- 1 day ago
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00I'm coming home. I'm ready to take my place at the head of the table.
00:04Her parents' joy turned to concern.
00:06What about Julian? You still haven't told him who you really are, have you?
00:10No, I'm ending it. Give me one week.
00:13She hung up and walked into the private lounge.
00:16Julian sat with his legal elite friends.
00:18She sat beside him as if nothing was wrong.
00:21Then a man suddenly spoke in French.
00:23Julian, when are you and Peyton Snyder you married?
00:27Julian answered smoothly.
00:29In two weeks, laughter erupted.
00:32And Alyssa, then?
00:33The marriage is just a fusion.
00:36The only one who holds me to heart is Alyssa.
00:39More laughs.
00:40She doesn't understand French, no?
00:42Her family is broken.
00:43In any case, she knows.
00:45Alyssa heard every word.
00:47Her grip tightened on her glass.
00:49She was the only daughter of the world's wealthiest family.
00:53For five years, Julian had hidden her.
00:55And three days ago, she'd found the wedding invitation.
00:58Him and Peyton.
00:59Now she smiled coldly.
01:01Let him have his merger.
01:02She would go claim her empire.
01:05Their paths would never cross again.
01:08Miss Harrison.
01:09Mr. Bennett called out.
01:10Mr. Bennett, a senior equity partner at a rival firm who had spent years trying to secure a retainer with
01:16her father's conglomerate.
01:17Before Alyssa could respond, Connor laughed.
01:20Her?
01:20Her whole outfit cost less than a paralegal's lunch.
01:23A wealthy heiress?
01:25Funniest thing I've heard all year.
01:26The group erupted.
01:28Julian shot Connor a cold warning look.
01:31Silence fell.
01:32Mr. Bennett backed off.
01:33Back at the penthouse, Julian said,
01:35I'm not taking you to those gatherings anymore.
01:38Do you think I embarrassed you?
01:39Alyssa asked.
01:40He reached to ruffle her hair.
01:42She stepped aside.
01:43His hand froze.
01:44There's always this gap, she said.
01:46Haven't they pushed you into a strategic marriage?
01:49His expression flickered.
01:50Then he smiled.
01:51I love you.
01:52I'll handle everything.
01:53He went to shower.
01:54His phone buzzed.
01:55Alyssa read the message from Peyton Snyder.
01:58If you don't stay over tonight, won't the board suspect?
02:01Can you give me some dignity?
02:02She put the phone down.
02:04Julian came out, checked it, and said,
02:06Crisis at the office.
02:07I won't be back tonight.
02:09He left.
02:09Her phone buzzed.
02:10Peyton.
02:11Once we're married, what will you be?
02:13A dirty little secret?
02:14Alyssa didn't reply.
02:16The next morning, she quit her job.
02:18At lunch, a co-worker joked,
02:20People quit and go home to inherit billions.
02:22Don't tell me you're doing the same.
02:24Alyssa nodded.
02:25Yeah, I'm going home to inherit the family business.
02:27They laughed.
02:29She smiled and didn't explain.
02:30When Julian saw her box of belongings, he frowned.
02:34You quit?
02:34Why?
02:35She turned, a small smile on her lips.
02:38Because I found a job I want even more.
02:41Julian said,
02:42If the grind is too much, stay home.
02:45I can take care of you.
02:46Alyssa shook her head.
02:47I'm not anyone's trophy.
02:49She suggested cleaning out the house.
02:51He agreed.
02:51But as she tossed item after item, matching mugs, vacation souvenirs, even the slippers, his smile faded.
02:58Alyssa, did you find out something?
03:01Is there something you're hiding from me?
03:03She asked calmly.
03:04He looked away.
03:05No matter what happens, just remember, I love you.
03:08She didn't respond.
03:09Later, at an auction house, a woman in Chanel approached.
03:13Julian's face flickered.
03:14This is Peyton Snyder.
03:16He said.
03:16And this is my girlfriend, Alyssa.
03:18Peyton smiled.
03:19The same group of associates who'd mocked Alyssa before walked over.
03:23In her blind spot, they winked at Julian.
03:25Inside, Peyton sat next to Julian.
03:27They talked intimately about antiques.
03:30Alyssa cleared her throat.
03:31Julian jolted back, draping his jacket over her shoulders.
03:34Cold?
03:35See anything you like?
03:36I'll pay.
03:37Behind them, whispers.
03:38Bet she doesn't even know how to raise a paddle.
03:41First time in a room where money actually talks.
03:43Alyssa heard every word.
03:45Her hand stayed still.
03:47She said nothing, but she was counting the days until she disappeared from his life forever.
03:53Alyssa didn't react to the whispers.
03:55It didn't matter.
03:56Then a jade carving appeared on stage.
03:58Peyton's eyes lit up.
04:00Julian, this would be perfect for your grandmother's birthday.
04:04Alyssa glanced at it.
04:05It's a forgery.
04:06Peyton sneered.
04:07And what makes you so sure?
04:09Read it on a blog?
04:10The authentic piece was acquired by the Harrison Family Trust years ago.
04:14Peyton burst out laughing.
04:16The associates joined in.
04:18Sharing a last name doesn't make you royalty, sweetheart.
04:21Julian took Alyssa's hand.
04:22Tight.
04:23Babe, let the experts handle it.
04:25Peyton paid $10 million for the fake.
04:28Later, in the bathroom, Peyton blocked the door.
04:30Five years and he still wouldn't put a ring on it.
04:33A gambling addict father.
04:35A sick mother.
04:36You're a liability.
04:37Alyssa smiled coldly.
04:39You're right.
04:40Hey, you two are perfect together.
04:42I wish you a lifetime of happiness.
04:44She walked away.
04:45Her mother called.
04:46Come home.
04:47We bought you a chateau in France.
04:49A penthouse on 57th Street.
04:51A diamond tiara.
04:53Vintage cars.
04:54Mom, I'm coming back to run the business, not blow the fortune.
04:58A familiar voice spoke behind her.
05:01What?
05:01Run the business?
05:04Julian overheard Alyssa on the phone.
05:06Run the business?
05:07She shrugged.
05:08Just a joke about inheriting a family empire?
05:11He frowned, but let it go.
05:12Back in the auction hall, he bought her several expensive jewelry lot.
05:16Consider it severance for your old job, he said.
05:19She looked at the boxes.
05:20I don't really wear jewelry.
05:22You'll get used to it.
05:23Later, as they left, Peyton knocked on the car window.
05:25Julian, my driver's gone.
05:27Can you give me a ride?
05:28Your mother asked you to look out for me.
05:30He agreed.
05:31Then Peyton said,
05:32I get sick in the back.
05:33I need to sit up front.
05:35Alyssa silently got out and moved to the back seat.
05:37Peyton smiled.
05:38In the rearview mirror, Alyssa closed her eyes.
05:41The next morning at breakfast, Alyssa's phone rang.
05:43Meeting parents, reminder.
05:45Julian saw it.
05:46Then his own phone rang.
05:47Peyton, his expression changed.
05:49Alyssa, a crisis came up with the merger.
05:53I can't make it today.
05:54We'll meet your parents next time, okay?
05:56She looked at him, said nothing, and nodded.
05:59He left.
06:00She stayed.
06:01The door closed.
06:02Alyssa met her friends and handed them gifts.
06:05She said, they're real.
06:07That backstory, gambling, sick mother, was a cover.
06:11I'm the Harrison heiress.
06:12I'm going home to run the company.
06:15Chaos erupted.
06:16Holy shit, the Harrison heiress split appetizers with us.
06:20Then Chloe asked, does Julian know?
06:23Alyssa's smile faded.
06:24He's marrying someone else.
06:27What?
06:27That guy is obsessed with you.
06:29Her friends listed his past devotion.
06:32Flying in Pinot Noir, leaving a million dollar closing to nurse her flu, taking a truck crash for her.
06:38Shattered ribs.
06:38I see you.
06:40I see you.
06:40He loves me.
06:41Alyssa said quietly.
06:42But his family forced the merger with the Snyder family.
06:45He planned to keep me on the side.
06:47As his mistress?
06:48Let the richest heiress play second chair?
06:51Just then, the door opened.
06:53Julian and Peyton walked in.
06:54Julian frowned.
06:55What real identity?
06:57Alyssa raised a hand to stop her friend.
06:59Why are you here?
07:00Hayes and Snyder are discussing partnership terms.
07:03Julian said, looking uncomfortable.
07:04They sat at a nearby booth.
07:06Alyssa watched as Julian cut Peyton's steak, fed her dessert, dabbed her mouth.
07:11Intimate, effortless.
07:13But Alyssa stayed perfectly still, face like a frozen lake, like she was already miles away.
07:20After dinner, to maintain his image as a thoughtful gentleman, Julian arranged for the law firm's stretched SUV to drive
07:28Alyssa and Peyton home.
07:29Which, conveniently, avoided any awkwardness over seating priority.
07:34A truck ran a red light.
07:35The SUV swerved.
07:37Metal screamed.
07:38As the crash threw Alyssa sideways, she saw Julian pull Peyton into his arms, shielding her completely.
07:45His hand patted her back, murmuring comfort.
07:48Alyssa's consciousness faded.
07:49She remembered their accident years ago.
07:51He'd turned the wheel so his side took the impact.
07:54Nearly died.
07:55Woke up asking if she was safe.
07:57Now, he protected someone else.
07:59After the wreck, Julian soothed a hysterical Peyton.
08:02Finally, he noticed Alyssa sitting on the curb, forehead bleeding.
08:06At the hospital, bandaged, she was fine.
08:09Julian stared at her gauze, guilty.
08:11I'm sorry.
08:12The merger signing.
08:13Peyton's face can't get marked up.
08:15The board would have a fit.
08:16That's why I shielded her first.
08:18Please don't shut me out.
08:20She said nothing.
08:21Your birthday.
08:22Let me give you an early gift.
08:24Anything.
08:24Name it.
08:25She looked up.
08:26Buy me a plane ticket.
08:27To New York.
08:28Three days from now.
08:29New York?
08:30A trip?
08:30Shopping?
08:31He smiled, relieved, and booked the first class ticket.
08:34I can't come with you.
08:36When the merger settles, I'll make it up to you.
08:39A car.
08:40An apartment.
08:41A ticket is too small for your birthday.
08:44Alyssa shook her head softly.
08:46It's not small.
08:47Not at all.
08:48Because that ticket wasn't for a vacation.
08:51It was her way home.
08:53During her rest period, Julian took meticulous care of Alyssa.
08:58But as soon as he signed the discharge papers, his concern came to an abrupt end.
09:03His phone kept vibrating.
09:04His expression tensed.
09:06My partner called.
09:07There's a crisis with the Snyder family's marriage alliance terms.
09:10I have to go.
09:11I'll arrange for a driver to take you home.
09:13Shortly after he left, a message from Peyton popped up.
09:17Julian and I are having a family dinner tonight to finalize the wedding vendors.
09:20He's going back to my father's manor.
09:22Don't wait.
09:24Alyssa didn't reply.
09:25She just got in the car silently, went home, and started packing her luggage.
09:29Julian walked in and saw three large suitcases by the door.
09:33What's going on?
09:34New York trip.
09:35You bought the ticket, Alyssa said calmly.
09:37He frowned.
09:38That much luggage for a few days?
09:40Fashion week.
09:41I need options.
09:43Before he could question her, his phone rang.
09:45Peyton.
09:45He left without another word.
09:47Alyssa changed the digital lock code to Peyton's birthday.
09:49She taped a note.
09:51This will be Miss Snyder's residence soon.
09:53Then she gathered every photo of them together.
09:55Paris fireworks.
09:57Malibu sunset.
09:58Him in the hospital after breaking three ribs to save her.
10:01She threw them into the fireplace.
10:03One match.
10:04The flames curled the edges.
10:06Three hours before takeoff, Peyton sent a video.
10:09An engagement dinner.
10:10Julian stood with her.
10:11Champagne in hand.
10:13The crowd shouted, kiss her!
10:15He hesitated, then cupped her face and kissed her deeply.
10:18Peyton's message followed.
10:20I'm the only one the Hayes family recognizes.
10:23Your family is destitute.
10:25With your background, you'd be lucky to marry a paralegal.
10:28Alyssa didn't reply.
10:29She printed every taunting message Peyton had sent, stacked them on the coffee table,
10:34and wrote across the top in red marker, Julian Hayes, happy wedding.
10:39Case closed.
10:40Then she pulled her suitcases outside, hailed a taxi, and headed to the airport without looking back.
10:45From now on, she was Alyssa Harrison, and he was nothing to her anymore.
10:52At JFK, a black Bugatti waited.
10:55The driver opened the door.
10:56Welcome home, Miss Harrison.
10:58Alyssa smiled.
10:59Thomas, you picked me up yourself?
11:01I volunteered.
11:02The estate lacks you.
11:04At the Harrison estate, double doors opened.
11:07A double line of staff spoke in unison.
11:09Welcome home, Miss Harrison.
11:10In the drawing room, her parents, uncle, aunt, all waiting.
11:15Alyssa leaned into her mother's shoulder, the mask cracking.
11:18Her mother patted her gently.
11:20What's past is past.
11:21The Harrison family never fears a bad investment.
11:24Take a loss.
11:25Write it off.
11:26Start over.
11:27Then they gestured to the side tables.
11:29Property deeds.
11:31Supercar keys.
11:32A stock portfolio worth more than the entire Hayes firm.
11:35And in the center, on a velvet cushion, a diamond and pearl tiara.
11:40The Queen of England piece.
11:42Alyssa was about to say it was too much when her aunt slapped the table.
11:46You just broke up?
11:47Perfect timing.
11:48My friend's son just returned from Europe.
11:50She's worried he won't date anyone.
11:52Why don't you meet him?
11:53No pressure.
11:54He's in the same industry.
11:56Alyssa paused, and she nodded slowly.
11:58Okay, set it up.
12:00Back in New York, Alyssa's aunt pushed a contact card to her phone.
12:03Handsome.
12:04Yale Law.
12:05Ran the London office.
12:07Even if it's not romantic, a friend won't hurt.
12:10Alyssa opened it.
12:11Already added.
12:12No chat history.
12:13Username, Oliver Graham.
12:15She locked the screen.
12:16She'd find out later.
12:17In Los Angeles, Julian returned to the penthouse.
12:20The door didn't open.
12:21He saw a yellow note taped to the wood.
12:23This will be Miss Snyder's residence soon.
12:25Use her birthday as the access code.
12:28He entered Peyton's birthday.
12:29Click inside.
12:30It was empty.
12:31Alyssa?
12:32No answer.
12:33Then he saw a thick stack of papers on the coffee table.
12:36On top, one line in red marker.
12:38Julian Hayes.
12:40Happy wedding.
12:40Case closed.
12:41His hands trembled as he tore the page off.
12:44Beneath it, printed screenshots.
12:46Peyton's messages.
12:47I'm his fiance.
12:49The board approved it months ago.
12:51Once we're married, you'll be a mistress who can't step into the light.
12:55He already kissed me in front of everyone.
12:57Photos.
12:58Preenup drafts.
12:59Ring selections.
13:00Wedding venues.
13:01And one frame from a video.
13:03Him kissing Peyton.
13:05Surrounded by both families.
13:07Julian's face went pale.
13:08His lips moved.
13:09Whispering.
13:10I don't believe it.
13:11But the evidence was right in front of him.
13:15Julian bolted toward the stairs.
13:17His legs slipped.
13:18He crashed down two steps.
13:20Pain shooting through him.
13:21Gritting his teeth, he limped up.
13:23The bedroom was empty.
13:24Her closet?
13:25Bare.
13:26Her skincare?
13:27Gone.
13:27Even the framed photos of them?
13:29Missing.
13:30Only empty frames remained.
13:31Glass reflecting the light like mockery.
13:34He yanked open drawers.
13:36Threw his own shirts onto the floor.
13:37Searched every corner.
13:39Nothing.
13:39Then he understood that deep cleaning she'd done days ago, throwing out matching mugs,
13:45souvenirs, wasn't tidying.
13:47She was erasing him.
13:48His hands shook.
13:49He grabbed his phone.
13:51The line rang.
13:51Finally, a drowsy voice.
13:53Hello.
13:54Who is this?
13:55Alyssa.
13:56It's me.
13:57His voice cracked.
13:58Where are you?
13:59Why is the house empty?
14:01Where are our photos?
14:02On the other end, Alyssa woke fully.
14:05She squinted at the screen in her dark bedroom at the Harrison Estate.
14:08Julian Hayes.
14:09She let out a slow breath.
14:11She'd forgotten to block his number.
14:13Mr. Hayes, Alyssa said coolly.
14:16You're about to get married.
14:17I burned the photos.
14:18Meeting up is unnecessary.
14:20Julian's voice cracked.
14:22Alyssa, I never agreed to break up.
14:24What I have with Peyton is business.
14:26The only person I've ever loved is you.
14:29How can you throw me away?
14:30She paused.
14:31She had seen him cry only once before, after the car accident where he'd saved her.
14:36This was the second time, but her heart stayed still.
14:39This is a termination of partnership.
14:41You breached the contract first.
14:43We're done.
14:43Don't contact me again.
14:45The line went dead.
14:46He tried calling back.
14:47Call failed.
14:48Blocked.
14:48Julian collapsed onto the couch, staring at the scattered papers.
14:52The last page showed Peyton's message.
14:54He already kissed me.
14:56How long before we end up in bed together?
14:58He let out a low, dark laugh.
15:00Peyton Snyder.
15:02I told you, the only person I love is Alyssa.
15:05Who gave you permission to go after her?
15:08He smiled coldly.
15:09Since you're so desperate to get married, how about I give you a wedding gift you'll never
15:14forget?
15:16Alyssa blocked Julian on every channel.
15:19Then, she slept better than she had in months.
15:22The next morning, she reported to Harrison Group headquarters as the new CEO.
15:27The news spread fast.
15:293,000 miles away, Julian sat in a dark booth, drinking with his associates.
15:34She's just throwing a tantrum, Mason said.
15:37Once she burns through her savings, she'll crawl back.
15:40Who else will cover her gambling dad and sick mom?
15:44Exactly.
15:44Send her a Chanel bag.
15:46She'll be back in your bed.
15:47Julian slammed his glass down.
15:49Crash.
15:50The table went quiet.
15:51Are you done?
15:52His voice was ice.
15:54Mason scoffed.
15:55What's wrong?
15:56We said worse last week.
15:58You laughed with us.
15:59She's a poor girl climbing up through you, isn't she?
16:02Julian lifted his head, eyes vicious.
16:06Apologize to her.
16:08Mason blinked.
16:09What?
16:10Apologize.
16:10Julian repeated, sharp and unmistakable.
16:13The table froze.
16:15Julian froze.
16:17Mason's words hit him.
16:19They'd mocked Alyssa for years, and he'd always stayed silent.
16:22He'd taught them how to treat her.
16:24He'd poured another drink, then another.
16:27Someone at the table said,
16:28The Harrison group just parachuted in a new CEO, their only daughter.
16:33She disappeared for years to gain experience.
16:35Now she's running the whole empire.
16:37Julian didn't hear.
16:38He was too drunk.
16:39By the end of the night, he could barely stand.
16:42Mason called Peyton.
16:43She rushed over, took Julian from Mason, and brought him to her apartment.
16:47Not the penthouse.
16:48She got him onto her bed, wiped his face, loosened his tie.
16:51Then she lay beside him, face burning.
16:53Julian.
16:54Julian, she whispered.
16:55We're getting married anyway.
16:56Being a little early, I don't mind.
16:59He pulled her into his arms, buried his face against her neck.
17:02His breath was hot.
17:03Then he spoke.
17:04Alyssa.
17:05He held her tighter, as if she'd disappear.
17:07Peyton went rigid.
17:08Her eyes flickered with poison.
17:10Alyssa.
17:11Always Alyssa.
17:13Julian woke with a splitting headache.
17:16A body lay beside him.
17:17Alyssa?
17:18No, Peyton.
17:19He shoved her off the bed.
17:20Thud.
17:21What are you doing here?
17:22His voice was ice.
17:24Peyton's eyes reddened.
17:25You were blacked out.
17:26I brought you here to keep you safe.
17:28Then why were you in bed with me?
17:30You wouldn't let go.
17:32You kept pulling me back.
17:34Julian grabbed his shirt.
17:35Peyton.
17:36I'm marrying you because you're obedient.
17:38Try to trap me again, and I'll void the deal.
17:41Her face drained of color.
17:43In New York, Alyssa stared at another unknown number.
17:46Julian.
17:46She blocked it.
17:47She focused on a major Hudson Yards redevelopment project.
17:51One competitor.
17:52Hayes Group.
17:52Julian Hayes.
17:54She smiled coldly.
17:55Planning a wedding with Peyton while chasing her across the country?
17:58He had no right to demote her from partner to hidden asset.
18:03Her aunt handed Alyssa a gala invitation.
18:05With a wink.
18:07Remember my friend's son?
18:08The one from London?
18:10He's in the bid too.
18:11You two can attend together.
18:13Alyssa nearly choked.
18:15Aunt, we're rivals for a multi-billion dollar contract.
18:20That's a conflict of interest.
18:21So what?
18:22Rivals on the floor doesn't mean rivals at the bar.
18:25Besides, you're exactly his type.
18:28That night, a black Rolls Royce waited outside.
18:30A man in a tuxedo opened the door.
18:33I haven't asked your name yet, Alyssa said.
18:35He paused.
18:36I am Oliver Graham.
18:38She got in.
18:38The drive was quiet.
18:40At Cipriani, she started toward the entrance, then realized he wasn't following.
18:44She turned back.
18:45What is it?
18:46He met her eyes.
18:47Vulnerability breaking through.
18:48Everyone else is entering with their partner.
18:51He said quietly.
18:52Arm in arm.
18:55Alyssa slipped her arm through Oliver's.
18:57He tensed, then relaxed.
18:58Did we know each other before?
19:00She asked.
19:01He looked ahead.
19:02Prep school.
19:03Senior year.
19:03I sat in the back.
19:05Never spoke in debate club.
19:06She searched her memory.
19:08A dark-haired boy.
19:09Always reading.
19:10Always alone.
19:11Time really is the best consultant, she said.
19:14You've gotten ridiculously handsome.
19:16Oliver's ears turned red.
19:18Inside the gala, the crowd buzzed.
19:20Then the entrance shifted.
19:21Alyssa turned and met familiar, shocked eyes.
19:24Alyssa!
19:25Julian's voice cut through.
19:26Heads turned.
19:27Julian and Peyton stood there, making a scene.
19:30Alyssa didn't respond.
19:31She tightened her grip on Oliver's arm and pulled him deeper into the hall without looking back.
19:37Julian saw Alyssa arm in arm with another man.
19:41Rage flooded him.
19:42He grabbed her wrist.
19:43Who is he?
19:44Peyton sneered.
19:45Dumped by the haze air, so she latched onto someone else to claw her way in.
19:50Oliver's hand clamped around Julian's wrist.
19:52Let go.
19:53Iron grip.
19:54Julian refused.
19:56Peyton shrieked.
19:56We represent the haze group.
19:58I can ruin you with one call.
20:01Alyssa laughed softly.
20:03She patted Oliver's hand.
20:04He released.
20:05Then she unpinned her diamond brooch.
20:07Drove it straight into Julian's hand.
20:10Shnit blood.
20:11He let go.
20:11Crack.
20:12She slapped Peyton across the face.
20:14A red handprint bloomed.
20:16You?
20:16Alyssa said lightly.
20:18Are you important?
20:18Julian's eyes went bloodshot.
20:20Oliver stepped forward, voice cold.
20:22Instead of asking who I am, ask the person beside you who we are.
20:29Oliver's we hit Julian and Peyton like a verdict.
20:33Alyssa wasn't a plus one.
20:36She was the Harrison heiress, their competitor.
20:39The surrounding guests watched with amusement.
20:41Julian's face went ashen.
20:43Without a word, he fled.
20:45Peyton shot a venomous glare and hurried after him.
20:48Alyssa didn't care.
20:49She crossed them off her list.
20:50The bidding was fierce.
20:52The Harrison group won the Hudson Yards project.
20:54Oliver withdrew his family's bid, clearing her path.
20:57On the drive back, he took the wheel.
20:59Do you still like him?
21:00He asked quietly.
21:01What gave you that idea?
21:03I thought you agreed to the date to provoke him and make him jealous.
21:07Alyssa turned to look at him.
21:08My aunt suggested it, so I showed up.
21:11That's all.
21:12I don't use people.
21:13Julian is a sunk cost.
21:15I don't invest in bad assets twice.
21:17Oliver's grip on the wheel relaxed.
21:20Alyssa said goodnight to Oliver.
21:22Let's just be friends.
21:23The breakup was recent.
21:25He nodded.
21:26Friends is good.
21:27I can do friends.
21:28She disappeared inside.
21:29He smiled and drove off.
21:31At 6 a.m., her phone exploded.
21:34Notifications flooded in.
21:36Homewrecker.
21:37Mistress.
21:38Gold digger.
21:39A friend called.
21:40Frantic.
21:41Alyssa, it's trending.
21:42Peyton twisted the story.
21:44Said you interfered after the engagement.
21:46Julian's friends backed her up.
21:48People are attacking you and the Harrison Group.
21:51Alyssa swung her legs out of bed, eyes cold.
21:54I'll handle it.
21:54The Harrison Group's legal team isn't for show.
21:58She should have prepared for the consequences.
22:00Oliver called, voiced gentle.
22:03Are you okay?
22:04Alyssa laughed softly.
22:05I'm not fragile.
22:07Just rumors.
22:08Silence.
22:09Then she said, thank you, and hung up.
22:11Downstairs, her parents were furious.
22:14Her father roared.
22:15I'll bury the Hayes Group in litigation.
22:18Her mother.
22:18Animals have more dignity.
22:20Alyssa calmed them.
22:21The legal team has the green light.
22:23In Los Angeles, Julian stared at Peyton, sobbing on the sofa.
22:28I told you to keep your tricks in check.
22:30You attacked the Harrison heiress.
22:32Peyton grabbed his wrist.
22:33She lied to you for five years.
22:35She played you.
22:37Now strike first.
22:38Ruin her reputation.
22:40When she's broken, she'll have to come back to you.
22:43Julian's grip loosened.
22:44He released her chin, a cold smile forming.
22:48Then make sure you drag her all the way down.
22:50He walked out without looking back.
22:53Peyton's father roared.
22:54Julian paused the wedding.
22:56You couldn't close the deal.
22:58What ROI do you offer this family now?
23:01Abandoned, Peyton poured her hatred into Alyssa.
23:04She dragged Julian and Mason into one final gamble.
23:07But Alyssa didn't cry.
23:08She released a forensic data dump.
23:11Video one, the IP lounge.
23:13Julian and his circle, speaking French.
23:16Julian, quand est-ce que tu et Peyton Snyder vous mariez?
23:20Dans deux semaines.
23:21Et Alyssa, alors?
23:22Le mariage est juste une fusion.
23:25La seule qui me tient à coeur est Alyssa.
23:28Subtitles translated every word.
23:30The world saw the betrayal.
23:31Video two, auction house bathroom.
23:33Peyton's shrill voice.
23:35Five years and he still wouldn't marry you.
23:37I'm the Snyder heiress.
23:39We're equals.
23:40I was with him for five years.
23:42Peyton offered no rebuttal.
23:44Only classist insults.
23:46Plus screenshots of Peyton's gloating messages.
23:48The picture was clear.
23:50She was the third wheel.
23:51Not the wronged party.
23:52Public opinion flipped overnight.
23:54Then Alyssa filed federal lawsuits.
23:57Defamation, emotional distress, cyber-stalking.
24:00Against Peyton, Mason, the associates, even the trolls.
24:03Days later, her comments were clean.
24:05She pinned one response.
24:07The law sees all.
24:09Only the guilty fear discovery.
24:11I will always use the law to defend my rightful name.
24:16Peyton was sentenced to two years in federal prison.
24:19Her own family didn't hire a lawyer.
24:21Mason and the associates got the same.
24:23Perjury and cyber-stalking.
24:25Julian escaped criminal charges, but lost everything else.
24:28Months later, he showed up at Alyssa's office.
24:31Oliver sat on her sofa, reading a brief.
24:33The intercom buzzed.
24:34Mr. Hayes is here.
24:35He says it's about the Hayes Group's insolvency.
24:38Alyssa glanced at Oliver, who had quietly acquired several of Julian's key clients.
24:43Send him in.
24:44The glass doors opened.
24:45Julian walked in, gaunt, hollow-eyed.
24:47His expensive suit hung loose and wrinkled.
24:50He looked ten years older.
24:51He approached her desk, voice cracking.
24:53Alyssa, I know I wronged you.
24:55But I never lied about my feelings.
24:58I only ever loved you.
25:00Please, for the sake of what we had, let the Hayes Group survive.
25:04Alyssa spread her hands, shook her head lightly, then calmly pointed to Oliver, sitting beside her.
25:10The one crushing the Hayes Group isn't me, Alyssa said coldly.
25:15Beg him.
25:16She nodded toward Oliver.
25:18Julian's face went pale.
25:19Alyssa, I know I was wrong, but I never posted those lies.
25:25I never called you names.
25:27No, she said, disgust rising.
25:29You just stood by and watched.
25:31You held the leash and dropped it.
25:34Bystanders disgust me the most.
25:36If you did nothing, then I did nothing to your firm.
25:39Case closed.
25:40Linda, see him out.
25:41Julian left, broken.
25:43Alyssa took Oliver's hand and walked to the elevator.
25:45What should we eat?
25:46Western or homestyle?
25:48Homestyle.
25:49Oliver said warmly.
25:50She glanced at him.
25:51Why do you always listen to me?
25:53You're a gram.
25:54He stopped.
25:55Because, Alyssa, I love you.
25:58She sighed.
25:59But I said I'm not ready.
26:00I know.
26:01He said gently.
26:02So when you are, can I be first in line?
26:05She smiled.
26:06Since you're asking so sincerely, I suppose I'll reluctantly open negotiations.
26:11He pulled her into his arms.
26:13Oliver had waited long enough.
26:19The paper in my...
26:20The paper in my...
26:20The paper in my...
26:20The paper in my...
26:20The paper in my...
26:20The paper in my...
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