His Twisted Game, My Dangerous Love - FULL EP (ENGSUB) - video Dailymotion

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Vesper, trapped in a loveless marriage with Julian Sterling, has a one-night stand with a stranger, only to discover he is Damon Sterling, Julian’s powerful brother. Learning Julian is cheating with pregnant pop star Serena Sharp, who stole her songs, Vesper teams up with Damon for revenge. She exposes Julian's affair and Serena's pregnancy at a board meeting, forcing Julian to sign separation papers. Vesper then orchestrates Serena's vocal ruin and publicly reveals herself as the true composer "Iris" at a major showcase, exposing Serena's fraud. Julian retaliates with thugs, but Damon protects Vesper, fighting them off. Damon reveals he orchestrated Julian's downfall for financial gain, leaving Vesper questioning their complex, volatile alliance, which is marked by both manipulation and unexpected care.

Transcript

00:00:00Damon Sterling, my husband's brother. My husband Julian is cheating with my song thief.

00:00:04I paid $300 for a one-night stand. The man was Damon Sterling, my husband's brother.

00:00:08My husband Julian is cheating with my song thief. She is pregnant, and Julian wants to dump me.

00:00:13I will team up with Damon to ruin them. Their nightmare begins today.

00:00:16I wake up in a silent room, 70 floors above the city. Panic cuts through the fog in my head.

00:00:21A vicious hangover pounds against my skull. I try to move, and realize two terrifying truths.

00:00:25One, the sheets against my skin are expensive, and I am completely naked.

00:00:30Two, I am not alone. A man is sleeping beside me, his face buried in a pillow.

00:00:34His back is a wall of muscle, with a jagged white scar across one shoulder.

00:00:38This is not my husband, Julian. Julian is soft. This man looks like he could break things.

00:00:42The charity gala, the dizzy spell, a deep voice, a stranger's hands.

00:00:47Memories of last night crash into me. I cheated. I have to get out of here.

00:00:50Now, after three years in a loveless, sexless marriage,

00:00:53I broke the one rule that kept a roof over my head.

00:00:56I slide out of the bed, my legs shaking uncontrollably.

00:00:58My silver dress lies in a heap on the floor.

00:01:00I scramble to put it on, but the zipper is broken.

00:01:03I need to leave before he wakes up.

00:01:04I find a safety pin in my clutch and stab the fabric together.

00:01:07The sharp point pricking my skin helps me focus.

00:01:09I look for something to write on. An apology, maybe.

00:01:12I grab a notepad from the nightstand. He looks dangerous.

00:01:15I am in his bed, and he is a Sterling.

00:01:17My blood runs cold when I see the embossed letters at the top.

00:01:20The Sterling Plaza.

00:01:21Sterling. It's my husband's family name.

00:01:23The name on my marriage license.

00:01:25My throat tightens as I stare back at the sleeping man.

00:01:27He doesn't look like any of Julian's pampered relatives.

00:01:30I wake up in a strange hotel room, my head pounding.

00:01:33I don't recognize the man sleeping beside me.

00:01:35Panic seizes me.

00:01:36I have to get out, now.

00:01:38Quietly, I slip out of the bed, my heart hammering against my ribs.

00:01:41I grab my purse, ready to flee.

00:01:43But then I stop.

00:01:44Inside my wallet, I see a thick stack of hundred dollar bills.

00:01:47A twisted idea forms in my mind.

00:01:49If I just run, I'm a woman who made a terrible mistake.

00:01:51But if I pay him, this becomes a transaction.

00:01:54It erases the intimacy.

00:01:56It turns a sin into a purchase.

00:01:57He's no longer a mistake.

00:01:59Just a service I paid for.

00:02:00I pull out three crisp bills.

00:02:02Three hundred dollars.

00:02:03I walk over to the nightstand, my legs trembling.

00:02:05Next to his platinum Rolex, I place the money down.

00:02:08With a shaking hand, I write a simple, insulting note.

00:02:10For the service.

00:02:11Keep the change.

00:02:12I place it on the cash and take one last look at the beautiful, dangerous stranger.

00:02:16Then I run, not even stopping for my shoes until I'm safe in the elevator.

00:02:20I think I'm free.

00:02:21But seventy floors above me, Damon Sterling opens his eyes.

00:02:24He was never asleep.

00:02:25He sits up, his gaze falling on the empty, still warm sheets beside him.

00:02:29Then he sees the nightstand.

00:02:30He sees the three hundred dollars.

00:02:32A low, dark laugh rumbles in his chest.

00:02:34He, the man who owns half the city, has been tipped like a gigolo.

00:02:37He snatches up my note and crushes it in his fist.

00:02:40His eyes turn to ice as he picks up the phone.

00:02:42Scott, there was a woman in my room.

00:02:44She just left.

00:02:44Check the lobby cameras.

00:02:46Sir, find her.

00:02:47I don't care what it takes.

00:02:48Find her.

00:02:49I sneak into my own mansion through the back door,

00:02:51desperate to wash the scent of another man from my skin.

00:02:54I stand under a scalding shower, scrubbing myself raw.

00:02:56But as I wipe the steam from the mirror, my blood runs cold.

00:02:59There are faint, purplish bruises on my neck.

00:03:02Hickeys.

00:03:02I frantically pile on concealer, my hands shaking.

00:03:05Just as I finish, the bedroom door swings open.

00:03:08It's my husband, Julian.

00:03:09He looks like hell.

00:03:10Where were you?

00:03:11You embarrassed me.

00:03:12Again.

00:03:12I deliver the lie I practiced in the cab.

00:03:15I wasn't feeling well.

00:03:16I came home early.

00:03:17Always the victim.

00:03:18Always so fragile.

00:03:20He storms past me, heading for the bathroom.

00:03:22But as he passes, I see it.

00:03:23A thin, angry red line on the side of his neck.

00:03:25It's not a shaving cut.

00:03:27It's a scratch from a fingernail.

00:03:28What happened to your neck?

00:03:30He freezes, his hand instantly covering the mark.

00:03:32Nothing.

00:03:33Shaving accident.

00:03:34I don't even raise my voice.

00:03:35You haven't shaved since yesterday morning.

00:03:37Stop interrogating me.

00:03:38You're suffocating.

00:03:39He slams the bathroom door, leaving me in a ringing silence.

00:03:42A moment later, his phone buzzes on the dresser.

00:03:44The screen lights up.

00:03:45A message from S.

00:03:46My feet move on their own until I'm standing right over it.

00:03:49I read the text on the screen.

00:03:50The morning sickness is killing me, baby.

00:03:52I need you to bring those pills.

00:03:54My world tilts on its axis.

00:03:55S.

00:03:56Serena Sharp, the pop star he manages.

00:03:58And morning sickness means only one thing.

00:04:00He got another woman pregnant.

00:04:02I stare at my husband's phone.

00:04:03A text message glows on the screen.

00:04:05It's an ultrasound photo from another woman.

00:04:07The caption reads,

00:04:09Our little secret.

00:04:09The bathroom door opens.

00:04:11Julian steps out.

00:04:12A towel around his waist.

00:04:13He sees me and snatches the phone from the dresser.

00:04:16It lit up.

00:04:17I didn't touch it.

00:04:17Don't touch my things.

00:04:19Get out.

00:04:20I have to go to the office.

00:04:21Business doesn't sleep.

00:04:22Unlike you.

00:04:24On a Sunday, he pushes past me.

00:04:25And moments later, the front door slams.

00:04:27But I don't cry.

00:04:28I get to work.

00:04:29I walk to a dusty storage room he never enters.

00:04:31Inside is my hidden studio.

00:04:33Behind a stack of old paintings, I press a loose board in the wall.

00:04:36A secret panel clicks open.

00:04:38The walls are covered with my handwritten compositions.

00:04:40This is my proof.

00:04:41And my leverage.

00:04:42The original drafts for every hit song that made Julian famous.

00:04:45I open my laptop and send a secure message to my contact.

00:04:48Harper.

00:04:48I need Julian's call logs.

00:04:50Credit card statements.

00:04:51Everything.

00:04:52I need leverage.

00:04:54Start the trace.

00:04:55Trouble in paradise?

00:04:56Three days later, the cold war continues.

00:04:58I thought we were skipping it this year.

00:05:00Julian makes an announcement over a breakfast I haven't touched.

00:05:02We're going to the Hamptons for Thanksgiving.

00:05:04Mother expects us.

00:05:06Change of plans.

00:05:07Damon is back.

00:05:08Damon Sterling.

00:05:08Head of the family trust.

00:05:10And the one man my husband truly fears.

00:05:12My husband Julian storms into my room.

00:05:14His face pale with something I recognize as fear.

00:05:17Get dressed immediately.

00:05:18Damon is back from Europe.

00:05:19He's summoned us to the estate.

00:05:21My blood runs cold at the mention of that name.

00:05:23Damon Sterling.

00:05:24The patriarch.

00:05:25The monster in the shadows of our family.

00:05:27And we're the big sapphire ring.

00:05:29Try to look happy for once in your life.

00:05:31Damon smells weakness like a shark smells blood.

00:05:33He sounds like a nightmare.

00:05:35He is.

00:05:35He's a complete psychopath with an infinite checkbook.

00:05:38Do not speak unless he asks you a direct question.

00:05:40And for God's sake, don't touch him.

00:05:42I retreat upstairs to dress.

00:05:43My hands trembling as I choose a severe, high-necked navy dress.

00:05:46It feels less like clothing and more like armor.

00:05:49I sit at my vanity.

00:05:50My reflection a mask of calm I do not feel.

00:05:52I reach for my simple diamond stud earrings.

00:05:54The ones I wear every single day.

00:05:56A wave of pure panic crashes over me.

00:05:58I frantically dump the entire box onto the cold marble countertop.

00:06:01Necklaces, bracelets, and rings clatter in a glittering pile.

00:06:04But the second earring isn't there.

00:06:06I drop to my knees.

00:06:07My hands frantically patting the thick carpet.

00:06:10I tear through the contents of my purse, scattering them across the floor.

00:06:13It's nowhere.

00:06:14Vesper, the car is waiting.

00:06:16Get down here now.

00:06:17His voice cracks like a whip.

00:06:18I quickly grab a pair of pearl drops, shoving the lone diamond deep into a drawer, out of sight.

00:06:23I slide the heavy sapphire ring onto my finger.

00:06:25It feels cold and foreign, like a shackle binding me to my fate.

00:06:28The ride to the Hamptons is suffocating.

00:06:30Julian keeps wiping sweat from his brow, his anxiety filling the small space of the limo.

00:06:34Remember what I told you.

00:06:35Smile, nod.

00:06:37Don't be your usual depressing self.

00:06:39Don't embarrass me.

00:06:40As we pull up to the Sterling Estate, a fortress against the pouring rain, he grabs my arm.

00:06:44His grip is tight enough to leave bruises.

00:06:46We step inside the grand hall.

00:06:47The air is thick with the buzz of polite, venomous chatter from our assembled relatives.

00:06:51But as we walk through the doors, the entire room falls dead silent, for a terrifying second.

00:06:56I think they are all staring at me, at the wife of the family's biggest disappointment.

00:07:00But they're not.

00:07:01Every single person is looking past us, their eyes fixed on the grand staircase.

00:07:04A man is descending.

00:07:06He wears a black tuxedo that fits him like a second skin.

00:07:08He moves with a silent, predatory grace.

00:07:10His presence so commanding, it sucks all the air from the cavernous room.

00:07:13And as his dark eyes sweep over the crowd, I know without a doubt, this is the monster.

00:07:17This is Damon.

00:07:18My heart stops.

00:07:19It's him.

00:07:20The man from the hotel.

00:07:21The man I tipped $300.

00:07:23Damon Sterling.

00:07:24I slept with the head of the family.

00:07:26My husband, Julian, drags me forward.

00:07:28Damon, welcome back.

00:07:30Then, his cold, calculating eyes land on me.

00:07:33And this must be the wife.

00:07:34Vesper.

00:07:35This is Vesper.

00:07:36Shake his hand.

00:07:36I force myself to reach out my trembling hand.

00:07:39Damon doesn't move.

00:07:40He just stares at my hand with his black leather gloves.

00:07:42I don't shake hands.

00:07:43The rejection is a slap in the face.

00:07:45The entire room goes quiet.

00:07:47Of course.

00:07:47The condition.

00:07:49I forgot.

00:07:50But Damon isn't finished.

00:07:51But.

00:07:52He takes a step closer, invading my space.

00:07:54He leans down, his face inches from mine, pretending to look at my earrings.

00:07:57I can smell the wood smoke on his skin.

00:07:59You owe me $300.

00:08:01He pulls back, a cruel smirk playing on his lips.

00:08:04I'm frozen, trapped.

00:08:05I'm staring into the eyes of the devil himself.

00:08:07And now, I have to sit through dinner with him.

00:08:09At the head of the long dinner table, Damon stares down my husband, Julian.

00:08:14I reviewed the quarterly reports for the entertainment division.

00:08:16Julian's face goes pale.

00:08:18The market is volatile, Damon.

00:08:19You lost 12%.

00:08:21In a boom year, my husband chokes on his wine.

00:08:24Then, Damon's cold eyes turn to me.

00:08:26Before I can answer, Julian speaks for me.

00:08:28And you, Vesper?

00:08:29What do you do to contribute to the sterling legacy?

00:08:31She dabbles.

00:08:33Charity.

00:08:33Garden parties?

00:08:34I grip my fork until my knuckles turn white.

00:08:37He doesn't know I am Iris, the writer of the number one song on Billboard.

00:08:40But Damon sees my silent rage.

00:08:42She looks capable of more.

00:08:44Perhaps she just needs better management.

00:08:47A drunk cousin suddenly pipes up.

00:08:49Is it true about Serena Sharp?

00:08:50The tabloids say she's pregnant.

00:08:52The room falls into a deafening silence.

00:08:54Julian looks like he might faint.

00:08:56The sterling family trust has a clause.

00:08:58Illegitimate children get nothing.

00:08:59And the parent gets cut off.

00:09:01If she is, the father better have deep pockets.

00:09:03Julian drops his fork with a clatter.

00:09:05He turns on me.

00:09:06Vesper has been difficult.

00:09:07She's delaying the trust disbursement signatures.

00:09:10Damon raises an eyebrow, his gaze locking onto mine.

00:09:12Under the table, I feel his leg press against mine.

00:09:15It's heavy and solid, trapping me against the table leg.

00:09:17I just want to understand what I'm signing.

00:09:19He presses harder, forcing my legs apart beneath the heavy tablecloth.

00:09:22My face burns with shame, but I stare straight ahead, refusing to give him a reaction.

00:09:26A prudent quality.

00:09:27He suddenly stands, breaking the contact.

00:09:30Dinner is over.

00:09:31Vesper, walk me to my car.

00:09:32My husband, Julian, practically begs me to leave with the man who now owns him.

00:09:36So I stand up on shaking legs.

00:09:37I follow Damon out of the dining room, away from the light, and into the pouring rain.

00:09:41A sleek Aston Martin waits for us.

00:09:43It's engine purring.

00:09:44Damon dismisses the valet and turns to me.

00:09:46The polite facade he wore inside is completely gone.

00:09:49He looks dangerous.

00:09:50You left in a hurry.

00:09:51I cross my arms, shivering in the damp air.

00:09:53I didn't know who you were.

00:09:54It was a mistake.

00:09:55The champagne.

00:09:56He lets out a low chuckle, and this time, it sounds genuine.

00:09:59You have a terrible poker face for a liar.

00:10:02He sees me shivering.

00:10:03Without a word, he takes off his expensive tuxedo jacket and drapes it over my shoulders.

00:10:08It's heavy, warm, and smells entirely of him.

00:10:10Get in.

00:10:11My husband is inside.

00:10:12Your husband is a coward who is trying to figure out how to hide a baby from me.

00:10:15Get in.

00:10:16Defeated.

00:10:16I slide onto the cold leather of the passenger seat.

00:10:19He gets in beside me, and the heavy doors seal us in an intimate, terrifying silence.

00:10:23The dashboard lights cast shadows across the scar on his cheekbone.

00:10:26Why did you leave the money?

00:10:27To make it a transaction.

00:10:28Transactions are clean.

00:10:30Emotions are messy.

00:10:31In a flash, he leans over me.

00:10:32He's too close.

00:10:33He grabs my left hand, his grip like iron, his bare skin burning mine.

00:10:37I don't do clean.

00:10:38And I don't do married women.

00:10:40Usually, he reaches into his pocket and presses a small, hard object into my palm.

00:10:44It's my diamond earring, the one I lost in his sheets.

00:10:46I found this.

00:10:47Don't thank me yet.

00:10:48His thumb brushes over the large sapphire on my ring finger.

00:10:50My wedding ring.

00:10:51The sterling family heirloom.

00:10:53You want a transaction?

00:10:54Fine.

00:10:54Before I can react, he grips the sapphire ring.

00:10:57With a single, smooth, forceful tug, he rips it right off my finger.

00:11:01He held my sapphire ring just out of reach, the stone glittering in the dim light of the car.

00:11:06Collateral.

00:11:06Give it back.

00:11:07Julian will kill me.

00:11:08Let him try.

00:11:09He pocketed the ring, his gaze like ice.

00:11:11Divorce him, Vesper.

00:11:12It wasn't a suggestion.

00:11:14It was an order.

00:11:15Or what?

00:11:15Or I will make your life very complicated.

00:11:18He leaned in.

00:11:18His lips inches from mine.

00:11:20I want my $300 back.

00:11:22But not in cash.

00:11:23The door's unlocked with a sharp click.

00:11:25Get out!

00:11:26Before I change my mind and take you with me.

00:11:28I scrambled out into the rain, my finger feeling naked and cold.

00:11:31The next morning, the reality of my situation hit me like a physical blow.

00:11:35Then, my phone rang.

00:11:36A Manhattan number.

00:11:37He was holding my ring hostage.

00:11:39Mrs. Sterling?

00:11:40This is Scott, Mr. Sterling's executive assistant.

00:11:43He has an item of yours.

00:11:45Send it over now.

00:11:46It was a trap, a power play to force me onto his turf.

00:11:49I'm afraid protocol requires you to retrieve it personally.

00:11:52At global headquarters, fueled by rage, I drove to his glass tower that pierced the sky.

00:11:56I was expected.

00:11:57Security waved me through without a word.

00:11:59The elevator shot up to the 90th floor, a cage lifting me into the lion's den.

00:12:03His assistant pointed silently toward two massive mahogany doors.

00:12:06I took a deep breath and pushed them open.

00:12:08He saw me.

00:12:09His face was a mask of stone.

00:12:10The office was enormous, with a floor-to-ceiling view of Central Park.

00:12:14And there he was.

00:12:14Damon, sitting behind a desk the size of a battleship, speaking rapid-fire French on a call.

00:12:19Without breaking his call, he flicked a single finger toward a chair.

00:12:22A silent command.

00:12:23But I refused to be summoned like a dog.

00:12:25I remained standing, ready for war.

00:12:27I stand in Damon's office, my hand outstretched.

00:12:30My ring.

00:12:30Now.

00:12:31It suits my marriage.

00:12:32He ignores my hand.

00:12:33Instead, he opens a drawer and pulls out the diamond ring, inspecting it under the light.

00:12:37It's a gaudy thing.

00:12:38It doesn't suit you.

00:12:39Your marriage is a lie.

00:12:40And I have the proof.

00:12:42His eyes turn to ice.

00:12:43I stare down at the papers inside.

00:12:45My husband's name, Julian, is on every page.

00:12:47He drops a manila folder on the desk.

00:12:49It slides across the polished wood, stopping right at my fingertips.

00:12:52These are his secret financials.

00:12:53Hidden accounts I never knew existed.

00:12:55I see wire transfers to a real estate agent for a condo in Soho.

00:12:59Then I see the worst of it, payments to a fertility clinic.

00:13:01He's moving her in.

00:13:03He's using your family's funds to set up a second life.

00:13:05The truth is a physical blow.

00:13:06I knew it.

00:13:07But seeing it in black and white makes it real.

00:13:09But I refuse to give him the satisfaction.

00:13:11I push the folder away.

00:13:12I don't care about your investment advice.

00:13:14I want the ring.

00:13:15You're a child.

00:13:16A cruel smile plays on his lips as he leans back against his desk.

00:13:20Take it.

00:13:20Come and get it.

00:13:21He takes the ring and tucks it deep into the knot of his silk tie, right against his chest.

00:13:25I'm a man who wants to see how far you'll go to get what you want.

00:13:28My pride screams at me to walk away.

00:13:30But the ring is a symbol.

00:13:31I step forward.

00:13:32I reach for the cold metal on his chest.

00:13:34In a flash, his hand shoots out and grabs my wrist.

00:13:36His grip is like iron.

00:13:37There are no gloves today.

00:13:38His bare skin burns against mine.

00:13:40I was drugged.

00:13:41Admit it.

00:13:42You liked what happened at the hotel.

00:13:43You liked the lack of control.

00:13:45The drugs were off by 3 a.m.

00:13:46You stayed until 7.

00:13:47We both know exactly what happened in those four hours.

00:13:50Heat floods my face.

00:13:51He remembers everything.

00:13:52Every touch.

00:13:53Every sound.

00:13:54And he knows I remember it too.

00:13:56He yanks me forward, pulling me off balance until I'm trapped between his spread legs,

00:14:00my body pressed against his.

00:14:01Retrieve the ring, Vesper.

00:14:03My anger finally boils over.

00:14:05I grab the silk of his tie with both hands.

00:14:07I yank it tight, pulling his face down to mine.

00:14:09Here is your payment.

00:14:10But he doesn't flinch.

00:14:11His eyes don't widen in fear.

00:14:13They darken.

00:14:14He's turned on.

00:14:15He grabs my waist.

00:14:16His hand's possessive.

00:14:18He lifts me effortlessly, slamming me onto the edge of his desk.

00:14:21Papers scatter across the floor.

00:14:23He presses his forehead against mine.

00:14:24You have a violent streak.

00:14:26I like it.

00:14:27Then he kisses me.

00:14:28It's not a gentle kiss.

00:14:29It's a collision, punishing and claiming.

00:14:31My body betrays me, and I melt into him.

00:14:34Suddenly, a harsh buzz from the intercom shatters the moment.

00:14:37Sir, Julian Sterling is here.

00:14:38He's demanding to see you.

00:14:40He's making a scene.

00:14:41Julian.

00:14:41Ice water floods my veins.

00:14:43Damon pulls back, breathing hard.

00:14:45He presses the intercom button.

00:14:46He looks at the door, then back at me.

00:14:48A cruel smirk plays on his lips.

00:14:50Let him in.

00:14:51He points to the dark space beneath the massive desk.

00:14:53Hide.

00:14:53Do you want him to find you here, looking like that?

00:14:56Are you insane?

00:14:57I scramble off the desk and crawl into the darkness just as the door handle begins to turn.

00:15:00Damon pulls his chair in close, sealing me inside.

00:15:03I'm trapped at his feet as the door bursts open.

00:15:06I hold my breath, hidden in the darkness under my brother-in-law's desk.

00:15:09My husband's voice cuts through the silence.

00:15:11Damon, we need to talk.

00:15:12He's here for money.

00:15:13My money?

00:15:14He paces closer, and a wave of cloying sweet perfume washes over me.

00:15:18Vanilla.

00:15:19It's his mistress Serena's scent, all over him.

00:15:21He thinks I'm just a roadblock to his new life.

00:15:23Serena is sick.

00:15:24She's waiting in the car.

00:15:25I need to get this over with.

00:15:27Vesper is poking around the accounts.

00:15:28She won't sign the papers.

00:15:29I need the cash now.

00:15:31She's a nuisance.

00:15:32Once the baby is born, I'm dumping her.

00:15:34Suddenly, I feel a light touch on my shoulder.

00:15:36A single tear slides down my cheek.

00:15:38I suspected it, but hearing the words shatters me.

00:15:41It's Damon's pinky finger, brushing against me from the arm of his chair.

00:15:44A silent message, hidden from my husband's view.

00:15:47I hear him too.

00:15:47She's a doormat.

00:15:48She has no talent, no spine.

00:15:50She's nothing without the sterling name.

00:15:52My sadness burns away, replaced by pure, cold rage.

00:15:55Damon's finger taps my shoulder once.

00:15:57A warning.

00:15:58Wait.

00:15:59Get out, Julian.

00:16:00You wouldn't dare.

00:16:01Try me.

00:16:01Get out.

00:16:02The office door slams shut, leaving us in silence.

00:16:05I crawl out from my hiding spot, my dignity in shreds.

00:16:08Damon just watches me, his face unreadable.

00:16:10You heard him.

00:16:11I walk to the desk and see the sapphire ring he gave me.

00:16:14I pick it up and shove it deep into my pocket.

00:16:16I will never wear his lies again.

00:16:18I turn to face Damon, my voice devoid of any warmth.

00:16:20I heard him.

00:16:22And now, I'm going to destroy him.

00:16:24I'm going to take everything.

00:16:25The elevator climbs to the 40th floor of the sterling global tower.

00:16:28It feels less like an ascent and more like a slow crawl to my execution.

00:16:32The stiff collar of this catering uniform scratches my neck.

00:16:35It's a constant reminder that I'm wearing a costume.

00:16:37In the reflection of the brass doors, I see a ghost.

00:16:40A silver name tag is pinned to my chest.

00:16:42It reads, Sarah.

00:16:43My friend Harper's work is flawless.

00:16:45The cloned ID badge got me past security.

00:16:47And this uniform fits just well enough.

00:16:49I grip the handle of my prop.

00:16:50A stainless steel coffee cart.

00:16:52The elevator dings, and the doors slide open.

00:16:54I step out into chaos.

00:16:56Phones ring endlessly as executives in sharp suits speed walk across the carpet.

00:17:00I keep my head down, pushing my cart.

00:17:02To them, I'm just the help.

00:17:03Invisible.

00:17:04I don't care if the server is down.

00:17:06Get a patch running now.

00:17:07My blood runs cold.

00:17:08It's Scott, Damon's right-hand man.

00:17:10He knows me.

00:17:11He knows my face.

00:17:12His eyes sweep the hallway and lock onto me for a split second.

00:17:15My heart stops dead in my chest.

00:17:17But a junior associate runs up, shoving a tablet in his face.

00:17:19Sir, the projection unit is glitching again.

00:17:22Scott groans, completely distracted.

00:17:24He waves a dismissive hand in my direction without a second glance.

00:17:27Coffee?

00:17:28Finally.

00:17:28Bring it in.

00:17:29Side table.

00:17:30And don't make a sound.

00:17:31He swipes his keycard and holds the heavy boardroom door open.

00:17:34I nod mutely and slip inside, my heart hammering against my ribs.

00:17:37The door clicks shut behind me, sealing me inside the lion's den.

00:17:41I slip into the boardroom, just another server in a crisp white uniform.

00:17:44At the head of the table, Julian gestures at a screen, spouting nonsense about market penetration.

00:17:48Has a fool, bleeding money from the trust, and he thinks no one can see it.

00:17:52But across from him, at the far end of the table, sits Damon Sterling.

00:17:55He isn't looking at the screen.

00:17:57Has looking at Julian.

00:17:58He taps a fountain pen against the polished wood.

00:18:00Tap, tap, tap.

00:18:02The sound is like a predator waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

00:18:05This is my chance.

00:18:06The IT guy is in the corner, distracted by a server issue.

00:18:09I move to the main presentation laptop, pretending to wipe a smudge from the podium.

00:18:13With my other hand, I reach into my apron.

00:18:15My fingers close around a cool metal flash drive.

00:18:17My body shields the ports from view.

00:18:19It's not just a drive.

00:18:20It's a bomb Harper loaded for me.

00:18:22It carries a script that will bypass every firewall and execute instantly.

00:18:26I slide the drive into the laptop's USB port.

00:18:28I hold my breath, my entire future hanging in this single moment.

00:18:32A small window flashes on the screen for a fraction of a second.

00:18:35Injection complete.

00:18:36I pull the drive out, slipping it back into my pocket.

00:18:38My mission is done.

00:18:39I turn to leave.

00:18:40And I freeze.

00:18:41My eyes lock with Damon Sterlings.

00:18:43He has stopped tapping his pen.

00:18:45He is looking directly at me.

00:18:46The uniform, the cap, the disguise, it all melts away under his gaze.

00:18:50He knows.

00:18:50If he says my name, it's over.

00:18:52It'll be arrested for corporate espionage.

00:18:54It'll be ruined.

00:18:55His eyes narrow.

00:18:56He looks from me to the laptop, then back to me.

00:18:59Hess letting it happen.

00:19:00Hess waiting for the show.

00:19:01Then, he slowly picks up his water glass and takes a sip.

00:19:04Turning his attention back to Julian.

00:19:06I don't question it.

00:19:07I walk out of the room, the heavy door clicking shut behind me.

00:19:10A moment later, I hear it from inside.

00:19:12A sharp, collective gasp.

00:19:14What is that?

00:19:14Turn it off.

00:19:15I lean against the wall as chaos erupts, his voice rising to a panicked scream.

00:19:19That is.

00:19:20That is private property.

00:19:21I lean against the cold steel wall outside the boardroom, my heart pounding like a war

00:19:26drum in my chest.

00:19:27Inside, the chaos I orchestrated has finally erupted.

00:19:30The panicked shouting of powerful men has already begun.

00:19:32Is that an ultrasound?

00:19:33Who in the hell is Serena Sharp?

00:19:35And why is the Sterling Company account paying for her private hotel suite?

00:19:38My custom virus is working perfectly, cycling through every dirty secret I pulled from

00:19:42Julian's hidden cloud files.

00:19:43The positive pregnancy test from three months ago.

00:19:46The endless hotel receipts.

00:19:47The secret emails planning for his illegitimate heir.

00:19:50I can hear Julian's pathetic, high-pitched screams as his entire world collapses around

00:19:53him inside that room.

00:19:54It's a glitch.

00:19:55A computer hack.

00:19:56Someone is trying to frame me.

00:19:57This is a lie.

00:19:58But then, a calm, deadly voice cuts through all the noise like a razor blade, silencing

00:20:03everyone.

00:20:03It's Damon Sterling, the cold and calculating head of the entire Sterling family.

00:20:07It's the truth.

00:20:08This meeting is adjourned.

00:20:10A stunned, heavy silence falls over the room.

00:20:12Just like that, it's done.

00:20:13My first target is neutralized.

00:20:15My phone buzz is in my pocket.

00:20:16A single, sharp vibration.

00:20:17It's a message from my hacker, Harper.

00:20:19The screen displays only two lines.

00:20:21Trace erased.

00:20:23Ghost protocol active.

00:20:24I am now a complete ghost.

00:20:26I push open the heavy fire exit door and slip out.

00:20:28The sharp click of my heels on the concrete, the only sound in the stairwell.

00:20:32This is the rhythm of my victory.

00:20:33I struck the first blow against the man who tried to ruin my life.

00:20:36Hours later, in a sprawling glass office on the 90th floor, Damon Sterling watches me

00:20:41on a screen.

00:20:41He's replaying the black and white security footage from the hallway, time-stamped just

00:20:44three hours ago.

00:20:45He sees my disguised figure in the catering uniform, my chest heaving as I lean against

00:20:49the wall.

00:20:50He watches intently as I gather myself and look directly up into the camera lens.

00:20:53And then, I wink.

00:20:55A quick, defiant, adrenaline-fueled challenge meant just for him.

00:20:59His assistant, Scott, enters the office, carrying a cardboard box and looking like a man marching

00:21:03to his own execution.

00:21:04Sir, I'll pack my things immediately.

00:21:06The security breach.

00:21:08It was my oversight.

00:21:09It was all my fault.

00:21:10Damon slowly closes his laptop, hiding my face from Scott's view, as if protecting a

00:21:14secret.

00:21:15Put the box down, Scott.

00:21:16It wasn't a breach.

00:21:17He leans back in his massive leather chair, his voice dangerously low and full of something

00:21:21unreadable.

00:21:22It was a correction.

00:21:23After docking the man's bonus, Damon gives one final, chilling order that changes everything.

00:21:27Delete the hallway footage.

00:21:29All of it.

00:21:30Now.

00:21:30The only evidence of my attack is gone forever.

00:21:32The most powerful man in the city is protecting me, and I have absolutely no idea.

00:21:36I'm hiding out in a small, dusty apartment.

00:21:39My phone buzzes on a wooden crate I'm using as a table.

00:21:41It's an unknown number, but I know exactly who it is.

00:21:44Damon.

00:21:45The message is short, and it makes my blood run cold.

00:21:47The uniform didn't fit.

00:21:49My fingers tremble as I type a reply, trying to play dumb.

00:21:52Wrong number?

00:21:53The response is instant.

00:21:54Don't insult my intelligence, Vesper.

00:21:56I saw you.

00:21:57I let you leave.

00:21:58He's right.

00:21:59He could have had security tackle me to the ground.

00:22:01He's toying with me.

00:22:02What do you want?

00:22:03Entertainment.

00:22:04Don't be boring next time.

00:22:05Before I can even process his threat, my laptop pings.

00:22:08An urgent message from my ally, Harper.

00:22:10Urgent.

00:22:11Julian booked a flight.

00:22:12I open the file.

00:22:13My estranged husband booked a private charter to Los Angeles.

00:22:16He's running from the embezzlement scandal I exposed.

00:22:18The Galaxy Chronicles Project.

00:22:20The biggest film of the year.

00:22:21He's fleeing to the West Coast to manage Serena Sharp's new movie.

00:22:24I will not let him win.

00:22:26If he succeeds there, he'll rebuild his reputation and claim the entire family trust.

00:22:30I look around this tiny temporary room.

00:22:32There is nothing keeping me in New York.

00:22:34I pack my few belongings into a duffel bag as rain batters the window.

00:22:37Book me a ticket to LA.

00:22:39Economy.

00:22:40Cash.

00:22:40I'm going after him.

00:22:41Going Hollywood?

00:22:42I type back to Harper, my mission clear.

00:22:44I'm going to finish what I started.

00:22:46I drive for hours to my husband's private Malibu beach house.

00:22:49A glass box perched on the cliffs where he conducts his business trips.

00:22:52The gate code he gave me months ago still works.

00:22:54He's too arrogant to believe I would ever dare to follow him here.

00:22:57I let myself into the silent foyer and climb the floating staircase,

00:23:00drawn by the sound of giggles and clinking glass from upstairs.

00:23:03I don't bother to knock on the master bedroom door.

00:23:05I just push it wide open, ready for the worst.

00:23:07And there it is.

00:23:09A bad movie trope come to life right in front of my eyes.

00:23:11My husband Julian is in bed with his mistress Serena,

00:23:14the sheets tangled around their limbs in the afternoon light.

00:23:17To make it worse, she's lounging there wearing my favorite silk robe,

00:23:20the one I kept at this house for our summer trips.

00:23:22Just a sip, Jules.

00:23:23We have to celebrate our new start, our new family.

00:23:25She reaches for the glass of amber liquid he's holding, but he pulls it away.

00:23:29No alcohol for you, Serena.

00:23:30You have to think of the baby.

00:23:31My son needs to be born perfect.

00:23:33The words my son finally make them turn their heads

00:23:35and see me standing frozen in the doorway.

00:23:37Serena lets out a high-pitched theatrical shriek

00:23:39and yanks the expensive duvet right up to her chin.

00:23:41Julian scrambles backward on the mattress so fast he nearly falls off,

00:23:45his eyes wide with shock and fury.

00:23:46Vesper, what in the hell are you doing here?

00:23:49How did you find us?

00:23:50I don't scream.

00:23:51I refuse to cry.

00:23:52I feel a strange, cold calm as all the hope I had for us finally dies.

00:23:56I reach into my tote bag, my movements steady and deliberate,

00:23:59and pull out a single blue folder.

00:24:01With a flick of my wrist, I toss it onto the bed,

00:24:03where it lands between them like a physical barrier.

00:24:05Sign it, Julian.

00:24:06What is this?

00:24:07What kind of game are you playing now?

00:24:08It's a legal separation agreement.

00:24:10It states I have no claim on your assets,

00:24:12and it frees me from your debts before you crash this company.

00:24:15Serena, now fully composed and smug,

00:24:18smirks at me from the pillows as if I'm a joke.

00:24:20Just sign it, Jules.

00:24:21The little mouse knows she's been beaten.

00:24:23Let her run away.

00:24:24Julian's face turns a deep shade of red.

00:24:26He can't stand that I'm not begging for his attention.

00:24:28He gets out of bed, standing tall in just his boxer shorts,

00:24:31trying and failing to look intimidating.

00:24:32You tracked me across the country for this?

00:24:34You're pathetic and desperate.

00:24:35You have absolutely no leverage here, Vesper.

00:24:37You're a nobody.

00:24:38But that's where he is completely and utterly wrong.

00:24:40I have all the leverage I need.

00:24:42I slowly pull my phone from my pocket,

00:24:43letting the bright screen light up his angry face.

00:24:46Displayed on it is a crystal clear image of a hospital toxicology report

00:24:49from the night of the charity gala.

00:24:50I have the blood work, Julian.

00:24:51I know Serena slipped something into my drink.

00:24:53And I know you covered it all up.

00:24:55The smirk vanishes from Serena's face,

00:24:57replaced by pure panic,

00:24:58because drugging someone isn't just a scandal,

00:25:01it's a felony.

00:25:02I hold up my phone,

00:25:03the screen glowing with the evidence that will utterly destroy him.

00:25:05If I release this, Serena goes to jail,

00:25:07and you go down as her accomplice.

00:25:09My husband, Julian, freezes,

00:25:11his hand hovering in the air.

00:25:12Defeated, he snatches a pen from the nightstand.

00:25:14The threat is real.

00:25:15I hold the nuclear codes to his entire life,

00:25:17his reputation, and his career.

00:25:19He aggressively scrawls his signature across the separation papers,

00:25:22officially ending our sham of a marriage.

00:25:24Get out.

00:25:24Take your trash and get out of my house.

00:25:26Don't you dare come crawling back

00:25:28when you're starving and alone in this city.

00:25:29I won't.

00:25:30I take the signed papers,

00:25:31confirming his signature is valid.

00:25:33Step one is complete.

00:25:34On my way out,

00:25:35I pass a large framed photo of our wedding day on the wall.

00:25:37We looked so happy,

00:25:39standing on the deck of this very house.

00:25:41It was all a carefully constructed lie.

00:25:42I rip the frame from the wall without a second thought.

00:25:45I walk calmly to the kitchen

00:25:46and drop the entire thing into the trash can.

00:25:48The glass shatters with a loud, satisfying crunch.

00:25:51The sound of my old life breaking apart.

00:25:53Outside, the salty ocean air hits my face.

00:25:55I am finally, legally, officially free.

00:25:58I pull out my phone and send a text to my only ally,

00:26:00Harper, signed.

00:26:02Proceed with phase two.

00:26:03Phase two begins tonight

00:26:04at the exclusive Stars for Hope charity gala.

00:26:06Julian always forced me to wear severe,

00:26:08boring navy dresses to these events

00:26:10to make me invisible.

00:26:11But tonight, I am wearing red.

00:26:13This isn't just a dress.

00:26:14It is my declaration of war.

00:26:15A backless silk gown that clings to my curves

00:26:17like liquid fire.

00:26:18It is bold.

00:26:19It is dangerous.

00:26:20As I walk into the grand ballroom,

00:26:22the entire room falls silent.

00:26:24Heads turn.

00:26:24Whispers follow me.

00:26:25Who is that?

00:26:26Is that the sterling wife?

00:26:28No, it can't be.

00:26:29She looks alive.

00:26:31I hold my head high and see them across the room.

00:26:34Julian and his mistress, Serena,

00:26:35she is clinging to his arm,

00:26:37but her laughter stops abruptly when she sees me.

00:26:39Well, well.

00:26:40Security really does let anyone in these days.

00:26:43Here for the free food, Vesper?

00:26:44Did Julian finally cut your allowance?

00:26:46My replacement, Serena,

00:26:48saunters over to me at the gala.

00:26:49Ask her why she's shaking, Julian.

00:26:51Hello, Serena.

00:26:52You look tired.

00:26:53Is the guilt keeping you up?

00:26:54Am I?

00:26:54I kept the blood work.

00:26:55I sleep like a baby.

00:26:57Especially in your old bed.

00:26:58She hit me.

00:26:59She's crazy, Julian.

00:27:00She attacked me.

00:27:01The crowd gasps.

00:27:02She invades my space.

00:27:04Her breath reeking of gin and malice.

00:27:06You're just a discarded rapper, honey.

00:27:08Julian threw you away because you're empty.

00:27:10I calmly set my glass down,

00:27:11my hand perfectly steady as I look her in the eye.

00:27:13Then, my palm connects with her cheek.

00:27:15The sound is sharp, like a whip.

00:27:17You.

00:27:18The entire ballroom goes dead silent.

00:27:20Everyone stares.

00:27:21What the hell is going on?

00:27:23Serena stumbles back,

00:27:24clutching a red handprint already blooming on her shocked face.

00:27:27I step forward,

00:27:28lowering my voice to a lethal whisper only she can hear.

00:27:30I have the toxicology report from the New York gala, Serena.

00:27:34The night you slipped something into my drink,

00:27:35leaving me disoriented and vulnerable.

00:27:37The color drains from her face.

00:27:38Her anger vanishes,

00:27:40replaced by pure, unadulterated fear.

00:27:42You.

00:27:43You're lying.

00:27:44Just then, my ex-fiance, Julian,

00:27:45pushes through the crowd,

00:27:46his face purple with rage.

00:27:48Serena throws herself into his arms,

00:27:50sobbing fake dry tears.

00:27:52Apologize.

00:27:52Now.

00:27:53No.

00:27:54I said apologize.

00:27:55You are embarrassing me.

00:27:56Apologize or I will have you thrown out.

00:27:58He looks down.

00:27:59Serena is trembling,

00:28:00not from pain,

00:28:01but from terror that her crime is about to be exposed.

00:28:04I laugh.

00:28:04A cold, dry sound that chills the room.

00:28:07I turn my back on them and walk away,

00:28:08my spine straight and proud.

00:28:10You deserve each other.

00:28:11But I don't know that I'm being watched from the VIP balcony above.

00:28:14A man named Damon Sterling swirls his whiskey,

00:28:16his eyes burning with a desire for me.

00:28:18Last night,

00:28:19the billionaire Damon Sterling looked me in the eyes and declared war.

00:28:22This morning,

00:28:22I launched my counterattack from an anonymous co-working space.

00:28:25My target is Galaxy Chronicles,

00:28:27his $200 million sci-fi epic.

00:28:29The film is bleeding money,

00:28:30and its director,

00:28:31Cole Chen,

00:28:32is desperate for a theme song.

00:28:34I open an encrypted email using my secret identity,

00:28:36the ghost composer known only as Iris.

00:28:39I attach a single file,

00:28:40Project Phoenix,

00:28:41MP3,

00:28:42my soul turned into sound.

00:28:44With a single click,

00:28:45I hit send.

00:28:45The first shot has been fired.

00:28:47Two miles away,

00:28:48in the private lounge of Capitol Records,

00:28:50Damon Sterling is out of patience.

00:28:51He's a silent partner in the film,

00:28:53the man who holds all the power and all the money.

00:28:56We need a sound,

00:28:56Cole.

00:28:57The investors are getting nervous.

00:28:58You're over budget,

00:28:59and you have no theme.

00:29:00I know.

00:29:01I know.

00:29:02The studio's composer,

00:29:03Serena,

00:29:03is struggling.

00:29:05Suddenly,

00:29:05Cole's assistant bursts into the room,

00:29:07holding a tablet.

00:29:08Serena is a hack.

00:29:09Drop her.

00:29:10I don't care about big names.

00:29:11I care about results.

00:29:12Cole,

00:29:12a submission just came in.

00:29:14It bypassed every security filter.

00:29:15It's from Iris.

00:29:16The air in the room goes still.

00:29:18Cole freezes.

00:29:19Iris?

00:29:20The ghost composer?

00:29:21The legend who's never been seen?

00:29:23Damon's boredom instantly vanishes,

00:29:24replaced by a sharp,

00:29:25predatory focus.

00:29:26Play it.

00:29:27Now.

00:29:28The assistant hits play.

00:29:29A single,

00:29:30mournful cello fills the oppressive silence.

00:29:33Then,

00:29:33violins swell like a rising tide,

00:29:35vast and lonely.

00:29:36It is the sound of a dying star

00:29:38and a beating human heart.

00:29:39Damon closes his eyes.

00:29:41A brutal headache that has been tormenting him all morning

00:29:43instantly disappears.

00:29:44The tension drains from his shoulders.

00:29:46His breathing deepens.

00:29:47His entire body relaxes.

00:29:49He recognizes this feeling.

00:29:51It is an impossible,

00:29:52biological anchor.

00:29:53The music ends,

00:29:54but the spell remains.

00:29:55It is the same profound sense of calm

00:29:57that he has only ever felt in my presence.

00:30:00My God.

00:30:00This is it.

00:30:01This is the sound of the film.

00:30:03But Damon doesn't hear him.

00:30:04He doesn't care about the movie anymore.

00:30:05He opens his eyes,

00:30:06and they are dark with a new,

00:30:08dangerous obsession.

00:30:09Who sent it?

00:30:10I walk into the high-end cafe,

00:30:12my head pounding.

00:30:13I just need a coffee.

00:30:14I place my order and turn to find a table.

00:30:16He looks up as I enter,

00:30:17and his eyes lock onto mine.

00:30:18That's when I see him.

00:30:20Damon.

00:30:20Sitting in a corner booth,

00:30:22reviewing contracts on a tablet.

00:30:23There is no smile,

00:30:24no wave.

00:30:25He looks right through me,

00:30:26as if I'm a complete stranger.

00:30:27The rejection stings,

00:30:28but then I realize,

00:30:29he's ignoring me on purpose.

00:30:31Good.

00:30:31I move to a small table near the exit,

00:30:33trying to make myself invisible,

00:30:35but the peace is shattered when the door chimes.

00:30:37Serena walks in,

00:30:38wearing giant sunglasses

00:30:39and surrounded by her yes-men.

00:30:41I need a matcha,

00:30:42and make it fast.

00:30:43I have to catch Cole before he leaves.

00:30:45She grabs the large,

00:30:46iced green drink from the counter.

00:30:47She turns to leave,

00:30:48and then her eyes land directly on me.

00:30:50A malicious glint appears in her eyes.

00:30:52She sees an opportunity for a little accident.

00:30:54She starts walking toward the exit,

00:30:56her path taking her directly past my table.

00:30:58As she gets close,

00:30:59she feigns a stumble on her six-inch heels.

00:31:02Oops.

00:31:02She launches the cup with a flick of her wrist.

00:31:04The lid pops off.

00:31:05Twenty ounces of green,

00:31:06sugary liquid flies through the air.

00:31:08It's aimed directly at my laptop

00:31:09and my clean, white blouse.

00:31:10I'm trapped between the table and the wall.

00:31:12I flinch, bracing for the cold impact.

00:31:14It never comes.

00:31:15A blur of charcoal gray fabric

00:31:17moves into my vision.

00:31:18Damon.

00:31:18He lunged from his seat

00:31:19with an inhuman, predatory reflex.

00:31:21He places himself directly

00:31:23between me and the flying cup.

00:31:24Splash!

00:31:25The matcha hits Damon's back,

00:31:26soaking into his expensive Italian suit.

00:31:28The entire cafe goes dead silent.

00:31:30Even the espresso machine stops hissing.

00:31:32I stare at his broad back.

00:31:34He took the hit for me.

00:31:35But Damon isn't moving.

00:31:36He's completely still.

00:31:37A statue covered in green.

00:31:39A green drink flies through the air,

00:31:40aimed right at me.

00:31:41But Damon moves in front of me,

00:31:43taking the full hit.

00:31:44The sticky liquid soaks his expensive suit.

00:31:46In an instant,

00:31:47he freezes solid,

00:31:48like a statue.

00:31:49He isn't breathing.

00:31:50His eyes are blown wide

00:31:51with sheer animal panic.

00:31:52I don't think.

00:31:53I just act,

00:31:54pressing my hand flat against his chest.

00:31:56Breathe.

00:31:56His heart hammers against my palm

00:31:58like a trapped bird.

00:31:59But at my touch,

00:32:00the frantic rhythm begins to slow.

00:32:01The panic in his eyes vanishes,

00:32:03replaced by a terrifying cold calm.

00:32:05He turns slowly to face the woman

00:32:07who threw the drink,

00:32:08Serena.

00:32:08You have poor balance,

00:32:09Miss Sharp.

00:32:10Mr. Sterling.

00:32:11I tripped.

00:32:11It was an accident.

00:32:12Her friend Julian runs over,

00:32:14trying to play the hero.

00:32:15Damon,

00:32:16don't be petty.

00:32:16How much can a suit cost?

00:32:18Julian chokes,

00:32:19his face turning pale.

00:32:20Damon steps right up to him,

00:32:22towering over him with silent menace.

00:32:23Damon ignores him

00:32:24and turns back to me.

00:32:25That suit was $50,000, Julian.

00:32:27I expect the check by morning.

00:32:29His hand clamps around my wrist

00:32:30like a steel trap.

00:32:31You're coming with me.

00:32:32What?

00:32:32Why?

00:32:33His eyes are silently screaming

00:32:34at me to play along.

00:32:35Because you are the cause of this mess.

00:32:37And I have questions.

00:32:38He drags me out of the coffee shop

00:32:40and shoves me into a dark,

00:32:41reeking alley.

00:32:42He spins me around,

00:32:43his grip still crushing my wrist.

00:32:45I didn't expect a human shield.

00:32:46You ruined your suit.

00:32:47Why didn't you dodge?

00:32:48I have a hundred suits.

00:32:50He leans in closer,

00:32:51his intense gaze burning into me.

00:32:53I don't have a hundred of you.

00:32:54The back door of the cafe bursts open.

00:32:56It's my ex, Julian.

00:32:58Vesper, wait!

00:32:59He runs toward us

00:33:00but stops dead

00:33:01at the sight of Damon's

00:33:01furious expression.

00:33:02I flinch,

00:33:03hiding behind Damon's body

00:33:04as he steps between us.

00:33:05Damon,

00:33:06where are you taking her?

00:33:08She is under investigation.

00:33:09My blood runs cold.

00:33:11An investigation?

00:33:12For what?

00:33:13Corporate espionage.

00:33:14The breach in New York.

00:33:15I'm taking her into custody.

00:33:17It's a lie.

00:33:18A brilliant, terrifying lie

00:33:19that paints him

00:33:20as a ruthless CEO,

00:33:21not my protector.

00:33:22You're arresting her?

00:33:23I'm handling a liability

00:33:24you created.

00:33:25Or would you prefer

00:33:26I investigate

00:33:26your personal accounts?

00:33:28The financial threat

00:33:29makes Julian turn pale.

00:33:30Fine.

00:33:30Do what you have to do.

00:33:32Just keep me out of it.

00:33:33He backs away,

00:33:34utterly defeated.

00:33:35Damon guides me

00:33:35to a black Maybach

00:33:36waiting at the curb.

00:33:37Get in!

00:33:38His voice is for Julian's benefit

00:33:40but his hand on my back

00:33:41is gentle.

00:33:41The heavy door slams shut,

00:33:43sealing us in silence.

00:33:44But the second we move,

00:33:45a strangled sound

00:33:46rips from Damon's throat.

00:33:47He claws at his shirt,

00:33:48hyperventilating.

00:33:49Get it off!

00:33:50It's touching me!

00:33:51I realize the cold matcha

00:33:52has soaked through to his skin,

00:33:53triggering a severe sensory overload.

00:33:55Let me help?

00:33:56I push his shaking hands away

00:33:57and unfasten the buttons myself.

00:33:59I pull the ruined shirt

00:34:00from his shoulders,

00:34:01revealing his bare chest

00:34:02and a long white scar.

00:34:03He kicks the shirt to the floor

00:34:04like it's poison.

00:34:05Are you okay?

00:34:06No.

00:34:07It feels like acid.

00:34:08The powerful CEO

00:34:09who just destroyed my ex

00:34:10is now completely vulnerable

00:34:12and I'm the only one

00:34:13who can help him.

00:34:14I watch Damon

00:34:15in the back of the car.

00:34:16His hand is on his knee,

00:34:17shaking so violently

00:34:18the whole seat trembles.

00:34:19He's completely lost,

00:34:20trapped in a silent scream of panic.

00:34:22Damon?

00:34:22Can you hear me?

00:34:23He doesn't answer.

00:34:24He just stares at nothing,

00:34:25his eyes wide

00:34:26with a terror I can't see.

00:34:27I can't stand it.

00:34:28I unbuckle my belt

00:34:29and slide across the leather seat

00:34:31right into his personal space.

00:34:32Look at me.

00:34:33I force his head up,

00:34:34cupping his face in my hands.

00:34:35His skin is burning with fever.

00:34:37He flinches,

00:34:38but then leans into my cool touch

00:34:39with a shuddering breath.

00:34:40It's too loud.

00:34:41The noise.

00:34:42It's everywhere.

00:34:44Then focus on me.

00:34:45Block it out.

00:34:46Just me.

00:34:46I run my thumbs

00:34:47over his sharp cheekbones,

00:34:48trying to anchor him to reality.

00:34:50But then his phone shrieks

00:34:51from the center console,

00:34:52a violent, piercing sound.

00:34:54He recoils as if struck.

00:34:55Make it stop.

00:34:56Please, make it stop.

00:34:57A protective rage

00:34:58boils inside me.

00:34:59I lunge for the phone

00:35:00to smash the screen.

00:35:01My hand brushes

00:35:02against the bare,

00:35:03heated skin of his chest.

00:35:04In a flash,

00:35:05his strong hands

00:35:05are on my waist.

00:35:06He lets out a sharp,

00:35:07ragged gasp.

00:35:08The touch seems to overload

00:35:09his entire system.

00:35:11He yanks me onto his lap,

00:35:12crushing me against him.

00:35:13He's using me as a human shield

00:35:14against the world.

00:35:15His heart is a war drum

00:35:16against my ribs.

00:35:17He buries his face

00:35:18in my hair,

00:35:19breathing me in.

00:35:20I look down at this broken man,

00:35:21and I make a decision.

00:35:22I lean in and cover his mouth

00:35:24with mine.

00:35:24It's not a kiss of passion.

00:35:26It's a kiss of mercy,

00:35:27a way to shut out the noise.

00:35:28But he groans.

00:35:29A low, guttural sound,

00:35:30and suddenly his hands

00:35:31are in my hair,

00:35:32pulling me closer.

00:35:33The kiss turns desperate,

00:35:34starving.

00:35:35He tastes of coffee

00:35:36and pure desperation.

00:35:37Just as quickly,

00:35:38the car stops.

00:35:39The spell is broken.

00:35:40Go.

00:35:41Before I forget

00:35:42why I shouldn't keep you,

00:35:43Damon shoves me back.

00:35:44He's breathing hard,

00:35:45his pupils blown wide,

00:35:47but the shaking is gone.

00:35:48He fumbles for a spare shirt,

00:35:49pulling it on like armor,

00:35:51hiding the man I just held.

00:35:52The words hit me like ice water.

00:35:53I scramble out of the car and run,

00:35:55my lips still burning from his.

00:35:56My computer pings,

00:35:57and a single notification

00:35:59flashes on the screen.

00:36:00Offer accepted.

00:36:01Funds transferred,

00:36:03$500,000.

00:36:04The trap is set.

00:36:05I lean back in my worn-out chair,

00:36:07a slow, satisfied smile

00:36:08spreading across my face.

00:36:09My rival,

00:36:10the famous singer Serena,

00:36:12just paid half a million dollars

00:36:13for her own career suicide.

00:36:15Right now,

00:36:15she's probably celebrating

00:36:16in her VIP hospital suite,

00:36:18thinking she saved herself.

00:36:19She's been faking a panic attack,

00:36:21a pathetic PR stunt

00:36:22to gain sympathy

00:36:22after her last public failure.

00:36:24Her career is on the line,

00:36:25and she was desperate

00:36:26for a hit song.

00:36:27So I offered her one.

00:36:28Through my anonymous persona, Iris,

00:36:30I sent her agent

00:36:31a rejected track.

00:36:32A song I wrote specifically for her

00:36:34called Fallen Star.

00:36:35How fitting.

00:36:36She has no idea

00:36:37the brilliant songwriter

00:36:37she's buying from

00:36:38is the woman she tried to ruin,

00:36:39and she has no idea

00:36:40the song itself is poison.

00:36:42It's a technical masterpiece,

00:36:43beautiful and haunting,

00:36:45but I wrote it in a key

00:36:46that is a physical impossibility

00:36:47for her damaged voice.

00:36:48The climax of the song

00:36:49requires a sustained high F note.

00:36:51The moment she attempts

00:36:52to record it,

00:36:53her vocal cords will shred.

00:36:54She won't just lose the song,

00:36:55she'll lose her voice.

00:36:56Forever.

00:36:57Sing your heart out, Serena,

00:36:58make it your grand finale.

00:37:00I stand and pour myself

00:37:01a glass of cheap red wine.

00:37:02It tastes better

00:37:03than any champagne.

00:37:04It tastes like justice.

00:37:05But as I'm savoring my victory,

00:37:07my phone buzzes on the counter.

00:37:08An encrypted message

00:37:09from a number

00:37:09I know all too well.

00:37:11It's Damon.

00:37:11The silence is gone.

00:37:13The noise is back.

00:37:13I need you.

00:37:14Now.

00:37:15Damon.

00:37:16The cold CEO

00:37:17who thinks he owns the world.

00:37:18I know he told his bodyguard

00:37:19I was just a necessity.

00:37:20A tool to quiet the chaos

00:37:22in his mind.

00:37:23He has no idea

00:37:24the woman he uses for relief

00:37:25is the same one

00:37:25destroying his brother's fiance.

00:37:27He thinks he's in control,

00:37:28but I can feel

00:37:29the raw panic in his text.

00:37:30He's finally realizing

00:37:31he's not addicted

00:37:32to the silence I bring.

00:37:33He's addicted to me,

00:37:34and it terrifies him.

00:37:36My phone buzzes on the table.

00:37:37I see his name on the screen.

00:37:39Julian.

00:37:39What do you want?

00:37:40A part of me wants to ignore it,

00:37:42but I answer.

00:37:43I glance out my second floor window.

00:37:45His Porsche is parked

00:37:45right outside my building.

00:37:46He had me followed.

00:37:47He expects me to be jealous.

00:37:49He's wrong.

00:37:49I just bought Serena a song.

00:37:51From that Iris songwriter.

00:37:53Half a million dollars.

00:37:54She's going to be

00:37:55a huge star again.

00:37:56You missed your chance, Vesper.

00:37:57His tone softens,

00:37:59dripping with fake pity.

00:38:00Congratulations.

00:38:01I'm sure it will be a smash hit.

00:38:02I'm happier than I ever was with you.

00:38:04Are you happy, Vesper?

00:38:05Living in a dump like this?

00:38:06His assistant.

00:38:07His mistress.

00:38:08While his girlfriend is pregnant,

00:38:10the truth silences him

00:38:11for a moment.

00:38:12Then comes the desperate,

00:38:13insulting offer.

00:38:14Come back to me.

00:38:15I'll set you up in a condo.

00:38:16You can be my...

00:38:17assistant.

00:38:18I can't help it.

00:38:19I burst out laughing,

00:38:20but he's the one

00:38:21who is truly alone.

00:38:22It's better than being alone.

00:38:24You're nothing without me.

00:38:25A new email immediately

00:38:26pops up on my laptop.

00:38:27I'm not alone, Julian.

00:38:28I end the call.

00:38:30It's from the producer,

00:38:31Cole Chen.

00:38:32The subject?

00:38:32Iris.

00:38:33He wants a meeting.

00:38:34I type a quick reply.

00:38:36No meetings.

00:38:37But I will send the final score

00:38:38for the movie.

00:38:39I open a new composition file.

00:38:40The music flows out of me,

00:38:42powerful and destined

00:38:43for an Oscar.

00:38:44This isn't some cheap pop song

00:38:45designed to fail.

00:38:46This is my real masterpiece.

00:38:48Galaxy's Edge.

00:38:48At that exact moment,

00:38:50across town,

00:38:51Serena is in a recording studio

00:38:52and she is screaming.

00:38:54Across town,

00:38:55my rival Serena

00:38:56is in a recording studio.

00:38:57My trap is in motion.

00:38:58She's trying to hit a note

00:38:59she'll never reach.

00:39:00Serena,

00:39:01maybe you should rest.

00:39:02You're straining.

00:39:03No,

00:39:04I will nail this.

00:39:05She takes a deep breath

00:39:06and pushes.

00:39:07She forces the air

00:39:08from her burning throat

00:39:09and then,

00:39:10snap,

00:39:11a tearing sensation

00:39:12deep in her throat.

00:39:13The taste of blood.

00:39:14Her voice is gone.

00:39:15Instantly.

00:39:15The next morning,

00:39:16I read the news on my phone.

00:39:18I feel a small twinge of guilt,

00:39:19but it passes.

00:39:20Pop star Serena Sharp

00:39:21hospitalized with severe

00:39:23vocal hemorrhage.

00:39:23I remember the smirk

00:39:24on her face

00:39:25when she tried to destroy me.

00:39:26My friend Harper calls me.

00:39:27You're dangerous, V.

00:39:28Remind me never to cross you.

00:39:30She did it to herself.

00:39:31I just gave her the rope.

00:39:32My victory is sweet,

00:39:33but it doesn't last long.

00:39:35This is my big break.

00:39:36But there's a catch.

00:39:37An email arrives

00:39:38from the Galaxy Chronicles

00:39:39production team.

00:39:40My song submission,

00:39:41Galaxy's Edge,

00:39:42is a finalist

00:39:43for the main theme.

00:39:44They require

00:39:44a live demonstration,

00:39:46a closed door audition,

00:39:47in front of investors

00:39:48and production staff,

00:39:49in front of the two men

00:39:50I'm hiding from,

00:39:51Julian and Damon.

00:39:51If I go,

00:39:52they discover

00:39:53my secret identity.

00:39:54If I don't,

00:39:55I lose the contract.

00:39:56As my mind races,

00:39:58a loud buzz

00:39:58cuts through the silence.

00:39:59The intercom.

00:40:00Who is it?

00:40:01Delivery.

00:40:02A moment later,

00:40:03a sharp knock echoes

00:40:04from my front door.

00:40:05A knock echoed

00:40:06through my dingy apartment.

00:40:07I opened the door.

00:40:08It wasn't a delivery guy.

00:40:09It was Scott,

00:40:10Damon Sterling's assistant,

00:40:12holding a small velvet box.

00:40:13Mr. Sterling sends his regards.

00:40:15He asked me

00:40:16to deliver this.

00:40:17I took the box.

00:40:17He nodded once

00:40:18and was gone.

00:40:19I locked the door

00:40:20and opened it.

00:40:20Underneath was a handwritten note

00:40:22in sharp angular script.

00:40:23Inside was a brand new,

00:40:25encrypted smartphone

00:40:26and a VIP pass

00:40:27to the Galaxy Chronicles showcase.

00:40:29I have a suspicion.

00:40:30Don't disappoint me.

00:40:31He was challenging me,

00:40:32daring me to step back

00:40:33into the game.

00:40:34As if on cue,

00:40:35the new phone buzzed,

00:40:36rattling on the wooden crate

00:40:37beside me.

00:40:37Challenge accepted.

00:40:39The name on the screen

00:40:39made my blood run cold.

00:40:41Julian Sterling.

00:40:41My ex-husband.

00:40:42For three years,

00:40:44seeing his name

00:40:44triggered instant panic.

00:40:45My body still remembered

00:40:46the fear.

00:40:47My thumb automatically hovered

00:40:48over the green answer button.

00:40:49It was muscle memory,

00:40:51but I wasn't his wife anymore.

00:40:52I was a ghost.

00:40:53I was Iris.

00:40:54I moved my thumb.

00:40:55I pressed the red decline button.

00:40:57I pressed it hard.

00:40:58The buzzing stopped.

00:40:59The room fell silent.

00:41:00It was a tiny act of defiance,

00:41:02but in that moment,

00:41:03it felt like I had just dropped a bomb.

00:41:05Across the city,

00:41:06in a penthouse office,

00:41:07that bomb went off.

00:41:08Julian Sterling let out

00:41:09a roar of pure rage.

00:41:11He threw his phone,

00:41:12smashing it against

00:41:13an imported marble wall.

00:41:14She declined me.

00:41:15She actually declined me.

00:41:16He stood there,

00:41:17chest heaving,

00:41:18as a calm voice

00:41:19cut through the silence.

00:41:20Rough morning?

00:41:21My old phone vibrates on the desk,

00:41:23a persistent,

00:41:24annoying buzz

00:41:24from a life I'm leaving behind.

00:41:26The screen flashes

00:41:27with a name

00:41:27I never want to see again.

00:41:28Julian Sterling.

00:41:29I already know what this is.

00:41:31He wants to apologize.

00:41:32He wants to beg.

00:41:33He wants to use his empty words

00:41:34to lure me back

00:41:35into the gilded cage

00:41:35he built for me.

00:41:36I let it ring one more time,

00:41:38just to make him wait.

00:41:39A final,

00:41:39petty insult.

00:41:40Then,

00:41:41with a cold sense of finality,

00:41:42my finger stabs

00:41:43the red decline icon.

00:41:44The ringing stops.

00:41:45The silence is satisfying,

00:41:47but it's not enough

00:41:48to erase him.

00:41:48I pick up the phone,

00:41:49its plastic case

00:41:50feeling cheap

00:41:51and tainted by his memory.

00:41:52My thumb moves

00:41:53with cold precision

00:41:53as I navigate

00:41:54to my contacts list.

00:41:55I find his entry,

00:41:56the picture of his handsome,

00:41:57smiling face now,

00:41:58just a mask that mocks me.

00:42:00I scroll past the numbers

00:42:01and email addresses,

00:42:02all the digital leashes

00:42:02he used to control me.

00:42:03I go all the way

00:42:04to the bottom of the screen,

00:42:05to the one option

00:42:06that matters.

00:42:07Block this collar.

00:42:08A small window pops up.

00:42:09A final barrier

00:42:10between me and my freedom.

00:42:12You will not receive

00:42:12phone calls,

00:42:13messages,

00:42:13or FaceTime

00:42:14from people on the block list.

00:42:15I've never been more sure

00:42:16of anything in my entire life.

00:42:17My finger presses confirm

00:42:19without a single moment

00:42:19of hesitation.

00:42:20An electric jolt

00:42:21of pure adrenaline

00:42:22shoots through my veins.

00:42:23It's the powerful,

00:42:24physical sensation

00:42:25of a heavy chain

00:42:26finally snapping in two.

00:42:27I am free.

00:42:28He can't reach me anymore.

00:42:29I hold down the power button,

00:42:30watching the screen fade to black

00:42:31for the last time.

00:42:32I open my desk drawer

00:42:33and toss the old device inside,

00:42:35burying it under

00:42:35a stack of papers.

00:42:37It can rot in the darkness,

00:42:38a forgotten relic

00:42:39of a life I've left behind.

00:42:40My hand then reaches

00:42:41for its replacement,

00:42:42the sleek,

00:42:43matte black phone

00:42:43Damon gave me.

00:42:44I press the power button

00:42:45and it hums to life,

00:42:46its screen glowing

00:42:47with a clean,

00:42:48untainted light.

00:42:48This is my weapon now.

00:42:50In that moment of clarity,

00:42:51the music trapped in my head

00:42:52finally breaks loose.

00:42:53It's not a sad song

00:42:54about heartbreak.

00:42:55It's a symphony

00:42:56of pure,

00:42:56unadulterated rage.

00:42:57It's the anthem

00:42:58of a woman ready

00:42:59to burn the whole world down

00:43:00just to see the sky again.

00:43:01I spin to my keyboard

00:43:02and my hands crash down,

00:43:04playing a chaotic,

00:43:04dissonant chord

00:43:05that sounds like glass

00:43:06shattering against marble.

00:43:07I grab my pen

00:43:08and write the words

00:43:09that will set me free.

00:43:10You thought I was the echo,

00:43:11but I am the sound.

00:43:12Julian will see this.

00:43:13He will know

00:43:14his control is broken.

00:43:15You thought I was the anchor,

00:43:16but I'm the ground

00:43:17you can't find.

00:43:18The next morning,

00:43:18I wake up before the alarm.

00:43:20My body aches

00:43:21with a deep,

00:43:21bone-weary exhaustion.

00:43:23I drag myself

00:43:23to the bathroom mirror.

00:43:24Dark circles

00:43:25bruise the skin

00:43:26under my eyes.

00:43:26I look like I've been

00:43:27in a fight.

00:43:28In a way I have,

00:43:29but I splash cold water

00:43:30on my face.

00:43:31Today is the day.

00:43:32I have to record

00:43:33the final master

00:43:33for the Galaxy's Edge showcase.

00:43:35The deadline is noon.

00:43:36I pack my equipment

00:43:37into a battered tote bag.

00:43:38The encrypted phone

00:43:39Damon gave me

00:43:40feels heavy in my pocket.

00:43:41It's a constant reminder

00:43:42of the dangerous alliance

00:43:43I've made.

00:43:44I take the subway

00:43:45to the arts district.

00:43:46The studio Cole Chen booked

00:43:47is a hole-in-the-wall place

00:43:48called the Sound Garden.

00:43:49It smells of stale coffee

00:43:50and burnt electronics,

00:43:51but the equipment inside

00:43:52is top tier.

00:43:54Cole is already there,

00:43:55pacing the control room.

00:43:55He looks like he's running

00:43:56on pure caffeine and panic.

00:43:58Vesper,

00:43:59you're here.

00:43:59The showcase playback

00:44:00is in a few hours.

00:44:01Are you ready?

00:44:02I give him a sharp nod.

00:44:03I was born ready, Cole.

00:44:04I look at the microphone

00:44:05waiting for me.

00:44:06This isn't just a song.

00:44:07It's my declaration of war.

00:44:09I walk into the recording studio

00:44:10and the producer

00:44:11looks like he's seen a ghost.

00:44:12To him, I'm not Vesper.

00:44:14I'm Sarah,

00:44:14a proxy singer hired

00:44:15to do a job.

00:44:16You're here.

00:44:17We have four hours.

00:44:18The investors are breathing

00:44:19down my neck

00:44:19for the final mix.

00:44:20I don't waste time

00:44:21with his panic.

00:44:22I pull out my hard drive.

00:44:23Let's load the session.

00:44:24We work for two hours straight.

00:44:26The track is complex

00:44:27and something is missing.

00:44:28It needs more strings.

00:44:30The bridge is empty.

00:44:31We need a live cello section,

00:44:33but we don't have

00:44:34the budget approved.

00:44:35Cole runs his hands

00:44:36through his hair,

00:44:37his frustration boiling over.

00:44:38He looks at me

00:44:39for an answer I don't have.

00:44:40That's his problem.

00:44:41Call them.

00:44:41Call the money.

00:44:42He hesitates,

00:44:43then nervously pulls out

00:44:44his phone to call

00:44:45the primary investor.

00:44:46I can't hear the other side

00:44:47of the conversation,

00:44:48but I watch the color

00:44:48drain from Cole's face.

00:44:50He hangs up,

00:44:51looking completely stunned.

00:44:52He said to pause the session.

00:44:53He's coming down.

00:44:55Pause the session.

00:44:56We're on a four-hour deadline,

00:44:57but 20 minutes later,

00:44:58the door to the control room

00:44:59flies open.

00:45:00A man storms in,

00:45:01radiating so much power

00:45:02the air itself feels heavy.

00:45:04This must be Damon Sterling.

00:45:05Cole starts to speak,

00:45:06but the man silences him

00:45:07with a single, sharp look.

00:45:08He walks to the leather couch

00:45:09at the back of the dark room.

00:45:11He sits and stares at me

00:45:12through the soundproof glass.

00:45:13I am trapped in the isolation booth,

00:45:15with his intense gaze fixed on me.

00:45:17I ignore him.

00:45:18I put on the oversized headphones,

00:45:19close my eyes,

00:45:20and get lost in the music.

00:45:22Rolling,

00:45:22the haunting melody starts to play.

00:45:24I take a breath,

00:45:25ready to unleash everything.

00:45:27I open my mouth and sing.

00:45:28The sound that comes out

00:45:29is not just a voice.

00:45:29It is a raw,

00:45:30untamed force of nature.

00:45:31I pour every ounce of pain

00:45:33and defiance I have

00:45:34into the microphone.

00:45:34When the last note fades,

00:45:36I finally open my eyes.

00:45:37I look through the glass

00:45:38at Damon Sterling.

00:45:39He is gripping the armrest

00:45:40of the couch,

00:45:40his knuckles bone white.

00:45:42His face is a mask

00:45:43of pure, undisguised shock,

00:45:44as if he's just seen a ghost.

00:45:46I pour my soul

00:45:47into the final note,

00:45:48my voice shaking the glass

00:45:49of the recording booth.

00:45:50I open my eyes,

00:45:51and he's there.

00:45:51Damon Sterling,

00:45:52the billionaire producer,

00:45:54watching me from the shadows.

00:45:55The song ends.

00:45:56The silence is a physical weight.

00:45:58He stands,

00:45:59his eyes dissecting me.

00:46:00The acoustics are muddy.

00:46:01I push open the heavy door,

00:46:03stepping into the lion's den.

00:46:04I lift my chin,

00:46:05meeting his cold gaze.

00:46:06He's not talking about the room.

00:46:08He's talking about me.

00:46:09The budget is the problem.

00:46:11A cruel smirk plays on his lips

00:46:12as he steps toward me.

00:46:13We'll discuss the budget over lunch.

00:46:15It's not a question,

00:46:16it's a threat.

00:46:17Suddenly,

00:46:17a sharp cramp

00:46:18rips through my stomach.

00:46:19I hide a wince.

00:46:20I'm not hungry.

00:46:21His eyes flash with anger.

00:46:22He hates being defied.

00:46:23I didn't ask if you were hungry.

00:46:25He turns to the other men in the room.

00:46:26Wrap it up.

00:46:27We're leaving.

00:46:28I have no choice.

00:46:29I have to follow him.

00:46:30I force myself to stand up

00:46:31from the studio chair.

00:46:32A wave of absolute horror

00:46:33stops me cold.

00:46:34It's not the pain.

00:46:35It's the sudden,

00:46:36undeniable dampness.

00:46:38My blood turns to ice.

00:46:39I'm wearing white jeans.

00:46:40My eyes dart back

00:46:41to the chair I just left.

00:46:42There,

00:46:43on the beige fabric,

00:46:44is a small,

00:46:44dark crimson spot.

00:46:46My body has betrayed me

00:46:47in the most humiliating way possible.

00:46:48In a room full of men,

00:46:50right in front of him,

00:46:51I freeze.

00:46:52Unable to move.

00:46:53Unable to breathe.

00:46:54Trapped in my own personal hell.

00:46:56I stand to leave the meeting,

00:46:57but I freeze.

00:46:58Damon Sterling holds the door,

00:46:59and I see his sharp eyes

00:47:00follow my horrified gaze

00:47:02down to the chair.

00:47:02He sees it.

00:47:03The bright red stain

00:47:04I left behind

00:47:05on the white plastic.

00:47:06My blood runs cold.

00:47:07This is the man

00:47:08who treats the world

00:47:08like a petri dish,

00:47:09and I just contaminated his studio.

00:47:11I brace myself

00:47:12for the wave of disgust

00:47:13I know is coming.

00:47:14But he doesn't even look at me.

00:47:15His gaze locks

00:47:16on the sound engineer,

00:47:17who is just starting

00:47:18to turn around in his chair.

00:47:19In a blur of motion,

00:47:20Damon steps directly

00:47:21in front of me,

00:47:22becoming a solid wall

00:47:23of charcoal gray wool.

00:47:24He completely shields me

00:47:25from the rest of the room.

00:47:26Meeting canceled.

00:47:27Clear the room.

00:47:28What?

00:47:29But we just...

00:47:30Now, before anyone can react,

00:47:32he shrugs off

00:47:32his expensive suit jacket.

00:47:33He steps behind me

00:47:34and, without a single moment

00:47:36of hesitation,

00:47:37wraps it around my waist.

00:47:38He pulls the sleeves tight

00:47:39and ties them in a firm knot,

00:47:40the heavy fabric

00:47:41completely covering

00:47:42the back of my white jeans.

00:47:43Walk.

00:47:44I...

00:47:44I'm so sorry.

00:47:46The chair.

00:47:47Forget the chair.

00:47:48Keep your head up.

00:47:49He places a firm hand

00:47:50on my shoulder,

00:47:51guiding me past everyone

00:47:52and out to his waiting town car.

00:47:53The driver opens the rear door,

00:47:55revealing a pristine,

00:47:56cream-colored leather interior.

00:47:57I can't.

00:47:58I'll ruin the seats.

00:48:00Damon doesn't argue or negotiate.

00:48:01He just lifts me into his arms

00:48:02and places me gently inside.

00:48:04He slams the door,

00:48:05climbs in after me,

00:48:06and hits a button.

00:48:07The black privacy partition slides up,

00:48:09sealing us in our own world.

00:48:10Pharmacy.

00:48:11The nearest one.

00:48:12Now.

00:48:13Alone with him,

00:48:13I finally break,

00:48:14curling into a ball

00:48:15as sobs rack my body.

00:48:17I'm so sorry about your jacket.

00:48:18I didn't know.

00:48:19I hide my face in my hands,

00:48:20waiting for him to finally

00:48:21recoil in disgust.

00:48:22But instead,

00:48:23I feel a warmth

00:48:24spread across my lower back.

00:48:26It's his hand,

00:48:27rubbing slow,

00:48:27firm,

00:48:28grounding circles.

00:48:29Stop apologizing.

00:48:30His voice is quiet and gentle,

00:48:32a tone I have never,

00:48:33ever heard from this cold,

00:48:35ruthless man before.

00:48:36I sit in the leather seat

00:48:37of his luxury car,

00:48:38tears streaming down my face.

00:48:40My white jeans are ruined,

00:48:41and so is his expensive suit jacket.

00:48:43He reaches out and wipes a tear

00:48:44from my cheek with his thumb.

00:48:45It's biology, Vesper.

00:48:46It's not a crime.

00:48:48Damon Sterling,

00:48:48the infamous billionaire germaphobe,

00:48:50doesn't even flinch.

00:48:51The car glides to a stop

00:48:52in front of a CVS.

00:48:53He went to buy pads for me.

00:48:55Stay here.

00:48:55I watch in disbelief

00:48:56as he steps onto the dirty sidewalk

00:48:58and walks into the pharmacy.

00:48:59Five minutes later,

00:49:00he slides back into the car,

00:49:01tossing a plastic bag into my lap.

00:49:03Inside are three different boxes of pads,

00:49:05a bottle of Advil,

00:49:07and a bar of dark chocolate.

00:49:08He just stares out the window,

00:49:09his jaw tight.

00:49:10There's a restroom in the cafe next door.

00:49:12Go.

00:49:12I rush to the cafe,

00:49:14change my clothes,

00:49:14and throw my ruined jeans in the trash.

00:49:16When I return to the car,

00:49:18I hold out his stained jacket.

00:49:19I'll pay for the dry cleaning,

00:49:21or I'll replace it.

00:49:22He takes the jacket

00:49:23without a single glance at the stain.

00:49:24Dispose of this?

00:49:25He simply passes it

00:49:26through the partition to his driver.

00:49:28Sir?

00:49:28It's done.

00:49:29Get rid of it.

00:49:30He turns back to me,

00:49:31his eyes intense.

00:49:32Money is vulgar between partners.

00:49:34We aren't partners.

00:49:35He leans in close,

00:49:36invading my personal space.

00:49:37I said I would pay you back.

00:49:39Aren't we?

00:49:39You owe me.

00:49:40That jacket was worth $5,000.

00:49:42I don't want your money.

00:49:44I want a favor.

00:49:45My heart hammers against my ribs

00:49:46as he opens his mouth to speak,

00:49:48but a sudden chime from the console

00:49:49cuts him off.

00:49:50His phone screen lights up

00:49:51with a new text message,

00:49:52and it's facing directly at me.

00:49:54A text flashes on Damon's phone

00:49:55from my boss, Cole Chen.

00:49:57My secret is safe,

00:49:58but my heart is pounding.

00:49:59He's demanding to know

00:50:00where his kidnapped talent Sarah is.

00:50:02Not knowing that Sarah is me,

00:50:03Damon sees me read it

00:50:04and snatches the phone away.

00:50:05Then he leans in close,

00:50:07his breath hot on my neck.

00:50:08His face turns to stone

00:50:09before he deletes the entire conversation

00:50:11without a word.

00:50:12The favor?

00:50:12I'll collect it when I need it.

00:50:14And when I do,

00:50:14you won't say no.

00:50:15The car pulls up

00:50:16to my apartment building

00:50:17moments later.

00:50:17The window rolls down

00:50:18and Damon holds the bag out to me.

00:50:20Get out!

00:50:21My head's spinning.

00:50:22I scramble out of the car,

00:50:23leaving my tote bag behind

00:50:24in my haste.

00:50:25As our fingers brush,

00:50:26a sharp, audible crackle

00:50:27of static electricity

00:50:28sparks between us.

00:50:29I gasp and yank my hand back

00:50:31as if I've been burned.

00:50:31But Damon doesn't even flinch.

00:50:33He just holds my gaze,

00:50:34his dark eyes

00:50:35completely unreadable.

00:50:36Go inside, Vesper!

00:50:37I grab the bag

00:50:38and run for the safety

00:50:38of my building

00:50:39without looking back.

00:50:40Later, I'm trying to work,

00:50:41but I can't stop thinking

00:50:42about that strange spark.

00:50:43Suddenly,

00:50:44my new encrypted phone rings,

00:50:45shattering the silence.

00:50:47Vesper, I messed up.

00:50:48God, I really, really messed up.

00:50:50I see it's an unknown number,

00:50:52but a feeling of dread

00:50:53makes me answer.

00:50:53Hello?

00:50:54It's my brother, Julian,

00:50:55and his voice is choked

00:50:56with pure terror.

00:50:57What did you do, Julian?

00:50:59My heart stops cold in my chest.

00:51:01Not that.

00:51:01Anything but that.

00:51:02The storage unit.

00:51:04The one in Queens.

00:51:05With all of mom and dad's things,

00:51:06the photo albums,

00:51:07your mother's jewelry,

00:51:09your father's journals.

00:51:10Vesper, it's all gone.

00:51:12My phone rings,

00:51:13and my blood runs cold

00:51:14when I hear the panicked voice

00:51:14of my ex-husband, Julian.

00:51:16Vesper, the storage unit.

00:51:17The one with all

00:51:18your parents' things.

00:51:19It's all being auctioned off.

00:51:21The auction is in an hour.

00:51:22My heart stops beating.

00:51:23That unit holds

00:51:24every physical memory

00:51:25I have left of my family,

00:51:26my mother's wedding dress,

00:51:28my father's handwritten notes.

00:51:29I miss the payments.

00:51:30I need you here,

00:51:31in person,

00:51:32to sign the release form.

00:51:33It's the only way.

00:51:34He claims he has the cash

00:51:35to pay the balance,

00:51:36but he needs my signature

00:51:37as next of kin

00:51:37to halt the sale.

00:51:38I'm outside your building

00:51:39right now.

00:51:40I sent a car.

00:51:41Please, Vesper,

00:51:41we have to go

00:51:42or it's all gone forever.

00:51:43I look out my window

00:51:44and see a sleek black limo

00:51:45idling at the curb.

00:51:46My mind screams

00:51:47that this could be a trap,

00:51:48but the thought of strangers

00:51:49pawing through my parents'

00:51:50most precious belongings

00:51:51is a violation

00:51:52I cannot allow.

00:51:53I'm coming down.

00:51:54I run downstairs

00:51:55and burst onto the sidewalk.

00:51:57Julian is waiting

00:51:57by the open limo door,

00:51:59looking disheveled.

00:51:59Thank God!

00:52:00Get in.

00:52:01We have to hurry.

00:52:02I take a step toward the car,

00:52:03but then I freeze.

00:52:04A cold gut feeling

00:52:05tells me something

00:52:06is deeply wrong.

00:52:07I realize he isn't

00:52:08holding any paperwork

00:52:09and his eyes are darting

00:52:10around the street nervously

00:52:11like he's looking for witnesses.

00:52:12Where are the forms, Julian?

00:52:13The desperate panic

00:52:14on his face

00:52:15vanishes in an instant,

00:52:16replaced by a flash

00:52:17of raw, ugly frustration.

00:52:18They're in the car!

00:52:19There's no time for this!

00:52:20Just get in!

00:52:21He lunges

00:52:22and grabs my wrist,

00:52:23his grip tight

00:52:24and demanding,

00:52:24but I rip my arm

00:52:25away from him.

00:52:26You lied to me.

00:52:27There is no auction,

00:52:28is there?

00:52:28I had to see you!

00:52:29You blocked me!

00:52:30We are going to talk

00:52:31about the separation agreement.

00:52:32He lunges for me again,

00:52:33his act completely dropped

00:52:35as he tries to drag me

00:52:36toward the car.

00:52:36Suddenly,

00:52:37the deafening screech

00:52:38of tires rips through the air,

00:52:39stopping him cold.

00:52:40A massive black SUV

00:52:42slams to a halt,

00:52:43perfectly cutting off

00:52:43the limo's only escape route.

00:52:45The driver's door flies open

00:52:46and Damon Sterling

00:52:47steps out onto the pavement,

00:52:48looking like a thundercloud.

00:52:49Let.

00:52:50Her.

00:52:51Go.

00:52:51Julian stumbles back

00:52:52against his limo,

00:52:53as if he's been physically struck

00:52:54by the force of Damon's voice.

00:52:56Damon!

00:52:56I was just,

00:52:57we were just discussing

00:52:58family matters!

00:52:59But Damon just holds up

00:53:00his phone.

00:53:01A cold,

00:53:01knowing look in his eyes.

00:53:02He tapped the call

00:53:03and heard everything.

00:53:04Still using her parents' memory

00:53:06as a bargaining chip,

00:53:06Julian?

00:53:07Pathetic.

00:53:08If you ever use her family

00:53:09as a pawn again,

00:53:10I will freeze your trust fund

00:53:11so fast your credit cards

00:53:12will melt.

00:53:13Do you understand?

00:53:14Julian's face turns

00:53:14a sickly, pale white.

00:53:16Damon didn't just threaten him,

00:53:17he threatened the only thing

00:53:18Julian has ever truly cared about.

00:53:20His money.

00:53:21Julian's limo peels away,

00:53:23leaving me on the sidewalk

00:53:23with Damon.

00:53:24My adrenaline crashes,

00:53:25turning to white-hot rage.

00:53:27I whirl at him.

00:53:28You were listening?

00:53:29You tapped my phone?

00:53:30You're all the same.

00:53:32Liars.

00:53:32Manipulators.

00:53:33I ensured your safety.

00:53:34I shove his chest

00:53:35with all my strength.

00:53:36He doesn't budge.

00:53:37Instead,

00:53:38he grabs my wrists.

00:53:39He pulls me in,

00:53:40pinning me against

00:53:41the cold metal of his SUV.

00:53:42I am nothing like him.

00:53:43His eyes are blazing,

00:53:45just inches from mine.

00:53:46Prove it.

00:53:47His gaze drops to my lips.

00:53:48The argument,

00:53:49the fear,

00:53:50the adrenaline.

00:53:51It all ignites in an instant.

00:53:52He crashes his mouth

00:53:53onto mine.

00:53:54It's not a gentle kiss.

00:53:55It's a collision.

00:53:56An angry,

00:53:57desperate claim.

00:53:58I grab his shirt,

00:53:59pulling him closer,

00:54:00pouring all my rage

00:54:01and confusion into him.

00:54:02I freeze for a heartbeat,

00:54:03then I kiss him back

00:54:04with equal fury.

00:54:05He yanks open

00:54:06the passenger door.

00:54:07He looks at me,

00:54:08his pupils wide with shock

00:54:09at his own loss of control.

00:54:10Get in.

00:54:11We break apart,

00:54:12chests heaving,

00:54:13the world spinning around us.

00:54:14Where are we going?

00:54:15Away from him.

00:54:16He takes me to a secure hotel,

00:54:18leaves two guards at my door,

00:54:19and disappears.

00:54:20But he doesn't take me

00:54:21into his penthouse

00:54:21to claim his prize.

00:54:22The next morning,

00:54:23the game has completely changed.

00:54:25In his office,

00:54:26Damon's second-in-command

00:54:26presents a marketing plan

00:54:27for the singer,

00:54:28Serena Sharp.

00:54:29The promotional tour budget

00:54:30is five million.

00:54:31Double it.

00:54:32Damon Sterling,

00:54:33the man orchestrating

00:54:34my rival's career,

00:54:35gives an insane order

00:54:36to his assistant,

00:54:37Scott.

00:54:37Sir?

00:54:38Serena is.

00:54:39Her voice is damaged.

00:54:40We don't even know

00:54:41if she can perform.

00:54:42Damon just leans back

00:54:43in his chair,

00:54:43a cold smile on his face.

00:54:45Scott finally understands

00:54:46the terrifying plan.

00:54:47Double it.

00:54:48Put her face on every billboard

00:54:49in Times Square.

00:54:50On every bus in Los Angeles,

00:54:51I want her to be unavoidable.

00:54:53The Icarus strategy.

00:54:54Fly her so high,

00:54:55the sun melts the wax.

00:54:56Exactly.

00:54:57When she falls,

00:54:58I want the whole world

00:54:59to hear the impact.

00:55:00An hour later,

00:55:01Serena posts a photo

00:55:02on Instagram, gloating.

00:55:03She stands in front

00:55:04of a giant billboard

00:55:05of her own face,

00:55:06thanking Damon

00:55:06for believing in her.

00:55:07Julian,

00:55:08her boyfriend

00:55:08and Damon's brother,

00:55:09sees the post

00:55:10and the staggering invoice.

00:55:11He immediately calls Damon,

00:55:12his voice shaking with fury.

00:55:14Are you insane?

00:55:14The trust can't cover this.

00:55:16It's necessary

00:55:17for the family image,

00:55:18unless you want to admit

00:55:19your girlfriend is a fraud.

00:55:20She is a star.

00:55:21Then pay the bill.

00:55:22Damon hangs up,

00:55:23leaving Julian

00:55:24to deal with the consequences.

00:55:25Then, I see it.

00:55:27While walking down the street,

00:55:28a bus passes by.

00:55:29Serena's face sneers down at me

00:55:31from a massive ad.

00:55:32My heart sinks.

00:55:33How can I compete

00:55:34with that kind of money?

00:55:35That kind of power?

00:55:35I collapse onto a bench,

00:55:37my hope completely gone.

00:55:38I text my friend Cole.

00:55:39I can't do it.

00:55:40She has the whole world

00:55:41behind her.

00:55:42But the phone that buzzes

00:55:43in my hand

00:55:43isn't a reply from Cole.

00:55:44It's a message

00:55:45from an unknown number.

00:55:46It's from Damon.

00:55:48Don't look up.

00:55:48Look forward.

00:55:49That night,

00:55:50I watched the live stream

00:55:51of a pre-showcase gala

00:55:52on my laptop.

00:55:53Serena arrives on Damon's arm,

00:55:54wearing a tight dress

00:55:55and a fake smile

00:55:56for the cameras.

00:55:57She grabs a glass of champagne,

00:55:58takes a sip,

00:55:59then tries to hand

00:56:00the half-empty glass to Damon.

00:56:01Here, hold this.

00:56:02But Damon doesn't take it.

00:56:03He signals a waiter

00:56:04as if she's handing him trash.

00:56:05Remove this.

00:56:06Then, in front of everyone,

00:56:08he pulls out a sanitizer wipe

00:56:09and cleans his hands.

00:56:10A reporter shoves a microphone

00:56:11in Serena's face

00:56:12and she lies through her teeth.

00:56:14Me and Julian worked so hard.

00:56:15It's the most unique thing

00:56:16I ever wrote.

00:56:17But before she can say more,

00:56:18Damon steps forward

00:56:19and leans into the mic.

00:56:20I walk into a high-end boutique

00:56:22on Rodeo Drive,

00:56:23ready to spend the last

00:56:23of my savings.

00:56:25The showcase is in two days.

00:56:26I need armor.

00:56:27My eyes land on a silver gown.

00:56:29It looks like liquid starlight.

00:56:30It's perfect.

00:56:31But as I reach for the fabric,

00:56:32a voice screeches

00:56:33from the entrance.

00:56:34I'll take it.

00:56:35She marches in,

00:56:36her boyfriend Julian

00:56:37trailing behind her

00:56:38like a lost puppy.

00:56:39It's Serena Sharp,

00:56:40my biggest rival.

00:56:41She sees me holding the dress

00:56:42and her eyes narrow into slits.

00:56:44Put it down, Vesper.

00:56:45That's way out of your league.

00:56:46I hold it tighter.

00:56:47I found it first.

00:56:48She scoffs and turns

00:56:49to the salesgirl.

00:56:50I'm performing

00:56:51at the Sterling Showcase.

00:56:52I want to try it on.

00:56:53When the salesgirl hesitates,

00:56:55Serena plays her only card.

00:56:56I'll pay double.

00:56:57I look down at the dress.

00:56:58Then I look at Serena.

00:56:59I see the raw desperation

00:57:00in her eyes.

00:57:01This isn't about the dress.

00:57:03It's about humiliating me.

00:57:04A slow, dangerous smile

00:57:06spreads across my face.

00:57:07Double?

00:57:07The tag says 5,000.

00:57:09So you're offering 10?

00:57:10I don't even blink.

00:57:1210,000.

00:57:1315.

00:57:1420.

00:57:14Julian grabs her arm,

00:57:15trying to stop her.

00:57:16Serena, stop.

00:57:17We can't afford...

00:57:18Shut up, Julian.

00:57:1925.

00:57:20The entire store falls silent.

00:57:22I've laid the trap.

00:57:23I pretend to consider it,

00:57:24running my hand

00:57:25over the beautiful fabric

00:57:26one last time.

00:57:2730,000.

00:57:28Now she has to choose.

00:57:29Go broke for a dress

00:57:30she doesn't even want.

00:57:31Or suffer a humiliating defeat

00:57:33in front of everyone.

00:57:3440.

00:57:35$40,000.

00:57:36Right now.

00:57:37The entire boutique falls silent.

00:57:38I just smile and drop the sleeve.

00:57:40Serena wants the silver dress

00:57:41I'm holding

00:57:42just to humiliate me.

00:57:43Sold.

00:57:44It's all yours.

00:57:45Her face freezes.

00:57:46She knows she's been played.

00:57:47But her ego won't let her back down.

00:57:49Ring it up.

00:57:50She turns to my ex,

00:57:51Julian.

00:57:52Card.

00:57:52He looks like he's about to be sick

00:57:53as he pulls out his black Amex.

00:57:55The sales girl swipes it.

00:57:56Declined.

00:57:57Try it again.

00:57:58The machine beeps again

00:57:59with the same result.

00:58:00I'm sorry sir.

00:58:01The account has been frozen.

00:58:02Julian's face turns a deep shade of purple.

00:58:04Impossible.

00:58:05It's a black card.

00:58:06It has no limit.

00:58:07As they scream at each other

00:58:08I find my own armor.

00:58:10A sleek black jumpsuit

00:58:11in the back of the store.

00:58:12It costs $200.

00:58:13I pay in cash.

00:58:14Walking out

00:58:15I hear a beautiful sound.

00:58:16The sound of a $40,000 dress

00:58:18ripping at the seams.

00:58:20I don't even look back.

00:58:21Now

00:58:21the night of the showcase has arrived.

00:58:23I can see them in the front row

00:58:25of the massive concert hall.

00:58:26Julian

00:58:26sweating

00:58:27his bank accounts wiped clean.

00:58:29And Damon

00:58:29the industry shark

00:58:30who holds my future in his hands.

00:58:32A giant screen shows the odds.

00:58:34Serena has 80% positive sentiment

00:58:35while I, Iris

00:58:36have 2% awareness.

00:58:38They think this is already over.

00:58:39I'm just getting started.

00:58:41I stand in the darkness

00:58:42behind the main stage.

00:58:43The roar of the crowd

00:58:45is a physical force

00:58:45against my body.

00:58:46My hands are shaking

00:58:47but my heart

00:58:48is a cold, hard stone.

00:58:49My phone buzzes in my pocket.

00:58:51A single text message.

00:58:53Show them who Iris is.

00:58:54Damon's words

00:58:54are the only permission I need.

00:58:56He just injected

00:58:57$10 million into my name

00:58:58a name nobody here even knows.

00:59:00Out front

00:59:00they're all waiting

00:59:01for their star

00:59:02Serena Sharp.

00:59:03Ladies and gentlemen

00:59:04Serena Sharp.

00:59:05They don't know

00:59:06her voice is gone

00:59:06destroyed by her own lifestyle.

00:59:08They don't know

00:59:09her entire career

00:59:09is now a lie.

00:59:10And they certainly

00:59:11don't know that I'm the one

00:59:12who sent her the backing track

00:59:13she's about to use.

00:59:14The cheers are deafening.

00:59:15I watch through a crack

00:59:16in the curtain

00:59:16as she steps into the spotlight.

00:59:18She looks terrified

00:59:19her smile plastered

00:59:20on her face.

00:59:21She knows one wrong move

00:59:22one skipped beat

00:59:23and she's finished.

00:59:23The music starts.

00:59:25Fallen Star

00:59:25My Song

00:59:26She lifts the microphone

00:59:27her lips moving

00:59:28perfectly in time.

00:59:29A voice booms

00:59:30through the speakers.

00:59:31The audience is mesmerized.

00:59:32They're eating it up.

00:59:33It's flawless.

00:59:34Clear, powerful

00:59:35and soulful.

00:59:36It's a perfect deep fake

00:59:37of the talent

00:59:38she lost long ago.

00:59:39In the front row

00:59:40Julian

00:59:40the man who betrayed me

00:59:42looks on with pride.

00:59:43They're falling for the most

00:59:44beautiful lie

00:59:45they've ever heard.

00:59:46He has no idea

00:59:46he's watching his own downfall.

00:59:48Serena thinks this song

00:59:49is her salvation

00:59:49and I'm just waiting

00:59:51for the right moment

00:59:51to open the gates.

00:59:52She's wrong.

00:59:53It's a Trojan whore.

00:59:54Her perfect performance

00:59:55is about to become

00:59:56her public execution.

00:59:57On stage

00:59:58the star Serena Sharp

00:59:59was selling her performance

01:00:00perfectly

01:00:00until she spun

01:00:01and her heel

01:00:02caught on the floor.

01:00:03She stumbled

01:00:03dropping the microphone

01:00:04to her waist

01:00:05but the voice kept singing

01:00:06the illusion shattered.

01:00:07She's lip-syncing.

01:00:09It's a fake.

01:00:10The murmurs turned

01:00:10into a roar of booze.

01:00:12Serena fled the stage

01:00:13humiliated.

01:00:14Then

01:00:14the MC called out

01:00:15my challenge.

01:00:16And now

01:00:17the challenger

01:00:18I walked into

01:00:19the single spotlight.

01:00:20I didn't dance.

01:00:21I didn't wave.

01:00:22I walked to the microphone

01:00:23and looked into the darkness.

01:00:24I nodded to the band.

01:00:26A single piano chord

01:00:27struck the air.

01:00:28Then

01:00:28I sang.

01:00:29You thought I was the echo.

01:00:30A collective gasp

01:00:31swept the room.

01:00:32This was a real voice.

01:00:33My voice.

01:00:34The voice of Iris.

01:00:35Across the room

01:00:36Julian's head snapped up

01:00:38his jaws slack with shock.

01:00:39Vesper?

01:00:40In the wings

01:00:41the producer

01:00:41Cole Chen stared

01:00:42frozen.

01:00:43He knew me as Sarah

01:00:44his quiet assistant.

01:00:45Sarah?

01:00:46She's

01:00:46Vesper?

01:00:47But I wasn't done.

01:00:49As I hit the crescendo

01:00:50the screen behind me

01:00:51flashed to life.

01:00:52It displayed a digital

01:00:52fingerprint of Serena's

01:00:53fake track.

01:00:54And at the bottom

01:00:55it showed the MAC address

01:00:56of the machine that created it.

01:00:57I reached down

01:00:58picked up my laptop

01:00:59and held it high

01:00:59for everyone to see.

01:01:01The camera zoomed in tight

01:01:02on the serial number plate.

01:01:03The MAC address

01:01:03etched into the metal

01:01:04was an exact match.

01:01:06The MAC address

01:01:07flashes on the giant

01:01:08screen behind me.

01:01:08A long string of numbers

01:01:09and letters that seals her fate.

01:01:11It is a perfect

01:01:12undeniable match

01:01:13to the machine

01:01:13that created all the hit songs.

01:01:15The audience erupts

01:01:16in a wave of shock

01:01:17and noise

01:01:17as they finally understand

01:01:19the massive deception.

01:01:20I have just proven

01:01:21to the entire world

01:01:21that the superstar

01:01:22Serena Sharp

01:01:23is a complete

01:01:24and total fraud.

01:01:25I am the real genius.

01:01:26The ghostwriter

01:01:27who secretly penned

01:01:28every single one

01:01:28of her chart-topping hits.

01:01:30The final haunting note

01:01:31of my performance

01:01:31hangs in the air

01:01:32followed by a moment

01:01:33of dead, stunned silence.

01:01:35Then a single,

01:01:36slow, rhythmic clap

01:01:37echoes through

01:01:38the massive concert hall,

01:01:39breaking the spell.

01:01:40My eyes find him immediately.

01:01:41It's Damon Sterling

01:01:42rising from his exclusive seat

01:01:44in the front row.

01:01:45He isn't smiling.

01:01:45He just looks at me

01:01:46with a burning,

01:01:47intense pride

01:01:48that feels hotter

01:01:49than the spotlights.

01:01:49His applause is the signal

01:01:51and soon the entire room

01:01:52is on its feet,

01:01:53giving me a thundering

01:01:54standing ovation.

01:01:55The roar of the crowd

01:01:56is deafening,

01:01:57the adrenaline is overwhelming

01:01:58and I feel like

01:01:59I can't breathe.

01:01:59I manage a quick,

01:02:00shaky bow before I turn

01:02:01and run off the stage,

01:02:03desperate for an escape

01:02:03from the intensity.

01:02:04But Damon is already there,

01:02:05a solid presence

01:02:06waiting for me

01:02:07in the dim light

01:02:08of the backstage hallway.

01:02:09He says absolutely nothing,

01:02:10just grabs my hand

01:02:11and yanks me forcefully

01:02:12into a nearby

01:02:13dark supply closet.

01:02:14The heavy door

01:02:14clicks shut behind us,

01:02:16plunging us into a world

01:02:17of complete and utter darkness.

01:02:18You did it.

01:02:19His voice is a low,

01:02:20satisfied growl

01:02:21right next to my ear

01:02:22before he pulls me

01:02:22hard against his chest.

01:02:23His lips crash down on mine

01:02:25in a fierce,

01:02:25possessive kiss of victory

01:02:26that tastes like sweat

01:02:27and pure triumph.

01:02:28My real name,

01:02:29the one I was born with.

01:02:31It's Iris.

01:02:32I know,

01:02:32and you are mine now,

01:02:34completely.

01:02:35We stumble out of the closet

01:02:36a minute later,

01:02:36breathless and with our clothes

01:02:38completely disheveled.

01:02:39We need to leave right now.

01:02:40The press will be swarming

01:02:41the front entrance

01:02:42like vultures.

01:02:42We push through

01:02:43the heavy metal doors

01:02:44and slip into the dark,

01:02:45grimy alleyway

01:02:46behind the concert hall.

01:02:47But we only manage

01:02:48to take two steps

01:02:49before three large,

01:02:50menacing shadows

01:02:51detach themselves

01:02:51from the brick wall.

01:02:52They are big men

01:02:53dressed in generic

01:02:54security uniforms,

01:02:55but their faces are as hard

01:02:56and unforgiving as stone.

01:02:57One of them casually

01:02:58holds a heavy baton.

01:03:00Another pulls out

01:03:00a long knife

01:03:01that glints dangerously

01:03:02in the dim light.

01:03:03Mr. Julian says,

01:03:04nobody is allowed

01:03:05to leave the premises tonight.

01:03:06My blood runs cold

01:03:07and my heart stops beating

01:03:08at the mention of that name,

01:03:09Julian,

01:03:10my monster of a husband.

01:03:11He wants to have

01:03:12a private word with his wife

01:03:13before she gets any ideas

01:03:14about talking to the press.

01:03:16She's not his wife.

01:03:17And she's not staying.

01:03:18Three men advance on us

01:03:19in the dark alley.

01:03:20We have orders.

01:03:21Before I can react,

01:03:22Damon shoves me hard

01:03:23against the brick wall.

01:03:24Stay back.

01:03:25He rips off his tie,

01:03:26wrapping it tightly

01:03:27around his fist.

01:03:28A man swings a baton,

01:03:29a brutal arc

01:03:30aimed at Damon's head.

01:03:31But Damon moves

01:03:31with terrifying speed.

01:03:33He ducks under the swing

01:03:34and drives his fist

01:03:35into the man's throat.

01:03:36A sickening crunch echoes

01:03:37as the man collapses,

01:03:38choking.

01:03:39The second thug slashes

01:03:40forward with a knife.

01:03:41Damon blocks the blade

01:03:42with his arm,

01:03:43his expensive suit jacket

01:03:44tearing open.

01:03:45He pivots and kicks

01:03:46the man's knee backward.

01:03:47The snap of breaking bone

01:03:48is loud and wet.

01:03:49The third man hesitates,

01:03:50then his eyes lock onto me.

01:03:51He lunges.

01:03:53It's primal,

01:03:53terrifying to watch.

01:03:55No!

01:03:55Damon tackles him

01:03:56to the pavement,

01:03:57raining down brutal punches

01:03:58on his face.

01:03:59Damon, stop!

01:03:59He's unconscious!

01:04:00I have to grab his shoulder

01:04:01and physically pull him

01:04:02off the man's body.

01:04:03Damon stumbles to his feet,

01:04:05panting,

01:04:05his knuckles split and bloody.

01:04:07He stares at his hands,

01:04:08covered in their blood.

01:04:09I wait for him to freeze,

01:04:10for the sensory overload to hit.

01:04:12But he doesn't.

01:04:13He turns and grabs my face

01:04:14with his bloody hands,

01:04:15smearing crimson across my cheek.

01:04:17Are you hurt?

01:04:18Did they touch you?

01:04:19I don't care.

01:04:19I'm fine.

01:04:20Damon, your hands.

01:04:21A car screeches to a halt beside us,

01:04:23and we dive in

01:04:24just as police sirens fill the air.

01:04:26In the safety of the car,

01:04:27I watch Damon slump back

01:04:28against the seat.

01:04:29His hands are covered in filth

01:04:30and blood from the fight.

01:04:32He peels off his ruined jacket

01:04:33and hands it to his driver.

01:04:34Scott, burn it.

01:04:36Yes, sir.

01:04:36My own hands are trembling,

01:04:38but I reach into my bag

01:04:39and pull out a packet of wet wipes.

01:04:40I take his hand.

01:04:41Gently, I begin to clean

01:04:42the violence off his skin,

01:04:44finger by finger.

01:04:45It's okay, I've got you.

01:04:46He just watches me,

01:04:47his eyes fixed on my face.

01:04:48In that moment,

01:04:49I feel a powerful connection.

01:04:51I feel safe.

01:04:52I believe this man would burn down

01:04:53the entire city just to protect me.

01:04:55But an hour later,

01:04:56we stand in his office

01:04:57at the top of the world,

01:04:58and that man is gone.

01:04:59Damon stares at a tablet,

01:05:00his face cold and unreadable.

01:05:02Watch.

01:05:02I step closer and look at the screen.

01:05:05Sterling Media stock.

01:05:06Down 8.4%.

01:05:07The number is flashing bright red.

01:05:09His assistant, Scott,

01:05:10enters the room.

01:05:11The lip sync scandal

01:05:12is trending number one worldwide, sir.

01:05:14The board is panicking.

01:05:15A predatory smile touches Damon's lips.

01:05:17It's the smile of a wolf.

01:05:19Execute the short cell orders.

01:05:20Now, a chill runs down my spine.

01:05:23I don't understand.

01:05:24What are you doing?

01:05:25He finally turns to look at me.

01:05:26The city lights framing him like a demon.

01:05:28This is the art of the short cell Vesper.

01:05:30I knew Serena would fail.

01:05:31I knew her father would send thugs.

01:05:33So I bet against his company.

01:05:35The pieces click into place.

01:05:36And my blood runs cold.

01:05:37Every dollar their stock drops,

01:05:39I make two.

01:05:39I stare at him in horror.

01:05:41The showcase.

01:05:42The fight.

01:05:42My song.

01:05:43You.

01:05:44You planned all of this?

01:05:45I leveraged an asset.

01:05:46Your talent was the catalyst.

01:05:48I just did the math.

01:05:49The warmth I felt in the car vanishes,

01:05:51replaced by a terrifying cold.

01:05:52I wasn't his partner.

01:05:54I was his weapon.

01:05:55My father's ruined face flashes in my mind,

01:05:57whispering about market manipulation.

01:05:59Is that all my music is to you?

01:06:00A lever to pull?

01:06:01He stops.

01:06:02For a single, fleeting second,

01:06:03I see a crack in his mask.

01:06:05I see a flicker of pain,

01:06:06of exhaustion,

01:06:07of something human.

01:06:08But just as quickly,

01:06:09it's gone.

01:06:10And the monster is back in control.

His Twisted Game, My Dangerous Love - FULL EP (ENGSUB)

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