- 6 hours ago
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00:00So, I caught my boyfriend cheating tonight.
00:03Oh, that's new.
00:07Mia?
00:09Wait!
00:14Mr. and Mrs. Russo are out of town. We thought it best to call you.
00:17What did you do?
00:18She smashed her boyfriend's head with a heel.
00:20Ex-boyfriend.
00:21Get in the car.
00:22This 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. We're adults, right?
00:38Why would I cry over a trash man forever?
00:40Relax, bro. I'm totally over Ryan.
00:43Mia.
00:44Mia.
00:45Breathe.
00:46If you're gonna lose your mind, at least pick someone worth it.
00:51Mia.
00:52Breathe.
00:52Okay, he's holding me. Why is he holding me?
00:55But he smells really good.
00:58Stop.
01:02Drink some water.
01:03Why does he actually look kinda good today?
01:05What is wrong with me?
01:06What?
01:07What?
01:07Adrian, about just now, obviously there are social, ethical...
01:13I know you might have some complicated feelings...
01:15Mia?
01:15But we did grow up under the same...
01:17You might wanna stop pouring.
01:19Oh!
01:20Relax, I'm not interested in kids.
01:21Okay, I'm officially an idiot.
01:24This night better be worth $500.
01:26So far, it's not.
01:30What the-?
01:31You need to come with me tonight.
01:32Don't do that! Come 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.
01:40500.
01:41Deal.
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, brother.
01:55Too much.
01:56Interesting.
01:58What did you do?
01:58What was that?
01:59Easy.
02:02Men.
02:03Predictable.
02:04Not that I care.
02:04I'm just... observing.
02:06Hands.
02:11You okay?
02:12Yeah, I'm fine.
02:13I had it.
02:14Sure.
02:15Oh my god, your shirt!
02:15I'm so sorry, I didn't-
02:16Honestly?
02:17Best thing that's happened to me all night.
02:19Okay.
02:20Points for that.
02:21Victor Hale.
02:22Mia, and again, sorry about the shirt.
02:23Apologize and give me an excuse to talk to you.
02:25Okay.
02:26He'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.
02:38This whole thing is unbearable.
02:39But the people who run this hotel owe me a favor.
02:42And the back kitchen makes the best food you've ever eaten in your life.
02:46Oh no.
02:47I'm actually starving.
02:48Bring a little dessert tray.
02:50Okay.
02:51This 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.
03:02You took it.
03:03Don't.
03:03Touch.
03:04Me.
03:04I wasn't going to.
03:06Then you looked at me like that.
03:07I changed my mind.
03:09Ryan Carter, the famous playboyer, openly declared that he only dated women on short-term
03:13arrangements.
03:15People all laughed at me, saying I was the most miserable wealthy wife in history.
03:19They all thought I'd endure it for the rest of my life.
03:22Until Ryan brought a college student named Callie Smith home.
03:25The girl looked ordinary, yet 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 Callie be on equal terms with me.
03:35Or just divorce him, split the assets evenly, and go our separate ways for good.
03:39His friends were there, watching the show.
03:42They were sure I'd just keep being a pushover, putting up with everything.
03:46But to their surprise, I chose the latter without hesitation.
03:49In my previous life, I chose to endure, and what I got in return was Callie pushing her
03:54luck further and further.
03:55She forbade Ryan from touching me or giving me any of his assets.
03:59In my later years, I couldn't help but envy Callie, who ended up with everything,
04:03money, children, the whole package.
04:05Even after Ryan died, his will didn't grant me anything.
04:09All his inheritance was left under Callie's control.
04:12I had been his lawful wife, but ended up with nothing at last.
04:16Reborn into this life, I finally figured everything out.
04:19This time I just wanted to take the money and leave.
04:22I picked up the divorce agreement, read it carefully from beginning to end,
04:25and was about to sign my name.
04:27Anna, Taylor, think this through.
04:29Once you sign, there's no turning back.
04:34I didn't stop.
04:35I quickly wrote my name down.
04:38I'll pack my things and leave right now.
04:41Why the hell would I turn back?
04:43In my previous life, I thought bringing Kelly home was just another one of his tricks to mess
04:49with me.
04:49Naively, I believed that after all these years of marriage, he must have had at least a
04:54little affection for me.
04:55I 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.
05:07He said that back then, the dramatic scene of catching a guy in my bed had been arranged
05:11by 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.
05:20That way, anything I did afterward seemed completely justified.
05:25So that was it.
05:27No wonder every time I desperately tried to explain, all I got was his cold disbelief.
05:31Because from beginning to end, he knew the truth.
05:34He didn't love me, yet he used a fabricated crime to trap me for 50 years.
05:39He could have ended it cleanly with one stroke, but instead chose to slowly torture me to death.
05:43Looking at the young yet still cold-faced before me, I felt nothing but hatred.
05:48He stared blankly at the signed agreement.
05:50His eyes filled with shock.
05:52Outside the door, the faint sounds of whispering abruptly stopped.
05:58My distinguished parents-in-law rushed in cheerfully.
06:00My mother-in-law grabbed Kelly's hand, looking her up and down, clicking 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, was smiling kindly at this moment.
06:16He shot me a pointed glance.
06:18Finally, we can send away that useless one.
06:20It's been so many years, but there's no kid at all.
06:24Kelly lowered her head shyly, pretending to be modest.
06:27Sir, Madam, please don't say that.
06:31I don't want to disrespect Anna, especially since I'm not much younger than Madam Anna.
06:37She paused, her face flushing.
06:39Actually, I'm already one month pregnant.
06:42It's just still early, so I plan to tell you about it later.
06:46I looked at her and frowned.
06:48As expected, still the same familiar sarcasm, the same nauseating tone.
06:53Only this time, I didn't care anymore.
06:55All these years, in order to be a useful wife, I worked myself to the bone at Carter Group during
07:00the 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.
07:09I did look kinda old.
07:11I turned back to my room and began packing my pitiful little bit of luggage.
07:15And 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.
07:25Leave tomorrow.
07:26Isn't the villa in the west of the city still empty?
07:28You can stay there for now.
07:30I don't free to say that you're fine.
07:33Anna, you're just being emotional.
07:35Calm down.
07:36I 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.
07:44I 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,
08:00yet 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.
08:12With 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.
08:32Anna Taylor!
08:33What's going on between you and Ryan?
08:35Have you lost your mind?
08:37What the hell happened?
08:38I held the phone a little farther away and asked lazily.
08:42What'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 a tinfully with nermosinals.
08:49He said front to Jesus that they bidges his lonely life.
08:52He even said they bailed in quitting.
08:54Your snobby carry were right there too, so that bidger deserves it.
08:58Her voice dropped, filled with cautious concern.
09:01Well are you okay?
09:03Such recognition.
09:04Ryan had now given it to her.
09:06I'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.
09:18She 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?
09:31Let's go get a drink.
09:32In Harbor City's most extravagant bar, the booths were piled high with the priciest wine.
09:37Several young, handsome male models surrounded me, attentively pouring drinks for me.
09:44Enjoy it.
09:47Iris stared at me.
09:49Holy shit, I believe it now.
09:51You really have let go.
09:54You were never like this before.
09:56Back then, to prove to Ryan that I wasn't after money, I calculated cost performance for everything.
10:02I had been afraid he'd think I was wasteful or didn't care about the family.
10:05Now, sitting in this luxurious private room, I looked at the woman reflected in the mirrored glass.
10:10The flamboyant red hair, the perfectly tailored haute couture dress, was 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 from 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 were fighting to invest in you.
10:34If you'd started your own group, you'd have crushed Carter Group long ago.
10:39Spending over a decade being a servant for his family, and 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, once 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 and died of illness beside a trash heap on a
11:05winter night.
11:05The business empire I built with my entire life went to Kelly and her children.
11:09Thinking of this, I drained the wine in my glass in one go.
11:13The spicy liquid burned down my throat, yet ignited the fire deep in my heart.
11:17I swore I would get back at them.
11:19Without me, could they really live so well?
11:23The very next day, news of my group registration spread like wildfire, stirring the entire circle.
11:29Some people sensed opportunity and rushed overnight with proposals, hoping to invest.
11:34But more people mocked and waited on the sidelines, waiting for the Carter family's reaction.
11:38Someone clearly gave instructions to the media, so paparazzi articles were all belittling me for overestimating myself.
11:45I looked at the push notifications on my phone and 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, wouldn'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.
12:17I drank until my stomach perforated for it.
12:20Without me, Carter Group wouldn't even know where to start.
12:23At Carter Group, although I was the president, my monthly salary was only $1,000.
12:28All 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 housemate 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
13:07his 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, asking him
13:17to 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.
13:28Ryan, don't work yourself too hard. I'm your wife now. Let me help share your burden.
13:35He hesitated, somewhat uneasy.
13:38You're still young and unfamiliar with group operations. Go 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.
14:00His heart softened, and he just nodded.
14:02Kelly broke into a smile through her tears, hugged him, and said affectionately,
14:07I'm just worried about you. Look 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.
14:26After all these years, the connections I'd built were far beyond what a little girl like her could compare to.
14:31Those 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.
14:42I 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.
14:54But 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.
15:03Meanwhile, on my side, with capable team members, we unleashed astonishing power, consecutively landing several deals worth tens of millions.
15:11Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window in the conference room, looking at the jubilant team below, I announced loudly.
15:17Tonight 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.
15:32The car door opened, and Ryan stepped out with an arrogant look, waving at me.
15:38I didn't even glance his way, leading my people straight ahead.
15:41His special assistant stopped me. Ryan followed, his face openly showing displeasure and restrained anger.
15:47Anna Taylor, what do you mean? Didn't you see me? You've really grown bold now.
15:53A little impatient, I looked at him coldly and said,
15:56Sir, 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.
16:14Anna, I've really been exhausted lately.
16:17Don't keep fighting with me, okay?
16:19He paused, as if making a huge concession.
16:23If you really mind Kelly, I can have her move somewhere else for now.
16:27Looking 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.
17:01He 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.
17:17I'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.
17:24Ever.
17:24Ryan's face darkened with rage.
17:27Anna 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?
17:37Mr. Ryan sure has a bad temper.
17:43Not only openly harassing my fiancee, 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.
18:06Ryan 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.
18:21You're acting, aren't you?
18:22You deliberately found Alex to piss me off.
18:25Alex rolled his eyes dramatically and dragged me away.
18:28Let'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!
18:45My stomach hurts!
18:47I didn't slow down.
18:48In fact, I walked even faster, not 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.
19:05The sports car roared out of the parking lot.
19:08Only then did he take off his sunglasses and smile at me sideways.
19:11Well, 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?
19:27I 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, suffers stomach spasms and is hospitalized hashtag.
19:48The accompanying photos showed him being taken into an ambulance by his assistant and bodyguards.
19:53The comments section exploded.
19:55Some mocked Ryan for bringing it on himself, saying he should have expected this day back when he flaunted his
20:00mistress.
20:01Others claimed Kelly Smith was inferior to me, which was why Ryan turned back, and that the two of us
20:06would soon remarry.
20:07In the VIP ward of Harbor City First Hospital, Kelly Smith, eyes bloodshot, grabbed the glass cup from the bedside
20:13table and smashed it viciously onto the floor, shards flying everywhere.
20:17Why did you go to find her? Why?
20:20She glared fiercely at the pale-faced Ryan on the hospital bed.
20:23Didn't you say having me alone was enough?
20:26The sharp, shattering sound startled Ryan, and a dull ache crept through his abdomen.
20:31He rubbed his temples tiredly, even opening his eyes feeling like an effort.
20:35His voice was very light.
20:37What are you yelling for?
20:39I went to see her for group matters.
20:42Group matters?
20:44Are group matters more important than me?
20:46Kelly rushed to the bedside, her 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!
21:07If you hadn't messed the group up so badly, would I need to warnin' lower myself to go beg her?!
21:12His voice shot up sharply, tinged with hysteria.
21:16I...
21:16But then the ward door was pushed open.
21:20Ryan's mother walked in carrying a thermal food container.
21:23When she saw the mess all over the floor and her son's pale face, her anger instantly flared.
21:28Kelly Smith!
21:30You're really becoming more and more outraged!
21:32She 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, she'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.
21:52I'm not her!
21:53I don't want to do that kind of servant work!
21:56She crossed her arms over her chest and stubbornly talked back.
22:00What do you mean?!
22:01There's no mother poor-ins at Tau's!
22:03I maybe have to goop myself!
22:04I think you just pick on fight and girly you and how I stack!
22:08I'm parrying your grandson!
22:10You don't want him anymore?!
22:12How dare you talk back?!
22:14What have you ever done for Ryan?!
22:17Other than spending money and causing trouble, what else did you do?!
22:23What trouble did I cause?!
22:25Get out!
22:26Both of you!
22:27Get out!
22:28Ryan forced himself upright, grabbed the pillow by the bed, and hurled it at them with all his strength.
22:34Get out!
22:35Now!
22:35The ward fell into dead silence in an instant.
22:39Ryan's mother and Kelly were both stunned.
22:41Ryan collapsed weakly back onto the bed, burying his face into the blanket as suppressed sob seeped out muffled.
22:47This was the first time he regretted it.
22:49Regretted divorcing Anna.
22:51When Anna was around, the group never had any problems, and the household was always in perfect order.
22:57Anna would arrange everything properly, and Ryan could just enjoy his life.
23:03But now?
23:03Because of several useless relatives Kelly had stuffed into the group.
23:07Accidents happened again and again, and several projects had already been cancelled.
23:12By the time he realized something was wrong, most of the capable backbones in the group had already left.
23:17And his parents, who once praised Kelly non-stop, now constantly complained and expressed dissatisfaction.
23:23Life seemed to have gone back to years ago, when his group was on the brink of bankruptcy, besieged on
23:28all sides.
23:29The difference was, back then, when he turned around, I was always there.
23:33Don't be afraid, you've got me.
23:35But now, behind him, there was no one at all.
23:39A few days later, the contract with the white group was officially signed.
23:44This was the biggest deal I'd landed since leaving Carter Group.
23:47It meant my small group had finally gained a firm foothold.
23:50Alex White attended in person.
23:52After signing, he tossed the pen aside and smiled brightly at me.
23:55President Anna, to celebrate our successful cooperation, how about dinner together?
24:01I looked at his handsome face and declined politely.
24:06No, I still have something to do tonight.
24:08His smile faded.
24:10He leaned forward, bracing his hands on the table.
24:13Anna Taylor, how long are you going to keep running?
24:16You clearly know what I mean.
24:19Ever since that day in the parking lot when he helped me out, Alex White had launched a fierce pursuit.
24:24Flowers, gifts, and endless invitations.
24:28It was impossible to ignore, but I remained distant the entire time.
24:33Mr. Alex, if you're just trying to provoke Ryan, there's really no need to waste your effort on me.
24:36Alex looked at me with his big eyes.
24:38He suddenly smiled, with a touch of childish pride.
24:42I'm not that boring.
24:43I really do like you.
24:47His gaze was far too intense.
24:49I subconsciously stepped back, but he grabbed my sleeve.
24:52Alex's fingers were long and warm.
24:55He 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.
25:07I wanted to say no, but unconsciously agreed.
25:12Both of us were startled.
25:16The receptionist then hurried in anxiously.
25:19President Anna, I'm sorry.
25:20This gentleman insisted on barging in.
25:23We couldn't stop him.
25:24I waved my hand, signaling her to step out first.
25:27The uninvited guests were right behind the receptionist.
25:30The one in front sat in a wheelchair, which was Ryan.
25:33Only a few days had passed, yet he looked as if all vitality had been drained from him, his face
25:38sallow and his eye socket sunken.
25:40And I'm here to take you home.
25:42I looked at him, not feeling sorry for him, but 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.
25:58He probably hadn't expected me to be this ruthless.
26:01His eyes instantly reddened.
26:03Anna 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.
26:15Who you marry or divorce has nothing to do with me.
26:18Please, don't come disturb my life again.
26:20I don't want to be your servant anymore.
26:22The decisiveness in my words left his face full of hurt.
26:26We'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.
26:38I 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.
26:56Just help me hold Carter group together for five years, alright?
26:59At last, he pulled out this trunk 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?
27:18His voice was clear, with undisguised contempt.
27:21Using my credit to blackmail others?
27:23How can you be so utterly shameless?
27:26Alex White, why are you here?
27:30Why can't I be here?
27:33If 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?
27:40You're talking nonsense!
27:42Shut up!
27:44I did sponsor her!
27:46Is that so?
27:48Alex took out his phone, and presented it to me.
27:50Anna, see for yourself.
27:53Then, through an anonymous charitable organization,
27:56to 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.
28:14The 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.
28:31Because 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.
28:42Even when he sampled my dignity time and time again,
28:44I endured it because of that supposed kindness.
28:47I 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.
28:56I stayed by your side for four years in college, and 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, but we were husband and wife for ten years.
29:11Isn't that bond enough for you to help me just once?
29:15Have you forgotten what 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.
29:55I shook my head in disappointment.
29:57The last shred of lingering feeling in my heart turning to ashes.
30:00The thing I regret most in this life is being with a man like you, full of lies.
30:05Those words became the final straw that crushed him.
30:07He slumped weakly in his wheelchair, tears rolling down in big drops.
30:11No, it's not like that.
30:15How can you regret it?
30:17You love me!
30:19You clearly love me!
30:22At that moment, the security guards who had arrived late finally broke through Ryan's black-suited bodyguards.
30:28Together 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, you don't have to force yourself to be with me just because I sponsored you.
31:04Seeing his awkward yet proud demeanor, I wasn't so upset anymore.
31:08I couldn't help but laugh a bit.
31:10I won't.
31:11I 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, and then he nodded gently.
31:32To prevent Ryan from coming back to pester me again, I threw a few obstacles into some of Carter Group's
31:37overseas projects.
31:38I didn't intend to do anything drastic to Carter Group.
31:41I just wanted to keep him busy, keep him from bothering me.
31:45But the foundation of Carter Group had long rotted.
31:48My small move was nearly the first domino to fall.
31:51Carter Group's stock price plunged without warning.
31:54Several major projects under negotiation blew up one after another.
31:58Partners withdrew their investments, and the capital chain snapped on the spot.
32:02When the first domino fell, the whole thing wouldn't last for long.
32:05Bank collection notices piled up like mountains, and every day there were creditors blocking the gates of the Carter family
32:10go up.
32:11Kelly Smith, the once gentle woman who had obeyed Ryan in everything, realized that Carter Group was absolutely going down.
32:18She immediately turned around and filed a lawsuit, demanding a divorce and division of Ryan's assets.
32:23The two of them made a huge scene.
32:26The former lovers faced each other in court, hurling accusations.
32:29All of Harbor City was watching Ryan make a fool of himself, laughing at how he ditched his good wife
32:35only to marry that bitch.
32:36I saw all this news while on dates with Alex, through push notifications on my phone.
32:41I only glanced at them before immediately locking the screen.
32:44It had nothing to do with me anymore.
32:46What I cared about more was Alex, sitting across from me.
32:49Our relationship slowly became better through dinners, movies, and visits to art exhibitions.
32:55On Christmas Day, Harbor City saw its first snowfall of the winter.
32:59I had booked out the mountaintop revolving restaurant.
33:04Through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, we 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, making him look kinda unreal.
33:17Amid the gentle sound of violin music, I knelt on one knee.
33:22He froze for a moment, a hint of panic in his eyes.
33:25Alex White.
33:26I looked up at him, holding his cold hand.
33:29These past few months, every day I've spent with you has made me very happy.
33:33I wanna turn this happiness into a lifetime.
33:36So, would you be willing to be my boyfriend?
33:39His eyes instantly turned red, his lips trembling, unable to utter a single word.
33:45The surrounding diners had gone quiet, all watching us.
33:48After a long while, he finally lowered his hand in disbelief and nodded hard.
33:53Thunderous applause erupted throughout the restaurant.
33:55I put the ring on his finger and threw myself into his arms.
33:59My phone vibrated on the table, but I ignored it.
34:02The 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.
34:09Carter Group officially announces bankruptcy and liquidation.
34:12Former Carter Group president's lover Kelly Smith suspected of commercial embezzlement and leaking trade secrets.
34:18Now arrested by police.
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