- 2 days ago
I Can See Through Hearts
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00I can see a number floating above everyone's head. Once the cheating rate hits 100%,
00:04it shows their likelihood of cheating. After looking carefully, I found a beautiful, kind
00:08woman. Her cheating rate is zero. But one day, I realized something. Her cheating rate is surging
00:14fast. For over 20 years, I've never seen numbers rise that quick. I first understood what those
00:19numbers meant when I was in middle school. After my parents fought and divorced, I realized the
00:23number above each head was their cheating rate. With my parents as a warning, I swore I'd find a
00:27beautiful, kind wife with an extremely low divorce risk. It wasn't easy, but my effort paid off.
00:32In college, I actually found her, and her cheating rate was practically zero. She's Isabel Murray,
00:37two years older than me. She was truly beautiful. She had an innocent, clean-cut look. Her family was
00:42poor. She relied only on her mother and brother. Her dad was a gambler. He ran off, leaving them
00:47over $100,000 in debt. None of that was a problem. All these years, I've used my ability to see
00:53cheating rates to make plenty of money quietly. A woman with a near-zero cheating rate is
00:57extremely rare. To avoid my parents' mistake, I had to hold on tight. So I chased her hard.
01:02I even paid off her debts. After we married, she was loving and always gentle with me.
01:07Since my parents divorced, I finally felt a real home. But about a week ago, my sweet,
01:12devoted wife had her cheating rate change overnight. It jumped from 0.08% to 43%.
01:17At first, I didn't take it too seriously. Sometimes the number can be affected just by seeing attractive
01:23people in videos. Like my best friend, despite being married, when he sees a pretty girl in a
01:27video or a photo, his cheating rate still shifts a little, usually between 30% and 50%. But gradually,
01:34I know something is off. Because her cheating rate keeps rising. In five days, it got from 43%
01:40to 83%. That means only 17% remains before she will cheat. That's when I can't sit still. I think
01:46about
01:46the past few days, how Isabel would sneak around at night calling and texting someone. She said it was a
01:51friend. She acted calm, but she was hiding her panic. Because her rate had been near zero,
01:56I naively believed she was sharing embarrassing girl talk. Now, I figure she's been chatting with
02:00some pretty boy. I got angrier. I've fought my way up for years. At 25, I became a finance director
02:06at a finance firm. My future looks wide open. I have a car and a home. I even paid to
02:11renovate
02:11her family's house back home. I treat her unbelievably well. I can't understand what kind of pretty boy can
02:16get her hooked like that and make her want to betray our union. After thinking it over,
02:20I decide to watch a little longer. She's my wife and I still love her. As long as her number
02:25doesn't
02:25cross 100%, I can give her one more chance. That Friday night, Isabel was clearly unsettled.
02:31She's restless. She's unlike her usual calm self. Even when I'm home, she looks like she's been caught.
02:37Her face is full of worry. I look up. Her number rose from 83% to 96%. It even glows
02:43red. In blinding red,
02:45I keep my face neutral. But inside, I go cold. I know she's one chance away from cheating.
02:51Like gas on a spark, it'll ignite instantly. When dinner is ready,
02:55Isabel holds her plate and eats in tiny bites. But her mind isn't on the food. I stay composed
03:00and joke like it's nothing. Honey, when I got home, you were restless, like a mouse seeing a cat.
03:06Did you betray me behind my back?
03:09At those words, I see Isabel shudder hard. She almost drops the plate. She's clearly scared.
03:15Her head is full of that pretty boy, so she feels guilty. Isabel stammers, forcing herself to act
03:21calm. Uh, no. Honey, you're getting more and more ridiculous. How can you joke like that? She even
03:27shoots me a sharp glare. But the shaking plate shows that she's anything but calm. It's just a joke.
03:32Why the big reaction? I smile. Then, I deliberately bring up a story. Oh, honey.
03:37Today, a friend told me that one of his female employees, who used to be well-behaved,
03:42gentle, and devoted, ended up cheating. Her husband went insane. He rushed to the office
03:46with a butcher knife and hacked her repeatedly. She survived, but she was disabled for life,
03:51and she could never be a mother. All because she cheated. That woman paid such a huge price,
03:55and it wasn't worth it. I wonder if she'll regret it when she's in a wheelchair, thinking back on that
04:00one impulse. At that, Isabel turns deathly pale. Her plate hits the floor and shatters.
04:06And the number above her head starts changing wildly.
04:12I pretend to care. Honey, what's wrong? Did that story scare you?
04:16Isabel panics. She can't look at me. She mumbles. Yeah, that's terrifying. By the way,
04:23why did you share something so scary? As she speaks, she looks up at me,
04:26trying to read my face for any clue. I smile. We always talk sweet stuff. I just thought we'd mix
04:32in something different. You're not overthinking, right? Isabel blurts. No, not at all. Just caught
04:37me off guard. Then she finishes her food and goes to the bedroom. I quietly pick up a green bean
04:42and laugh coldly. I told that story to warn her. It serves as my final warning. After all,
04:47I still have deep feelings for her. Maybe I can still save this marriage. But if she insists on
04:52it, she can't blame me. At least I've done my part. Over the next few days, Isabel behaves herself.
04:57She becomes gentle again. Maybe she's really shaken by that story. But when Rebecca Evans,
05:02my mother-in-law, starts her tricks. All that affection dies in that moment. That afternoon,
05:07Isabel calls me. Honey, order takeout tonight. I'm going back to my parents to visit my mom.
05:12I ask, confused. Did something happen there? Want me to come along? Isabel refuses immediately.
05:18No, nothing's wrong over there. I'm just visiting mom. And you have work to do. You don't need to
05:23come. But I truly have things to finish at work, and I can't leave. So I plan to pick her
05:28up after
05:28work. After work, I head straight to Rebecca's place. More than two hours later, I arrive at her
05:34house. When she sees me, she frowns, looking disgusted. Why are you here? I'm used to her
05:39attitude. It isn't new. It feels awful, but I swallow it. Isabel was rushing back. Worried
05:44something happened, I came to check. Is there anything I can do? Also, didn't Isabel come back?
05:49Where is she? I know Rebecca's temperament. I say it all in one breath, going straight to the point.
05:54I don't want a pointless argument. Rebecca looks impatient. She says flatly,
05:58Isabel already went home. I was stunned. I stare at her, frown, and lower my voice.
06:05Mom, Isabel clearly told me she was with you. Rebecca's face goes dark instantly. I just sprained
06:10my ankle. It's nothing serious. She dropped off supplements and left. But you come here without
06:15bringing a single gift. What kind of son-in-law does that? My ankles hurt. Give me 20 grand.
06:21I need to buy some supplements. As she speaks, she grabs her phone and clicks open her PayPal.
06:27Her entitled expression makes my anger spike. Every time I visit, she finds new excuses to ask
06:33me for money, from thousands to over 10,000. She's always so self-righteous as if I owe her by
06:39birth.
06:39I respect elders and can afford it, but this kind of robbery-like demand is hard for anyone to bear.
06:45My sincerity seems to have made her swell with pride. She thinks she can control me through Isabel
06:50and keep feeding her greed. I clench my fists. I don't want to argue. I take out my phone,
06:57scan her code, and key in 20 grand. When Rebecca hears the alert, she doesn't even say thanks.
07:02She walks briskly inside and slams the door shut. There isn't a trace of any injured ankle.
07:08When I see that, the last warmth on my face vanishes completely.
07:12What are those two plotting? Is Rebecca covering for Isabel?
07:17I head straight home. My mind is a complete mess. It's nearly 11 p.m. when I get home.
07:22The house is silent. A dim nightlight glows in the living room. I open the door quietly.
07:27I don't want to wake Isabel. I walk into the bedroom. Sure enough, I see her lying asleep in
07:31bed. But between her brows, there's obvious exhaustion. I instinctively look above her head.
07:36My eyes widen instantly. It feels like a hand has gripped my heart. I can't breathe for half a
07:41second. The number above her head is no longer a percentage. It has turned into a glaring red
07:46digit. That single number no longer means cheating rate. It shows how many times she has cheated.
07:51Four times in one night. A chill rushes from my feet to my head. In that instant,
07:56all the blood in my body freezes. I thought that choosing a wife with a near zero cheating rate
08:00would prevent betrayal. Now, I realize that temporary loyalty doesn't mean lifelong faithfulness.
08:05I have a strong feeling that what she did this time is likely planned with Rebecca.
08:09That excuse of her going home is just a cover for her to sneak out for an affair.
08:14She thinks it is flawless and that no one will know. But the number above her head has exposed
08:18her completely. Isabel, oh Isabel, I treat you well and this is how you repay me. Since you've
08:23wronged me, don't blame me for being ruthless. I quietly close the door and contact a private
08:28investigator. I send a message. Watch Isabel around the clock. Track all her movements. Focus on any
08:34contact with other men. I set my phone down. My mind keeps replaying every moment with Isabel.
08:39From the first time I saw her in college, noticing her near zero cheating rate. To learning about her
08:44family struggles and willingly paying off their debt. To our wedding day, when she promised to
08:50love me forever. My most precious memories have turned into blades in my chest. I walk to the liquor
08:55cabinet. I take out a bottle of whiskey and drink it straight from the bottle. The burns slide down my
09:00throat, scorching my chest. Yet, it can't ease the rage inside me. Back when I pursued her, I arrived
09:06half an hour early at the cafe where she worked. Rain or shine, I never missed a day. Her brother,
09:11Kieran, needed tuition fees. I helped out without hesitation. Even threw in another $20,000 allowance.
09:16When Rebecca mentioned back pain, I had a top orthopedist at Ridgeview Hospital Treater. Paid all
09:21medical bills and therapy fees. I have given them everything I have. But they betray me together.
09:26The feeling of being abandoned almost suffocates me. But I force myself to calm down. I'm already
09:32a finance director at 25. I earn it not by acting on impulse, but by strategy and precision. I will
09:39make them pay for what they've done. In the following days, I go to work as usual. I stay
09:45gentle with Isabel. She seems completely relaxed. She greets me with smiles and even makes breakfast for
09:50me. But the number above her head stays at 4. Beside it is a pulsing percentage, rising fast from
09:5630%. On Wednesday night, I stay late on purpose, past 9pm. The smell of food hits me. Isabel walks
10:03out in an apron. She wears a sweet smile. Honey, you're back. I made your favorite food, garlic butter
10:09prawn. I walk over and hug her from behind. Her familiar perfume fills my nose. Inside, I feel nothing.
10:16There's only cold disgust. I whisper in her ear, thanks for this honey. You waited up for me. That must
10:21have been hard. But my eyes fall on her number. It's now 67%. During dinner, she keeps adding food
10:27to my plate. She chatters nonstop about her day. She says she shops with a friend. She says Rebecca
10:33calls about me, saying she needs to take care of me. I give short replies while looking at her.
10:38Her eyes keep darting. She keeps touching her phone. She's clearly waiting for a message. Halfway through,
10:45her phone vibrates. Her eyes light up. Then she masks it fast. She puts it down after a quick glance.
10:50She says her friend sent her a video. But I don't expose her. I just give a cold smile.
10:55I already know that this best friend is likely the man she cheats with. Her fake calm is almost
11:01laughable. Thursday afternoon, I am reviewing an important report when my phone rings.
11:07It's Kieran. Raising a brow, I answer the call. My tone stays flat. Hello, Kieran. What's up?
11:14His voice carries forced enthusiasm. It sounds fake. Michael! It's nothing major.
11:19My girlfriend wants to watch that new sci-fi movie. I'm tied up right now. Can you go with
11:24her? Maybe grab dinner too. She wants to try that restaurant you mentioned. I sneer inside.
11:29Last time, it's Rebecca. Now it's Kieran. I agree without hesitation. No problem. Send me her
11:36contact. I'll pick her up after work. I'll treat her well and make sure she enjoys. After hanging up,
11:42I message Arthur. She'll likely go out tonight. Watch her closely and check on Kieran's girlfriend,
11:47Dorothy Campbell. See if she knows nothing about this. He replied quickly. Got it, Mr. Erickson.
11:53I've assigned someone to follow her. She just left work. She's heading downtown. I'll check on Dorothy.
11:58When work ends, I pack up and leave. Using the contact Kieran sends, I reach Dorothy.
12:03I drive to the mall entrance and pick her up. Dorothy is a sweet-looking girl. She wears a white
12:08dress.
12:09Her voice is soft. She keeps saying,
12:11Thank you, Michael. I didn't want to bother you, but Kieran is too busy. I'm really sorry.
12:17I smile back. But inside, I'm plotting. From what I see, Dorothy doesn't seem aware.
12:22She's likely being used to distract me. I take her to that restaurant first.
12:27We sit by the window. During dinner, I bring up Kieran. I ask when they plan to marry.
12:32She blushes, she says shyly. Nothing's set yet. Kieran wants to save more. He'll give me a big
12:37wedding as to not upset me. I sneer inside, making just 10 grand a month. After his spending and dates,
12:43he saves almost nothing. That grand wedding is just empty talk. In the end, he'll expect me to pay.
12:48Too bad for them. They don't get that chance. I once loved Isabel. That's why I support her
12:53whole family. Now, I wait to catch her in the act. She leaves with nothing. Not a single penny.
12:58After dinner, I take Dorothy to the movies. Before we go in, I receive a message from Arthur.
13:03In the photo, Isabel is walking beside a man into a hotel called Love Nest. The man's profile looks
13:08familiar, but I can't place him. I reply, keep an eye on her. The movie runs over two hours. I'm
13:15not
13:15paying attention. All I see in my head are images of them together and her family's grief. After it
13:20ends, I drive Dorothy home safely. Then, I head back to my house. On the way, I call Kieran. The
13:25movie's
13:26over. I dropped Dorothy off. Don't worry, she had a great time. He thanks me repeatedly. Thanks,
13:32Michael. I appreciate it. I owe you one. I'll treat you later. I smile and say,
13:37we're family. Don't worry about it. After I hang up, my smile vanishes. Kieran's gratitude will
13:42cost him a lifetime. When I get home, it is past 1 a.m. Isabel is asleep. I step into
13:48the bedroom
13:49quietly. Her number has changed from 4 to 7. The percentage is gone. Unbelievable. In just a few
13:55hours, it goes up three more times. Shameless. It seems that man satisfies her more than I do.
14:00I turn to leave when my phone vibrates. It's a file from Arthur. It contains dozens of clear
14:06photos and videos. I check the photos in the living room. Seeing the man's face, my eyes widen.
14:11I never expect this. The man is Tristan Middleton, a mid-level manager in my department who's four
14:16years my senior. He's good-looking and competent at work. He was my biggest rival for the director
14:21position. I secured the role thanks to my investment skills and leverage over the former director's
14:26affair. And because I saw his 89% cheating rate, I knew he'd slip eventually, so I planned
14:32ahead and blocked his chance. I don't expect him to resent me. He doesn't dare provoke me
14:36at work, so he targets Isabel. He stoops to such a low tactic. How petty and vile. In the
14:41video, Tristan holds her close, whispering sweet words in her ear. She laughs brightly, staring
14:47at him with longing, and kisses his cheat. That bold display is nothing like the gentle
14:52wife I know. I keep watching. An audio clip catches my attention. Tristan's voice sounds
14:57calculating and greedy. Isabel, Michael's USB holds core financial data. If I get it, I
15:03can alter the numbers and frame him for embezzlement. Then, the director's role will be mine.
15:08Isabel sounds hesitant, but he guards it closely. Only he and Mr. Robertson know the code. How
15:13can I get it? Tristan chuckles. His tone is dismissive. You're his wife. He won't suspect
15:19you. While he sleeps, check his briefcase. You'll find it. As for the code, I guess it's
15:24his birthday or your anniversary. Try a few times. When I take on the director role, I'll
15:28divorce and marry you. By then, the company's finances are in my hands. I'll buy you anything
15:33you want. You won't have to live under Michael's shadow. Kieran's wedding gifts won't be a
15:37concern. She agrees at once. I'll do as you say. Just keep your word.
15:41My face goes cold as I turn off the video. Tristan wants my job, and he wants to ruin my
15:47name.
15:47He's completely unhinged, and Isabel is foolish enough to be manipulated. For some fake luxury,
15:53she betrays me and breaks the law. She's beyond saving. No wonder she falls for his sweet lies.
15:59I take out my phone and text Arthur. Dig up everything on Tristan, including his family
16:04background, bank accounts, other affairs, and recent transactions. The more the better.
16:08Then, I call my attorney. When he answers, I get straight to it. Mr. Cole, I need you to draft
16:13a divorce agreement. Also, I have evidence of possible embezzlement and marital infidelity.
16:18Tell me how to handle it for maximum leverage. After I hang up, I let out a long breath. The
16:23plan is in motion. Now, I wait to strike hard. Friday morning, I go to work. As I step into
16:30my
16:30office, Tristan is sitting in my chair, a file in his hand. He wears a mocking smile. His eyes are
16:36full of contempt. He speaks lightly, with hidden meaning. Mr. Erickson, why are you late? Had a rough
16:41night? I don't get angry. Smiling, I walk over and sit across from him. Mr. Middleton,
16:46my office isn't open to everyone. Did you forget the company policy?
16:50Tristan stands up and steps closer, looking down at me. Michael, don't get too cocky. That seat will
16:56be mine. Trust me. Soon enough, you'll be ruined, with nothing left. I reply calmly, meeting Tristan's
17:03eyes. You don't have it in you. Mr. Middleton, stop wasting your time, focus on your work, or you'll
17:09fail the review again and get scolded by Mr. Robertson. That'd be embarrassing. His face
17:13darkens instantly. Performance ratings matter most to him. Last time, he ranked last and was
17:18publicly criticized. He never gets over it. I bring it up on purpose to hit his sore spot.
17:24He spits out a threat, then storms out of my office. Just wait. On his way out, he slams the
17:30door. Watching him retreat, I sneer. How dare he take me on with such measly skills? He's overestimating
17:36himself. I'll show him what it means to hurt himself. At lunch, I sit at his table on purpose.
17:41Other colleagues are there, too. I casually mention the company is auditing finances,
17:45and a large sum of money has an unclear trail. Brandon even sets up a special task force.
17:51Tristan freezes. His fork stops midair. Really? I hadn't heard. Mr. Erickson,
17:56you're well informed. I should learn from you. I pick up some food and say slowly,
18:00as finance director, I have to pay attention. After all, Mr. Robertson trusts me. That USB
18:06is vital. If it's lost or exposed, the fallout is severe. It could cost the company dearly and land
18:12the lead in court. Mr. Middleton, you don't handle core assets, so you may not understand.
18:16His face turns paler. He almost drops his fork.
18:20Tristan forces a smile and takes a sip of water. I really didn't know, but it has nothing to do
18:26with
18:26me. Who cares? I drop the topic and turn to chat with the others, but I can tell Tristan is
18:32on edge.
18:33He barely eats and keeps checking his phone. He's probably texting Isabel.
18:37That afternoon, Arthur calls. He sends Tristan's full profile. He's already married. His wife is
18:43a housewife, and they have a three-year-old daughter. He cheats with Isabel and several
18:47other co-workers. With multiple affairs, his private life is a mess. His bank records show many
18:52unexplained deposits, likely supplier kickbacks. He also owes gambling debts over $2 million.
18:58That's why he's desperate for the director role. He plans to use it to embezzle funds to repay debts
19:03and feed his greed. After reading that, I feel even more certain. He has so many weaknesses.
19:08Taking him down is easy. I'm not just taking his job. I'm wrecking his name and sending him to jail.
19:13That evening, Isabel has dinner ready. When she sees me, she puts on a strange smile.
19:17She's weirdly attentive. Keeps serving me, even pours my drink. Honey, you've worked hard.
19:23Have some wine and relax. I made hangover tea for you. Drink it. It's good for you.
19:27She lifts the glass and holds it out. I glance above her head. It's still 7.
19:32The percentage next to it is up to 99%. She's ready to act, it seems. Tonight,
19:37she'll meet Tristan and steal the USB token. I lift my glass with a smile and clink it with
19:41Isabel's. I drain it in one go. Sure, you're so thoughtful tonight. I'll have a few more.
19:46After dinner, Isabel offers to massage me. I lie on the couch. Her fingers press on my shoulders,
19:52uneven and clumsy. She's distracted. Her mind isn't on me at all. I keep my eyes closed,
19:57feigning enjoyment while tracking her moves. As expected, before long, she says she's going to
20:02shower and leaves the living room. I crack my eyes open. I see her send a quick text before going
20:07into
20:07the bathroom. I pick up her phone. After unlocking, I open her messages. The latest text is to Tristan.
20:13He's had wine. He's lying down. I'll go and check his briefcase soon. Wait for my update.
20:18Tristan replies. Okay, call me once you get the USB token. When it's done, I'll buy you your desired
20:24designer bag. I screenshot everything, then put the phone back. I return to the couch and keep
20:29pretending while I wait for her next move. About half an hour later, Isabel steps out of the bathroom
20:35wearing a robe. Her hair is damp. She smells like soap. She approaches quietly. She whispers.
20:41Honey? She calls me a few times. I don't move. I keep my eyes shut, playing dead asleep. She looks
20:48tense but also hopeful. She turns, carefully lifts my briefcase and searches in the corner.
20:54I peek at Isabel. I sneer inside. Soon, she pulls the USB token from my briefcase. A smile spreads across
21:02her face. She takes it to the bedroom, opens her laptop, plugs it in, and types the password.
21:07Half a minute later, she cracks it. She looks pleased. Her fingers fly over the keys. What she
21:12doesn't know is that every move is captured by a camera I've installed in the bedroom. When she
21:17finishes, she removes the USB token, hides it, and puts a fake in my bag. After all that, she sighs,
21:24relieved, and lies down. Once she falls asleep, I go to the briefcase, take out the fake USB token,
21:30and smirk. I check the transaction trail. Sure enough, $20 million has been transferred into an
21:36overseas account. The holder's info is fake. But through a tech expert I hire, I confirm the real
21:42controller is Tristan. He thinks he can frame me quietly. He's naive. Everything goes as expected.
21:48Next, it's time to close the net. I'll make him and Isabel pay dearly for what they do.
21:53I look at Isabel's sleeping face. I feel no pity. If I didn't know, they would have destroyed me.
21:59I organize every piece of evidence, send it to Rowan and Arthur, and shut down the laptop.
22:04I lean back on the couch, waiting for Monday. Next Monday is their downfall. Over the weekend,
22:10I act as usual. I eat with Isabel and watch movies as if I know nothing. She acts normal,
22:16like before, just more uneasy. Sunday night, she tests the waters. Honey, has your company had any
22:22issues lately? Maybe financial problems? I look puzzled. No, everything is normal. Why?
22:29She looks away and waves her hands. Nothing. Just curious. You seem busy. I'm worried. I smile and pat
22:37her head. Relax, I'm fine. The company is stable. With me there, nothing will go wrong. I know she's
22:42anxious. She's trying to confirm if Tristan's plan works, but she can't ask directly, so she circles
22:47around it. Monday morning, I go to work as usual. As I enter the office, the mood feels off. People
22:53whisper. They keep glancing at me. Their expressions are strange. I know Tristan is already moving.
23:00He reports to Brandon that I embezzle funds, trying to ruin me. Sure enough, as I step inside the office,
23:06my secretary knocks and enters. Mr. Erickson, Mr. Robertson wants you in the meeting room.
23:10It's urgent. All executives are there. I nod, straighten my suit, and head to the meeting room.
23:16Understood. I'm coming. As I reach the meeting room, I hear Tristan. He shouts with fake outrage,
23:22loud enough for everyone to hear. Sir, Michael's gone too far. He embezzled $20 million. That's
23:28half our annual profit. He's outrageous. He doesn't deserve to be the finance director.
23:32Call the police and lock him up. I push the door open. All eyes turn to me. Brandon looks furious.
23:38Other executives stare in disapproval. When Tristan sees me walk in, he smirks and looks at me
23:43defiantly. Michael, you're finally here. Mr. Robertson is asking about the embezzlement.
23:48Just confess. You might get off easy. I ignore him, walk straight to Brandon, and say calmly,
23:53Mr. Robertson, it's not what he claims. I didn't embezzle the funds. This is a setup to frame me.
23:58Tristan sneers and points at me. Michael, why are you still denying? The system shows the $20
24:04million was transferred using your USB token. Only you two know the code. Who else could it be?
24:09Brandon is furious. Michael, explain to me what is going on. I answer steadily. Mr. Robertson,
24:17the USB token is with me. I didn't leak the password, and I didn't move the money. Then,
24:22I turn to Tristan. Mr. Middleton, you're eager to blame me. Is it because you transferred the money
24:26and tried to frame me? Tristan's face shifts. Panic flashes in his eyes. Nonsense! Why would I take
24:32company funds? I don't have the USB token or the password. You're slandering me. I give a cold laugh.
24:37I pull out my phone. It clearly records his entire plan with Isabel. The room goes silent.
24:43Everyone is stunned. Brandon's face hardens. Tristan, what's this? Explain yourself.
24:49Tristan turns pale. He trembles. He's speechless. He never expects proof. His perfect plan is fully
24:56exposed. I give him no chance. I continue. Mr. Robertson, there's more. I also have evidence
25:02of his massive gambling debt. He frames me to seize the director role, then embezzle more to repay debts
25:08and feed his greed. Tristan collapses. His legs give out. He drops to the floor, his eyes filling
25:14with despair. No! Mr. Robertson, I didn't. He framed me. These are all fake. You have to believe me.
25:20At that moment, the meeting room door opens. Several officers enter. They go straight to Tristan.
25:25They show a warrant. Tristan Middleton, you're suspected of illegal acts. You're under arrest.
25:30Come with us. He tries to resist, shouting, I didn't do it. They don't give him a chance.
25:35They lift him, snap the cuffs on, and drag him out. His face is filled with despair and resentment.
25:40Before he leaves, he glares at me, but I don't care. A petty clown like him is beneath my attention.
25:46Brandon watches Tristan taken away, then walks over, guilt on his face. Mr. Erickson, sorry,
25:52I misjudged you. I didn't expect that from Tristan. Thanks for catching it, or the company could've
25:56lost bit. I smile and shake my head. It's nothing. I'm just doing my job. I lean close
26:01and whisper, Mr. Robertson, you wouldn't want your affair exposed, right? I have photos of
26:07you and Miss Swanson in the hotel. Brandon's face turns pale. His eyes are filled with fear
26:13and disbelief. You! How do you know? I smile faintly. That doesn't matter. What matters is,
26:19if this goes public, your family and the company will take a massive hit. Mr. Robertson,
26:23as long as you cooperate, I'll keep it quiet. I can also help you run the company better and boost
26:28its performance. His expression shifts. He finally nods. Fine. I agree. From now on,
26:34I'll follow your lead. I pat his shoulder, then walk out of the meeting room. That's better.
26:39In the following days, my position grows stronger. Brandon obeys me. The staff treats me with respect.
26:45No one questions me. I take control of most of the company's power. I lay the groundwork for a full
26:50takeover. After Tristan, I'll deal with Isabel and her greedy family. Wednesday afternoon, I have
26:56Rowan deliver the divorce papers home. The moment Isabel sees them, she stares at me in disbelief.
27:01Honey, why are you divorcing me? Did I do something wrong? Tell me. I'll change. I sneer at her act.
27:08Isabel, you know what you did. Don't pretend and act like you don't know. It's over.
27:13Just then, Rebecca and Kieran arrive. They come over after getting Isabel's call. They see the
27:20divorce papers right away. Rebecca explodes with rage. She gets so upset and starts screaming at me.
27:26Michael, you bastard! Are you seeing someone else? Rebecca raises her hand, trying to slap me.
27:33You bastard! You want to dump Isabel? I'm telling you. No way! I'm already prepared. I step aside.
27:39Rebecca swings her arm widely. She misses, loses her footing, and falls hard. Isabel rushes over and
27:45helps her up. Mom! She glares at me. Michael, you've gone too far! How could you hit her?
27:51I have to hand it to Isabel. Your mom trips on her own. How's that my fault? Isabel's face turns
27:56ugly
27:57at my words. But Kieran is furious, trying to hit me. Michael, my mom is old. So what if she
28:03slaps you?
28:04How dare you trip her? If anything happens to her, I'll kill you. I give a cold laugh.
28:08Before he moves, I step forward and slap him across the face. That is quite a slap.
28:13It leaves him reeling, and a clear handprint on his cheek. I rub my hand and say lightly,
28:18Honestly, I've been sick of you for a long time. If not for the fact that you're Isabel's mom and
28:23brother, do you think I treat you well? You've been greedy for years. You're fully aware of how
28:27much you've taken from me. I cleared over $100,000 of your debts, built you a house, got Kieran a
28:33job at
28:33$10,000 a month, and bought you a car. Every holiday, I bring expensive gifts. You're ungrateful,
28:38and even plot against me. You betray me. You're the real traitors. I look at Isabel,
28:43my gaze icy and sharp. Isabel, the word divorce sounds too nice. More accurately,
28:48I'm casting you aside for cheating and betrayal.
28:51Isabel turns pale. I... I didn't. I don't even look at her guilty act, I say coldly.
28:57Isabel, I gave you a chance. That story two weeks ago was your final warning. If you had stopped,
29:03I would have let it go. But I never expect you to be blinded by lust and betray me.
29:08You're not worthy of my care at all. Holding her stomach, Rebecca gets up. She retorts,
29:14Bullshit! I bet you have another woman. That's why you're staging this to dump Isabel.
29:19She's gentle and devoted. She's a perfect wife and mother. How could she be so disgraceful?
29:23Show your proof then. She's betting that I have no proof. Without proof,
29:27she can twist the truth and dump all the blame on me.
29:31I look at her greedy, foolish face and say coldly, Rebecca, you're pitifully stupid.
29:36Would I divorce her without proof? Would I have my lawyer draft the papers?
29:40I pull the photos from my briefcase and toss them down.
29:43The photos show Isabel with Tristan at a hotel, in intimate poses. They are explicit and jarring.
29:48Isabel still holds a sliver of hope, but when she sees them, she collapses onto the floor.
29:52Her face pales, eyes full of despair, speechless. Seeing this, Rebecca shoves the photos into her
29:57mouth, trying to destroy the evidence. In her mind, these photos are all I have. If she destroys them,
30:03I'll have nothing left. I watch her struggle to swallow them and sneer. All finished? I've got
30:09plenty more. Want another serving? From my briefcase, I produce a fixed stack of photos and several videos
30:14and set them down. This is only part of it. There's more. If you want, I can show you all
30:19of it. Rebecca turns livid. She nearly faints. She points at me, lips trembling, unable to speak.
30:26After a moment, she steadies herself. Calming herself, she says, fine. Isabel, divorce him.
30:32We're not scared. You'll get half of his assets. With your looks, you can find someone richer and
30:36more powerful than him. Kieran stands, wipes his tears and says, exactly, Isabel. Don't be sad.
30:43He still owes our loan. He has to settle it. With that, we'll be rich. We don't need him.
30:48We can still live stress-free. When Isabel hears that, her eyes light up instantly,
30:53as if she's grabbed a lifeline. She climbs up from the floor, greed written all over her face.
30:58Right, Michael. Our assets are marital property. You promised Kieran a villa, a Maybach, and $500,000.
31:05You can't break your word. And you must pay off the loans we took, too. Even at the edge of
31:09ruin,
31:09they're still eyeing my money. I almost laugh at the absurdity. Why should I pay for the villa,
31:14the loans you took, and the debts you piled up? When did I ever agree to repay your loans?
31:19Rebecca sneers, you said it yourself back then, denying it now? I let out a cold laugh,
31:24eyes full of contempt. Where's the proof? Who can back you up?
31:27I look at the scheming family quizzically. Let's get something straight. The mortgage and the down
31:33payment are all under your names. You took out the loans. It's not my business. You want me to pay
31:37it back? Are you joking? Do you really think I'm still the old Michael? Only then do they realize
31:42I've turned the tables on them. Rebecca points at me and starts screaming,
31:46Michael! You bastard! You shameless scum! You'll die wretched! I shake my head. My face shows no
31:52emotion. Even if I'm a bastard, I'm nowhere near as shameless as you. Greedy ingrates like you deserve
31:58this! As for assets, 99% was mine before marriage. They have nothing to do with you,
32:05Isabelle. Think you're getting half my fortune? Dream on! You can only claim half of that 1% as
32:10marital property. That's about $100,000. I've done the math. That won't even cover your loan shark
32:15interest. Isabelle stumbles back, nearly falling. No, impossible. How could you have that much
32:21property? You must be lying. I sit on the couch and reply calmly. You can verify it yourself. The
32:26court will give you a fair ruling. All right, that's all I have to say. The divorce papers. You're
32:31signing them, no matter what. The court will grant them anyway. Then you'll get nothing from me and
32:35your debts stay yours. Enjoy the life you've crafted. When Rebecca hears this, her blood
32:40pressure spikes. Her vision goes black and she collapses. Isabelle and Kieran panic. They rush
32:46to help Rebecca. I ignore them and walk to the bedroom. I pack her things and toss them out. Then
32:52I shut the door, cutting them off. From this moment on, there is no ties between us. Finally,
32:58the court summons us. In court, the evidence is undeniable. The judge officially dissolves my
33:03marriage to Isabelle. She gets only half of that 1% of my assets. It's a meager amount. When they
33:08hear
33:08the verdict, Isabelle, Rebecca, and Kieran completely fall apart. They collapse onto the
33:13floor, bawling and keep shouting that it's unfair. But it changes nothing. The law is impartial. They
33:19have to pay for what they've done. Outside the courthouse, Isabelle rushes over and clutches my leg.
33:24Honey, I'm sorry. I was wrong. I was really wrong. I was fooled by Tristan's sweet talk. A mistake any
33:30woman might make. Please forgive me. I swear I'll love you for the rest of my life. I'll be loyal
33:35to
33:35you forever. I'll do anything. Anything. I'll never be with any man but you again. Please, give me one
33:40more chance. I look at her coldly. The cheating rate number above her head is dropping wildly, from
33:4599% down to zero. But it no longer matters. One act of betrayal is enough for a lifetime. She
33:51chose
33:51betrayal. Now she has to pay for it. My voice is icy and devoid of all emotion. Let go of
33:56me.
33:57Isabelle won't let go. She clings to my leg. Honey, I beg you. Please forgive me. I can't live
34:03without you. Rebecca and Kieran drop to their knees. They beg for my forgiveness. Michael,
34:09we were wrong. We shouldn't have been greedy and let Isabelle betray you. Please give us one more
34:13chance. Help us repay the debts. We'll repay you in the future. I know they aren't truly remorseful.
34:18They lost a wealthy son-in-law and are drowning in debt. They're just desperate.
34:24Such fake repentance doesn't work on me. I kick Isabelle away, then shove Rebecca and Kieran,
34:29who are kneeling on the ground, aside. I gave you a chance, but you wasted it. Now it's too late
34:34to
34:34say this. Your debts are not my concern. Don't come to me again or you're gonna regret it. With that,
34:40I turn and get into my car. I start the engine and drive off. I leave their desperate cries far
34:45behind
34:45me, drawing a clean line between us for good. I drive to a bar. Heavy metal music vibrates through
34:50the floor. Arm around my friend, I gulp down a glass of whiskey. I slap the table, laughing wildly.
34:57That feels good. The family drama's gone. I'm finally free to enjoy my life. My friend pours
35:04another drink. This is how it should be. With your ability, you can have any woman. No point stressing
35:08over someone unworthy. I raise my refilled glass and clink his. The glass makes a crisp sound.
35:14You're right. Here's to freedom. At 2 a.m., drunk enough, I leave the bar. Cold rain immediately
35:20pours down over me. Under the dim streetlight, a thin figure is curled up beneath the eaves.
35:25It's Isabelle. She's soaked through. Her hair sticks to her pale cheeks. Her elegant clothes are
35:30rumpled, mud-stained, looking utterly miserable. Seeing me, her eyes light up. She stumbles toward me,
35:36voice choked with tears. Mike, you're finally here. I stop walking and look at her coldly.
35:42She reaches out to grab my sleeve, but I step aside. Her hand misses and stops in midair. The
35:47hope on her face turns into disappointment. Her voice trembles. Tears mix with rain and drip from
35:52her chin. Mike, I know I was wrong. I really know I was wrong. I shouldn't have fallen for Tristan
35:57and betrayed you. Can you give me another chance? I've cut him off, deleted his contacts. Only you
36:02matter. This family can't exist without you. She shivered, lips blue, yet still staring. I let out
36:08a cold laugh. My tone is full of mockery and ice. Isabelle, not everyone deserves forgiveness. You
36:13slept with Tristan and lied to me with your mother. You helped him harm my company. You even tried to
36:18ruin my reputation, remember? I step forward and look down at her. The disgust in my eyes is clear.
36:23Isabelle trembles all over. Her lips quiver, speechless. Her tears fall even harder.
36:28I know I was terribly wrong. I know I betrayed you, but I have no other way.
36:32Mike, I'm pregnant with our child. The baby can't be without a father. Please give me one
36:37more chance, okay? My eyes widen suddenly. The cold smirk on my face freezes. It feels
36:42like something is crashing in my chest. She's burying my child. Without thinking, I look at
36:46Isabelle's stomach. You're saying you're carrying my child. What proof do you have? I tame the turmoil
36:51in my heart. Isabelle pulls a crumpled lab report from her plastic bag. She holds it out urgently.
36:57This is the hospital report. Look, it says I'm six weeks pregnant. I take the report and examine
37:03it carefully under the dim light. Her name is printed on it. Six weeks pregnant. All indicators
37:08are normal. As I read it, my walls begin to crumble. Even my cold heart stirs slightly.
37:13I take a deep breath. My tone softens a little. Even if you're carrying my child, I can't forgive
37:18you now. Get up. Come back with me. I'll get the doctor to give you a full checkup. Your behavior
37:23will decide your end. Hearing this, her eyes light up again. She grabs my sleeve tightly.
37:28Mike, thank you. Thank you for giving me another chance. I won't disappoint you. I step aside,
37:33avoiding her touch. Disgust lingers. But for the child, I have to endure. I drive Isabelle
37:39back to what used to be our home. Everything looks the same, just dust covered, echoing the
37:44emptiness. I toss out one line and head to the study, leaving her alone. You'll stay in the guestroom.
37:49The master bedroom is off limits. I keep my word. I arrange for the best obstetrician to examine
37:57Isabelle. The results confirm that she's six weeks pregnant. The baby is developing well.
38:02That completely eases my doubts and softens my attitude toward her. I have the housekeeper
38:07prepare nutritious meals daily. I also make time to walk with her and take her to prenatal checkups.
38:12Isabelle behaves obediently. She's gentle and attentive now, no longer scheming. The number above her head
38:17stays fixed at 13 without any change. Watching her guard her belly, my icy heart softens. But I know
38:24there will always be a barrier between us. That night, when I come home from work, I see Isabelle
38:28sitting on the couch, wiping her tears. Her face looks pale. My heart tightens. I quickly walk over
38:34and ask, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Is the baby okay? Isabelle lifts her head. Her eyes are
38:40red. She choked. No, the baby's fine. My mom just called. Loan sharks came again. They beat Kiran.
38:46They have nowhere left to turn. They want me to ask you to help pay back part of the debt.
38:50My face
38:50darkens. Anger surges. I told you, their debt isn't my responsibility. They must face the consequences
38:56of their actions. Isabelle grabs my hand, her tone pleading. But they're my family. I can't just watch
39:03them being bullied. Mike, just help them this once. I promise I'll stop meddling. Do it for our child,
39:08okay? I look at Isabelle's pitiful expression and think about our child. In the end, I soften.
39:14I can help with part of it. And that's all. Tomorrow, I'll wire you $500,000.
39:20Isabelle breaks into a grateful smile. She nods repeatedly. Thank you, Mike. You're the best.
39:25I knew you cared about me and the baby the most. A few days later, I take Isabelle to her
39:29second
39:29prenatal checkup. I ask the hospital's president to do the fetal examination.
39:34Elliot holds the report, brows furrowed, looking serious. While Isabelle is sent for other
39:38examinations, Elliot lowers his voice and speaks gravely. Mr. Erickson, there's something I must
39:43tell you. After detailed testing, we've found that Ms. Murray isn't pregnant. The report was
39:48likely forged. Feeling like lightning has struck me, I freeze in place. I stare at Elliot in disbelief.
39:53What did you say? Say that again. Elliot nods and confirms firmly. Yes, Mr. Erickson.
39:58Ms. Murray's hormone levels don't match the pregnancy indicators. Isabelle's face turns
40:03deathly pale. She can barely stand. Her eyes are filled with panic and fear. I'm clearly pregnant.
40:08I have the lab report. How can you say otherwise? No, that's impossible. Dr. Frazier, did you make
40:13a mistake? I look down at her. A mistake? Are you saying all three tests were wrong? Or were you
40:18never pregnant from the start? Isabelle stiffens. Her eyes dart around in panic. No, I really carried
40:23your child. Why don't you believe me? I stand up and shake off her hand with my foot. My voice
40:28rises sharply. Isabelle, tell me the truth. Why? Why did you fake the report to fool me?
40:34The door isn't fully closed. Medical staff and passersby have heard the commotion and
40:38stop to watch. Isabelle turns pale, lips trembling, panic rising. I glance at the gathering crowd.
40:45My voice rises for all to hear. You can't say it? I'll spit it out then. This woman is my
40:51wife.
40:52Yet she cheats on me with another man. She and her mother team up to lie to me. She helps
40:56her lover
40:56harm my company. She wants to destroy and bankrupt me. Gasps ripple through the crowd. Whispers
41:02erupt instantly. Disgusted looks fall on Isabelle. Her face turns green. She scrambles up to silence
41:08me. Stop talking nonsense, Mike. You can't slander me. I step aside to dodge her. Then I shove her to
41:14the ground. Nonsense? I have footage of you and Tristan at a hotel and you searching for the USB
41:19token in my briefcase. Want me to show them? Looking pale, she shakes her head frantically. The murmurs
41:24around us stab at her like needles. She covers her head, trembling uncontrollably. I continue,
41:30my voice dripping with ridicule. Her mother and brother are even more greedy. Over the years,
41:35they squeeze me dry. House, car, job. They want it all. Greedy as hell. They even ask me for a
41:40villa,
41:40a Maybach, and $500,000. When I refuse, they throw tantrums and call me ungrateful. And this woman
41:47stands by her family and pressures me. She shows no regard at all for our marriage. Now, when her scheme
41:52fails, she forges a pregnancy test to trap me with a non-existent child so she can keep draining me
41:57for
41:57money. Does she fit to be a wife or a mother? People around us begin cursing her, outraged on
42:02my behalf. Seeing the contempt and hearing whispers, Isabel breaks. She collapses onto the floor,
42:09sobbing loudly. Seeing this, Elliot quickly calls the staff. Everyone, please disperse. Do not get in
42:15the way. I take out my phone and call a reporter in front of Isabel, tone calm. Is this Metro
42:20morning
42:20news? I have a major story here. Would you like a scoop? When Isabel hears this, she cries even
42:26harder. She crawls over, clutching my leg and begging. Mike, no, please don't call the reporters.
42:31I'll never do it again. I'll pay all the debts. Please don't ruin me. I kick her away, gaze icy.
42:37Now you regret it? Too late. When you did all this, you should have known you'd lose everything.
42:43I hang up and look at Isabel on the floor. There isn't a shred of pity in me. What she
42:47does is
42:48beyond forgiveness. Her deception and betrayal not only hurt me, they trample the very foundation
42:53of marriage. Before long, several reporters arrive, and they swarm Isabel with questions.
42:58They ask if she conspired with another man, if she forged the lab report. They ask what she is
43:03thinking. Why would she betray such a great husband? Does she regret it? Isabel is surrounded
43:08by the reporters. In the end, she faints on the spot. Medical staff rush her onto a hospital bed
43:13and begin treating her. I watch the scene unfold, then turn and leave without hesitation.
43:17Soon, headlines about her cheating, faking pregnancy, and greed go viral, sparking online debates.
43:26People flood the comments, condemning Isabel and her family. Isabel loses her job and her reputation.
43:31She becomes a social outcast, shunned everywhere. And all of this is the result of her own actions.
43:37It's the heavy price she pays for her deception and betrayal. I stand at my office window,
43:41watching the traffic below. With a glass of red wine in my hand, I smile coldly.
43:46After divorcing Isabel, I bury myself in work. Using my ability and leverage over Brandon,
43:52I strip him of power. Half a year later, I acquire all his shares. The finance firm becomes mine.
43:59I become the sole shareholder and chairman, achieving professional success. Now my net worth
44:05reaches the billions. There are gorgeous women around me. But I'll never trust easily again,
44:10especially women. I'll use my ability to see cheating rates to choose carefully,
44:14and avoid the same mistake. I stand in my top floor office, looking over the city. My heart swells
44:19with emotion. The betrayal hurts deeply, but also makes me stronger. It's a lesson about greed and
44:24hypocrisy. I also learned that only by growing stronger can I have true happiness. From now on,
44:29I'll give my best to boost my company further and build my own business empire. As for those who
44:34betray and hurt me, they can spend the rest of their lives in endless regret and suffering.
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