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Short filmTranscript
00:01On the wedding day, the bride resolutely refused to step into the hotel and insisted we play a little game,
00:06telling me to meet them outside the hotel.
00:08Every step in the hotel, from the ground floor to the top, must be covered with $50 bills.
00:13I didn't think it's much, just a silly bit of fun for the occasion, but when we completed it...
00:17That money on the floor is for passers-by. The fees to my daughter is separate.
00:23Stuff $100 into each one.
00:26She gestured at the balloons filling the hotel.
00:28There are 999 balloons in total.
00:31That added up to $100,000 in cash.
00:34I pleaded relentlessly, and ended up transferring the last $50,000 I had in my account.
00:39By then, I was a little angry, but the worst was yet to come.
00:42Mom says we're family once we're married, and my brother's name has to be added to the wedding house deed.
00:47My parents bought that house with their own money. Why would I do that?
00:51No name on the deed means you're not serious about this marriage.
00:54You can just marry the heir instead.
00:59Marry the heir?
01:00I stared at the woman in front of me, gorgeous in her wedding dress, but her face twisted with cruelty.
01:05This was Alice, the woman I'd loved for five years.
01:08To marry her, my family had drained all our savings to buy a wedding house, just to give her a
01:13comfortable home.
01:14And now, just because I refused to add her brother's name to the deed, she was telling me to marry
01:18the heir.
01:19Margaret kept fussing with her handbag, looking as if this was all perfectly reasonable.
01:23Carter stood nearby.
01:25Yes, marry the heir.
01:27Julian, don't think that $50,000 is enough. I'm not stepping inside for the wedding unless his name's on that
01:33deed.
01:33My parents bought this house with every penny they had. Their retirement money, what's it got to do with your
01:39family?
01:40Of course it does. We're family once we're married. Why are you being so petty?
01:44Besides, Carter's your brother-in-law. He's going to take care of you when you're old.
01:49Rely on him? Rely on him to blow through every penny I own?
01:53Julian, watch your mouth! Are you going to apologize or not if you don't? This wedding's off!
01:59The bouquet hit my chest, sharp and painful, but the ache in my heart was a thousand times worse.
02:04You're sure? No name on the deed, no wedding?
02:06I'm sure.
02:09We're not just adding his name. We're getting it notarized, too.
02:13Carter gets half this house.
02:15Fine.
02:17I nodded and pulled out my phone.
02:22Should have done this earlier. Hurry up and call the property office.
02:25That's right, Julian. We're already a family.
02:29Julian, I live in the master bedroom!
02:32I ignored them all and dialed the number I knew by heart.
02:36Hey, Mom.
02:37Julian, are you coming in? All the guests are seated. Everyone's waiting.
02:43I'm sorry, Mom. I'm not getting married.
02:47With that, I hung up and turned to leave. I left the three of them frozen in shock.
02:51Julian!
02:52Don't you dare walk away!
02:54If you leave today, I'll never marry you, not even if you beg me in the future!
02:58I paused for a split second and turned around.
03:01Alice, you're right.
03:02I'd rather marry the heir than be with you. And I'll get that $50,000 back through legal
03:06means. You're on your own.
03:08I walked without looking back into the elaborately decorated hotel.
03:11I stepped on the steps covered with $50 and walked up step by step.
03:15Every move I made was unshakable.
03:22Julian, where's your wife?
03:23No wife anymore.
03:25My phone started blowing up. It was all texts from Alice.
03:30Julian, you think you're tough now? Embarrassing me in public?
03:33I'm telling you, get back here right now. Get on your knees and apologize to my mom and
03:37Carter. And bring me $20,000 for emotional damage or this isn't over. You really think
03:42I won't call off the wedding? Guys chase me all the way to France!
03:45I stared at the words flashing on the screen and the last bit of warmth in my heart died.
03:52Andrew, help me to check the status of that $50,000 transfer I just made.
03:56Just sent it. What's wrong?
03:58It was a scam transfer. Can you freeze it?
04:01Scam? I thought you were getting married.
04:04Wedding's off. They blackmailed me for it.
04:07Got it. If it hasn't hit their account or they haven't withdrawn it yet, I can hold it.
04:10Call the police right away and bring me the receipt.
04:14I hung up and let out a long breath. That $50,000 was my hard-earned cash,
04:18made from working day and night for years. I'd saved it to start our family. But I'd been
04:23forced to send it to Margaret. Want to take my money? Dream on. I walked into the hall.
04:28My parents were looking around anxiously. When they saw me alone, no bride, their faces turned
04:33pale instantly. Dad, Mom, I'm sorry. Our family is definitely going to be shamed today.
04:43Julian, what happened? Did they ask for more money again?
04:46They said, if I want to marry their daughter, I have to add her name to my housetet.
04:52Ridiculous. Ridiculous. Ridiculous. This marriage, cancel it. Let's go inside. We're still having
04:57the feast. Just treat it for all I'm chent up in front.
04:59The three of us walked to the ceremony area. Hundreds of pairs of eyes stared straight at us.
05:04Groom, where's the bride? It's time for the wedding.
05:07I took the microphone from his hand and stepped onto the stage.
05:10The spotlight hit me, bright and harsh. The room went dead silent.
05:13I took a deep breath. Dear all, I'm so sorry. Today's wedding is cancelled.
05:24I just bowed deeply. Just then, a stream of shouts came from the hall entrance.
05:30Julian! You bastard!
05:32Alice stormed in, still in her wedding dress, hair messy, fuming with rage.
05:37Margaret and Carter stumbled in behind her, out of breath.
05:41Everyone! This heartless man left us outside the hotel and came here to enjoy himself!
05:46He played with my daughter's feelings and dumped her!
05:49Julian! You don't give my sister an explanation today! I'll wreck this hotel!
05:52Everyone was watching me. Some whispered and pointed. Others looked confused.
05:56I stared at the three clowns in front of me and suddenly laughed. How did I ever think they were
06:01just straightforward? They're just plain shameless. I held up the microphone, my voice cold.
06:06Since you're here, let's make it clear in front of everyone.
06:13Alice rushed onto the stage, trying to snatch the microphone from me.
06:16The hundred thousand of cash, and the fifty thousand transfer, and the house name.
06:21The big screen in the banquet hall suddenly lit up. I told Connor to get it ready.
06:26On the screen were my chat logs with Alice, plus the audio recording from outside the hotel earlier.
06:30A hundred bucks per balloon, 999 total. My brother's name has to go on the house deed.
06:35No name on the deed means no commitment. Go marry the heir!
06:40The clear recording echoed throughout the hall.
06:42My god, this isn't a marriage. So greedy. Not even hiding it.
06:46This family's crazy for money.
06:47The murmurs grew louder, filled with mockery. Alice's face turned bright red with shame and rage.
06:52Alice pointed at me, her fingers shaking.
06:55You, you're shameless!
06:57I'm shameless?
07:00You weren't shameless when you demanded an extra hundred thousand?
07:03When you forced me to drain my savings? When you tried to take my parents' house?
07:07Julian, stop slandering us! So what if we ask for money?
07:10Raising a daughter, Otter, isn't easy. We need more to make sure she lives well after marriage.
07:15You wanted the money for her? It's for your son to buy a house and a car.
07:19Those designer clothes he wears, the car he drives, all my money.
07:23I put up with it before because I loved Alice.
07:25But you should never have targeted my parents.
07:28I turned around and looked at my parents in the crowd. They were angry.
07:32Today, in front of all our family and friends, I announced this.
07:36The wedding is completely off.
07:38I will get that 50,000 back no matter what.
07:42As for you,
07:44get out.
07:45You telling me to get out?
07:47How dare you hurt my sister and mom? I'll kill you!
07:53Let go of me!
07:54You can't hit me! I'm calling the cops!
08:01Carter thrashed wildly like a trap turtle.
08:05Go ahead and call.
08:06Perfect time to tell the police about the 100,000 you owe from gambling?
08:10How you gonna pay that back?
08:14How do you know about that?
08:15Alice and Margaret froze too.
08:17What are you saying?
08:18You think you were extorting me for what? To pay off his debts, right?
08:21You had no clue, did you, Alice?
08:23Your brother owes a fortune out there.
08:25They said they'd break his arm if he didn't pay today.
08:27That's why you rushed so hard for the 100,000, the 50,000, even the house?
08:31The crowd erupted in shock.
08:33Everyone stared at Carter.
08:35Carter, is it true?
08:36Alice, don't listen to him! He's trying to split us up!
08:41Check his phone if you don't believe him.
08:43I nodded at the phone on the floor.
08:45The screen lit up, showing a clear debt collection text.
08:48Carter, last two hours. No money. Get a wheelchair ready.
08:51Alice picked up the phone, glanced at it, and staggered back.
08:56Mom, did you know about this?
08:58Alice turned to Margaret. Margaret looked panicked.
09:01Carter was tricked! We're family! We have to help him!
09:05Help? So you used my marriage to fill this bottomless hole?
09:08Alice, you only have one brother. Who else will help him if you don't?
09:12Besides, Julian's family is rich. This is nothing to them.
09:17A loud, sharp slap. It was Alice.
09:20She slapped Carter hard across the face.
09:22Then she slapped herself.
09:27I'm an idiot. A complete and utter idiot.
09:31She stared at me, tears streaming uncontrollably.
09:33Julian, I was wrong. I really didn't know. It was for his gambling debt.
09:38I thought, I thought mom just wanted a better life for me.
09:43Julian, I won't ask for the house anymore. I won't take the money.
09:47I'll make him return the money to you. Let's get married, please. I love you.
09:52Looking down at her, I felt nothing. Once, even a frown from her would have wrecked me.
09:57Love me? Love me by trampling my dignity? Love me while your family bleeds me dry?
10:03Alice, your love's too expensive. I can't afford it.
10:06No, that's all change. I won't listen to mom anymore, just you.
10:11Too late. A broken mirror can't be fixed without cracks. And with them, you'll never change.
10:17The second you soften, they'll lash back on like leeches, sucking me dry.
10:21Julian, you heartless bastard!
10:25You slept with my daughter for years, and now you'll just walk away?
10:28That 50,000's already in Carter's account.
10:31Sue us if you dare, and Al is pregnant!
10:33Abandon your wife and child, and I'll ruin you!
10:36Banners at your office, your reputation, gone!
10:39My parents paled.
10:40Mom, mom, what are you...
10:42Shut up!
10:43Yes, two months.
10:44Julian, if you're any kind of man, marry her, add Carter's name to the deed, or watch your life burn.
10:52I stared at her twisted face and laughed.
10:54Pregnant? Perfect. I've got something to show everyone.
10:59The doctor had called me aside privately. I'd kept it secret, not wanting to hurt Alice.
11:04Now?
11:06Read it yourself.
11:07I tossed it at Alice. She picked it up, trembling. One glance, and her face went ghost white.
11:15This... this can't be...
11:17Fake! You're lying!
11:21Bilateral fallopian tube blockage. Extremely low natural conception probability.
11:25You forged this to escape responsibility!
11:28Fake? A hospital can confirm it.
11:31And these past months, I've been too busy planning this wedding to even sleep with her.
11:34Where'd this... two-month...
11:36Alice collapsed, hollow-eyed.
11:37Mom, how could you?
11:41You're killing me.
11:44I'm doing this for Carter!
11:46Who cares how we get the money?
11:48Enough!
11:49Money, money, money!
11:51That's all you see!
11:52If you want it so badly, die for it!
11:57Alice!
11:58Stop!
11:59I'm sorry!
12:01Next life, I won't scam you for my brother.
12:04I'll just... be your wife.
12:08Alice!
12:09You're insane!
12:11Drop the weapon!
12:12Now!
12:14Connor had called them earlier.
12:16They tackled her, disarming the glass.
12:20Carter, you're under arrest for illegal gambling.
12:23No, I didn't.
12:25Mom, help!
12:28You can't take him!
12:29He's innocent!
12:30Arrest him!
12:31He's the gambling fraud mastermind!
12:34But when the police saw me, his face froze.
12:39I'm a shadow operative in the RED organization, specializing in cybersecurity at home and abroad.
12:44Three months ago, I secretly worked with a few polices to take down an illegal wildlife trafficking ring.
12:49Long before that operation, they'd already vetted me inside out.
12:53When the officers saw me, they exchanged knowing glances, then ignored Margaret's screams and hauled Carter away.
12:59Standing on the stage, watching the circus, I just felt exhausted.
13:03Alice looked at me one last time.
13:04Her eyes full of regret, despair, and something like relief.
13:08The police took all three of them.
13:09Alice, Margaret, Carter.
13:11Disorderly conduct charges for the scene they caused, plus Carter's gambling and fresh fire.
13:15What about the 50,000?
13:17Frozen.
13:18Andrew moved fast.
13:19They hadn't transferred it yet.
13:20Good.
13:21That's your hard-earned cash.
13:23Connor clapped my shoulder.
13:25The guys are taking you drinking.
13:27I got obliterated that night.
13:29Dreams flickering between Alice's gentle past and Margaret's snarling face.
13:34Woke up with a skull-splitting hangover.
13:37Dozens of missed calls, all unknown numbers.
13:39Frowning, I answered one.
13:43Julian, you scoundrel!
13:44You sent that family to prison!
13:45You have no mercy at all!
13:47Alice loved you so much, but you ruined her!
13:50You will not get away with this!
13:51A woman's voice, screeching obscenities.
13:54I hung up.
13:55So, Alice's side had launched their smear campaign.
13:58Checked social media.
13:59Sure enough, trending number one.
14:01Heartless groom cancels wedding, drives bride to suicide, frames brother.
14:05The edited clip showed only Alice's glass-to-throat moment and Carter's arrest.
14:09The caption painted me as a cruel, rich playboy.
14:12Comments were a hate-tsunami.
14:14Death penalty for this trash.
14:16Rich men think they own the world?
14:18Poor girl deserved better.
14:19I smirked.
14:20Expected this.
14:21Instead of reacting, I texted Connor.
14:24Compile the full wedding footage and audio.
14:26Add Carter's gambling evidence and the loan shark texts.
14:29If they want war, we'll give them war.
14:31That afternoon, I went to the hospital, not as a patient, but to see Alice.
14:36Minor cuts from her meltdown, under observation.
14:39Two cops stood guard.
14:40They let me in after I explained.
14:42Alice lay in bed, bandaged wrists, face pale.
14:45Her eyes flickered when she saw me, then dimmed.
14:48You're too close.
14:48I pulled up a chair.
14:51No.
14:52I'm here for what's mine.
14:56The 50,000's frozen, but the jewelry, bags, and car I bought you?
15:01No marriage means they get returned.
15:04Julian, after everything, you're counting this?
15:09I almost died.
15:11Your choice.
15:12My voice stayed flat.
15:14Alice, drop the act.
15:17That edited video online, you're doing.
15:20Her gaze darted.
15:21I don't know what you mean.
15:23Really?
15:24I played the clip.
15:24This angle's from your aunt's table.
15:26And the bot comments?
15:28Identical scripts.
15:30You're trying to pressure me into dropping charges against Carter.
15:34Julian, he's my only brother.
15:37A prison record ruins his life.
15:40Just forgive him this once.
15:42Sign a waiver saying it was a gift, not fraud.
15:46Please.
15:47She tried to kneel.
15:48I stopped her icy.
15:50Alice, wake up.
15:51You ruined him.
15:53You and Margaret enabling his bullshit.
15:57And it's not just fraud.
16:00Cops found drugs in my system from that family dinner where I blacked out.
16:05What drugs?
16:06It was Carter who put the drug in my drink.
16:09Just before you forced me to add your name.
16:13This is a criminal offense.
16:15It's not something I can just forgive.
16:17Alice collapsed against the pillows.
16:19Someone will inventory the items.
16:21Expect court papers soon.
16:23Good luck.
16:25I didn't look back.
16:26Fake tears deserve no pity.
16:30When I got home, I posted all the evidence I'd put together online.
16:34The title was simple.
16:35The truth about the heartless groom scandal.
16:37The video was unedited, showing everything exactly as it happened.
16:40From them demanding more money outside the hotel, to the confrontation inside,
16:44to the text messages proving Carter's gambling debts.
16:47I also included a blurred version of the premarital checkup report.
16:50And the police notice about Carter drugging me, with key information redacted.
16:54As soon as the video went up, public opinion flipped completely.
16:57Everyone who had been bashing me started deleting their comments and turning against them.
17:01Holy shit.
17:02This is the real truth.
17:04This whole family is just a bunch of leeches.
17:06Drugging the groom?
17:07That's attempted murder.
17:09The bride was playing the victim.
17:10She was in on it.
17:12Anyone who marries someone who spoils her brother like this is screwed.
17:15The story blew up.
17:16Netizens dug up everything about Alice's family.
17:18A video of Margaret getting beaten for stealing vegetables at a market years ago resurfaced.
17:23Footage of Carter gambling illegally was also exposed.
17:25Someone even found out that Alice had paid off Carter's debts several times when they were in college.
17:30Under public pressure, the police sped up the investigation.
17:33Carter was charged with fraud, poisoning, and gambling.
17:36With combined sentences, he'd be locked up for at least 8 to 10 years.
17:40Margaret was detained for provoking trouble and covering up a crime.
17:44As for Alice, she didn't directly take part in the poisoning.
17:47But she hid what she knew and was involved in the fraud.
17:50The 50,000 yuan had gone into her bank account.
17:52She was also facing prosecution.
17:55A few days later, Alice's father Charles came to see me.
17:59Who'd never had a say in the family looked like he'd aged 10 years overnight.
18:03He held a bag of fruit, stood at my door, and didn't dare come in.
18:06Julian.
18:07Looking nervous.
18:08I'm begging you for something.
18:10Could you drop the charges?
18:13If you do, we'll pay back the 50,000 right away.
18:16We won't claim the house either.
18:19Alice.
18:20She can't go to jail.
18:21Looking at this pitiful, ordinary man, I sighed inwardly.
18:25In this family, he was a victim too.
18:27He'd been pushed around by his wife his whole life and drained by his son.
18:31Uncle, it's not I won't drop them.
18:33It's a public prosecution case.
18:35I can't.
18:37What Carter did broke criminal law.
18:39The light in Charles' eyes died.
18:41He squatted down, held his head, and cried bitterly.
18:44I told her again and again not to spoil Carter, not to.
18:48Now look what happened.
18:49Our family is destroyed.
18:51I just watched quietly.
18:53Those who seem pitiful must have their own faults.
18:55If he'd stood up for himself and controlled his wife and son earlier, none of this would have happened.
19:00After I sent Charles away, Connor called me.
19:03Julian.
19:04Uh...
19:05Alice wants to see you one last time.
19:07I hesitated for a moment.
19:09I'll go.
19:10I need to end this properly.
19:14We were in the visiting room at the detention center, separated by thick glass.
19:18She picked up the phone, looked at me, and tears rolled down silently.
19:21Alice was wearing a prison uniform, her hair cut short, and she'd lost a lot of weight.
19:26Without her fancy makeup, she looked completely worn out.
19:28Julian, I'm sorry.
19:30That was the first thing she said to me.
19:32This time, I could hear she actually meant it.
19:35It's all in the past now.
19:36I said calmly.
19:37I know I'm done for.
19:38Alice gave a bitter smile.
19:40Carter got 12 years.
19:41My mom got one year.
19:43I'll probably get three.
19:45My dad sold our old house and is raising money to pay you back.
19:50Julian, I really did love you.
19:52But...
19:53I was raised to believe my brother was everything to the family, that I had to help him no matter
19:56what.
19:57I thought that was family love.
19:59Until that day, when he tried to hit you on stage and grab my phone.
20:02To him, I wasn't his sister.
20:04I was just an ATM.
20:08Alice wiped her tears.
20:11Thank you, Julian.
20:12I looked at her, my heart full of mixed feelings.
20:15The girl who used to smile so brightly had finally been eaten alive by her own family.
20:19Reform well.
20:21When you get out, live for yourself for once.
20:25Don't be anyone's accessory ever again.
20:28I will.
20:30Julian, I wish you happiness.
20:33Find a good girl.
20:35Not someone like me.
20:37She couldn't finish speaking.
20:39She was sobbing too hard.
20:40A guard walked over and signaled that time was up.
20:43Alice hung up the phone, gave me one deep look, then turned and left.
20:47I watched her figure disappear behind the iron gate.
20:49A huge weight finally lifted off my chest.
20:52This five-year relationship had ended in the worst way possible.
20:55But I didn't regret it.
20:56Because I'd kept my bottom line.
20:58And I'd kept my dignity.
21:01Three years later, my company went public.
21:04That same day, I got married again.
21:06My bride was Chloe, my business partner.
21:08She was independent, confident, and generous.
21:11Most importantly, she had a reasonable, understanding family.
21:15No one kept asking me for money non-stop.
21:17And certainly no criminal brother.
21:19The wedding was simple, held at the same hotel.
21:21No fancy formalities, just sincere blessings.
21:24During the toast, Connor came over sneakily.
21:27Julian, look who's here.
21:29I followed his gaze and saw a figure at the hotel entrance.
21:31She was wearing plain work clothes and a mask, but I recognized her at once.
21:35Alice.
21:36She held a bag, as if she wanted to come in but didn't dare.
21:39When she saw me, she quickly lowered her head, left the bag on a table near the door, and ran
21:44off.
21:44I walked over and picked up the bag.
21:46Inside was a painting.
21:47It was a portrait of Chloe and me.
21:49The style was a little rough, but it could tell she'd put her heart into it.
21:53Beneath it was a note.
21:54Wish you two be together forever.
21:56This time, I've learned to love myself.
21:59I handed the painting to Chloe.
22:02Yes.
22:02Chloe asked curiously.
22:04A gift from an old friend.
22:05I took Chloe's hand.
22:07Let's go.
22:08The guests are still waiting for us.
22:10Good.
22:10The sun shone down on us, warm and bright.
22:14I thought.
22:14This is what life is supposed to be like.
22:16No more dealing with cold, empty relationships.
22:19No more leeches.
22:21Just a steady, honest life with the right person.
22:24As for the past, let it go with the wind.
22:26After all, people have to move forward.
22:28What should keep rising isn't money on some staircases, but our lives.
22:32Three years later, outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the river flowed endlessly, and the
22:38air smelled faintly of agarwood.
22:40I sat on a handmade wool carpet, holding a pink rattle.
22:43My two-year-old daughter Eliza lay on my lap, her dribbles soaking my pants.
22:47Say, Daddy.
22:47I shook the rattle.
22:49Eliza blew a bubble and mumbled,
22:50Mommy.
22:51On the sofa not far away, Chloe was wearing silk loungewear, a slim laptop on her lap.
22:56She heard us but didn't look up.
22:58The first word Eliza utters is definitely Mom.
23:01Chloe typed away, the screen showing data for the company's second-half acquisition plan.
23:05I lifted Eliza up and wiped her drool with a tissue.
23:08Taking care of a baby was harder than reading stock charts.
23:11The doorbell rang.
23:12The maid went to open the door.
23:14Connor walked in with two fancy gift boxes.
23:16He was now the company's vice president, dressed in a suit, with a belly a bit bigger than three years
23:21ago.
23:21Julian, Chloe, Connor set the boxes on the coffee table.
23:25Candy from a client in South Africa.
23:27Chloe closed her laptop and picked up her coffee cup.
23:30Connor, how is the project the South City Logistics Player coming along?
23:34They had originally intended to negotiate the price.
23:37But after seeing our financial chain report, they immediately signed it.
23:42After a bit of business talk, Chloe took Eliza upstairs to bathe her.
23:46Only Connor and I were left in the living room, his face turning strange.
23:49He glanced toward the stairs and lowered his voice.
23:52Julian, there's something I don't know if I should tell you.
23:56I leaned back on the sofa and picked up a pack of cigarettes from the table.
24:00Yesterday, I went to inspect the Old City Renovation Project, and I saw Alice.
24:05I paused for a second and lifted my eyes to look at him.
24:08Connor sighed.
24:09She's living a terrible life.
24:11I didn't reply.
24:12I set the cigarette pack aside and didn't light one.
24:14She said she'd start over.
24:16Connor shook his head.
24:18She hooked up with some loser running a fake company.
24:20The guy talked big, said he'd make her rich and give her a home.
24:23She believed him.
24:24All the money she'd saved from working, tens of thousands.
24:27She poured into it.
24:28She even took out online loans behind his back.
24:31Then she got pregnant.
24:32When he saw she was no use to him, he took what was left and ran off.
24:35Connor's voice was full of pity.
24:37She had a premature baby last month, heavy bleeding.
24:40They treated her at a small clinic.
24:42She lived, but they had to remove her uterus.
24:44The baby was born unhealthy, stayed in an incubator for a few days, and didn't make it.
24:49When I saw her yesterday, she was cornered outside her rental by loan sharks.
24:54She's skin and bones.
24:55I listened, then picked up my coffee cup and took a sip.
24:58The coffee was warm, just right.
25:00Done.
25:00I set the cup down.
25:02Julian, you're not responding at all?
25:04What kind of reaction should I have?
25:07The lewd was fans of Verti.
25:09Ten years ago, I thought her to be a mirror beer independence.
25:13But she didn't know it changed her mind.
25:15Yes, dogs can never stop eating feces.
25:17She will always rely on others throughout her life.
25:20First it was you, then her brother, and now it's that man who deceives and manipulates women's
25:25emotion.
25:25She brought all this upon herself.
25:28Alright, let's not talk at her anymore.
25:29Just stay and have dinner.
25:31No, I have a business meeting with a partner tonight.
25:33I have to go.
25:34After Connor left, the villa went quiet again.
25:36I walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows and looked out at the river.
25:40I felt nothing at all.
25:41Some people, once they're gone, are gone for good.
25:44Even if they rot in the mud, it has nothing to do with me.
25:47At 10pm, Eliza was asleep.
25:49Chloe and I leaned against the headboard.
25:51I was going through tomorrow's meeting schedule, and she was reading a management book.
25:55My private phone suddenly vibrated.
25:57The screen showed an unknown number, local area.
26:00I pressed answer and held it to my ear.
26:04Hello?
26:14What do you want?
26:17Julian, help me.
26:19I'm gonna die.
26:21I'm really gonna die.
26:24Wrong number.
26:25I was about to hang up.
26:26Don't hang up!
26:27Please don't!
26:28Her voice tearing.
26:29It hurts.
26:30My stomach hurts so bad.
26:31My wounds is infected, and I have no money for medicine.
26:34The landlord's kicking me out tomorrow.
26:36Julian, I have nothing left.
26:38I lost my baby.
26:39My body's broken, and they're gonna cut my hand off.
26:41I'm so sorry.
26:43I really am so sorry.
26:44He lied to me.
26:46He said he'd take care of me forever.
26:48He took all my money.
26:49Julian, I thought he'd be nice to me like you were.
26:52But no one in this world will ever treat me as well as you did.
26:56Alice rambled and cried, every word full of pain.
26:58I listened quietly, my eyes growing colder.
27:02Alice.
27:03The line went silent for a second, only sobbing left.
27:07You thought he'd treat you like I did?
27:09So you went to him just to find a replacement?
27:12Someone else you could leech off?
27:14No.
27:15I was just so lonely.
27:17I was scared to be alone.
27:18You never learn to love yourself.
27:20You just keep looking for someone to cling to.
27:22First me, then your brother, now this liar.
27:25You ended up like this, not because you met the wrong people.
27:29Violent coughing came from the phone.
27:31Julian, for the sake of the five years we had, lend me $500.
27:36Just $500.
27:38I'll buy antibiotics.
27:40I don't want to die in my rental room.
27:43I'm married.
27:46I looked at Chloe beside me.
27:48I have a wife and a daughter.
27:50Every penny I own belongs to my family.
27:52I'm not giving you a cent.
27:53Don't call this number again.
27:55I was about to hang up when a pale hand reached over and took my phone.
27:59She'd put her book down at some point and had been listening quietly.
28:02She put the phone on speaker.
28:04Alice, is it?
28:05Chloe's voice was calm and cold, with the quiet confidence of someone who held power.
28:09You're Chloe?
28:11Chloe leaned back against the headboard.
28:12I'm Julian's wife.
28:14Connor told me about you.
28:16Alice said nothing.
28:17Only heavy breathing.
28:19You could almost feel her shame and helplessness through the line.
28:22Send me your bank account number.
28:24I turned to Chloe.
28:25She gave me a reassuring look.
28:27You-
28:28You're gonna lend me money?
28:29Alice's voice trembled in disbelief.
28:31Not lend.
28:32Give.
28:34I'll send you $1,000.
28:36This $1,000 isn't from Julian.
28:38It's from me.
28:40I feel sorry for what you're going through.
28:42And I thank you for not marrying him back then.
28:44So Julian could find me.
28:45Take the money.
28:46Go to the hospital.
28:47Fix your wound.
28:47Pay your landlord.
28:48The rest will be enough for a ticket back to your hometown.
28:50Chloe's words were like a cold scalpel, cutting through Alice's last hope.
28:53But listen carefully, Alice.
28:55Chloe's voice turned sharp, authoritative, and unarguable.
28:58This is the first and last time.
29:00This $1,000 buys every last connection you have with Julian.
29:03From now on, if you dare call this number again, or show up near Julian or my family,
29:07the company's legal team will charge you with blackmail and harassment.
29:11You just got out three years ago.
29:12You don't want to go back, do you?
29:13Complete silence on the line.
29:15Only the creaking fan echoed.
29:17Send the account.
29:18Half a minute later, my screen lit up.
29:21A text with a string of numbers.
29:23Chloe picked up her own phone, opened the banking app, entered the account, and transferred $1,000.
29:28She did it smoothly without a single pause.
29:31Ding.
29:31The transfer success sound played.
29:34Chloe hung up immediately and blocked the number right away.
29:37The whole thing took less than two minutes.
29:39She tossed my phone back onto the nightstand and picked up her management book again.
29:43I stared at her and smiled.
29:44You're cool, Mrs. Chloe.
29:46I leaned in and kissed her cheek.
29:48$1,000 for peace and to cut off all future trouble.
29:51Good investment.
29:52Talking sense to people like her is useless.
29:54Hit them with money to kill their hope.
29:56Warn them with the law, that's what works.
29:59You're not mad?
30:01Why would I be?
30:04Chloe finally looked up at me.
30:07Mad over a loser calling for help?
30:10Julian, I'm better than that.
30:11She's just a pathetic woman stuck in a rental who can't even afford antibiotics.
30:15I'm a business partner.
30:17Your wife.
30:18We were never in the same world.
30:20Chloe closed her book and turned off the bedside lamp.
30:23Sleep.
30:23We have a meeting with the South City Project investors tomorrow morning.
30:27I lay down and pulled her into my arms.
30:29The river wind blew outside.
30:30But inside the villa it was warm like spring.
30:32I closed my eyes.
30:33The last thing I thought of was what Connor had described.
30:36The shabby rental, the paint splattered door, the woman lying on a moldy bed.
30:39The world is cruel.
30:40But it's also fair.
30:42Everyone pays for their choices.
30:43Alice chose to cling to others and in the end she was drained dry.
30:47I chose to stand up and that's why I have this good life now.
30:51The next morning, Eliza sat in her high chair, waving her tiny spoon and clinking it against
30:56her bowl.
30:57I wore a tailored suit and stood in front of the mirror tying my tie.
31:00Chloe walked over, took it naturally, and fixed my collar.
31:04Your tie clip's crooked.
31:06The South City Project signing is today.
31:09There might be media.
31:10Legal and PR are all set.
31:12Ready for your new battlefield, Julian?
31:15Absolutely.
31:16I held her hand.
31:17We walked out the front door.
31:19The driver had already opened the Maybach door.
31:21And we drove toward the downtown CBD.
31:23As for the woman in that rental room, that late night phone call.
31:26They were like fallen leaves flashing past the car window.
31:29Gone with the wind.
31:30Never to be seen again.
31:31why can't believe you? It does not have to be seen the Ginut
31:31break. But it has not been said up.
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