- 8 hours ago
The Stepbrother who HATES - HOT DRAMA 2026
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00So, I caught my boyfriend cheating tonight
00:02Oh, that's new
00:07Mia?
00:09Wait
00:11Mr. and Mrs. Russo are out of town
00:15We thought it best to call you
00:16What did you do?
00:18She smashed her boyfriend's head with a heel
00:19Ex-boyfriend
00:20Get in the car
00:21This is Adrian Russo, my stepbrother
00:26People say they control half the city
00:31And Adrian never liked me
00:35You sure you're done losing your mind?
00:37Of course
00:37We're adults, right?
00:38Why would I cry over a trash man forever?
00:40Relax, bro
00:40I'm totally over Ryan
00:42Mia
00:44Mia
00:45Breathe
00:46If you're gonna lose your mind
00:47At least pick someone worth it
00:50Mia
00:52Breathe
00:52Okay, he's holding me
00:54Why is he holding me?
00:55But he smells really good
00:58Stop
01:02Drink some water
01:03Why does he actually look kind of good today?
01:04What is wrong with me?
01:06What?
01:07What?
01:07Adrian, about just now
01:09Obviously there are social, ethical
01:12I know you might have some complicated feelings
01:15But we did grow up under the same roof
01:17Mia
01:17You might want to stop pouring
01:19Oh!
01:20Relax, I'm not interested in kids
01:21Okay, I'm officially an idiot
01:23This night better be worth $500
01:26So far, it's not
01:30What the?
01:31You need to come with me tonight
01:31Don't do that!
01:32Come with you where?
01:33Charity gala
01:35Since when?
01:36Just now
01:37Nope
01:37They want the whole family there
01:38That sounds like a you problem
01:40$500
01:40Deal
01:45Do I have something on my face?
01:47It's too much for tonight
01:48Too much?
01:49It's a black dress
01:52Oh my god
01:53Let's go
01:54Brother
01:55Too much
01:56Interesting
01:57What did you do?
01:58What was that?
01:59Easy
02:01Men
02:03Predictable
02:03Not that I care
02:04I'm just observing
02:05Hands
02:11You okay?
02:12Yeah
02:12I'm fine
02:13I had it
02:14Sure
02:14Oh my god
02:15Your shirt
02:15I'm so sorry
02:16I didn't
02:16Honestly
02:17Best thing that's happened to me all night
02:19Okay
02:19Points for that
02:20Victor Hale
02:21Mia
02:22And again
02:22Sorry about the shirt
02:23Apologize and give me an excuse to talk to you
02:25Okay
02:25He's hot
02:26That's inconvenient
02:27And so if legal signs off
02:31Adrian
02:32Sorry, what was that?
02:35Can I tell you a secret?
02:36That was fast
02:37This whole thing is unbearable
02:39But the people who run this hotel
02:41Owe me a favor
02:42And the back kitchen makes the best food you've ever eaten in your life
02:46Oh no
02:46I'm actually starving
02:48Bring a little dessert tray
02:49Okay
02:50This is actually good
02:52Careful, you're starting to relax
02:53Wait
02:55That's
02:56Easy
02:57What did you do?
02:59I didn't do anything
03:00I gave you an exit
03:01You took it
03:02Don't touch me
03:04I wasn't going to
03:05Then you looked at me like that
03:07I changed my mind
03:08Ryan Carter
03:09The famous playboy
03:24The girl looked ordinary
03:26Yet she was the first woman he kept longer than a month
03:29Ryan gave me two choices
03:31Agree to an open marriage and let Kelly be on equal terms with me
03:34Or just divorce him
03:36Split the assets evenly
03:37And go our separate ways for good
03:39His friends were there
03:40Watching the show
03:41They were sure I'd just keep being a pushover
03:44Putting up with everything
03:45But to their surprise
03:47I chose the latter without hesitation
03:49In my previous life
03:50I chose to endure
03:52And what I got in return was Kelly pushing her luck further and further
03:55She forbade Ryan from touching me or giving me any of his assets
03:58In my later years
04:00I couldn't help but envy Kelly
04:01Who ended up with everything
04:03Money
04:03Children
04:04The whole package
04:05Even after Ryan died
04:07His will didn't grant me anything
04:08All his inheritance was left under Kelly's control
04:11I had been his lawful wife
04:13But ended up with nothing at last
04:15Reborn into this life
04:17I finally figured everything out
04:19This time I just wanted to take the money and leave
04:21I picked up the divorce agreement
04:23Read it carefully from beginning to end
04:25And was about to sign my name
04:27Anna
04:27Taylor
04:28Think this through
04:29Once you sign
04:30There's no turning back
04:34I didn't stop
04:35I quickly wrote my name down
04:37I'll pack my things and leave right now
04:41Why the hell would I turn back?
04:43In my previous life
04:45I thought bringing Kelly home was just another one of his tricks to mess with me
04:49Naively
04:50I believe that after all these years of marriage
04:52He must have had at least a little affection for me
04:54I was a fool
04:56He and Kelly had kids one after another and grew old together in love
05:00And I, in that house, was like an awkward outsider
05:03Not until my later years did I hear him talking with Kelly in a hospital room
05:06He said that back then
05:08The dramatic scene of catching a guy in my bed
05:10Had been arranged by him personally
05:13I was just tired of her and didn't want things to get too ugly
05:15So I staged the whole thing
05:18There wasn't a shred of guilt in his clotted eyes
05:25So that was it
05:26No wonder every time I desperately tried to explain
05:29All I got was his cold disbelief
05:31Because from beginning to end, he knew the truth
05:34He didn't love me
05:35Yet he used a fabricated crime to trap me for 50 years
05:38He could have ended it cleanly with one stroke
05:40But instead chose to slowly torture me to death
05:43Looking at the young yet still cold face before me
05:46I felt nothing but hatred
05:47He stared blankly at the signed agreement
05:50His eyes filled with shock
05:52Outside the door, the faint sounds of whispering abruptly stopped
05:57My distinguished parents-in-law rushed in cheerfully
06:00My mother-in-law grabbed Kelly's hand
06:02Looking her up and down
06:04Clicking her tongue in praise
06:05Oh my, look at her!
06:07So young and so energetic!
06:10My father-in-law, who had always treated me with hostility
06:13Was smiling kindly at this moment
06:15He shot me a pointed glance
06:17Finally, we can send away that useless one
06:20It's been so many years
06:22But there's no kid at all
06:24Kelly lowered her head shyly
06:26Pretending to be modest
06:27Sir, madam, please don't say that
06:31I don't want to disrespect Anna
06:33Especially since I'm not much younger than Madam Anna
06:36She paused, her face flushing
06:39Actually, I'm already one month pregnant
06:42It's just still early
06:43So I plan to tell you about it later
06:46I looked at her and frowned
06:47As expected, still the same familiar sarcasm
06:51The same nauseating tone
06:53Only this time, I didn't care anymore
06:55All these years, in order to be a useful wife
06:58I worked myself to the bone at Carter Group during the day
07:01At night, I still had to serve these two picky bastards
07:04Just past 30, yet plenty of white hair had already crept into my temples
07:08I did look kinda old
07:10I turned back to my room and began packing my pitiful little bit of luggage
07:14And I was already planning where I should go first to properly relax after getting the money
07:19Didn't notice Ryan following me in
07:21It's so late, there's no need to move out immediately
07:24Leave tomorrow
07:26Isn't the villa in the west of the city still empty?
07:28You can stay there for now
07:29Adam Fritsa, you're fine
07:33Anna, you're just being emotional
07:35Calm down
07:35I know how much you love me, okay?
07:38But I really can't let you be my legal wife anymore
07:40I can't let my child grow up being labeled as illegitimate
07:42I didn't respond
07:43I just picked up my suitcase, walked past him, and headed straight for the door
07:48There's nothing left to say between us
07:50I'm very happy we're divorced
07:52If you really still have a conscience, hurry up and pay me what you owe
07:56The night wind carried fine snow as it rushed toward me, biting cold
07:59Yet unable to extinguish the fire burning in my heart
08:05Ryan's efficiency was, as always, impressive
08:08When I woke up, 3 billion was already in my bank account
08:11With the money, the first thing I did was book Harbor City's most luxurious private club
08:16Haircut, full-body spa, and everything
08:19The haggard woman with graying temples in the mirror was gone
08:22In her place stood a sharp-eyed beauty with flamboyant red hair
08:25Just as I finished changing, my best friend Iris Allen called
08:29She immediately burst into a fit of shouting
08:31Anna Taylor! What's going on between you and Ryan?
08:35Have you lost your minds? What the hell happened?
08:38I held the phone a little farther away and asked lazily
08:41What's wrong?
08:43And you still ask what's wrong?
08:44Haven't you seen the news yourself?
08:46The headlines are all the photos of Ryan's attemptly with their most-and-alls
08:49He said front to Jesus that they bidges his lonely life
08:52He even said they bailed in quitting
08:54Your snobby care-me were right there too
08:56So I'm that bidget deserves it
08:58Her voice dropped, filled with cautious concern
09:01Well, are you okay?
09:02Such recognition
09:03Ryan had now given it to her
09:05I'm fine
09:06Admiring my brand new look, I spoke calmly
09:09We're already divorced
09:13Iris didn't believe it
09:15She'd watched me love Ryan for more than 10 years
09:17She watched me bend over backward for this marriage, give up myself
09:21Like a servant begging for scraps, begging for scraps of affection
09:25I didn't explain further
09:27I just laughed and said
09:29Are you free tonight?
09:30Let's go get a drink
09:32In Harbor City's most extravagant bar
09:34The booths were piled high with the priciest wine
09:37Several young, handsome male models surrounded me
09:40Attentively pouring drinks for me
09:44Enjoy it
09:47Iris stared at me
09:48Holy shit, I believe it now
09:51You really have let go
09:53You were never like this before
09:55Back then, to prove to Ryan that I wasn't after money
09:59I calculated cost performance for everything
10:01I had been afraid he'd think I was wasteful or didn't care about the family
10:05Now, sitting in this luxurious private room
10:08I looked at the woman reflected in the mirrored glass
10:10The flamboyant red hair
10:12The perfectly tailored haute couture dress
10:14Was strange, yet familiar
10:16Iris raised her glass and clinked it hard against mine
10:20You look a bit like that once-in-a-century genius beauty
10:23From the finance department at Ace University
10:25She downed a huge gulp of wine and then complained
10:27Back then, so many venture capital firms
10:31Were fighting to invest in you
10:33If you'd started your own group
10:36You'd have crushed Carter Group long ago
10:38Spending over a decade being a servant for his family
10:41And after the divorce, you only got this much money
10:44Girl, I really think you deserve better
10:46I had been a servant for them for more than a decade
10:49In my previous life, Carter Group, under my control
10:52Once dominated the national rankings as the strongest enterprise
10:56Yet in my old age, I couldn't even afford a box of painkillers
11:00In the end, I was thrown out by Kelly's children
11:02And died of illness beside a trash heap on the winter night
11:05The business empire I built with my entire life
11:07Went to Kelly and her children
11:09Thinking of this, I drained the wine in my glass in one go
11:12The spicy liquid burned down my throat
11:14Yet ignited the fire deep in my heart
11:16I swore I would get back at them
11:18Without me, could they really live so well?
11:23The very next day, news of my group registration spread like wildfire
11:27Stirring the entire circle
11:29Some people sensed opportunity and rushed overnight with proposals
11:32Hoping to invest
11:34But more people mocked and waited on the sidelines
11:36Waiting for the Carter family's reaction
11:38Someone clearly gave instructions to the media
11:41So paparazzi articles were all belittling me for overestimating myself
11:45I looked at the push notifications on my phone
11:47And swiped them away expressionlessly
11:49I just didn't expect to receive a call from Ryan
11:53Anna, can't you be a bit more understanding?
11:55I've just found true love
11:58Besides, instead of starting some small, broken group
12:01Wouldn't it be better to stay at Carter Group?
12:03That Southern District merger you were handling before?
12:06I hung up the phone directly
12:08As expected, he had just remembered that I was still useful
12:12That Southern District project was a tough nut I'd been working on for over half a year
12:16I drank until my stomach perforated for it
12:19Without me, Carter Group wouldn't even know where to start
12:22At Carter Group, although I was the president, my monthly salary was only $1,000
12:27All because my distinguished father-in-law said we were family and shouldn't be so calculative
12:32I once naively believed that was his test for me
12:35Now it seemed I was nothing more than an exceptionally capable yet ridiculously cheap housemaid they had recruited
12:40The more I thought about it, the angrier I became
12:43I made up my mind at that time
12:45I would take over all those projects I brought to Carter Group in my previous life
12:49Even if my new group couldn't deal with them, I would personally hand them over to Carter Group's deadliest rivals
12:57After the call was cut off, Ryan slammed his phone to the ground in fury
13:01All these years, he had grown used to my obedience, expecting me to show up on command and disappear at
13:06his whim
13:07Now that I'd hung up on him so decisively, he felt really mad
13:11At that moment, his special assistant awkwardly came in holding a stack of documents he couldn't even understand
13:16Asking him to sign them
13:18Days of exhaustion, plus years of unfamiliarity with group affairs, had left him truly overwhelmed lately
13:24Kelly followed the assistant in, took Ryan's hand, and said with eyes full of concern
13:29Ryan, don't work yourself too hard
13:31I'm your wife now
13:33Let me help share your burden
13:35He hesitated, somewhat uneasy
13:37You're still young and unfamiliar with group operations
13:40Go rotate through the departments first
13:43Kelly's eyes immediately reddened with grievance as she questioned him
13:46Anna Taylor could be the president, why can't I?
13:50Ryan subconsciously wanted to say that at least Anna was a top graduate from Mace University's finance department
13:55But the moment he met Kelly's eyes, all his rationality was thrown away
13:59His heart softened, and he just nodded
14:02Kelly broke into a smile through her tears
14:04Hugged him, and said affectionately
14:06I'm just worried about you
14:08Look at you, you've lost so much weight lately
14:13Less than half a month after my group started up, everything was already running smoothly
14:18During this time, Kelly sent people over more than once to cause trouble
14:22Just some petty tricks, all of which I brushed aside with ease
14:25After all these years, the connections I'd built were far beyond what a little girl like her could compare to
14:30Those senior employees at Carter Group whom I personally trained had long wanted to leave after hearing I'd gone solo
14:36Especially since after Kelly started working there, she kept suppressing them, making their days suffocating
14:41I didn't rush to bring them over, I had them stir up a little chaos before they left, a small
14:47token of allegiance to me
14:48Kelly thought losing a few people was no big deal, even secretly rejoicing that she'd cleared out some remnants of
14:53me
14:53But she didn't understand, some of them were critical for the group
14:57Projects fell through one after another, and Carter Group's stock price plunged again and again
15:02Meanwhile, on my side, with capable team members, we unleashed astonishing power, consecutively landing several deals worth tens of millions
15:10Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window in the conference room, looking at the jubilant team below, I announced loudly
15:16Tonight at OTK Club, it's all on me, no one leaves sober, awesome
15:22Amid the thunderous cheers, I led everyone out of the group building in a grand procession
15:27At the entrance, a familiar black Mercedes was parked quietly by the roadside
15:31The car door opened
15:34And Ryan stepped out with an arrogant look, waving at me
15:37I didn't even glance his way, leading my people straight ahead
15:41His special assistant stopped me
15:43Ryan followed, his face openly showing displeasure and restrained anger
15:47Anna Taylor, what do you mean?
15:50Didn't you see me?
15:51You've really grown bold now
15:52A little impatient, I looked at him coldly and said
15:55Sir, do you need something?
15:58He seemed slightly taken aback by my attitude, but still got straight to the point
16:02Issuing an order
16:03Shut down your group, and come back to Carter Group
16:06I was so angered by his self-righteousness that I laughed
16:09He took my laughter as hesitation, and his tone softened a little
16:13Anna, I've really been exhausted lately
16:17Don't keep fighting with me, okay?
16:19He paused, as if making a huge concession
16:22If you really mind Kelly, I can have her move somewhere else for now
16:26Looking at this pompous man before me, I couldn't help but question my own judgment back then
16:32I'm not throwing a tantrum
16:34Mr. Ryan, we're already divorced
16:36Please don't interfere with my life anymore
16:39I've already compromised
16:41What more do you want?
16:42The group needs you right now, and you choose this moment to put on airs?
16:46I suddenly felt there was no reasoning with him at all
16:49In his world, everyone was supposed to revolve around him
16:53If you've got any issues, sir, why don't you go bother your precious wife, Kelly Smith?
16:57I'm just an outsider
16:58I have no obligation to clean up your mess
17:00He seemed to have realized something and said
17:03You care about the status?
17:04Anna, once Kelly gives birth, I'll think about it
17:08But you have to promise me, no going public
17:11I don't want Kelly to be hurt
17:13I stared at him, enunciating every word
17:16I'll say it one last time
17:18Get lost!
17:19Don't let me see you again!
17:21I'm never getting back together with you
17:23Ever!
17:25Ryan's face darkened with rage
17:26Anna Taylor, don't push your luck
17:29Don't forget this is Harbor City
17:32If I want to crush a low-tier little group like yours, it's easy as pie
17:36Oh? Mr. Ryan sure has a bad temper
17:43Not only openly harassing my fiancé, but also threatening to destroy her group
17:47Ryan turned his head and was totally stunned
17:50It was Alex White, another rich young man, and Ryan's nemesis
17:54Alex strolled over lazily and naturally wrapped an arm around my waist
17:58Leaning his head intimately against my shoulder
18:01Darling, I've been waiting in the parking lot forever
18:03Turns out you were here stopped by a bastard
18:05Ryan trembled with fury, pointing at me
18:08Anna Taylor!
18:10Give me an explanation!
18:11Why did you betray me?
18:13Then, as if he suddenly figured something out
18:15He put on a smug, all-knowing expression
18:19I get it now
18:20You're acting, aren't you?
18:22You deliberately found Alex to piss me off
18:25Alex rolled his eyes dramatically and dragged me away
18:27Let's just not waste time with him
18:30Stop right there!
18:32Ryan tried to chase after us
18:34But he was too agitated, and with his recent chaotic schedule
18:37His abdomen suddenly seized with sharp pain
18:40He doubled over in pain, clutching his stomach, cold sweat beating on his forehead
18:44Anna! My stomach hurts!
18:47I didn't slow down, in fact I walked even faster
18:50Not turning my head even once
18:52Behind me were his suppressed groans of pain, and his assistant's panic screams
18:58Alex didn't give me any chance to look back
19:01He directly shoved me into the passenger seat of his flashy red Ferrari
19:04The sports car roared out of the parking lot
19:07Only then did he take off his sunglasses and smile at me sideways
19:10Well, not bad acting, right?
19:13I didn't speak, just watched the cityscape speeding passed outside the window
19:17Hey Anna, don't be so indifferent
19:20He nudged me lightly with his elbow
19:23I helped you out, you know?
19:25Not even a thank you?
19:27Thank you
19:27I kept it brief
19:29He pouted, clearly dissatisfied with my coldness
19:32But he didn't say more, only turned up the volume of the car music
19:36That very night, the headlines of Harbor City's financial and entertainment sections were all dominated by Ryan Carter
19:42Hashtag Carter Group President Chasing Former Love, Suffer Stomach Spasms and His Hospitalized Hashtag
19:48The accompanying photos showed him being taken into an ambulance by his assistant and bodyguards
19:52The comments section exploded
19:54Some mocked Ryan for bringing it on himself
19:57Saying he should have expected this day back when he flaunted his mistress
20:01Others claimed Kelly Smith was inferior to me
20:03Which was why Ryan turned back
20:05And that the two of us would soon remarry
20:07In the VIP ward of Harbor City First Hospital
20:10Kelly Smith, eyes bloodshot
20:11Grabbed the glass cup from the bedside table and smashed it viciously onto the floor
20:15Shards flying everywhere
20:17Why did you go to find her?
20:19Why?
20:19She glared fiercely at the pale-faced Ryan on the hospital bed
20:22Didn't you say having me alone was enough?
20:26The sharp shattering sound startled Ryan
20:28And a dull ache crept through his abdomen
20:30He rubbed his temples tiredly
20:32Even opening his eyes feeling like an effort
20:34His voice was very light
20:36What are you yelling for?
20:39I went to see her for Group Matters
20:41Group Matters?
20:44Are Group Matters more important than me?
20:46Kelly rushed to the bedside
20:47Her eyes filled with obsessive possessiveness
20:49I don't care!
20:51You swear right now!
20:53Promise you'll never go see Anna Taylor again!
20:57Never!
21:01Ryan was irritated and flustered
21:03He suddenly shoved her away
21:05Shut up!
21:06If you hadn't messed the group up so badly
21:09Would I need to warn and lower myself to go beg her?
21:11His voice shot up sharply
21:14Tinged with hysteria
21:15I
21:16But then the ward door was pushed open
21:20Ryan's mother walked in carrying a thermal food container
21:22When she saw the mess all over the floor
21:25And her son's pale face
21:26Her anger instantly flared
21:27Kelly Smith!
21:30You're really becoming more and more outraging
21:31She slammed the container heavily onto the table
21:34Can't you see Ryan isn't feeling well?
21:37Why are you still yelling at him?
21:39If Anna were here
21:40She'd have already gone home to make dinner for Ryan by now
21:44You only know how to make a scene!
21:47Anna Taylor!
21:48You're talking about her again!
21:50Letting out a cold snort
21:51I'm not her
21:53I don't want to do that kind of servant work
21:56She crossed her arms over her chest
21:58And stubbornly talked back
22:00What do you mean?
22:01There's no mother porins at Tau's
22:03I maybe have to go up myself
22:04I think you just pick on fight
22:06And girly you and how I stack
22:08I'm parrying your grandson
22:10You don't want him anymore?
22:11How dare you talk back?
22:14What have you ever done for Ryan?
22:17Other than spending money and causing trouble
22:19What else did you do?
22:23What trouble did I cause?
22:25Get out!
22:25Both of you!
22:27Get out!
22:28Ryan forced himself upright
22:29Grabbed the pillow by the bed
22:31And hurled it at them with all his strength
22:34Get out!
22:35Now!
22:36The ward fell into dead silence in an instant
22:38Ryan's mother and Kelly were both stunned
22:41Ryan collapsed weakly back onto the bed
22:43Burying his face into the blanket
22:45As suppressed sobs seeped out muffled
22:46This was the first time he regretted it
22:49Regretted divorcing Anna
22:51When Anna was around
22:52The group never had any problems
22:54And the household was always in perfect order
22:56Anna would arrange everything properly
22:58And Ryan could just enjoy his life
23:02But now
23:03Because of several useless relatives
23:05Kelly had stuffed into the group
23:07Accidents happened again and again
23:09And several projects had already been cancelled
23:11By the time he realized something was wrong
23:13Most of the capable backbones in the group
23:15Had already left
23:16And his parents
23:17Who once praised Kelly non-stop
23:19Now constantly complained and expressed dissatisfaction
23:23Life seemed to have gone back to years ago
23:25When his group was on the brink of bankruptcy
23:27Besieged on all sides
23:28The difference was
23:29Back then
23:30When he turned around
23:31I was always there
23:32Don't be afraid
23:34You've got me
23:35But now
23:36Behind him
23:37There was no one at all
23:39A few days later
23:41The contract with the white group
23:42Was officially signed
23:43This was the biggest deal I'd landed
23:45Since leaving Carter Group
23:46It meant my small group
23:48Had finally gained a firm foothold
23:49Alex White attended in person
23:51After signing
23:53He tossed the pen aside
23:54And smiled brightly at me
23:55President Anna
23:56To celebrate our successful cooperation
23:58How about dinner together
24:00I looked at his handsome face
24:02And declined politely
24:06No, I still have something to do tonight
24:08His smile faded
24:09He leaned forward
24:11Bracing his hands on the table
24:12Anna Taylor
24:14How long are you going to keep running?
24:16You clearly know what I mean
24:19Ever since that day in the parking lot
24:21When he helped me out
24:22Alex White had launched a fierce pursuit
24:24Flowers
24:25Gifts
24:26And endless invitations
24:27It was impossible to ignore
24:29But I remained distant the entire time
24:32Mr. Alex
24:33If you're just trying to provoke Ryan
24:34There's really no need to waste your effort on me
24:36Alex looked at me with his big eyes
24:38He suddenly smiled
24:40With a touch of childish pride
24:41I'm not that boring
24:43I really do like you
24:46His gaze was far too intense
24:48I subconsciously stepped back
24:51But he grabbed my sleeve
24:52Alex's fingers were long and warm
24:54He gently shook my arm and softened his voice
24:57Come on, just give me a chance
24:59Have dinner with me, okay?
25:02He winked playfully at me and lowered his voice
25:05I'll tell you a secret about Ryan
25:06I wanted to say no but unconsciously agreed
25:12Both of us were startled
25:16The receptionist then hurried in anxiously
25:18President Anna, I'm sorry
25:20This gentleman insisted on barging in
25:22We couldn't stop him
25:23I waved my hand
25:25Signaling her to step out first
25:27The uninvited guests were right behind the receptionist
25:30The one in front sat in a wheelchair
25:32Which was Ryan
25:33Only a few days had passed
25:34Yet he looked as if all vitality had been drained from him
25:37His face sallow and his eye socket sunken
25:39Anna, I'm here to take you home
25:42I looked at him
25:43Not feeling sorry for him
25:45But only mad at him for interrupting me
25:47I reached out and pressed the internal line on the desk
25:51Security?
25:53Please come here and take these uninvited people out
25:56Ryan looked kinda stunned
25:57He probably hadn't expected me to be this ruthless
26:00His eyes instantly reddened
26:02Anna Taylor, how can you treat me like this?
26:05I've already thought it through these past few days
26:07Most suitable for each other
26:10I've already brought up divorce with Kelly Smith
26:12I don't have any feelings for you anymore
26:14Who you marry or divorce has nothing to do with me
26:18Please, don't come disturb my life again
26:20I don't wanna be your servant anymore
26:22The decisiveness in my words left his face full of hurt
26:25We've been married for so many years, remember?
26:29You won't even give me one chance?
26:31He stared at me in disbelief until he confirmed that there was only indifference left in my eyes
26:36Only then did he understand
26:37I wasn't saying this out of spite
26:40He stopped faking tears
26:42Anna Taylor, don't forget
26:44If I hadn't sponsored you back then, you would even have been able to go to college
26:49Now you're leaving me after your achievement?
26:52I don't want much
26:55Just help me hold Carter group together for five years, alright?
26:59At last, he pulled out this trump card
27:03The so-called debt of gratitude had weighed me down for a full ten years
27:07I fell silent
27:08At the moment I hesitated, a warm hand covered the back of my hand
27:12Alex had somehow come to stand beside me
27:15Ryan Carter, do you have no shame at all?
27:17His voice was clear, with undisguised contempt
27:20Using my credit to blackmail others?
27:23How can you be so utterly shameless?
27:26Alex White?
27:27Why are you here?
27:30Why can't I be here?
27:32If I weren't, I wouldn't have known that you've been taking my credit
27:37Using my kindness to threaten the woman I love?
27:41You're talking nonsense!
27:42Shut up!
27:44I did sponsor her!
27:46Is that so?
27:47Alex took out his phone, and presented it to me
27:50Anna, see for yourself
27:52Then, through an anonymous charitable organization
27:55To your accounts from high school through university
27:58The one who sponsored you was always me
28:01My mind buzzed, turning completely blank
28:04On the screen, rows of transfer records were displayed with crystal clarity
28:08Dates and amounts
28:10Every single one matched exactly the scholarships I had received back then
28:13The recipient account was my high school financial aid fund account
28:17And the designated beneficiary was Anna Taylor
28:21In both my past and present lives, I had always believed it was Ryan
28:25In my freshman year, he had taken the initiative to find me and told me he was the anonymous sponsor
28:30Because of that debt of gratitude, I was deeply thankful to him and
28:34After graduation, threw myself into his group without hesitation
28:38It was also because of that gratitude that I developed feelings for him
28:41Even when he sampled my dignity time and time again, I endured it because of that supposed kindness
28:46I thought it was something I owed him
28:49So from the very beginning, it had all been a lie
28:52Ryan looked terrible, but he still wanted to make a final
28:55I stayed by your side for four years in college
28:57And always encouraged you
29:00Doesn't that count as emotional support?
29:03Then he tried to move me again
29:06Yeah, I didn't sponsor you financially
29:08But we were husband and wife for ten years
29:10Isn't that bond enough for you to help me just once?
29:15Have you forgotten how much you used to love me?
29:19I promise I won't care about your past affair anymore
29:22You forgive me this once too
29:24We can still live a happy life together, okay?
29:30I almost laughed from sheer anger
29:32At this point, he was still trying to bind me with his twisted logic
29:36Ryan Carter, do you really think I'm an idiot?
29:39My voice wasn't loud, but it froze the air in the entire conference room
29:42Back then I sobered up from after the man in my bed was sent by you
29:49Even I drug the glass of water those prepared by you chinser, wasn't it?
29:52Ryan's face instantly turned deathly pale
29:54I shook my head in disappointment
29:56The last shred of lingering feeling in my heart turning to ashes
29:59The thing I regret most in this life is being with a man like you
30:03Full of lies
30:04Those words became the final straw that crushed him
30:07He slumped weakly in his wheelchair
30:09Tears rolling down in big drops
30:22At that moment, the security guards who had arrived late
30:25Finally broke through Ryan's black-suited bodyguards
30:27Together with the wheelchair, they pushed the whole group out
30:31The world finally became quiet
30:33In the conference room, only Alex White and I remained
30:36And it was super awkward
30:38He didn't look at me, his gaze drifting to the patterns on the carpet
30:43Well, I still have some things to deal with at my group
30:46I'll head out first
30:47After saying that, he turned around
30:49Wait
30:50I grabbed his wrist
30:53Didn't you say we were going to have dinner?
30:55I didn't mean to use this to pressure you
30:57Don't misunderstand
30:59If you don't like me
31:00You don't have to force yourself to be with me just because I sponsored you
31:04Seeing his awkward yet proud demeanor
31:06I wasn't so upset anymore
31:07I couldn't help but laugh a bit
31:10I won't
31:10I softened my tone, still holding his wrist
31:14I just really, really want to have a meal with you
31:19I looked into his eyes and asked again seriously
31:23So Mr. Alex, would you like to?
31:26Under my gaze, his cheeks grew redder and redder
31:28And then he nodded gently
31:32To prevent Ryan from coming back to pester me again
31:34I threw a few obstacles into some of Carter Group's overseas projects
31:38I didn't intend to do anything drastic to Carter Group
31:41I just wanted to keep him busy
31:43Keep him from bothering me
31:45But the foundation of Carter Group had long rotted
31:47My small move was nearly the first domino to fall
31:50Carter Group's stock price plunged without warning
31:53Several major projects under negotiation blew up one after another
31:57Partners withdrew their investments
31:59And the capital chain snapped on the spot
32:01When the first domino fell
32:03The whole thing wouldn't last for long
32:05Bank collection notices piled up like mountains
32:07And every day there were creditors blocking the gates of the Carter family go up
32:11Kelly Smith, the once gentle woman who had obeyed Ryan and everything
32:15Realized that Carter Group was absolutely going down
32:18She immediately turned around and filed a lawsuit
32:20Demanding a divorce and division of Ryan's assets
32:23The two of them made a huge scene
32:25The former lovers faced each other in court
32:28Hurling accusations
32:29All of Harbor City was watching Ryan make a fool of himself
32:33Laughing at how he ditched his good wife only to marry that bitch
32:36I saw all this news while on dates with Alex
32:38Through push notifications on my phone
32:40I only glanced at them before immediately locking the screen
32:43It had nothing to do with me anymore
32:46What I cared about more was Alex
32:48Sitting across from me
32:49Our relationship slowly became better through dinners, movies
32:52And visits to art exhibitions
32:54On Christmas Day, Harbor City saw its first snowfall of the winter
32:58I booked out the mountaintop revolving restaurant
33:04Through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows
33:06We could overlook the dazzling lights of the entire city
33:09Alex, dressed in a bespoke suit, sat quietly across from me
33:13The snowy glow outside reflected on his face
33:15Making him look kinda unreal
33:17Amid the gentle sound of violin music
33:20I knelt on one knee
33:21He froze for a moment
33:23A hint of panic in his eyes
33:25Alex White
33:26I looked up at him
33:27Holding his cold hand
33:29These past few months
33:30Every day I've spent with you has made me very happy
33:32I want to turn this happiness into a lifetime
33:35So
33:36Would you be willing to be my boyfriend?
33:39His eyes instantly turned red
33:41His lips trembling, unable to utter a single word
33:44The surrounding diners had gone quiet, all watching us
33:47After a long while, he finally lowered his hand in disbelief and nodded hard
33:52Thunderous applause erupted throughout the restaurant
33:55I put the ring on his finger and threw myself into his arms
33:58My phone vibrated on the table but I ignored it
34:01The person I was holding was my whole world
34:04Only later did I find out that those notifications were the final headlines of that night
34:08Carter Group officially announces bankruptcy and liquidation
34:12Former Carter Group president's lover Kelly Smith suspected of commercial embezzlement and leaking trade secrets
34:17Now arrested by police
34:19Bachelor Group president's manager
34:20Questiondogsmiyor
34:20organizations
34:21Not
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