- 6 minutes ago
The Wife Who Never Existed
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:03Ethan loves this flavor. Figured you might need it.
00:06Happy anniversary, Grace. This is for you.
00:09I froze when I saw the box of condoms that Jane, Ethan's assistant, handed me.
00:13She said this with a tiny smirk on her face, her eyes never flinching as I stared at her face.
00:18It suddenly hit me. She knew my husband better than I did.
00:20The irony part was, I only found out three days later.
00:23I was actually the other woman in his real marriage, three days ago.
00:26Sorry, ma'am. I can't renew your license.
00:28The clerk didn't even look up, her voice as flat and cold as a robotic reply.
00:33Why? I filed a marriage status update.
00:35I stood at the DMV counter, thinking I had misheard.
00:38Ignoring me, she just frowned at her screen.
00:40There's no marriage record for you and Ethan Crawford in the system.
00:43Your visa expired two years ago.
00:46Currently, your status is overstayed visa.
00:48No green card, no valid visa, and no record of my marriage.
00:52I once appraised million-dollar artworks yet at that moment.
00:55I didn't even have the legal right to stand here.
00:57I was shaking as I called Ethan.
00:58The man who had promised to handle all my legal papers.
01:01It had to be a mistake.
01:02Just a paperwork error.
01:03Once he answers, everything could be explained.
01:06He hung up on me.
01:07I kept calling, but he declined every single time.
01:09I stared at the dark screen, seeing the reflection of my own face.
01:12A security guard started toward me.
01:14One hand on his radio, the other hovering near his taser.
01:17Ma'am, please come with me.
01:18We need to verify your ID.
01:22I used to be the youngest curatorial consultant in Boston's luxury art scene.
01:27And at that moment, I was just one step away from being taken away by immigration enforcement.
01:32Just before the guard could force me out, Ethan finally picked up.
01:40Ethan, the DMV says we don't have a marriage record, and my visa is invalid.
01:45What the hell is going on?
01:47I screamed into the phone, completely ignoring the strange looks from the people around me.
01:51But on the other end, Ethan's voice was dead flat.
01:54Grace, I'm in a meeting right now.
01:56Just quiet down for a second.
01:57Stop calling me, okay?
01:58I fled the DMV in a panic and bolted all the way home.
02:01Only one thought consumed my mind.
02:03Find the marriage certificate.
02:05Find the documents.
02:06And prove this was just a damn system bug.
02:09I rushed to the front door and pressed my thumb against the fingerprint lock.
02:13Verification failed.
02:14I tried it again.
02:16Verification failed.
02:17I stood at my own front door.
02:19Verification.
02:19Locked out like a total stranger.
02:21I began to pound on the door like crazy.
02:23The door opened, but it was Jane standing there in a robe, holding a cup of coffee.
02:28Grace?
02:29What are you doing here?
02:30She looked me up and down like she owned the place.
02:33This is my house!
02:34I pushed past her and stormed in.
02:36Ethan was sitting on the sofa, reviewing documents, without even looking up.
02:41I revoked your access.
02:42Jane needs to handle a confidential merger for the company recently.
02:46For security reasons, I updated the access list.
02:49An access list?
02:50I'm your wife, not some visitor!
02:54He didn't show a single second of guilt.
02:57Didn't you hear me?
02:59Jane needs to handle sensitive company files at home.
03:02For security, I changed the permits.
03:04Security.
03:05In my own home.
03:06I'm his wife.
03:07And he removed my fingerprint access to my own home.
03:10All for his assistant's security.
03:12Ethan, what about my stuff?
03:14My clothes, my documents?
03:16And the garage.
03:17I packed it all for him.
03:19He had packed up three years of my life and shoved it into the garage like trash.
03:22Jane stood behind him, looking at me with a half-smile.
03:25Ethan pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to me.
03:27There's a motel nearby.
03:29Jane booked you a room.
03:30Stay there for a few days until this is settled.
03:33The way he looked at me, it was like he was dismissing a stranger.
03:35Grace, you're out of status right now.
03:38Don't go around making trouble.
03:39Three years ago, he knelt on one knee in the Boston snow one night.
03:43Slipped a ring on my finger and promised me the world.
03:46The first time we walked into this house, he squatted to change my shoes.
03:49This is your home now.
03:50He used to squeeze toothpaste for me every morning and blow.
03:53Dry my hair after my shower every night.
03:56All you need to do is stay beautiful.
03:58Now, he said.
03:59You're out of status.
04:00Don't cause trouble for me.
04:02I stood at my own doorstep, clutching a motel key card.
04:05As I turned, I glimpsed the shoe rack by the door.
04:08My shoes were already gone.
04:09In their place sat a pair of high heels.
04:11Not my size.
04:12But they were there, looking like they had been for a long time.
04:18The ceiling in this motel was leaking, water dripping onto the carpet.
04:22Beat by beat.
04:23I hadn't left this room in three days.
04:25Out of status.
04:27No license.
04:28No job.
04:29Even going to the grocery store was terrifying.
04:32I was always afraid someone would check my ID.
04:34At 2am, unable to sleep.
04:36I scrolled through Instagram.
04:38Then, I saw Jane's latest post.
04:40A selfie at Anherma's boutique.
04:41A limited edition.
04:42Birkin slung over her arm.
04:44I slammed my phone onto the pillow.
04:45My chest so tight I could barely breathe.
04:48Staring at the ceiling and listening to the dripping water.
04:50My mind began to replay everything.
04:52Frame by frame.
04:53When did Jane start showing up in our lives?
04:55A year ago, Ethan said the firm was expanding.
04:57He needed a personal assistant.
04:59Since then, she got our front door code.
05:01The garage clicker.
05:03Every hour of Ethan's schedule.
05:04On my own anniversary.
05:06She knew what flavor of condoms Ethan preferred better than I did.
05:09My home's access was revoked.
05:10For her security.
05:12She's just an assistant.
05:14Since when does she get all that?
05:16Unless, she was never just an assistant.
05:18I bolted up right.
05:20If something was going on between them from the start.
05:22Then what about the DMV?
05:23My visa?
05:24My marriage record?
05:25Were those accidents or setups?
05:28I opened my laptop and dug out the copy of the marriage certificate from the bottom of my bag.
05:33Back then, Ethan told me the lawyer was keeping the original.
05:36And this copy was just for sentimental value.
05:38I logged into the county clerk's database.
05:41Names.
05:41Dates.
05:42Locations.
05:43I enter them all.
05:44The page loaded for a few seconds.
05:46No record found.
05:54I asked my old friend Sarah, a senior paralegal at a top law firm in San Francisco, to double-check
05:59it for me.
05:59When the call went through, her voice sounded dead serious.
06:02Grace, I checked the county clerk's internal system and cross-referenced the records from back then.
06:06You might not want to hear this.
06:08I held my breath, digging my nails deep into the rough motel sheets.
06:12You did apply for a marriage license.
06:14That document is real.
06:15But there's no marriage certificate on file.
06:17The confirmation signed by the manister, the one that was supposed to be mailed back to the state, it's just
06:22not there.
06:23Who was supposed to mail it?
06:25Then it clicked.
06:25The day after the wedding, Ethan held me and told me to enjoy the honeymoon while his assistant would handle
06:30the tedious paperwork.
06:31It was Ethan.
06:32I let out a self-deprecating laugh.
06:34But tears burst from my eyes.
06:35Sarah fell silent for a long time.
06:38Grace, there's more bad news.
06:39A year ago, Ethan registered a new marriage.
06:42The name in the spouse-belalum is Jane Holloway.
06:45My mind went completely blank after the call hung up.
06:48I had to get some air, but not daring to wander too far.
06:51I just walked around the nearby blocks.
06:53Then, I passed by a gallery.
06:54A promotional poster for a new exhibition was hanging in the window.
06:57I stopped.
06:58I knew that proposal inside and out.
07:00It was mine.
07:01I did it.
07:01But the credit on the poster wasn't mine.
07:03It was Jane's.
07:04I thought I was seeing things.
07:06I leaned in closer.
07:08Curator, Jane Holloway, and small below.
07:10Special thanks to Ethan Crawford.
07:12I didn't even know how I walked inside.
07:14Ethan stood there in a sharp suit, holding a glass of champagne, looking like a decent patron.
07:19Jane was right there next to him.
07:20All dressed up and laughing with some gallery folks.
07:23I stormed up to them.
07:25This is my proposal.
07:26I wrote every single word of this.
07:31Everyone looked at me in shock.
07:33Ethan set down his glass, walked over, and lowered his voice.
07:41Grace, can you stop embarrassing yourself here?
07:43This is my work, and you know it!
07:47Grace, can you just leave for now?
07:49Don't humiliate me in front of these people.
07:52I'll explain everything when I get home.
07:54Ethan!
07:55He ignored me and had security escort me out in front of everyone.
07:58To him, my rage was just a tantrum.
08:00He thought I'd call back eventually.
08:02No status.
08:02No job.
08:03Where could I go?
08:04I was shoved out the back door.
08:06Stumbled a few steps as my legs went weak and fell forward.
08:09A hand firmly caught my arm.
08:11Careful.
08:11I looked up.
08:12It was Hudson Carter, chairman of the largest art foundation in San Francisco.
08:16Not even daring to step inside.
08:18Ethan stood at the doorway and dialed 911.
08:21Someone broke into my house.
08:22The lock is destroyed.
08:25Accompanied by the officers, he cautiously checked every room.
08:28Living room.
08:29The television was there.
08:30The speakers were there.
08:31The study the laptop was there.
08:33The equipment was there.
08:35The bedroom.
08:36Luxury watches were in the cabinet.
08:37The safe was untouched.
08:39Nothing was missing.
08:40Sir, there's no property loss here.
08:42But someone ripped off my lock.
08:45Something must be missing.
08:46Ethan frowned and insisted the officers check again.
08:49He knew something was wrong.
08:50The officers followed him through every corner of the house.
08:52He entered the bedroom and opened the closet.
08:54It was half empty.
08:55He froze for a moment, then checked the bathroom.
08:58My toiletries, all gone.
08:59My daily mug in the kitchen, gone.
09:01My shoes in the rack.
09:02Not a single pair left.
09:03In the entire house, only my things had vanished.
09:06You're saying the missing items are all a woman's personal belongings?
09:11Yes.
09:13What's your relationship with this lady?
09:16My wife.
09:20Your wife?
09:21Do you mean Miss Jane?
09:23I don't know.
09:24Sir, this doesn't look like a burglary.
09:26It seems more like someone entered legally, took only what belonged to them, and left.
09:29In this case, we can't file a report.
09:31I suggest you contact your wife.
09:35But judging by this, she made a very clean break.
09:39After the police left, Ethan stood in the center of the living room and dialed my number.
09:44We're sorry.
09:46The number you have dialed is no longer in service.
09:52We're sorry.
09:53The number you have dialed is no longer in service.
09:56He opened Instagram and searched for my handle, deactivated LinkedIn.
09:59He went into his contacts and started calling anyone who might know something.
10:03Haven't heard from her in forever.
10:07My college roommate.
10:09She hasn't reached out to me.
10:11A friend I knew in San Francisco.
10:13I'm trying to reach her too.
10:14Is everything okay?
10:15No one knew where I was.
10:17He sank down onto the floor, leaning his back against the bed like all the air had been let out
10:20of him.
10:22I was the one who hired someone to take that lock of heart.
10:24And then I took every single thing that belonged to me.
10:26He thought I had nowhere else to go.
10:28But he was dead wrong.
10:29That grace.
10:30The one who had nothing left was truly gone this time.
10:32He looked around the room and spotted the fake marriage certificate on the nightstand.
10:38He picked it up and read the note I'd left.
10:41Happy anniversary, stranger.
10:46Three days ago.
10:47Your work shouldn't have someone else's name on it.
10:49In the alley behind the gallery, Hudson Carter stood in front of me.
10:53His tone was flat.
10:54But every word drove into me like a nail.
10:56I was such a mess, I couldn't look him in the eye.
10:58How did you know the proposal was mine?
11:00Because the version in there is full of holes.
11:02The flow is inconsistent.
11:04The logic is mismatched.
11:05He paused.
11:06But the framework is brilliant.
11:07Too brilliant for the person who signed it.
11:10I stood there shivering.
11:11Whether from the cold or the sheer grievance.
11:13I didn't know.
11:13For the first time in three years, someone saw my work and said, this is good.
11:18What's your legal status?
11:19The question hit me like a cold splash of water.
11:22I stayed silent for a long time.
11:23Out of status.
11:24He looked at me.
11:25No pity.
11:26No surprise.
11:27Overstayed visa.
11:28Marriage fraud.
11:29I was set up.
11:31I don't know why I was pouring my heart out to a stranger.
11:33Hudson didn't dig for details.
11:35He just pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
11:38David, I have a case.
11:40O-1 visa.
11:41Arts.
11:41Yes.
11:42Extraordinary ability.
11:43I'll prepare the materials.
11:44Set the appointment as soon as possible.
11:48I was stunned.
11:50Why help me?
11:51You don't even know me.
11:52I don't need to know you.
11:54I only need to see your work.
11:56He put his phone away.
11:57His voice steady.
11:58Your proposal was the best I've seen in five years.
12:01That's not a compliment.
12:02It's a fact.
12:03In my foundation, talent is the only ticket.
12:06Not a visa.
12:07Not a marriage.
12:08And certainly not a man's charity.
12:10I bit my lip, my eyes burning, but I didn't cry.
12:13I was done with tears.
12:14He turned to leave, then stopped.
12:16By the way, that exhibition in there has its opening reception in three days.
12:20Every major collector and gallery owner in San Francisco will be there.
12:23Do you still have the original version of that proposal?
12:25Yes.
12:26Every single draft.
12:27He nodded.
12:28That's enough.
12:28He took a few steps, then said without looking back.
12:31Come in three days.
12:32This time, use your own name.
12:35I only have three days, David.
12:37The immigration lawyer Hudson recommended, met me the next day.
12:40I sat in the conference room across from a stern middle-aged man in gold-rimmed glasses.
12:44He was leafing through my documents, page by page, very slowly.
12:48Boston Museum of Contemporary Art, youngest curatorial assister, three international journals,
12:55two solo projects.
12:57He closed the file and looked up.
13:02Grace, with your curriculum vitila, an O-1 visa is a non-issue.
13:06The question is, why did you wait three years to apply?
13:09Because Ethan told me I didn't need to, and I was stupid enough to believe him.
13:13David adjusted his glasses.
13:15I need an honest answer to one question.
13:17Was there ever a legal marriage between you and Ethan Crawford?
13:20No.
13:21He never filed the marriage certificate.
13:23But a year ago, he registered a marriage with another woman.
13:26David was silent for a few seconds, jotting something down.
13:30Do you realize what this means?
13:32He used a sham marriage promise to make you give up your visa and career.
13:37This isn't just civil.
13:38He looked at me, emphasizing every word.
13:41This is immigration fraud at the federal level.
13:44I sat there, my heart racing.
13:46Can I sue him?
13:47Sure, but not yet.
13:48David closed his notebook and leaned back.
13:51You're currently overstaying.
13:53If you sue first, the authorities will focus on you.
13:56Step one, get you legal.
13:58Once that O-1 is approved, you'll have the standing to fight in court.
14:02Until then, you only have to do one thing.
14:05Prove that your talent makes you worth keeping in this country.
14:11I walked out of the office, and my phone buzzed out a message from Hudson.
14:15The guest list for the opening is confirmed.
14:17I added a title next to your name.
14:18I opened the attachment.
14:19The last line of the guest list, Grace Winslow, independent curator, special advisor to Carter Foundation.
14:24I stared at the screen, my fingers trembling.
14:26Before I could even smile, another message popped up from an unknown number.
14:30Grace, I know where you are.
14:32We need to talk.
14:33Three days ago, he didn't even know where I was.
14:35He was calling around like crazy, trying to find me.
14:38Now, he suddenly knew.
14:39Who told him he didn't reply?
14:40I just blocked the number.
14:42The next day, I stepped out of the motel and saw a car in the parking lot.
14:45Ethan's card.
14:46He leaned against the door, hands in his pockets, looking like nothing had ever happened.
14:49Grace, you've lost weight.
14:51I walked right past him without stopping.
14:53He reached out and grabbed my arm.
14:55Can you stop being so childish?
14:56I'm here to help you fix this.
14:58Fix what?
14:59Your forvigery?
15:01Your sham marriage?
15:02Or the fact that you stole my work and gave it to someone else?
15:05His expression froze.
15:09Grace, calm down.
15:10You're out of status right now.
15:12If Icy finds out...
15:13Are you threatening me?
15:15I'm protecting you.
15:16He looked at me, slipping back into that.
15:18I'm doing this for your own good act.
15:19Come home.
15:20We can sit down and talk through everything.
15:22Three years ago, I would have believed him.
15:24But now...
15:25Ethan, do you have any idea how serious immigration fraud is under federal law?
15:29His face froze.
15:30What are you talking about?
15:31You never filed our marriage certificate.
15:34You let me believe we were legally married while you registered with Jane a year ago.
15:39You used a fake marriage to make me drop my work visa, leaving me undocumented for three
15:44years.
15:45I said each word slowly and clearly.
15:47That's immigration fraud.
15:48A federal offense.
15:49For the first time since I'd known Ethan, I left him speechless.
15:53He stayed quiet for a long beat, then let out a laugh.
15:56Grace, who do you think would believe you?
15:57An illegal immigrant who's overstayed for three years, suing a Silicon Valley executive with
16:01a clean tax record?
16:02You don't even have the legal standing to sue me.
16:04He got into his car, rolled down the window, and just gave me this smug look.
16:08Don't blow this up.
16:10It won't end well for you.
16:14The car drove off.
16:15I stood in the parking lot, clenching my fists.
16:18He was right.
16:19I don't have legal standing yet.
16:21But what he didn't know was this.
16:23At tomorrow night's opening reception, my name will be on Hudson Carter's guest list.
16:27And that O-1 visa application.
16:30It's already been filed.
16:31The opening reception.
16:32I stood at the gallery entrance in a black dress borrowed from Sarah, and my palms were
16:36sweating.
16:37The last time I went to something like this was three years ago in Boston.
16:41Back then, I was a curatorial advisor.
16:44Everyone knew my name.
16:45Now, I'm undocumented.
16:47Even the sight of the check.
16:49In list makes my heart race.
16:51I took a deep breath and stepped inside.
16:53The staff at the desk scanned the list and smiled at me.
16:56Ms. Winslow, welcome.
16:57Mr. Carter is expecting you.
16:59Hudson stood in the center of the hall, surrounded by a crowd.
17:02When he saw me walk in, he politely ended his conversation and came toward me.
17:06Here you are?
17:07Yeah.
17:08He doesn't say much, just leads me in.
17:10As people greeted him along the way, he stopped every time to introduce me.
17:14This is Grace Winslow, special advisor to the Carter Foundation.
17:21The second they heard that, their eyes shift.
17:24No more pity or doubt, only respect.
17:26Everything was going smoothly, until I saw the two of them walking in through the door.
17:31Ethan and Jane.
17:32Jane's clinging to him, wearing that dress from her Instagram.
17:35Smiling perfectly.
17:37Ethan scans the room.
17:38He freezes when he sees me.
17:40He hadn't expected to see me here.
17:42And definitely not with Hudson Carter.
17:44He recovers fast, grabbing champagne and acting natural.
17:47But I noticed his gaze wandering toward me every few seconds.
17:51Hudson seemed to notice it too.
17:53Without looking at Ethan.
17:55He leans in.
17:56You know him?
17:57My ex-husband.
17:58I paused for a second.
17:59If he even counts as one.
18:01Hudson doesn't push.
18:03He turns to the room and takes the microphone.
18:05Thank you all for coming tonight.
18:07Before we begin, there's someone I'd like to introduce.
18:10The room goes silent.
18:12The version of tonight's exhibition you saw in the brochure was not the original curial plan.
18:18I saw Jane's smile freeze.
18:19The real creator is here tonight.
18:21Hudson turned to me.
18:24Grace Winslow.
18:28Every eye fell on me.
18:29The entire room fell silent.
18:32Jane's face turned pale.
18:34Ethan set his glass down.
18:35His lips pressed into a thin line.
18:37And there I was, standing beside Hudson.
18:40Finally in the spotlight under my own name.
18:42Before I could speak, Jane suddenly laughed, holding her glass.
18:45She walked over to me, her voice not loud.
18:47But just enough for the people around us to hear.
18:49Grace, it's been ages.
18:52Wait, weren't you supposed to be out of the country by now?
18:54Jane, you're right.
18:56According to Ethan's plan, I should have disappeared by now.
18:59Her smile froze for a split second.
19:01I turned to the crowd, my voice not loud but steady.
19:04What most of you don't know is that I completed this curatorial proposal two years ago, entirely on my own.
19:09Every revision record, every time stand was still on my laptop.
19:13If anyone has questions about who really owns this, I'd be happy to show the original files right now.
19:17The room broke into whispers.
19:19Jane's hand trembled as she held her glass.
19:21She turned to Ethan.
19:22But Ethan ignored her.
19:23Ethan set his glass down, walked up to me, and lowered his voice.
19:26Grace, enough.
19:27What do you want?
19:28What do I want?
19:29I want back what belongs to me.
19:30My work.
19:31My credit.
19:32My three years.
19:34Can you even pay me back for that?
19:38His jaw tightened.
19:40Hudson stepped forward.
19:41His voice calm and flat.
19:42If the original author of this proposal is someone else, we will launch a formal copyrighty audit.
19:48He shot a glance at Ethan.
19:50I trust you won't mind.
19:51Ethan's face turned extremely ugly instantly.
19:53Knowing better, he walked away.
19:55As guests departed, three gallery owners sought me out to offer their cards.
19:58Miss Winslow, your vision was remarkable.
20:01Could we find a time to discuss a collaboration?
20:03I took the cards.
20:05My fingers still trembling slightly.
20:06I walked out of the gallery, and my phone rang.
20:09It was a message from David.
20:11Grace, your O1 premium processing was approved.
20:13You should have the approval notice sometime next week.
20:15I stared at the words, leaned against the wall, and looked up at the San Francisco night sky.
20:20Three years.
20:22Finally, I could stand on this soil legally and proudly.
20:26But my phone buzzed again.
20:27A text from an unknown number.
20:29Grace, you think you won?
20:31Go check who Hudson Carter really is.
20:33Jane.
20:36I stared at the message standing on the midnight street for a long time.
20:40Why did Jane send this to me?
20:42Was she scared?
20:43Did the reception mess with her head?
20:45But a panicked person doesn't warn you about your ally for no reason.
20:48Unless, she knew something I didn't.
20:50I hesitated all night.
20:51The next morning, I opened my laptop anyway.
20:54I searched for Hudson Carter, chairman of the San Francisco Art Foundation.
20:57Old Money Air.
20:58Forbes regular.
21:00Everything public about him was spotless.
21:02Gleaming like a meticulously crafted resumption.
21:04I scrolled down and clicked on a report from three years ago.
21:07Former partner accuses Hudson Carter of manipulating art valuations.
21:11My hand froze on the trackpad.
21:12The article said Hudson had been accused of using the foundation's clout to manipulate the market value of his artist's
21:18work.
21:18All for his own investment returns.
21:20The case was dropped.
21:21No conviction.
21:22But the very last line read,
21:24The plaintiff was represented by Crawford and Associates.
21:30Crawford.
21:30Crawford.
21:31I read the name three times.
21:32Crawford and Associates Ethan's last name.
21:34I checked the firm's site.
21:35The founder was Richard Crawford.
21:37Ethan's father three years ago.
21:39Ethan's father led the lawsuit against Hudson.
21:41So Hudson knew Ethan.
21:43Had he helped me because of my talent?
21:44Or was it because of Ethan?
21:46I sat on the motel bed, my head spinning.
21:48Was I really his curatorial advisor?
21:50Or just another pawn in his game?
21:51I picked up my phone and found Hudson's number.
21:54Before I could decide, it rang.
21:56It was Hudson.
21:57Grace, come to my office tomorrow at 10.
21:59He paused for a second.
22:00There are things I should tell you.
22:02The next morning, I stood outside the Carter Foundation building.
22:04I took a deep breath and stepped inside.
22:06The receptionist saw me and said,
22:08Mr. Carter is expecting you.
22:10Top floor.
22:10As the elevator climbed, my heart raced.
22:13I had no idea what he was about to tell me.
22:19Hudson's office was huge,
22:20with the Golden Gate Bridge framed perfectly by the massive windows.
22:23Take a seat.
22:25So you know Ethan.
22:27I do.
22:28Three years ago, his father's firm led a lawsuit against you.
22:32That's correct.
22:33So you're helping me to get back at him?
22:35Hudson walked over to his desk,
22:36pulled a file out of a drawer,
22:38and handed it to me.
22:39This is the full case file from that lawsuit.
22:41Take a look.
22:42I took it and opened the first page.
22:44Plaintiff, Marcus Hale.
22:45Former partner at the Carter Foundation.
22:47Allegation.
22:47Art valuation manipulation.
22:49I scrolled through the pages.
22:50The evidence section was filled with transaction records forged by Marcus himself.
22:54The final page was a voluntary dismissal.
22:56Marcus admitted the claims were false and issued a public apology.
22:59The lawsuit was a setup by Marcus to split the Foundation's assets.
23:03Ethan's father knew the evidence was fake,
23:05but he took the case anyway.
23:11The Crawfords had business ties with Marcus.
23:14They didn't care about the truth.
23:16They just wanted to take me down.
23:17I closed the file, my fingers still trembling.
23:20So, you're helping me, really just for my work?
23:23Hudson was silent for a moment.
23:26At first, I did notice your last name.
23:29My heart sank.
23:31But when I caught you, I had no idea who you were to Ethan.
23:34He walked toward me, his voice flat.
23:37I read your proposal because it was there.
23:39I chose to help you because it was worth it.
23:43As for Ethan, if crushing him is a side effect, I don't mind.
23:47But you are not my tool.
23:49I stood there, speechless.
23:51Hudson turned back to the window.
23:52Grace, you can choose not to believe me.
23:55You can walk out right now.
23:57But if you stay, I need you to be clear on one thing.
24:00Every step from here will push Ethan into a corner.
24:03He won't go down without a fight.
24:05Are you ready for that?
24:06I looked into his eyes and remembered what Ethan had said in the parking lot.
24:10Don't make a scene.
24:13It won't end well for you.
24:16I took a deep breath.
24:17I'm ready.
Comments