09:47You've been so abused by your husband that you've lost your mind.
09:51I can introduce you to a good psychiatrist and a top divorce lawyer if you need.
09:56She has stressed the word divorce extra hard. After all, once I was gone, she could step right
10:01into the role of Mrs. Dylan to ASA response, Rex kissed her forehead, then turned back to me,
10:07his eyes as cold as ice.
10:08Get out of here now, or I'm calling the police! Immediately!
10:12He snapped at the receptionist.
10:13Never here! If noodley it!
10:15Call security to drive this crazy woman out! Who knows what else she might do? What if she
10:19hurts other guests?
10:27She grabbed her walkie-talkie and called for security at once.
10:30Two tall guards marched over, grabbed my arms from either side, and began dragging me roughly
10:35towards the exit. I struggled desperately, my elbows throbbing from the rough tugging.
10:40Amid the chaos, Tiffany had somehow slipped close to me.
10:43Seizing the split second when everyone's attention was elsewhere, she tripped me.
10:47Already off balance, I crashed hard to the marble floor.
10:51Oops! Tiffany gasped in feigned innocence.
10:53I just wanted to help you up, and you deliberately fell to blame me?
10:57On the stand, only to collapse back down.
11:00Rex stood there, watching coldly, as if I were a total stranger.
11:04My heart turned to ice at that moment.
11:06Any last shred of hope for him was snuffed out, with trembling hands, I fumbled in my pocket
11:11for my phone, desperate to call 911.
11:13But the second I unlocked it, Rex lunged forward and snatched it away.
11:17What are you trying to do?
11:19Call the police?
11:20He accused me falsely.
11:21Let me tell you, everyone here saw clearly that you fell on purpose.
11:26Don't even think about framing my wife and the hotel!
11:29I have a bleeding disorder!
11:31Call an ambulance now!
11:32I shouted through the pain, but Rex remained indifferent.
11:35Instead hurling my phone forcefully across the lobby, left alone, I endured the searing
11:40pain.
11:40Using my uninjured leg to prop myself up and crawl towards my phone, just then, a delicate
11:45high heel stomped down hard on my palm.
11:47Tiffany looked down at me condescendingly.
11:49Sign a statement and admit everything today was your fault, then I'll call an ambulance
11:53for you.
11:53Otherwise?
11:54She paused for effect.
11:56She pressed down harder.
11:57The excruciating pain in my hand, mixed with the agony from my knee and ankle, nearly
12:01made me black out.
12:02I could barely speak, trembling violently from both pain and rage, my consciousness growing
12:06hazy.
12:07Just as I thought I would pass out, a series of rapid, sharp high heel clicks echoed from
12:11the hotel entrance.
12:13My best friend Vivian was striding in.
12:16Lila, I found out.
12:17Rex really did cheat.
12:19He's checked into this hotel more times than you have in the past few years.
12:22He even dared to use the exclusive membership card I gave you with that mistress.
12:25Her voice, however, cut off abruptly, the moment she saw me kneeling on the ground in
12:30such a miserable state.
12:33The receptionist, who had been so arrogant just moments ago, now turned pale, her voice
12:38trembling as she timidly called out,
12:40Dear Director Carter,
12:41affirmed Vivian's identity as the hotel's investor beyond any doubt.
12:45What?
12:46So she wasn't lying after all?
12:48The husband really brought his mistress to impersonate the real wife?
12:51Is this guy even human?
12:53My god, he helped the lover bully his own wife and even hit her!
12:56What a piece of trash!
12:57This disgusting pair is truly repulsive!
13:00Public opinion flipped on a dime.
13:03Anyone traveling with family or a partner instinctively recoiled at infidelity, and their
13:07words grew sharper by the second.
13:09Awkwardly, the security guards let go of me, not daring to lay a finger on me anymore.
13:13Vivian's face crumbled with pity as she tried to squat down and help me, but before her
13:18hand could touch me, Rex grabbed it.
13:20His face was plastered with a sip-of-forshick, panic-o-smile as he shook her hand roughly.
13:25Miss Carter, I'm so sorry for causing trouble at your hotel.
13:28Don't worry, I'll take this troublemaker away right now.
13:31She just has a habit of acting crazy.
13:32Please don't mind her.
13:33He even pretended to be chummy, leaning in like they were old friends.
13:38By the way, Miss Carter, who's your friend here?
13:40We'll all look out for her when you're not around.
13:44Tiffany chimed in fast, putting on a sickly sympathetic face.
13:47Yeah, Mrs. Carter, your friend is really pitiful, running into a man like him.
13:50It's so sad that she's betrayed.
13:53I froze for a beat, before realizing that these idiots still didn't believe the best
13:57girl Vivian was talking about was me.
13:59What are you waiting for?
14:00The investor's here, and you still haven't dragged this crazy troublemaker out?
14:07The guards exchanged nervous looks, glancing back and forth between Vivian and me.
14:12Unsure what to do, Vivian was absolutely livid.
14:14With a sudden, sharp motion, she wrenched her hand free from Rex's grip.
14:18Her voice was glacial.
14:21Stay away from me.
14:23But Rex held on stubbornly.
14:24He planted himself directly in front of Vivian, blocking her view of me, and continued his
14:28tirade without an ounce of shame.
14:30Miss Carter, please don't be upset.
14:31This woman is clearly trying to extort money.
14:33Her injuries may look serious, but she's perfectly fine.
14:37I said, stay away from me.
14:40Someone clean this up immediately.
14:41It's an eyesore.
14:42Are you deaf?
14:43I said, stay away from me.
14:45If anything happens to Leela, I will make sure you regret it.
14:49With that, she shoved both Rex and Tiffany aside and rushed to meet AT the sight of the
14:53blood staining my skirt and my deathly pale complexion.
14:56Her voice wavered.
14:57Blood loss was clouding my vision.
14:59I clung to the last shreds of consciousness and gripped her wrist.
15:05Call an ambulance.
15:07Without hesitation, Vivian dialed emergency services around us.
15:11The whispers among the onlookers grew louder.
15:14So, this guy hasn't even met his wife's best friend?
15:17Unbelievable.
15:19He brings his lover here to bully his wife, and now they targeted her friend, the hotel
15:24investor.
15:25Miss Carter, just teach them a lesson.
15:27They disgusting.
15:28Rex was really embarrassed, but he still refused to accept what was unfolding before him.
15:33Tiffany tugged at his sleeve, unwilling to back down.
15:36Rex, something's not right.
15:38If she really is Miss Carter's best friend, why don't any of the hotel staff recognize her?
15:43Miss Carter owns this place.
15:44It doesn't make any sense.
15:47Sensing the cracks in Rex's confidence, Tiffany leaned in, pressing her point with growing
15:52boldness.
15:52Besides, I went through Miss Carter's social media recently.
15:56There wasn't a single post or mention of anyone named Lella.
16:01Do you think Lella might have fooled Miss Carter somehow?
16:05Rex's gaze darkened with renewed suspicion.
16:07Turning back to Vivian, he said with certainty.
16:09Miss Carter, surely you've been misled.
16:12This woman knows exactly how to play the victim.
16:14She's mastered the art of manipulation.
16:16You have to see that.
16:18You have to see.
16:19No way she's your friend.
16:21The reinforces point, he gestured to Tiffany.
16:22Miss Carter, this is Miss Tiffany Bertler.
16:25She's the heirate to Ruth Group, Mr. Ruth's daughter.
16:28I'm sure you've crossed paths before.
16:30She'll vouch that you've never met Lella.
16:32His words landed like a slap.
16:34I blinked in disbelief.
16:35Even Vivian looked momentarily speechless.
16:37Caught between disbelief and fury.
16:39The heiress to Ruth Group?
16:40I was the only daughter of the Ruth family.
16:43After choosing to pursue a career in science rather than take over the company, I'd fallen
16:46out with my father and stepped away from the public eye.
16:49Keeping my identity right.
16:50Get the hell out of my office!
16:51And yet, this imposter had the nerve to claim it.
16:54Oh?
16:55The heiress to Ruth Group?
16:56Then why does she have the last name Butler?
16:59It's due to a complicated family matter.
17:01But make no mistake, Tiffany truly is Ruth Group's heiress.
17:05Vivian let out a cold, sharp snort.
17:07She immediately pulled out her phone, dialed my father's number, and tapped the speaker
17:12button for the entire lobby to hear.
17:14Hello, Mr. Ruth?
17:16Hello, Mr. Ruth?
17:17I heard you suddenly have a daughter named Tiffany.
17:20Are you aware she's the mistress of Lila's husband?
17:23And they're bullying a galette together.
17:25Vivian!
17:25What nonsense are you talking about?
17:27I only have one daughter, Lila.
17:29Where did this Tiffany come from?
17:32Who's spreading laws about my girl?
17:36Where are you?
17:37I'm on my way.
17:39The lobby fell into a deathly silence.
17:41Rex, who'd been oozing smugness moments earlier, froze mid-step.
17:45He whirled around abruptly, snatching Tiffany's arm as she tried to slink away unnoticed.
17:53Tiffany, come on.
17:54Call your father right now.
17:56What the hell is going on here?
17:58I, I, I never said I was the heir out of Ruth Group.
18:01You just assumed it yourself.
18:04Rex looked as if he'd been struck by lightning.
18:06What?
18:07But when I pressed you about your background, you never denied it.
18:10You even hinted you could help me land that cooperation project with Ruth Group.
18:14Mocking laughter erupted around them, cutting through the tense air.
18:17A cold chill seeped into my bones, settling deep in my chest.
18:20I.T. turned out that Rex had believed all this time that his shot at that crucial Ruth
18:24Group partnership came from Tiffany.
18:26He had no clue it was me, pulling strings and smoothing paths, who'd paved the way for
18:30every opportunity he'd gotten.
18:32A.T. that moment, the wail of an ambulance grew louder.
18:35Echoing closer to the hotel, bloodloss blurred my vision, and a violent shiver wrapped my body.
18:39As the paramedics lifted me onto the stretcher, I stared up at the hotel's opulent crystal
18:44chandelier, its light refracting into a dizzying haze.
18:47The whole scene felt like an absurd, cruel nightmare.
18:50Rex made a move as if to rush over, seemingly he had nothing to say, but Vivian stopped him
18:55sharply.
18:56The last thing I heard before darkness swallowed me was Vivian's unyielding promise.
19:00I'm here, this time, I'll make sure they pay for everything they did.
19:03The hospital room reeked of sterile disinfectant.
19:06And four drip trickled slowly from the blood transfusion bag into my veins.
19:10I stared out the window at the gray, overcast sky, my heart feeling far colder than my body.
19:16Giving my love to a man like Rex had been the cruelest irony of my life.
19:19Vivian sat beside me, holding my uninjured hand gently.
19:22Her voice soft with comfort.
19:24He's not worth your tears, Leela.
19:27You deserve better.
19:29I forced a faint smile, but before I could say anything, the ward door slammed open with
19:34a crash.
19:35Rex stood in the doorway, his face livid with rage.
19:38There was no trace of guilt in his eyes, only raw, bitter accusation.
19:42He strode to the bedside, jabbing a finger in inches from my nose, his voice a snarl.
19:46Leela, why didn't you tell me earlier your parents ran Ruth Group?
19:49If you had, how could I have offended both Ruth Group and Carter Group?
19:55Now look what you've done.
19:56I've been fired from the company, and everything I've worked for is ruined.
19:59Are you satisfied?
20:01His shamelessness disgusted me.
20:03I told you, more than once.
20:05You were just too impatient to listen.
20:08Too busy disclissings my family affairs as trivial.
20:11Rex, you basted by cameling a loafer.
20:13You did this to yourself.
20:15You deserve it.
20:16Stung by my words, he flew into a more hysterical rage.
20:20Blame me?
20:21If you hadn't spent all your time in that lab,
20:23neglecting yourself and turning into someone who no longer fit your expectations,
20:27would I have strayed?
20:29You never cared if I was tired after work.
20:31Even with all these family resources, you never once lifted a finger to help me.
20:35You never cared if I was tired after work.
20:37Even with all these family resources, you never once lifted a finger to help me.
20:41At that moment, Tiffany walked in.
20:43Yeah, Leela.
20:44Two become one flesh in marriage.
20:46Rex's love for you faded a long time ago,
20:48but he still stayed with you out of duty.
20:50Yet you schemed against him like this.
20:53His layoff was your doing too, right?
20:56That's so mean.
20:57Rex was such a fool.
20:58Immediately, he was emboldened by her few words,
21:01and his gaze towards me turned even more venomous.
21:03I looked at this dramatic pair with utter scorn.
21:06I didn't help you.
21:07Why do you think your little company could manage to connect with Ruth Group?
21:11All on your own.
21:12Or was it through Tiffany's fake identity as the Ruth Aaronress?
21:15Rex, the resources you stole from me didn't just feed you.
21:18They inflated your greed and your audacity.
21:21Rex's face paled, and he fell silent.
21:24I pressed on, my voice trembling with barely suppressed rage.
21:27You claimed to stay with me out of duty.
21:29Then why did you cheat?
21:32Why did you let others call me a lunatook and hit me, your legitimate wife?
21:36Rex, you destroyed your bright future with your own hands.
21:41I'd already prepared the documents to promote you to vice president of the company.
21:47Now, you don't deserve it.
21:54Tiffany shrieked in defense.
21:56We didn't hit you.
21:57You fell on your own.
21:59Yeah, right, Leela, don't be so dramatic.
22:01I stared at him, a crushing sense of sadness washing over me.
22:06I have a bleeding disorder, and you're aware of it.
22:09A small cut while chopping vegetables can make me bleed uncontrollably,
22:13yet you never cared.
22:16I lost so much blood this time, and you call me delicate.
22:20Do you know what I'm most grateful for now?
22:22That we don't have children.
22:25Otherwise, how pitiful they would be.
22:29I didn't mean it.
22:30Whether intentional or not, it doesn't matter anymore.
22:34Vivian spoke coldly, holding up her phone screen for us all to see.
22:37I found something interesting.
22:39Rex, the luxury goods you've given Tiffany over the years far exceed your legitimate income.
22:43You stole many of the gifts Leisha's father and I gave her to please that woman.
22:47As for the money you spent...
22:49I stared at the clear transfer records on the screen, stunned by Rex's audacity.
22:55You dared to embezzle company funds?
22:58I didn't.
22:59My father stood there with a stern face, two uniformed police officers behind him.
23:03Whether it's a false accusation, we'll find out soon.
23:08His gaze swept over Rex and Tiffany, finally resting on me with a look of tender concern.
23:15Officers, the evidence has been handed over.
23:18Go ahead and deal with them.
23:20The facade of hypocrisy on his face collapsed instantly, replaced by sheer terror.
23:24He lunged at Tiffany, frantically trying to tear off the diamond necklace around her neck and the luxury watch on
23:29her wrist.
23:29His movements were so rough that he almost knocked her over.
23:35Leela, Leela, believe me.
23:37I didn't know anything.
23:40I didn't do any of that?
23:44Leave.
23:44What's not your line?
23:46I do any of that?
23:47I only gave her these pieces of jewelry because I thought they were cheap replicas.
23:50They're yours.
23:51Here, I'm giving them back to you.
23:52Rex, what are you doing?
23:53You're hurting me.
23:54The bodyguard beside my father reacted instantly, stepping forward and hitting Rex's new house hard.
24:00With a sickening thug, Rex crumpled to the ground, letting out a sharp cry of pain.
24:04Daring to bully my daughter.
24:06My father's voice was like ice.
24:08Do you take me as nothing?
24:09He took a step forward, looking down at the cowering man on the floor, then took a folder from his
24:14assistant and threw it directly into Rex's face.
24:16Embezzling company funds, falsifying accounts, siphling project money to support your lover.
24:22Rex Dillon, you must have a death wish.
24:25Papers scattered across the floor, revealing clear bank statements and account details that left Rex's face drained of all color.
24:31He looked up in panic, his gaze darting wildly to Tiffany, who was pale-faced beside him, and shouted,
24:37Mr. Ruth, it's not my fault.
24:38It's all Tiffany.
24:40She told me to do it all.
24:42She claimed to be your daughter, saying that it didn't matter if we used the company's money.
24:47But my to stand, I didn't.
24:48They gotta maver this money's money.
24:50I were-thought-ed you, Andrew Lee.
24:52No one would dare question it.
24:55She deceived me.
24:57Her lips trembled, but no sound came out.
25:00A cold dread crept from the soles of my feet to the top of my head when I heard that.
25:04It dawned on me that this man, no matter who stood beside him, could be so utterly selfish, so quick
25:10to discard anyone without a second thought.
25:12The love he once claimed ran deep.
25:14In his heart, it likely weighed less than the empty promises scribbled on paper.
25:18Rex was still scrambling to prove his loyalty.
25:21He even dropped to his knees and moved toward my father.
25:24Dad, we're family.
25:26Please forgive me this once.
25:27I'll treat Lila well from now on, I swear.
25:31His gaze suddenly fell on the blood transfusion bag beside my hand, and as it struck by a wonderful idea,
25:36he blurted out urgently.
25:37Lila has lost too much blood.
25:38Then let Tiffany make up for it with her blood.
25:40She can give blood instead.
25:43She's young.
25:44She should be able to handle it.
25:46I shuddered all over, a wave of nausea crashing over me.
25:49How could he suggest something like that so casually?
25:52It was as if Tiffany weren't a living, breathing person, but just an object to be tossed aside whenever he
25:57pleased.
25:57We're not family.
25:58My voice was cold, frayed with the exhaustion of having used up every last ounce of strength.
26:04Rex, we're getting a divorce.
26:06No, we can't!
26:08He struggled to push himself up from the ground.
26:11I won't agree, Lila.
26:12Lila, I know I messed up, I'm sorry.
26:15Just give me another chance.
26:16It doesn't matter whether you agree or not.
26:18I closed my eyes, no longer able to bear the sight of his repulsive face.
26:23It's not your call to make.
26:25Later, Rex and Tiffany were taken away by the police.
26:28During my stay in the hospital, my parents and Vivian took turns looking after me.
26:32They were careful around me and never once mentioning Rex's name.
26:35They tried everything to lift my spirits, terrified that the ordeal would leave a permanent mark on me.
26:40Then came the day I was discharged.
26:43My mother took my hand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
26:48Lila, come home and live with us.
26:51Your father, he misses you terribly.
26:57What do you say we have a family reunion dinner?
27:02Life had been easy for me since childhood because they got everything taken care of.
27:07Their only wish had always been for my safety and happiness.
27:11But as I got older, I became headstrong, devoting myself entirely to the world of scientific research.
27:17Sometimes, research could be dangerous.
27:20When they'd objected, I'd simply left home for five years, even refusing to invite them to my wedding out of
27:26sheer stubbornness.
27:27I'd known they were only afraid I'd get hurt.
27:29But I'd been too willful back then.
27:32They'd said that if I found someone reliable to marry, they'd let me continue my research without pressuring me to
27:37quit.
27:38Without a second thought, I'd married Rex, who'd seemed gentle and thoughtful at the time.
27:42But after we got married, my mother-in-law despised me for not having a child in five years, and
27:47Rex grew colder towards me with the passing year.
27:50I realized then that the only people who truly loved me unconditionally were my parents.
27:55I hadn't dared tell them what I'd been through, afraid to see the disappointment in their eyes and terrified they'd
28:00blame me for not following their advice.
28:02Rex owed his so-called triumph with the Ruth group entirely to me.
28:06I was the one who persuaded Vivian to pull strings for him when he had nothing to offer.
28:10But that very act of mine had stoked Rex's ambition and, in the end, revealed what kind of person he
28:16truly was.
28:16Back in the early days of our marriage, he had indeed been kind to me, caring and attentive.
28:21But everything changed after Tiffany appeared.
28:24Although my parents had never approved of my involvement in scientific research,
28:28they still pulled me into a proud hug whenever I won an important award.
28:31Rex, by contrast, always found a way to downplay my achievements.
28:35This time, I couldn't bear to break my parents' hearts again.
28:38I squeezed my mother's hand in return, my voice thick with emotion.
28:43Mom, I'm willing to go home.
28:45When I arrived at the house, I hadn't stepped foot in for five years, everything felt just as it had
28:50been.
28:50My father, once so imposing in the business mart, teared up the moment he saw me walked in.
28:55He stepped forward, pulled me into a tight embrace, his shoulders trembling slightly, and finally let his tears fall freely.
29:01It's good you're back. I'm so glad.
29:03With my parents in my arms, the grievances I'd bottled up for five years burst forth like a flood.
29:09They didn't mention Rex at all, not a word.
29:11They just gently patted my back, wordlessly telling me this place would always be my safe haven.
29:16Later, the verdict was finally delivered.
29:18Rex was sentenced to seven years in prison for embezzlement and related charges.
29:22And Tiffany, as his accomplice, received a five-year term.
29:24Most of the jewelry Rex had stolen and gifted to Tiffany was recovered.
29:27Before the sentencing, Rex sent a message through his lawyer, begging to see me one last time.
29:31I refused flatly. The very thought of laying eyes on him now made my stomach churn.
29:36I once asked my father how much of the embezzled funds could be recovered.
29:39He sighed and shook his head.
29:41It can't be recovered. I share part of the blame.
29:44If I hadn't opened those doors for him, handed him control of the key projects for your sake,
29:49he never would have been able to siphon off the money so smoothly.
29:55He looked at me, his eyes gentle yet resolute.
29:58But it's okay. The foundation of Ruth Group won't be shaken by this amount.
30:02But I want you to know this. I'll support you continuing your scientific research.
30:06Feel free to do whatever you want, sweetie. I've got your back.
30:10Later, I threw myself back into my scientific research,
30:13diving headfirst into a new project and leading my team with renewed focus.
30:17Vivian later told me that after the incident, the hotel had overhauled its entire security system
30:22and implemented stricter identity verification procedures.
30:25Around that time, my mother started showing up at my lab almost daily with homemade lunches.
30:30She knew how easily I lost track of time once I was immersed in research,
30:33so she appointed herself my personal alarm clock.
30:36Every day at mealtime, she appeared right on schedule,
30:38gently nudging me away from my microscope and reminding me to nourish myself.
30:42Later, I led my team in developing an automated intelligent medical device.
30:46Soon after it hit the market, it sent shockwaves through the industry,
30:49hailed as a groundbreaking innovation.
30:51Standing on stage at the product launch, I explained our achievements with confidence and calm,
30:55facing countless astonished and admiring glances.
30:58As soon as I finished my speech and stepped off the stage,
31:01a tall, elegant man with a refined caminer stopped me.
31:03He wore a well-fitted dark suit, his bright eyes filled with undisguised admiration.
31:08Dr. Ruth, your presentation was truly wonderful.
31:11Handing me his business card.
31:12I'm Darnell Pansy, head of Corey Medical.
31:14I was wondering if I might have the honor of getting to know you better?
31:17I took his card and, meeting his clear sincere gaze, nodded.
31:20Of course.
31:21From then on, we crossed classes at various industry events and academic conferences.
31:26He always took the initiative to talk to me,
31:29offering insightful opinions and showing great respect and passion for scientific research.
31:33Later, at a charity gala, he invited me to dance.
31:36In the ballroom, he was graceful and courteous, his steps steady and his gaze warm.
31:40After the gala, he confessed to me, saying he admired my talent and felt sympathy for my past experiences,
31:46hoping to have the chance to take care of me.
31:48I didn't drown in the new romance and replied calmly,
31:51Thank you for your kind offer, but it's too early to talk about this now.
31:54He showed no sign of frustration or pressure, only quiet understanding.
31:58And though he kept his distance, his concern was constant but we kept it that way for two years.
32:03In the sterile world of her lab, his quiet presence was a gentle androsian,
32:06a reminder that she was not alone.
32:08He would bring her tea when she was lost in her research,
32:11and tidy her desk when she was too focused to notice.
32:13My parents met him a few times and spoke highly of him,
32:16saying he had his eyes set on me, genuinely, not for status or gain on a sunny afternoon.
32:21He formally asked me to date again, looking into his eyes, as sincere as ever,
32:24and thinking of his quiet vigilance over these two years.
32:27I smiled and nodded.
32:29Okay.
32:29Okay.
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