- 58 minutes ago
The Cruelty of His Scheme
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Yesterday, I was the joke of Los Angeles.
00:02My husband Jackson auctioned my dead mother's shame photos.
00:06Everyone knew I was too broke to lift a finger.
00:08They laughed at my face.
00:10They took bets on when my studio would collapse.
00:13And Jackson orchestrated gavel came down.
00:16Opening bid, 160,000 per set.
00:21Minimum raise, 80,000.
00:24In less than 60 seconds, we were past 800 grand.
00:27Everyone was watching, waiting for my crash.
00:31Then I took one slow breath, raised my hand, looked the auctioneer in the eye,
00:35and said the words that changed everything.
00:38Unlimited bidding.
00:40Those photos flashing on the giant screen.
00:43The exact ones I've spent years trying to burn out of my brain.
00:47Every big shot in Los Angeles was packed into that room,
00:50sipping drinks and passing judgment like it was casual Friday.
00:53I heard someone mutter.
00:55Her mom used to be the star attraction at the Pleasure Hallis.
00:59Dad was the guy downstairs collecting the cash.
01:02Another voice chimed in.
01:03Who would have guessed?
01:06LA's hottest young designer came from that kind of family?
01:10And then the killer line.
01:12Talent clearly runs in the blood.
01:15Mr. Stainberg kept that side of things quiet.
01:17No wonder he's living so comfortably.
01:19All the business buddies shot these knowing looks at Jackson.
01:22I stood there frozen.
01:24Hands and feet ice cold.
01:26Nails digging so deep into my palms I could feel the sting.
01:29I turned to look at my husband, the man I shared a bed with every single night.
01:33And there he was.
01:34Lounging back.
01:35Jesse curled against his chest like she belonged there.
01:38Batting her lashes at me with that smug little victory smile.
01:41Jackson just smirked.
01:42Slow and lazy.
01:45Each page sells separately.
01:47Highest bidder gets the private drive.
01:49Full videos.
01:50Every single client your mom entertained over the years.
01:53The room exploded.
01:54Applause.
01:55Cheers.
01:56A couple of whistles like we were at some twisted comedy show.
01:59Jackson pulled Jesse closer, stood up, and strolled over to me,
02:03looking down like I was mildly entertaining.
02:08Baby.
02:09He drawled.
02:10This is your big moment.
02:12Time to start raising that paddle.
02:15Don't worry.
02:16Jesse won't steal the spotlight tonight.
02:19Everyone smelled drama and crowded and tighter.
02:21Phones half-raised like they were waiting for the money shot.
02:24Some guy in the back couldn't resist.
02:26Come on, Jackson!
02:28He called out, grinning.
02:29Last auction, you straight up told us to choke her studio.
02:34We did.
02:35She can't even afford to lift her hand once, never mind 500 times.
02:41Laughter rolled through the room.
02:43Jackson shrugged, playing innocent.
02:46Hey, that was just me being dramatic.
02:49Didn't think you guys would actually go through with it.
02:52My bad.
02:53He paused, then added with a shrug.
02:55Guess my mother-in-law's photos are gonna end up in someone else's private collection.
03:01I stared at him, stunned.
03:04Then I shot to my feet.
03:05You told people to sabotage my studio behind my back?
03:10My voice cracked.
03:11Do you have any idea?
03:14I've poured every last dollar I had just to keep the lights on?
03:19I even mortgaged my mom's bracelet to pay my staff.
03:23The whole place burst out laughing, like I'd just told the punchline of the year.
03:27Someone yelled.
03:28Jackson, you gonna sponsor your wife a little?
03:31Come on!
03:33He gave that helpless, charming shrug everyone used to love.
03:38She's the picture of independence.
03:40Insists on doing it all with her own skills, unlimited bidding and everything.
03:46Tough girl.
03:48Daughter of a gangster, after all.
03:50Another voice jumped in.
03:51True!
03:53Remember that $13 million bracelet?
03:57She claimed it without even blinking.
03:59Can't wait to see what she pulls off tonight.
04:01The auction bell rang.
04:07Everyone filed back to their seats,
04:09checking their paddle numbers like it was assigned seating at a wedding.
04:12As they passed me, half of them didn't even bother hiding the smirks.
04:16Little side eyes.
04:17Tiny snickers.
04:18Real classy.
04:19The last six months.
04:21Every dollar I could touch had been frozen, tied up, or quietly strangled.
04:26Every single person in that room could outbid me without blinking.
04:29Just one lazy flick of the wrist.
04:31They weren't just rich.
04:33They were asterisk untouchable asterisk rich.
04:35And Jackson knew it better than anybody.
04:37He also knew exactly what would happen if even one of those photo books leaked.
04:41I'd be finished.
04:42Done.
04:43Worse is my mom and dad, already gone.
04:46I'd get dragged through the mud all over again.
04:49Endless jokes, dot memes, cruel comments.
04:52People would treat their deaths like entertainment.
04:55It felt like someone had me on a spit, turning slowly over an open flame.
04:59No exit.
05:00No air.
05:03I grew up in those fancy schools, the kind with uniforms that cost more than most people's rent.
05:08Top tutors thought summer programs in Europe.
05:11The whole package.
05:12I worked my ass off.
05:14Chased the dream.
05:15Actually caught it.
05:16People started looking at me with envy instead of pity.
05:19I finally made it.
05:20And the night I hit that peak.
05:22That was the night mom and dad locked every door.
05:24Lit the charcoal brazier in the living room.
05:26And quietly ended it.
05:28They left a note.
05:29Short dot com, basically.
05:31We're not letting our past ruin everything you built.
05:34Go be brilliant.
05:36They died so I could pretend I was born on third base like the rest of these people.
05:40And now Jackson was torching the whole damn thing.
05:43Someone in the crowd muttered.
05:45Loud enough for me to hear.
05:48Yeah, who's got time for her little sob story?
05:51If she's broke, just admit it.
05:54We came for the porn videos.
05:57Jackson's eyes turned to slits.
05:59His voice came out low.
06:01I scold.
06:03Get the hell out.
06:05The room went dead quiet.
06:07Like someone hit mute.
06:08I turned, kept my spine straight, and walked out.
06:11Forced my legs to move.
06:13Straight into the restroom.
06:15Door shut.
06:16I leaned against the sink.
06:18Yanked my phone out.
06:19And texted the studio's finance girl.
06:21Transfer every cent we've got left.
06:23Right now.
06:24It wasn't nothing, but compared to what it would take to buy up every single one of those
06:29albums, a teaspoon in the ocean.
06:31Mom spent her whole life protecting me.
06:33Mom took every hit so I wouldn't have to.
06:36Mom's past wasn't pretty sure, but she still raised me to walk into any room like I belonged
06:41there.
06:41Head high dot shoulders back.
06:43That thought cracked something open inside me.
06:45Tears just started falling.
06:47Couldn't stop them.
06:49Didn't even try.
06:49And right there, blurry through the crying, my eyes landed on a number I'd had saved in
06:54my contacts four years.
06:57The restroom smelled like bleach and old perfume.
07:00A faucet somewhere dripped.
07:02I stared at the screen until my vision blurred.
07:05Thumb hovering over that number.
07:07Then I just.
07:08Tapped it.
07:09Mom's voice popped into my head one last time.
07:11Clear as anything.
07:13Once you decide, baby.
07:15Don't look back.
07:17Ten minutes later I walked back into the auction hall.
07:19Heads turned, whispers rippled.
07:21I lifted my eyes and locked straight onto Jackson across the sea of people.
07:25For half a second something ugly flashed in his face.
07:28Something dark.
07:29Something almost scared.
07:31Gone in a blink.
07:32The smirk slid right back into place.
07:34He tilted his head.
07:36Pinched Jesse's cheek like she was his favorite toy.
07:38Gave me a lazy side eye.
07:40Then leaned in and kissed her deep.
07:42Right there.
07:43In front of everybody.
07:47Jackson murmured loud enough for me to hear.
07:49Baby.
07:50Tonight, I'm gonna make sure you're real satisfied.
07:54Every little thing they've done to you, I'll make them pay ten times over.
07:59Trust me.
08:00I looked away, face blank.
08:02Nothing left to give him.
08:03I walked back to my seat, sat down, and said calm, like I was ordering coffee.
08:07Thanks for waiting, everyone.
08:10We can start now.
08:12The auctioneer flicked a quick glance at Jackson.
08:14Jackson gave the tiniest nod.
08:17Gavel cracked.
08:18First set of albums popped up on the screen.
08:20Ten photos per set.
08:21My mom's face.
08:22Her body.
08:23Her shame.
08:24All of it laid bare.
08:25No blur.
08:26No mercy.
08:27Everyone could see.
08:28My phone buzzed against my thigh.
08:30Jackson's message lit up the screen.
08:33If you kneel right now and apologize to Jesse in front of the whole room, I'll buy every
08:37single one of these and take them home.
08:40No one else will ever see them.
08:44I let one corner of my mouth twitch.
08:46Just barely.
08:47Then I held down the power button.
08:49Screen went black done.
08:51Auctioneer's voice cut through.
08:53Opening bid, $160,000 per set.
08:57Minimum raise, $80,000.
08:59Less than 60 seconds later we were already over $800,000.
09:03My phone kept buzzing.
09:06More of Jackson's little love notes popping up one after another.
09:10I didn't even look.
09:11Everyone around me was watching like it was the best reality show they'd seen all year.
09:15Smirks.
09:16Phone cameras angled my way.
09:18They were waiting for the crash.
09:19Waiting for me to hit bottom and keep falling.
09:22I took a slow breath.
09:23Raised my hand.
09:25Looked straight at the auctioneer.
09:26And said it clear.
09:27Word by word.
09:29Those all.
09:31Unlimited bidding.
09:34Gasps hissed through the room like air leaking from a tire.
09:37Damn, she's got guts.
09:39Someone muttered.
09:40Sullivan just doesn't know when to quit.
09:42Another voice louder.
09:44Last time she couldn't even get a secondary card out of Staincroc.
09:47Now her studio's basically dead.
09:49She's got nothing.
09:51And she's still putting on this little performance?
09:53I turned my head slow.
09:55Locked eyes with Jackson.
09:57No blinking.
09:58No backing down.
09:59The cruel amusement in his stare hit like the last shove before you fall off a cliff.
10:04Jessie leaned in close.
10:05Her red lips grazing his ear.
10:07Voice all syrup and poison.
10:09Look at her, Jackson.
10:10Still trying to fight you.
10:12Face on the line in front of everybody.
10:14And she'd rather humiliate herself than just admit she's wrong.
10:18Jackson kept his eyes on me.
10:20Calm.
10:21Almost bored.
10:21Like he was watching a street performer who'd overstayed their set.
10:26Jackson turned to Jessie, cupped her face with fake tenderness.
10:30Kissed her slow, right in front of me.
10:33Well then.
10:34He drawled, lazy and cruel.
10:35Let's just watch.
10:37See how far she gets before she's tapped out and still can't pay.
10:41Jackson paused, let the words hang.
10:43If it gets that bad, she can always follow in her mom's footsteps.
10:47Strip down, sell herself off.
10:49A small, mean laugh.
10:50I doubt anyone's lining up.
10:53Seconds after I've already worn her out.
10:56The auctioneer's face went blank professional.
10:58He had to ask Dot Protocol.
11:00If you're serious about unlimited bidding, Miss Sullivan,
11:05you'll need to register with the house and verify funds.
11:08We have to confirm you can cover it.
11:11My jaw locked so hard my teeth ached.
11:13Whole body felt hollowed out.
11:15Like someone had reached in and scooped everything vital.
11:18Eyes burning, tears right there.
11:20But I refused to let them fall.
11:22No problem.
11:23Voice shook just a little, barely.
11:26A loud snort cut the air.
11:28One guy stood up, leaned over his seat,
11:31staring me down like I was roadkill.
11:33Come on, Sullivan.
11:34Drop the act.
11:35That joke of a company?
11:37We're the ones who place bets on bearing it.
11:40We know exactly how broke you are.
11:42Dragging this out isn't fooling a soul.
11:46Laughter exploded again.
11:48Sharp, mean, rolling.
11:49My chest felt like it was splitting open.
11:51I looked straight at Jackson.
11:53He stared back.
11:54No flinch.
11:55Just that smug, empty calm.
11:57What?
11:58About to beg now?
12:01Sorry, sweetheart.
12:03Too late.
12:04He turned to the auctioneer like he was doing everyone a favor.
12:08If she wants to put on a show,
12:10let's give her the stage.
12:13You guys got time, right?
12:15More knowing chuckles.
12:17Of course.
12:18Someone yelled from the back.
12:20This is why we showed up.
12:22Good drinks, good seats, and free entertainment.
12:26If the clown wants to keep juggling, who are we to walk out?
12:31I ripped my gaze away, shut my eyes for one second hard,
12:35then forced my legs to move up the steps.
12:37Onto the stage, I pulled up the digital card on my phone,
12:41handed it over to the attendant who'd climbed up with the card reader.
12:44Down below, the crowd was buzzing, pointing, whispering like we were at a circus sideshow.
12:51She's hilarious.
12:53One woman's voice carried across the room.
12:55Better actress than half the girls at the clubs.
12:59Like mother, like daughter.
13:00That kind of talent definitely runs in the family.
13:03Another voice.
13:04Look at her hands, they're shaking like leaves.
13:07Bet she'll collapse the second that balance comes up empty.
13:10Right then, Jessie piped up all fake sweetness,
13:13cutting through the noise like she was doing everyone a favor.
13:15Oh, come on, gentlemen, that's enough.
13:17Can't you see Nicole's about to cry?
13:20She's still a woman.
13:21She's got her pride.
13:22You keep pushing like this,
13:23and of course she's going to drag herself up on stage.
13:27Honestly, I kind of get it.
13:31Jackson let out this soft, amused laugh.
13:35She treats you like trash and you're still defending her?
13:39You're such a little fool.
13:41The room jumped right in to kiss her ass.
13:44Look at Missy's Kruger.
13:46That's what a real lady from a good family looks like.
13:49We've been saying it forever.
13:50Jackson never should have married Nicole, just because he pitied her.
13:54That one weak moment cost him the perfect match.
13:58Good thing it's not too late.
14:00Kicking that bitch's bastard kid to the curb?
14:04Best move he's ever made.
14:06I stood up there on the stage, looking down at every single face until my eyes landed on Jessie's smug
14:11little grin.
14:12I let out a short, ugly laugh, sharp enough to cut.
14:16A lady?
14:17You're calling her a lady?
14:19Since when does a real lady sneak around seducing someone else's husband with zero shame?
14:25As far as I'm concerned, she's dirtier than any hooker on the street.
14:32Jackson's voice dropped dot cold as ice.
14:35Nicole, I'm warning you, watch your mouth.
14:38I laughed again, bitter and hollow, yeah.
14:41I believed him, completely.
14:42All of this the photos, the sabotage, the public shredding was because I'd dared to take back something that was
14:48my mom's.
14:49I'd stolen Jessie's spotlight for five seconds.
14:52And Jackson had built this whole circus just to crush me for it.
14:55What would he do next time?
14:57I didn't even want to picture it.
14:58But honestly, it didn't matter anymore.
15:00Whatever scraps of love I'd still had for him, burned clean away.
15:04The only thing keeping me upright right now was the fire they'd lit under me.
15:07Nothing else he could do would hurt worse than this.
15:10I turned back to the hostess with the card reader.
15:13Gave her the tiniest, coldest smile.
15:15Well, what are you waiting for?
15:16Run it.
15:19The pause machine beeped once, twice.
15:21The whole room the sneers, the chuckles, the whispers went dead silent.
15:26Every eye locked on that little screen, they were practically salivating.
15:30Waiting for the number to flash up small and pathetic so they could laugh all over again.
15:34But the hostess's smug look slowly cracked.
15:37Her eyes widened.
15:38Mouth parted just a little.
15:40I bit my lip hard.
15:41Clenched my fists to stop the shaking.
15:44Swallowed the burn in my throat and asked quiet.
15:47What's result?
15:48She didn't answer, just stood there frozen for what felt like forever.
15:52Then she shot a nervous glance at the auctioneer.
15:54Like help.
15:55He leaned over, looked at the screen.
15:58His bored, half-lidded eyes snapped wide.
16:01A second later, he jerked his head toward Jackson.
16:04Mr. Mr. Steinberg.
16:07Jackson caught the shift instantly, brows furrowed.
16:11What?
16:12Number two embarrassing to say out loud?
16:14Jackson chuckled, waving it off.
16:17Come on, don't hold back on my account.
16:20Everyone here knows I'm not that sensitive.
16:23The crowd chimed in, all fake cheer.
16:27Exactly!
16:28We've been buddies with Jackson for years!
16:31Just spit it out!
16:32They were still grinning, still buzzing with that ugly excitement.
16:35Still waiting for me to crash and burn.
16:37The auctioneer let out a long sigh.
16:39Then picked up his phone and plugged it into the data cable on his podium.
16:44Upon verification, Mrs. Sullivan has more than enough funds to make the unlimited bidding.
16:51The auction may proceed as normal.
16:53As soon as he finished speaking, the big screen lit up, projecting my phone interface for all to see.
16:58The balance showed a number with ten digits.
17:05What the hell is going on?
17:08Jackson stared hard at the figure, completely frozen.
17:12Didn't Mr. Steinberg cancel all of Nicole's secondary cards?
17:16Where did this money come from?
17:19Don't tell me these two planned this together and are just playing us for fools.
17:23In an instant, the crowd's excitement twisted into suspicion.
17:26Everyone turned to Jackson.
17:28The glee they'd shown earlier was replaced by open doubt.
17:31Jessie could no longer maintain her demure facade.
17:33Her shrill voice rang out like nails on a chalkboard.
17:37Jackson, what is going on?
17:39You told me you'd put her in her place.
17:41Why does she still have this much money?
17:44Did you lie to me?
17:45You owe me an explanation.
17:48Irritated, Jackson shoved Jessie aside and stormed up to the auction platform like a caged beast ready to snap.
17:54He grabbed my wrist in a vice-like grip, his eyes dark and furious, like he wanted to drill a
17:59hole straight through me.
18:00Nicole, what did you do?
18:04I lowered my gaze, glanced at Jackson, then curled my lips into a cold smirk.
18:09In the next moment, I yanked my wrist out of his grasp.
18:12My voice was calm and unwavering.
18:15I'm keeping unlimited bidding for all the items in this auction.
18:18You can all decide for yourselves if it's worth draining your liquidity over things that, frankly, have nothing to do
18:24with you.
18:25Everyone in the room scattered quickly.
18:26As they left, they shot accusatory glares at Jackson.
18:30Convinced that the two of us had teamed up to trap them in a cash flow crisis.
18:34It was a trap but the real target was never me.
18:37Jackson was left speechless, unable to explain.
18:40Only after the crowd had completely cleared did he turn to me, eyes burning with rage.
18:44Like a wild animal on the verge of attacking, he marched up to me, yanked me off the stage with
18:49brute force.
18:50Jessie was sobbing uncontrollably behind him, only adding to his frustration.
18:56Jackson poured all of that fury onto me.
18:59Gripping my wrist so tightly it felt like he was trying to snap it in two.
19:03Nicole!
19:04What dirty deal did you make behind my back?
19:07Who did you sell yourself to?
19:11I looked up at him cold.
19:13Then, without warning, I raised my phone and smashed it against his chest with everything I had.
19:19You wanna know who I am?
19:21I laughed soft at first, then tinged with rising madness and despair.
19:27Crazy?
19:28You're damn right I'm crazy!
19:30I went crazy the moment you exposed my mother's most private secrets!
19:35I went crazy when you knew exactly what I'd been through, and still used my deepest pern to tear me
19:41apart!
19:42I went crazy the second you started using every underhanded, vile trick you could think of to get back at
19:48me!
19:48For another woman!
19:50I stepped toward him, slowly but deliberately, tears brimming in my eyes.
19:55Jessie flinched and tried to back away, but I was never going to let her off that easy.
20:03I grabbed Jessie's arm, pulled her close, and when she opened her mouth to scream, I leaned in and whispered,
20:09cold and venomous.
20:10What happened to your grace and elegance?
20:13Weren't you supposed to be the picture of innocence?
20:16Then let's tell everyone what you've done.
20:21And let's see what the world thinks of you then.
20:24Jessie looked up at me, face full of horror, completely falling apart.
20:32Nicole, what are you trying to do?
20:35Jackson! Help me!
20:37Jackson gritted his teeth, fighting through the pain.
20:41He rushed forward and shoved me away with all his strength.
20:44I wasn't prepared.
20:46I hit the ground hard.
20:48The back of my head cracked against the edge of the stage steps.
20:51A wave of dizziness hit me.
20:53I felt the pressure surge through my nose, even though I'd long since given up on Jackson.
21:00That moment still struck like a fist to the chest.
21:05Jackson came at me again.
21:07Grabbing me by the shoulders.
21:09His blood dripped onto my face.
21:12Thick and metallic.
21:13The scent making me nauseous.
21:16Nicole!
21:17He growled, eyes dark with fury.
21:20I don't care how insane you've become.
21:23If you ever lay another hand on Jessie again,
21:25I swear I'll make you pay for it a hundred times over.
21:31I could feel the pressure tightening around my neck.
21:34The air around me was growing thinner by the second.
21:38Just when I thought I might die here today,
21:40a sudden commotion erupted at the entrance.
21:43A team of bodyguards burst in,
21:46storming straight toward us.
21:47Before anyone could react,
21:49one of them kicked Jackson's square in the chest,
21:52sending him flying.
21:54He hit the ground hard,
21:56I even heard the sickening crack of bone.
21:59Jackson trembled from the pain,
22:02unable to say a word before he passed out cold.
22:08Jesse froze in shock.
22:11The Kruger family might have been a prominent family,
22:15but she'd never seen anything like this.
22:18Jesse stood there like a statue,
22:21watching as someone gently helped me up
22:23and escorted me out of the auction hall.
22:27The crowd at the entrance parted to make way.
22:31I never looked back.
22:33Outside the auction room,
22:35a car was already waiting.
22:38Black, sleek.
22:39The kind of car that costs more than most people make in a decade.
22:44The bodyguards walked me to the car,
22:48made sure I was inside safely,
22:51shut the door,
22:53headed to the vehicle behind.
22:55A man put down his phone
22:56and looked up at me,
22:59taking in my disheveled, pitiful state.
23:05He let out a barely audible sigh.
23:09You are just like your mother.
23:13Tears streamed down my face.
23:16A wave of emotion I couldn't hold back surged forward.
23:20My poor mother had been forced to sell her body just to support me.
23:23It wasn't until she met my adoptive father
23:26that she finally found a tiny, stable corner of the world to call her own.
23:31To everyone else,
23:32I was just the daughter of a whore.
23:34Anyone could throw that past in my face to hurt me,
23:38but no one knew that the man sitting across from me,
23:41this elegant, poised man with a natural air of nobility
23:45was my biological father, Jordan Fletcher.
23:48When he saw my tears,
23:50his expression softened.
23:52I know I failed your mother,
23:55but back then,
23:57I wasn't in control of my life either.
24:00The Fletcher family kept me under strict watch.
24:03I had no freedom.
24:06I didn't even know my family had done such awful things to her.
24:14They left her with no choice but to make that decision.
24:17But Nicole, whether you believe me or not,
24:19I regret it.
24:20I do.
24:22And I truly want to make things right.
24:25I quietly looked away,
24:27turning my gaze to the window.
24:29My expression was blank,
24:31eyes cold and lifeless.
24:33Deep down,
24:34I felt nothing but numbness.
24:37Both my mother and I had placed our trust in a man's promises.
24:41And in the end,
24:42this was what we got.
24:43I calmly accepted all of Jordan's support.
24:47That's when I learned he and his wife had been married four years,
24:50but never had children.
24:52I made a grand public return to the Fletcher family.
24:55They invited high profile figures from every corner of society to the ceremony,
25:00including Jackson,
25:02who had recently been discharged from the hospital.
25:05The moment Jackson stepped into the venue with Jesse and spotted me,
25:09he let go of her and headed straight in my direction.
25:13He grabbed my arm,
25:15dragged me into a quiet corner.
25:21What are you doing here?
25:23Nicole,
25:25don't tell me the reason you had money at the auction was because you became that old Fletcher guy's mistress?
25:31Have you no shame?
25:33You're nothing but a whore!
25:37As soon as Jackson said it,
25:39he tried to pull me away,
25:41not even sparing Jesse a glance.
25:43I yanked my arm out of his grip,
25:45gave a cold,
25:46mocking glance in Jesse's direction,
25:49then sneered.
25:54Jackson,
25:55who the hell do you think you are to tell me what to do?
25:59What's that supposed to mean?
26:01We haven't even divorced yet!
26:03You're still my wife!
26:06Oh, so now you remember I'm your wife?
26:10Funny,
26:11because I thought you had amnesia.
26:14Parading around with your mistress,
26:17hurting me for her,
26:18did it ever cross your mind then that I was still your wife?
26:22Jackson swallowed his anger,
26:24lowered his voice.
26:25Stop making a scene.
26:27I was just mad because you embarrassed me in public.
26:32It wasn't entirely for Jesse's sake.
26:35Honestly, if you'd just backed down that day,
26:38I never would have let those photos leak.
26:40Not a single one.
26:44I couldn't hold back a laugh.
26:48And what if I refused to back down?
26:51Jackson,
26:51what makes you think I'd ever give in to the woman you cheated with?
26:57What do you take me for?
26:58Jackson was completely stunned by my words.
27:01His face darkened,
27:02but he had no comeback.
27:04I didn't bother with him anymore and turned to leave.
27:06But of course he refused to let go.
27:09He grabbed my wrist tightly,
27:11still unwilling to give up.
27:12No matter what,
27:13you're still my wife.
27:15You're coming home with me.
27:17Just then,
27:18the sound of a microphone rang out from the stage,
27:20and Jordan's deep,
27:22steady voice filled the room.
27:25The purpose of tonight's gathering
27:28is to introduce someone very important to me,
27:31my long-lost daughter.
27:33As he spoke,
27:34his gaze swept over the crowd
27:36and landed squarely on me.
27:39More than half the people in the room
27:41had attended the auction that day.
27:43Their eyes widened in disbelief.
27:46As they followed Jordan's line of sight,
27:48right to me,
27:49Jordan gave a small,
27:51calm smile,
27:52and continued,
27:53Please welcome my daughter.
27:59With everyone watching,
28:01I walked step by step toward the stage.
28:05Once I was up there,
28:06I turned around and smiled at the crowd.
28:11I'm not someone who forgives and forgets.
28:15So if you're smart,
28:17you'll start being very careful from now on.
28:20It was a naked threat,
28:21and everyone heard it loud and clear.
28:24One by one,
28:25the guests lowered their heads,
28:27scrambling to distance.
28:28They all claimed they'd forgotten the past,
28:31that they couldn't remember anything that happened.
28:34Before Anne certainly wouldn't speak of it to anyone.
28:37Jordan nodded in satisfaction.
28:41Jordan turned his attention to Jackson.
28:45I hear Mr. Stainberg has already moved on to someone new.
28:50My daughter will not marry a man like that.
28:54Consider the marriage over.
28:55I'll be choosing a more suitable husband for her.
28:58I ask that you cooperate and complete the paperwork as soon as possible.
29:03Jackson stared at me, dot dazed,
29:04like he hadn't fully processed what Jordan had just said.
29:08It was like he'd lost his mind.
29:10Jackson refused to get divorced,
29:13and even went so far as to fire Jesse.
29:15But trouble was closing in fast.
29:17The business people who'd attended the auction with him already suspected.
29:22Jackson had rigged the event to drain their cash flow.
29:26Now that I had officially rejoined the Fletcher family,
29:28they saw an opportunity, one by one.
29:31They turned on the Stainbrook family.
29:34The next time I saw Jackson,
29:36he was walking out of his office building.
29:38His suit jacket was slung over one arm,
29:41his tie hung crooked across his shoulder,
29:43his shirt was a mess of wrinkles,
29:45deep dark circles ringed his eyes.
29:47But the moment he spotted me,
29:48they lit up with hope.
29:50He rushed over.
29:52Nicole,
29:53the Fletcher family have kept you so well protected.
29:56I couldn't even get a glimpse of you.
29:57But now you're here.
29:59I knew it.
30:00I knew you still had feelings for me.
30:02I've already fired Jesse.
30:04She won't come between us again.
30:06Just give me one more chance, please.
30:08Help me save the company.
30:12Help us.
30:14I looked at him coldly.
30:18And for a moment,
30:19I genuinely couldn't remember
30:20what I'd ever seen in this man.
30:24Jackson,
30:25stop dreaming.
30:27I came here today for one reason.
30:29To tell you,
30:30I've already drawn up the divorce papers.
30:32All you have to do is sign.
30:34I don't want a single cent
30:36from the Stainbrook family.
30:38But if you keep pestering me,
30:40don't blame me for what happens next.
30:44Jackson still refused to let go.
30:46Nicole, please don't be so heartless.
30:48I know I was wrong.
30:50I do.
30:51He begged me desperately.
30:52It was all Jesse's fault.
30:53She messed with my head.
30:56I wasn't thinking straight.
30:58That's the only reason I treated you that way.
31:01Getting Dil you.
31:04But promise,
31:05I'll never see her again.
31:07Just forgive me, okay?
31:09Just this once?
31:11I let out a cold, humorless smile.
31:14Are you sorry?
31:14Or are you just scared
31:16because you're about to lose everything?
31:19Jackson, wake up.
31:20The moment you forced me into that corner,
31:23whatever we had was over.
31:25Jackson looked up at me in anguish,
31:27trying to say something.
31:28But before he could speak,
31:30a shrill female voice cut through the air.
31:32Jackson, you bastard!
31:34I'm pregnant with your child!
31:39I'm pregnant!
31:40Jesse came out of nowhere,
31:41dropped to her knees right in front of me.
31:49Mrs. Sullivan, you already have everything!
31:53That humiliating background of yours doesn't even matter anymore!
31:56No one in Los Angeles dares to bring it up
31:59now that Jordan's your father!
32:02So please,
32:03just stop fighting me over Jackson, alright?
32:07I'm carrying his child.
32:09My baby needs a father.
32:11Jackson's eyes widened in panic.
32:13He shoved Jesse away instinctively.
32:15I let out a snort,
32:17pulled the already prepared divorce papers from my bag,
32:19and tossed them at him.
32:21Take care of your wife and kid, Jackson.
32:25Sign the damn papers.
32:28Otherwise, whether the Stainwell group survives or not,
32:31won't be up to you.
32:33With that, I turned and walked away,
32:35behind me.
32:36The sound of them arguing and blaming each other
32:38slowly faded into the warmth of the spring breeze.
32:41But Jackson still wouldn't give up.
32:43He seemed completely convinced.
32:45I still had feelings for him.
32:47Then came the stunts one after another.
32:49He sent me flowers and gifts every day.
32:53Jackson came the most desperate move of all.
32:55He forced Jesse to terminate the pregnancy.
32:57And even had someone deliver the medical report to me,
33:01stained at the corners with fresh blood.
33:03I was disgusted.
33:04Around that time,
33:06Jordan started grooming me as the next successor
33:08of the Fletcher group.
33:09And the first challenge I set for myself was to
33:11bring down the Stainbrook group.
33:15After a series of calculated strikes,
33:18their stock plummeted.
33:19I seized the opportunity and bought up shares
33:21at rock bottom prices.
33:24Completely catching Jackson off guard.
33:27Backed into a corner and on the verge of bankruptcy,
33:30Jackson finally caved.
33:33He agreed to the divorce after the Friday market closed.
33:36We were finally, officially divorced.
33:41The day I got the divorce certificate,
33:43Jackson still tried to put on a lovesick act.
33:47The moment he started spewing that nauseating nonsense,
33:50I had to wave my hand and order my bodyguards to throw him out.
33:55That same night,
33:56I sent a dossier of dirt I'd been sitting on to the paparazzi.
33:59Within 30 minutes,
34:01the internet exploded.
34:04Stainbrook group.
34:05CEO Jackson allegedly forced girlfriend to get an abortion.
34:09Jackson Stainbrook cheated during his marriage.
34:11Mistress Jessie.
34:12Revealed as Kruger heirs fake innocent.
34:15Real man-eater with dozens of flings.
34:17Jackson Stainbrook cheated during his marriage.
34:19The trending topics were a frenzy.
34:21And gossip-hungry netizens couldn't get enough.
34:24Jackson held a rushed press conference claiming he and Jessie were engaged.
34:27And that the abortion had been entirely her choice.
34:30Jessie also came forward.
34:32Insisting she was innocent and just wanted to settle down quietly.
34:36No longer wishing to take up public resources.
34:38I shut off my phone and casually looked across the desk at the man standing before me.
34:42I chuckled.
34:43Mr. Stainberry,
34:45shouldn't you be busy planning a wedding right about now?
34:48What are you doing here?
34:51Jackson's face twisted in agony.
34:53His eyes so bloodshot they looked ready to bleed.
34:56Nicole, I love you.
34:58The moment I realized I was about to lose you for good,
35:01I was crushed with regret.
35:03As he spoke,
35:04he yanked open his shirt,
35:05exposing his chest still bruised and swollen.
35:08A tattoo etched in angry ink spelled my name.
35:11The sight made my stomach turn.
35:13I wanted nothing more than to plunge a knife straight through him.
35:16And yet Jackson kept going,
35:18completely convinced he was pouring out some grand romantic confession.
35:23I'm only marrying Jessie because I have no choice.
35:25Once this all blows over,
35:27I'll divorce her,
35:28I swear.
35:29That's why I had your name tattooed over my heart.
35:31To prove my loyalty.
35:35Nicole, please.
35:37Wait for me, will you?
35:40I gave a little shrug,
35:41then casually picked up a tablet from the desk.
35:44After tapping it a few times,
35:46I tossed it in front of him.
35:47Jackson glanced down in confusion,
35:49then froze.
35:51His expression shifted instantly.
35:53Staring back at him were the original account logins
35:55behind every post that had set the internet on.
35:58Fire.
35:58They were all logged in on my tablet.
36:01He turned ghostly pale.
36:03His voice cracked.
36:06It was you?
36:08Why?
36:09I gave a slow, cold smile.
36:12Because you disgust me.
36:14After Jackson's so-called marriage,
36:15life didn't exactly turn out like a fairy tale.
36:17Their screaming matches were so dramatic
36:19they might as well have been part of an action movie.
36:22And they made frequent appearances on trending searches.
36:25The fake pregnancy scandal destroyed
36:27whatever shred of credibility Jessie had left.
36:30Jackson couldn't trust a word she said anymore.
36:32Every fight ended with him screaming about the lies.
36:35And her screaming that she did it for him.
36:40Meanwhile, my world finally quieted.
36:42I took full control of Fletcher Group.
36:46I never deluded myself into thinking.
36:49Jordan backed me because he loved me.
36:51Jordan didn't.
36:52I was just the only child he had left.
36:54And the only one.
36:55Remotely capable of inheriting the empire he'd built.
36:58So I made sure I didn't disappoint.
37:00Not only did I solidify Fletcher Group's position,
37:03but I also expanded my fashion design studio
37:06into a major force.
37:10Eventually, I edged Jordan out completely.
37:13Stripped him of all power.
37:15Moved him into a luxury nursing home
37:18where he lived off the allowance I sent every month.
37:21To my surprise, he didn't resist at all.
37:24He only muttered one sentence as I turned to leave.
37:27You are my daughter.
37:30I didn't respond.
37:31I walked away, head held high.
37:36Finally tasting the sweet satisfaction of avenging my mother.
37:42Two years later, I received an invitation to an auction.
37:46There, in the auction hall, I ran into Jackson and Jesse,
37:49ghosts of the past.
37:51They looked nothing like the powerful pair from two years ago.
37:54Ragged, hollow-eyed.
37:56Worn down by time and failure.
37:58There weren't many items up for bid that night.
38:00And they barely raised their paddles there.
38:02Business was hanging by a thread.
38:04They had almost no money left to spend.
38:09I watched them from across the room.
38:11Jackson's hand rested on Jesse's shoulder.
38:13But his eyes kept drifting toward the exit,
38:15like he was looking for someone who was never coming back.
38:18Jesse clutched her purse tight,
38:20scanning the room with paranoid jitteriness,
38:22afraid of being recognized,
38:23afraid of the whiskers that followed them everywhere they went.
38:26Then, the auctioneer stepped on stage
38:28to announce the final item of the evening.
38:31A private video featuring Jesse,
38:34the beloved wife of Stainberg Group's Mr. Jackson Stainberg.
38:37The highest bidder wins.
38:39Jackson and Jesse shot to their feet.
38:41Terror struck as a series of screenshots
38:43flashed across the giant screen.
38:46Cold sweat dripped from their faces.
38:48I smiled and slowly raised my hand high in the air.
38:52Unlimited bidding.
38:53The room fell silent,
38:55just like that first night,
38:56except this time I wasn't the one trapped in the corner.
38:59I wasn't the one with everything to lose.
39:03Jackson's face drained of color.
39:05His mouth opened,
39:06but no sound came out.
39:08Jesse grabbed his arm,
39:09trembling.
39:10Jackson,
39:11tell her to stop.
39:13Please.
39:14He didn't move.
39:15Couldn't move.
39:16Because we both knew just like before I
39:19had every intention of following through.
39:21The gavel came down,
39:22and for the second time in my life,
39:24I owned their shame.
39:25But this time,
39:26I wasn't buying it to protect anyone.
39:28I was buying it to end them.
39:29I was buying it to edit them or anything.
39:32I don't like out of time.
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