- 2 hours ago
Daddy, You Don't Matter Anymore englishsub fullmovie
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:15Hello?
00:15Hi, is this Mr. Robert?
00:17He's tied up right now. This is his daughter, Aria.
00:20Who's calling?
00:21This is the Beverly Hills Hotel.
00:23We're just calling to check if your brother, Leo,
00:25had any allergic reactions to the gluten-free treats in the suite.
00:28Brother?
00:29I don't have a brother. My dad is 53. My mom is 51.
00:34I'm an only child.
00:35Just last weekend, he told us face to face.
00:38I'm heading to SF for a real estate deal.
00:41Aria? Are you still there?
00:43He's fine, thanks.
00:46Right then, my dad walked in from the pool.
00:49Who was that?
00:49Nobody. Wrong number.
00:51Where's your mom?
00:52Gilson's. Getting steaks.
00:54She wanted to cook you a nice dinner since you've been working so hard.
00:56She always spoils me.
00:58Four days of back-to-back meetings during this trip, I'm wiped out.
01:02The lie just came out automatically,
01:03but the penthouse at the Beverly Hills Hotel isn't in San Francisco.
01:07It's right on Sunset Boulevard, less than two miles from our house.
01:11Dad.
01:12What's up, sweetie?
01:14Where did you stay, anyway?
01:16Some friends and I are hitting SF next month looking for recommendations.
01:22Just some cheap motel they booked. Nothing fancy.
01:24If you want to go, Dad'll get you a way better place.
01:26He was lying through his teeth. I didn't press him.
01:29I just turned around, headed upstairs, and checked his credit card bills on my laptop.
01:34I major in finance, so a lot of the family bills go straight to my email.
01:38Last weekend, $8,500 spent on food at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
01:43Valentine's Day. $23,000 at Tiffany & Co.
01:46And my mom.
01:48She just got a $120 bouquet of white tulip.
01:51I sank into my chair, my head spinning.
01:53Robert! Aria! Can I get some help down here?
01:56I took a deep breath and opened the door.
01:58My dad had already grabbed the grocery bags from her.
02:01You bought so much stuff.
02:03You should have waited for me. I'm coming with you next time.
02:05But you just got back from that crazy trip.
02:07Besides, Aria loves your steaks.
02:10Standing at the top of the stairs, my stomach burned like acid.
02:13During dinner, my dad kept pouring wine for my mom.
02:16Oh, by the way, Elena, I picked up some skincare stuff for you.
02:19Aria can show you how to use it tomorrow.
02:21You're wasting money again.
02:22After dinner, my dad went to his office to work.
02:25I brought a plate of fruit inside.
02:27Hey, Dad.
02:28I saw this crazy story online today.
02:31This guy hit a mistress and a secret kid from his wife
02:33and ended up losing everything.
02:36Aria, what exactly are you trying to say?
02:39What's done in the dark always comes to light.
02:41Right, Dad?
02:45The internet is full of that clickbait trash.
02:48Look, you just graduated.
02:51Stop reading that garbage and focus on finding a job.
02:55But...
02:55No buts.
02:57Mind your own business and stay out of grown-up affairs.
03:00Got it?
03:01Got it.
03:02There wasn't a drop of warmth left in his eyes.
03:05The next day was Saturday and my dad said he had to go to the office for some paperwork.
03:09The second he left, I jumped in my car and drove straight to the Beverly Hills Hotel.
03:14The receptionist was a Latina girl with flawless makeup.
03:17Hi, I need to check the records for Mr. Robert from last week.
03:20I'm his daughter.
03:21He left something here.
03:23Sorry, but that's against our privacy policy.
03:25Can you at least tell me what the woman with him looked like?
03:28She was pretty young, under 30, long brown hair, dressed super classy, like she was into art or design.
03:35I walked out and looked up the Tiffany store in Beverly Hills right away.
03:3920 minutes later, I found a nice black sales associate.
03:42Hi, I'm trying to check a purchase made by Mr. Robert on Valentine's Day.
03:46I'm his daughter, just trying to double check the style he bought.
03:48Oh, yes.
03:50Mr. Robert is our VIP here.
03:51He came in that day with a gorgeous lady, bought our seasonal diamond necklace for $23,000.
03:57Do you know her name?
03:58I think it was Scarlet.
04:00Yeah, Scarlet.
04:01They seemed so in love.
04:03She said it was too pricely, but Mr. Robert insisted.
04:09When I got home, my mom was in the front yard trimming her roses.
04:13Hey, Aria.
04:14You're back.
04:15What do you want for dinner?
04:16Looking at those blooming roses, my heart sank.
04:18I couldn't just tell her.
04:19My mom has high blood pressure.
04:21She can't take this kind of shock.
04:22I had to find solid proof first.
04:24That night, I sat in front of my computer, scrolling through endless social media.
04:28accounts.
04:29Finally, I found an Instagram account called Scarlet Art.
04:32I clicked on her profile.
04:34Art shows, high tea, designer bags, and a photo of a little boy from behind.
04:38Everything matched up perfectly with what I knew about Scarlet.
04:41Most of her posts were tagged in Crystal Cove, a gated community in Newport each.
04:46The next day, I skipped work and staked out the coffee shop right outside Crystal Cove.
04:50At 2, a white Porsche Cayenne pulled out and parked in front of a flower shop.
04:55A woman in a long linen dress got out.
04:57It was Scarlet.
04:58She bought some white roses and walked into the private preschool next door.
05:02Ten minutes later, she walked out holding a three-year, old boy's hand.
05:06Mommy, is Daddy coming to see me today?
05:10Daddy's super first that he's safe in this.
05:14Daddy's super busy with work.
05:16He's making money to buy building blocks.
05:20Can I help you?
05:22Scarlet, right?
05:24I'm Robert's daughter, Aria.
05:28She avoided my eyes, pulling her kid away.
05:32I don't know any Robert.
05:33I blocked her again.
05:35Where the D?
05:37Don't know him?
05:39How about I post your Beverly Hills hotel bills and that Tiffany necklace seat all over Instagram?
05:44What the hell do you want?
05:46Let's talk.
05:47Scarlet hesitated, told the nanny to take the kid to the car, and sat down.
05:51Since you found me, I won't even hide it.
05:54Your dad and I, we're in love.
05:56In love?
05:58Spending my family's money and living in a mansion?
06:01Is that your true love?
06:04Disgusting.
06:06Why do you think I got all this?
06:08I give him what your mom never could.
06:13Passion, adoration, and a whole new world.
06:16That mansion, Robert bought it, paid in full under my name.
06:21Oh, by the way, your dad said once he wraps things up at home, he's filing for divorce.
06:26He said your mom does nothing but blow his cash.
06:28But you seem pretty smart.
06:30Tell your mom to get a lawyer ASAP.
06:32Maybe she can still get a piece of the pie.
06:37That night, Robert came home right on time.
06:40Elena, go upstairs.
06:41I need to talk to Ari alone.
06:44What's going on?
06:45Just go upstairs.
06:46She shot me a worried look, then turned around and headed up.
06:50It was just the two of us left in the living room.
06:52You went to see Scarlet today, didn't you?
06:54Yes, I did.
06:57Ari, I always thought you were a smart girl.
07:00But what you did today, I'm deeply disappointed in you.
07:05When you logged into my Amex account, I got a notification from the system.
07:09I didn't stop you because I wanted to see if you knew when to stop.
07:13Honestly, you're no different from Scarlet.
07:16Both of you are living off of me.
07:18I paid for your tuition, I bought your car, and every single piece of clothing on your back was charged
07:22to my card.
07:23What makes you think you have any right to question my choices?
07:26Dad, I just wanted to protect this family.
07:30This family doesn't need your protection.
07:31This family needs you to shut your mouth.
07:34I was going to wait another two weeks, but now I see there's no point.
07:37I picked it up.
07:38It was an amendment to the family trust.
07:40He had completely removed my name from the beneficiaries and changed everything to Leo's name instead.
07:45Weren't you the one who always wanted to make it on your own?
07:49Congrats.
07:50Now you got your wish.
07:54I'm staying at Newport Beach tonight.
07:56Leo's preschool has a family day tomorrow, and Scarlet wants me there.
08:00So, Aria, you better stay away from Scarlet and Leo.
08:04Or else...
08:05That smile was worse than any threat.
08:07The door shut.
08:08I am sitting on the living room sofa, clutching the trust paper, shaking all over.
08:12Suddenly, the couch sank next to me.
08:15Silly girl.
08:16Why are you crying?
08:17Sorry, Mom.
08:18I thought I was protecting this family, but I ended up blowing it all.
08:21Instead, I lost your only safety net.
08:23You really think you got that follow-up call by accident?
08:27Your father must have forgotten what I used to do 30 years ago.
08:32This ends now.
08:40My mom plugged the flash drive into the computer and typed in a password.
08:43A hidden folder popped open, packed with spreadsheets and scanned files.
08:47Mom, what is all this?
08:48The complete trail of your dad hiding of assets for the past three years.
08:51Every wire transfer, every bill, and every offshore account.
08:54When did you find out?
08:56A year and a half before you did.
08:58I knew the second he used Scarlet's art gallery to run fake invoices.
09:01Then why didn't you say anything?
09:02Because I didn't have enough proof yet.
09:05Plus, I know Robert.
09:06If I called him out back then, he would have destroyed the evidence,
09:09moved the cash, and left us with nothing.
09:11Looking at the endless rows of numbers on the screen,
09:13my head started spinning.
09:15So this whole year, you were just taking it?
09:17I wasn't taking it.
09:18I was waiting.
09:19Waiting for what?
09:21Waiting for him to slip up.
09:22Last month, he wired $800,000 straight from the company account to Scarlet's gallery.
09:26He used to hide it through multiple accounts, but this time he got sloppy.
09:29He was in too much of a rush to pay off her mortgage.
09:31She turned around to look at me.
09:32From that second, he wasn't just a cheating husband anymore.
09:34He became a criminal stealing company funds.
09:39I was completely speechless.
09:41Mom, for over a year?
09:43You've just been acting every single day?
09:45You think I'm just acting?
09:47Aria, I've been married to Robert for 30 years.
09:49For the first 25, I thought I was happy.
09:51For the last five, I knew he didn't love me anymore,
09:54but I told myself it was fine.
09:55At least he still respected this family.
09:57Until I found out about Scarlet.
09:59That's when he stopped caring about giving us any respect at all.
10:03Then why didn't you just get a divorce?
10:05Because divorce is way too easy on him.
10:07Plus, I needed time to get ready, and I needed you to see him for who he really is.
10:11Suddenly, everything made sense.
10:13That call from the hotel?
10:14Was that just a fluke?
10:15My mom didn't say a word.
10:17She just smirked.
10:17That look was all the answer I needed.
10:19Mom, did you set that up?
10:22I didn't have to set anything up.
10:24I just made sure you answered when his phone rang.
10:27You knew he was at the hotel that day?
10:30Last month, when he said he was heading to San Francisco,
10:32I was actually in the hotel parking lot.
10:34I watched him carry that little boy straight into the lobby.
10:37Then why didn't you walk in?
10:39Catching him would only mess with him for a minute.
10:41The next day, he'd just put on his suit, go to work, and keep playing Mr. Robert.
10:45And everyone would just say,
10:46Oh well, guys will be guys.
10:48But stealing company money is a different story.
10:50And money laundering?
10:52That changes everything.
10:56Looking at her, I suddenly felt like this woman was a stranger.
11:00Not scary, just powerful.
11:01So this whole year, you've been collecting evidence?
11:04Not just collecting evidence.
11:05I was waiting for him to dig his own grave.
11:07Every extra dollar he wires makes his crime worse.
11:10Every fake invoice adds another year to his prison time.
11:12So, what am I supposed to do now?
11:14She looked at me, and there was something in her eyes I had never seen before.
11:18Not pity, not comfort.
11:19Just a stone cold, brutal reality check.
11:21Stand up, wipe your tears, and go to bed.
11:24Starting tomorrow, you do exactly what I say.
11:27At 3 in the morning, I heard a faint noise upstairs.
11:29My mom wasn't asleep either.
11:31I crept upstairs to her bedroom door.
11:33The door was cracked open.
11:34I could see her sitting on the edge of the bed, holding a picture frame.
11:37It was her and my dad's wedding photo.
11:3830 years ago, two young people stood outside city hall, smiling like they owned the world.
11:44She stared at it for so long.
11:45I thought she was gonna cry.
11:47But she didn't.
11:47She just flipped the frame face down, opened her nightstand drawer, and tossed it inside.
11:52In the dark, I heard her let out a long, slow breath.
11:55Like she had finally let go of a heavy weight.
11:57I went back to my room, lay down, and stared at the ceiling.
12:00By the time the sun came up, I finally drifted off.
12:06My dad didn't come home for three days straight.
12:08He just texted my mom saying he was slammed at work.
12:11On the afternoon of the fourth day, my mom called.
12:13Aria, get to Hoag Hospital right now.
12:15Hoag Hospital is in Newport Beach.
12:17It's the best private hospital around.
12:19I jumped in my car and sped over.
12:21In the ER hallway, my mom stood there, staring stone-faced at the desk.
12:25I looked over.
12:25My dad was at the front desk, looking totally panic-headed.
12:28Scarlett was on a bench nearby, clutching her stomach and looking pale, while Leo was throwing a tantrum.
12:33What happened?
12:35Scarlett has pregnancy complications.
12:37Robert walked out of a meeting to rush her to the ER.
12:40She's pregnant again?
12:42Yep.
12:43Guess what Robert needs most right now?
12:45She pulled a paper from her bag and handed it to me.
12:47I took it. It was an internal financial report.
12:49He's broke.
12:50He dumped every cent into that mansion in Scarlett's gallery.
12:53The company's cash flow has dried up.
12:55He can't even pay for next month's projects.
12:56So what's he gonna do?
12:57He wants to mortgage our house.
13:00Yesterday, his lawyer called me to sign the papers.
13:03He claimed he needed help with the cash flow.
13:06You didn't sign it, did you?
13:08Of course not.
13:10Not only that, I'm about to give him a huge surprise.
13:16My mom pulled out her phone and made a call.
13:18Hey Richard, it's Elena. Is Robert at the office?
13:21On the other end was Richard, his partner.
13:23No, Elena. Robert said he was meeting a big client and left for the day.
13:25A client? But I just saw him at Hogue Hospital's OBGYN.
13:29He was with some young girl.
13:30I thought she was an employee's family or something.
13:32The line went dead silent.
13:33Richard's voice dropped.
13:34Elena, you sure he's at the OBGYN?
13:36Yeah, I even snapped a picture.
13:38Oh well, maybe I'm seeing things.
13:40Don't mention it to him, Richard.
13:41I don't want him thinking I'm paranoid.
13:43My mom hung up and smirked.
13:44I looked at her totally lost.
13:46Mom, why would Richard side with you?
13:48Because Richard's been tracking every dime Robert stole.
13:51He's a partner.
13:52When the company loses money, he loses money.
13:54He's been waiting for a shot like this.
13:56So he's been backing you up?
13:58Not backing me.
13:59Saving himself.
14:00My proof plus his books.
14:02More than enough to destroy Robert.
14:04Across the hall, my dad finished checking in and helped Scarlet toward the rooms.
14:08Scarlet leaned into him, crying.
14:10Robert, is the baby gonna be okay?
14:12Don't worry.
14:12The doctor said it's nothing major.
14:14Just get some rest.
14:15The whole scene made me want to puke.
14:16Let's go.
14:17The real show hasn't even started yet.
14:22The next few days, the house was dead silent.
14:25Robert called every day, nagging my mom to get the papers ready.
14:28She always had an excuse a dentist today, a friend tomorrow, a migraine the day after.
14:32By Friday night, he finally snapped.
14:35He stormed into the house, completely losing it.
14:38Elena!
14:39What the hell is taking so long?
14:40The company is going under and you can't even sign a paper?
14:44My mom didn't even look up.
14:46She just kept watching the gardening class on her iPad.
14:49What's the rush?
14:50The house is under both our names.
14:51I have to sign in person.
14:53I have a migraine.
14:54I can't go.
14:55My dad pointed at her, too pissed to speak.
14:57Listening from my room, my heart raced.
15:00He took a few deep breaths, trying to keep his temper in check.
15:03Elena, if the company goes under, this whole family is ruined.
15:06My mom set her iPad down and wiped her hands.
15:09Robert, doesn't the company have 1.2 million in cash?
15:12How can you not even cover next month's bills?
15:14His face dropped instantly.
15:16Who told you that?
15:17That money is tied up in a new project.
15:19I can't touch it.
15:20Oh, really?
15:21And here I thought you used it to buy a mansion in Newport Beach.
15:23My dad froze, his eyes widening.
15:25What did you just say?
15:30Crystal Cove, Newport Beach.
15:32The mansion you bought for Scarlet, do I need to give you the address?
15:35My dad stared at her.
15:36You spied on me?
15:37Did you really think you could keep everyone in the dark?
15:40Secrets always come out.
15:42His face twitched.
15:43His years of acting like a perfect dad were blown to pieces.
15:47Elena, don't push your luck!
15:49My mom didn't move or say a word.
15:52Her calm just drove him insane.
15:54You're not signing?
15:55Fine!
15:56If the company goes down, we all go down together!
16:00I couldn't take it anymore.
16:01I ran out and blocked my mom.
16:03Don't you dare!
16:04Those corporate debts are under your name.
16:07They have nothing to do with my mom.
16:08Nothing to do with her?
16:10Go ask a lawyer what community debt means.
16:13California is a community property state, Aria.
16:17You think you're smart?
16:18You and your mom aren't even in my league.
16:21My mom didn't even flinch.
16:22She gently pushed me aside and stood her ground.
16:26Robert, are you sure you want to go there?
16:29The smirk froze on his face.
16:31Damn right I am!
16:32He growled trying to fake his last bit of power.
16:35Fine.
16:35Then we have nothing left to talk about.
16:37She turned and walked straight toward the office.
16:43Over the weekend, my mom took me to Crystal Bay in Newport Beach.
16:46Instead of entering, we stopped in front of a high-end private club
16:49at the entrance of the residential complex.
16:51Mom, what are we doing here?
16:53Meeting someone.
16:54A few minutes later, a black Mercedes S-Class pulled up.
16:57The window rolled down, showing Richard's dark face.
17:00Richard is his partner and the second largest shareholder.
17:03He'd built the business with my dad for 15 years,
17:05handling construction while keeping his hands off the book.
17:07But lately, the numbers weren't adding up and he was already suspicious.
17:11Elena, get in. Let's talk.
17:12Richard's opening the door.
17:13My mom and I hopped into the back.
17:15Everything is in here.
17:17All the bank records of Robert using Scallery to make fake incises
17:21and Slim Company money for the past three years.
17:232.3 million in total.
17:25Richard scrolled through a few files, his face getting uglier by the second.
17:29Son of a bitch!
17:31I treated him like a brother and he treated me like an ATM.
17:33No wonder he said we were broke when vendors were calling last month.
17:36The bastard stole it all.
17:38Richard, now he wants to mortgage our house to cover his tracks.
17:41If he gets that loan, he wipes the slate clean and you'll never catch him.
17:45Not on my watch.
17:47Elena, what's the play?
17:48I want him kicked out with nothing.
17:51Every cent he stole, he spits it back out.
17:56Richard stayed quiet for a few seconds and nodded.
17:59I have his records for the last two years, too.
18:01I was gonna wait, but now I don't have to.
18:03He shot a look at my mom.
18:04Elena, you're ruthless.
18:06My mom didn't say a word.
18:07She just smirked.
18:08But I can't pull this off alone looking at Richard.
18:10I need you in.
18:11Richard let out a cold laugh.
18:13Don't worry, Elena.
18:14I hate scum ads who steal company cash for a miss.
18:16Just tell me what you need.
18:17My mom pulled another paper out of her bag.
18:19This is a list of the sketchy deals I flagged.
18:21Take this to legal and the audit team.
18:23Tell them you're starting a full forensic audit of the last three years.
18:26Richard took the paper and flipped through it, his face tightening.
18:30Elena, how did you get these numbers?
18:32My mom glanced at him, her voice calm like she was talking about a stranger.
18:35I've been a housewife for 30 years, but before that I got my MBA from Wharton, worked as
18:40a quant at Goldman and was a manager at BlackRock.
18:42The car went dead silent.
18:43The look in Richard's eyes completely changed.
18:46Wharton?
18:47Goldman?
18:49BlackRock?
18:50Yep.
18:50So I know where the money goes and I know how to drag it back.
18:53Richard packed the files into his briefcase.
18:56Elena, have you been faking it all these years?
18:58Not faking.
18:59It was a choice.
19:00I chose to be a wife and a mother, but now I'm done.
19:03Richard looked at her and nodded.
19:05He started the engine and the black Mercedes slowly rolled away.
19:11Richard moved way faster than I expected.
19:14At nine on Monday morning, right after my dad left, two court cars pulled up.
19:19Are you Elena?
19:20We're from the court.
19:21This is an asset freezing order for you to sign.
19:23My mom took the papers, scanned them and signed.
19:26Ma'am, we need the deed to this house.
19:28Please cooperate.
19:29My mom nodded and turned to get the papers from the office.
19:31I stood in the living room.
19:33My mind spinning as the bailiffs took photos and slapped seals on the door.
19:38Mom, I thought you said we were waiting.
19:41Why so fast?
19:42If we wait, this house is going to be gone to bail them out.
19:44I filed for a pre-lawsuit asset freeze.
19:47Everything under his name, including that Newport Beach mansion, is locked down.
19:51Right then, my dad's call came through.
19:53I picked up, but before I could say a word, he was screaming.
19:56Aria, is your mom out of her mind?
19:57She just froze my company accounts.
19:59Where is she?
20:00Put her on.
20:00My mom took the phone and hit speaker.
20:03Elena, what the hell are you doing?
20:04The accounts are frozen.
20:05All projects are dead.
20:06If clients sue, I am ruined.
20:08Good, Robert.
20:09I'm suing you for cheating, hiding assets and stealing company money.
20:12The court already took the case.
20:16The line went dead silent.
20:18What did you just say?
20:19My dad's voice cracked.
20:20I said I'm divorcing you.
20:22And this isn't some clean break.
20:23I'm taking every cent.
20:24You're crazy!
20:25On what ground?
20:26On the grounds of the 2.3 million you hid, and the 2.3 million you stole.
20:30My mom said her voice ice cold.
20:32On the grounds of every receipt I kept on you.
20:34Something smashed on the other end.
20:36Elena, you think you can win this?
20:37Let me tell you.
20:38My mom hung up on him.
20:40Aria, from this second on, don't believe a word out of his mouth.
20:43The day after the freeze, Scarlet showed up.
20:45She stood downstairs, pale, wearing a wrinkled white dress.
20:48The second she saw me, she rushed me.
20:50Aria, tell your mom to drop the lawsuit!
20:52I leaned against the door, crossing my arms.
20:55And why would she?
20:56If your dad goes to prison, what do you and your mom get out of it?
20:58He's your dad!
21:00You're just gonna watch him rot?
21:01My dad?
21:02The guy who screwed over his wife and kicked his own daughter out of the trust?
21:06That's not my dad.
21:08Scarlet bit her lip, tears streaming down her face.
21:10This baby needs a father!
21:13Please, just tell your mom to drop the charges!
21:15I stared at her, feeling nothing.
21:17Scarlet, let me ask you a question.
21:19She looked up through her tears.
21:20Is Leo actually my dad's son?
21:25Scarlet stopped crying on a dime.
21:27A flash of panic in her eyes.
21:28Of course he is!
21:29What the hell are you talking about?
21:31Oh really?
21:32Then let's wait for the court de denunay test.
21:34Everything will be crystal clear.
21:36Scarlet turned white.
21:37She turned around and bolted.
21:38That night, my mom came back from the lawyer with a smile.
21:41Richard called the cops.
21:43The DA just opened a case for embezzlement.
21:45Your dad could be in cuffs tomorrow.
21:47I stared at her.
21:48Mom!
21:49How many more secrets are you hiding?
21:52She sat down and poured a cup of coffee.
21:57Aria, the biggest mistake of my life was giving up my career for this family.
22:01She took a sip, staring off into space.
22:03When I got my Wharton MBA, I was a quant at Goldman.
22:06I was an AVP by 27.
22:08Your dad was just starting out, a manager at some tiny real estate firm.
22:12He didn't even have a desk.
22:14Then I got pregnant.
22:15Your dad told me, you're working too hard.
22:16You need a break.
22:17I'll take care of you.
22:18And I bought it.
22:20She set her mug down and looked at her hands.
22:23For 30 years, I buried my CFA at the bottom of a drawer.
22:25I swapped my Bloomberg terminal for shopping sites and my risk models for household budgets.
22:29I thought that was happiness.
22:31I don't regret marrying your father.
22:33I just regret letting myself become a nobody who did nothing but cook clean.
22:36I squeezed her hand.
22:37Mom, you're the most badass woman I've ever met.
22:39She smiled, her eyes welling up.
22:41Silly girl, I'm not badass.
22:42I just didn't want you to think that when a woman gets screwed over, she just has to take it.
22:49Next day, the cops marched my dad out of his office in cuffs.
22:53Richard called my mom the second it happened.
22:55Elena, they got Robert.
22:56The guy broke and spilled everything.
22:58He kept begging Richard, save me.
23:00Like, seriously?
23:01Too late for that.
23:02My mom just gave a call.
23:03That mansion is under Scarlett's name.
23:05But the down payment and mortgages came out of the company account.
23:08Richard, I already sorted out the proof.
23:10Don't worry, Elena.
23:11She's not getting away.
23:12We're talking money laundering and conspiracy.
23:15My mom hung up and let out a long breath.
23:17Let's go.
23:18Come with me to the jail.
23:19The jail?
23:20To see dad?
23:20No.
23:21She grabbed her purse.
23:22I'm serving him divorce papers face to face.
23:25In the visitor room, my dad sat in an orange jumpsuit.
23:27His hair a mess.
23:28His face covered in stubble the second.
23:30He saw my mom.
23:31His eyes welled up.
23:32Elena, I messed up.
23:33Please drop the charges, okay?
23:34I can't do prison.
23:36My mom sat on the other side of the glass.
23:38Her back perfectly straight.
23:39I have the divorce papers here.
23:40Sign them and you give up everything.
23:42The house, the cash, the cars, the shares, all mine.
23:44Or don't sign.
23:45But with 2.3 million stolen, California law will give you at least 10 years.
23:48You'll be in a cell and I'll get the divorce anyway.
23:50Tears streamed down my dad's face.
23:52Elena, we've been married for 30 years.
23:54Aria is my daughter.
23:58Ruthless?
24:00When you were with another woman at the hotel and buying her necklaces,
24:03did you think about our 30 years?
24:05My dad opened his mouth but nothing came out.
24:07When you cut Aria's name off the trust and handed everything to that other kid,
24:11did you care that she was your daughter?
24:13My dad dropped his head, his shoulders shaking.
24:16Just sign it.
24:17My mom slid the papers against the glass.
24:19You have zero leverage here.
24:24My dad signed the papers.
24:26I stared at the sobbing man across the glass, feeling zero pity.
24:30After signing, my dad looked up.
24:32Elena, Leo.
24:33Can you at least let me see Leo? He's my son.
24:36Robert, there's one more thing you should know.
24:39My dad froze.
24:41The cops have Scarlet in custody.
24:43They found every text and transfer on her phone,
24:45but there were some other chats you didn't know about.
24:48My dad's eyes popped out.
24:49What chats?
24:51While Scarlet was with you, she was sleeping with three other guys.
24:58What the hell did you just say?
25:00Leo's DNA results came back yesterday.
25:03He is not your son.
25:04His father is Scarlet's ex in New York.
25:07No.
25:08No way.
25:09You're lying.
25:09My mom scoffed.
25:12Robert, you got played.
25:14From day one, you were just an ATM to her.
25:17He bolted up and slammed both hands against the glass with a loud crash.
25:21The guards rushed in and pinned him down.
25:25My mom stood tall.
25:26Think about that in your cell, Robert.
25:28After 30 years, this is the last thing I'll ever do for you.
25:32She grabbed my hand and walked out of the room without looking back.
25:39Three months later, the court handed down the verdict.
25:42That morning, a huge crowd gathered outside the court.
25:46We pushed through the crowd, walked into the courtroom, and sat in the front row.
25:50The judge opened the file and began reading the sentence.
25:53My dad sat with his hands clasped so tight, his knuckles turned white, keeping his head down.
25:59In the end, for embezzlement and money laundering, he got 15 years and was ordered to pay back every cent.
26:04Hearing 15 years, I didn't get the rush of satisfaction I thought I would.
26:08The man who used to rush me to the ER who bragged to my teacher saying,
26:12My daughter is the smartest.
26:13Who smiled and told me his princess deserved the universe.
26:17That man died the day the truth came out.
26:20The guy standing there was just a stranger.
26:22My dad looked up, scanning the crowd in a panic before finally locking onto my mom and me.
26:26His lips trembled like he wanted to say something.
26:29My mom just stared back, completely calm, no hatred, no pity.
26:32I know I was wrong! Just forgive me this once!
26:36As the bailiffs led him away, he suddenly wrenched forward and screamed at us.
26:40People in the gallery shook their heads, and some looked away.
26:43My mom slowly stood up, placing her hand on my shoulder with a gentle squeeze.
26:47Then she spoke word for word.
26:48You don't regret what you did. You just hate that you lost.
26:51With that, she took my hand and walked out without looking back.
26:55The hallway was long, sunlight pouring through the glass doors at the end, casting her shadow behind her.
27:01In that moment, for the first time, my mom looked larger than life.
27:07As we walked out of the court, it looked like it was about to bore.
27:10We barely made it out before my aunt rushed us.
27:13A few relatives trailing behind.
27:15She grabbed my mom's arm.
27:16Elena, did you really have to be this ruthless?
27:18He's family!
27:19You put Robert away for 15 years, how are we supposed to show our faces?
27:23A few bystanders stopped.
27:24Turning to watch the drama, I shook with rage.
27:26But just as I was about to speak, my mom gently pressed my hand.
27:30She slowly pulled her arm back, without even blinking.
27:33I didn't put him in there, his own actions did.
27:35How can you be so heartless?
27:36Was my brother not good to you?
27:38You lived in a mansion, drove a nice car, spent his cash, and now you just flip on him!
27:42All those years he was keeping a mistress, blowing cash, and hiding assets,
27:45you guys were happy taking his gifts and money.
27:47Not one of you ever tried to stop him, and now you talk to me about family.
27:51The faces of the other relatives dropped instantly.
27:53My aunt opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
27:56My mom clicked her keys and headed toward the parking lot.
27:58I stole a glance at her, and I noticed her hands were shaking slightly on the wheel.
28:02That was the moment I realized she wasn't born bulletproof, no matter the pain.
28:06She just refused to back down ever again.
28:08The car pulled out of the lot and merged into traffic.
28:11In the rearview mirror, my aunt and those relatives grew smaller and smaller.
28:15We both stared out at the palm trees flying past.
28:17Neither of us saying a word, but I knew we were both thinking the same thing from today on.
28:21Everything was different.
28:23The next day, the family group chat exploded.
28:26Some bashed my dad, saying he got what he deserved.
28:29While others said my mom was heartless.
28:31I was getting heated and was about to text back.
28:33But my mom took my phone and left the group.
28:37Explaining yourself to people who don't get it is a waste of time.
28:39She locked the phone and went back to watering the plants.
28:43I stood there dazed.
28:44And it hit me true strength isn't about winning every argument.
28:47It's knowing who isn't even worth a reply.
28:49Scarlett's verdict came down two weeks later.
28:51For money laundering, hiding assets, and conspiracy.
28:54She got a four-year suspended sentence, five years of probation, and a $750,000 fine.
29:00The second the news broke, all those art scene friends vanished.
29:03Her mansion was seized, her assets were frozen, and she wiped her Instagram clean.
29:08I went with my mom on the day they came to seize the property inside the once luxurious living room.
29:13The crystal chandelier was still on, but the carpet was rolled up.
29:16Officials were logging items, slapping seals on everything.
29:19The designer bags, jewelry, and plates she used to flex so hard were dumped on the table.
29:24Scarlett stood by the stairs, looking pale, watching the movers wheel out her Steinway piano.
29:29She finally broke down crying.
29:31Be careful with that.
29:32It's expensive.
29:34Nobody gave a damn.
29:35I found the whole thing hilarious.
29:37She thought all this crap meant she'd won, but the things that actually matter.
29:41You can't buy them with stolen cash.
29:43Word is she ended up in a tiny rental in Skid Row.
29:45She used to love flexing her tee, diamond rings, and designer bags on Instagram.
29:50Now, she has to pinch pennies just for rent.
29:53One day I was at the bank and saw her from a distance.
29:56She saw me too, for a second.
29:58She straightened her back, trying to hold on to her last bit of dignity.
30:02But just as fast, the light in her eyes died.
30:05She walked up to me.
30:06Aria, can you please put in a good word for me with your mom?
30:10Say what?
30:11Tell her to stop, I already have nothing left.
30:14I just looked at her.
30:16Scarlet, did you ever think about today when you were doing all that?
30:19She bit her lip, her eyes welling up.
30:22I know I messed up, but I have nothing now.
30:25The house is gone, the money is gone, even the baby.
30:29Scarlet, you're not left with nothing.
30:30You're left with your choices.
30:32I walked past her and didn't look back.
30:34Later, I heard she moved away.
30:35She tried sales and Livestream, but she couldn't hold down a job.
30:39The thing she lost was never just the money.
30:41It was everything she thought she could rely on a man to give her.
30:47In the end, Scarlet's mom took Leo in.
30:50That kid had nothing to do with this.
30:53I ran into him at a mall once.
30:55He wore a t-shirt that was way too big, standing by a toy stored inside the window.
30:59A toy train went around the tracks.
31:01His eyes followed it without blinking, like he was frozen.
31:04The old woman looked down.
31:05Do you like it?
31:06He nodded.
31:08Want grandma to get it for you?
31:10He thought about it, then shook his head.
31:12It's too expensive.
31:14Did you check the price?
31:16Yeah, it's $89.
31:21That really isn't cheap.
31:22Grandma, how much money do you make a month?
31:25She froze, then just patted his head.
31:29Let's go.
31:30Grandma will make you dinner.
31:31Okay.
31:32He said, turning around.
31:34After a few steps, he stole one last look at the train, but he didn't say a word.
31:38Right then, a sharp pang of sadness hit me.
31:40People used to use him as a chip to demand houses, money, and status.
31:44And when that failed, they just dumped him like a load.
31:47From start to finish, nobody ever asked what he wanted.
31:50I watched for a bit from a distance, but I didn't go over.
31:52Kids shouldn't have to pay for these.
31:54After the verdict, my mother put all the old photos in the house into a box.
31:58Wedding photos, family portraits, travel photos.
32:02Letters my father wrote to her when he was young.
32:04Each one was carefully sorted, sealed, and moved to the innermost part of the storage room.
32:09Can you bear it?
32:12It's not about being reluctant.
32:14It's just that there's no need to take it out every day to remind myself.
32:19That afternoon, she drove to the home store.
32:22When I got home, the trunk was full of stuff.
32:24My dad's favorite dark-colored sofa was replaced, and a light gray fabric sofa was moved into the living room.
32:30The balcony has also changed, filled with gardenia, jasmine, mint, and rosemary.
32:35The whole house suddenly lit up, like a window that hasn't been opened for years, finally letting in the wind.
32:41She also tore off the old menu that had been used in the kitchen for more than a decade, and
32:46then put up a new sticky note.
32:47I leaned over to look.
32:49Writing this?
32:51What else?
32:52I'm already in my fifties.
32:54Do I still need someone else to tell me what to eat?
32:57At dinner, she made pan-fried salmon with roasted asparagus, sprinkled with black pepper and lemon juice, and also opened
33:04a bottle of white wine.
33:05Is it delicious?
33:07Delicious?
33:08That's good.
33:09She raised her glass and clinked it against mine.
33:12At that moment, I suddenly realized that some forms of freedom are not earth-shattering departures.
33:18Is finally being able to live according to one's own taste.
33:22My mother resumed work in the second month after the verdict.
33:25She took out the already yellowed CFA certificate, carefully wiped it, and put it into the document bag that day.
33:32She wore a crisply ironed white shirt, and applied a light makeup in front of the mirror.
33:37I stood at the door watching her, suddenly feeling a bit of a lump in my throat.
33:41Over the years I've almost forgotten that she used to have such a charge-pee incapable side she sensed my
33:46gaze and looked back to laugh at me.
33:47What, haven't you ever seen your mom at work?
33:49I shook my head with a smile.
33:51Yes, I've seen you, but you look especially good today.
33:54She gave me a sidelong glance, but the corners of her mouth couldn't hold back a smile.
33:59Initially, she only served as a consultant at a small hedge fund introduced by a friend.
34:04Later, the number of customers grew steadily.
34:06Half a year later, she rented a small office and hung up a sign,
34:10Ching Hai Capital Partners.
34:11The name was given by her.
34:13She said that one should be clean in character and down to Ertl's in making money.
34:16On the opening day, there was no balloon arch, nor a lively raboon.
34:20Cutting ceremony only a bunch of sunflowers I bought is placed at the front desk.
34:24She stood in front of the glass door, looking at her name, her eyes slightly reddening.
34:29I thought I'd never use these skills again in my life.
34:32I hugged her.
34:33It is never too late to start now.
34:35She gently patted my back.
34:37It is never too late for a woman to start.
34:39As for me, I signed up for the CFA exam.
34:42During the day, I help out at the hedge fund, and at night, I go home to study.
34:46When I was most exhausted, I would fall asleep lying on the table, and when I woke up, there
34:52would always be a blanket covering me.
34:54There will be warm milk heated by my mother in the kitchen.
34:57She never rushes me, only saying one thing calmly.
35:00If you're sleepy, go to sleep and continue tomorrow.
35:03That year, I felt like I had returned to my senior year of high school.
35:07During the first exam, I was so nervous that my palms were sweating.
35:10When I walked out of the exam hall, I felt I had messed up the exam and sat by the
35:15roadside
35:15for a long time.
35:17My mom came to pick me up and handed me an ice cream.
35:21Why are you crying?
35:22If you didn't pass, just try a next year.
35:25Life doesn't give you only one chance.
35:27On the day the results came out, I passed Level I was screaming in the living room with
35:32my computer in my arms.
35:35My mom complained about the noise, but secretly turned around to wipe the corners of her eyes.
35:40The following year, I passed Level II.
35:43In the third year, I passed Level III and obtained the CFA certificate.
35:47In the third year, I passed Level III and obtained the CFA certificate.
35:52Congratulations, Aria CFA.
35:55Congratulations to you too, Elena CIO.
35:59Now, I go to work with my mom every day.
36:02She is the chief investment officer, and I am an investment analyst occasionally.
36:06When we disagree, we would argue heatedly in the office until we turn red in the face.
36:12The next second, she told me to go downstairs and buy coffee.
36:16Employees often secretly laugh and say that we don't look like mother and daughter, but like partners.
36:22I like this saying very much.
36:23We are no longer anyone's appendage, not someone's wife, not someone's daughter.
36:28We are first and foremost ourselves.
36:31As for my dad, every now and then, some relative will mention his health is failing, his hair is white,
36:36and he has become quiet.
36:38Some people even try to lecture me.
36:40He's still your dad.
36:41You should go visit him.
36:43I just smile.
36:43It is not that I hate him.
36:45There is just nothing left to see.
36:47He spent half a lifetime teaching me never to tie my worth to a man.
36:50And he used his own ending to show me that betrayal always comes with a price.
36:54I don't thank him, but I accept the lesson.
36:57One summer evening, my mom and I sat on the balcony.
36:59The wind blew past with a faint scent of gardenias.
37:02Down below, people walked their dogs and kids laughed.
37:05In the distance, the sunset painted the skyline orange before fading into the dark.
37:10Out of nowhere, I asked her,
37:12Mom, are you happy now?
37:14I am happy.
37:17Why?
37:18Because every single day now is a choice I make for myself.
37:21I froze.
37:22It took me a long time to understand the weight behind those words.
37:26The rarest thing for a woman isn't who she marries, who loves her, or how much cash she has.
37:31It's having the power to change your life, no matter what hell you've been through.
37:35My mom did it, and I will, too.
37:37We didn't beat anyone.
37:38We just finally won back ourselves.
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