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