- 16 hours ago
Rising Like A Phoenix englishsub fullmovie
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00My daughter Effie died of acute pneumonia.
00:00:05I called my husband Grayson frantically, but he never answered.
00:00:14On her funeral day, he stayed with Belle and their illegitimate son.
00:00:19I returned to the empty house and stood by my daughter's toys, filled with guilt and despair.
00:00:25Baby, I'm sorry. Mommy failed to protect you.
00:00:30I hope you will be safe, happy, and truly loved in your next life.
00:00:34Mommy is coming to join you. We will never be apart again.
00:00:38I swallowed sleeping pills and woke up reborn at Effie's birthday party.
00:00:43She was alive.
00:00:48A banquet waiter stepped forward and reminded me to start the cake-cutting ceremony.
00:00:52Mrs. Lancaster, it's time to cut the cake.
00:00:57I looked at my living daughter and rushed over to hold her.
00:01:04Effie! My baby! You're alive! You're really alive!
00:01:13Mommy will never let anything happen to you again. Never.
00:01:20Grayson's face turned dark. He rushed over and grabbed my arm.
00:01:25Isolette, what are you doing? Let her go. There are people watching.
00:01:32Let go of me! Don't touch me! Don't you dare touch my daughter!
00:01:39I shook Grayson off hard. He staggered back, angry and shocked, having never seen me resist like this.
00:01:47You're drunk! What on earth are you doing?
00:01:50I ignored him and walked straight onto the stage to pick up the microphone.
00:01:56I will no longer be the lady of the Lancaster house.
00:02:01Belle knows Caden best, because she is his mother.
00:02:05The crowd erupted in an uproar. Belle turned pale, and Grayson froze completely.
00:02:12I put down the microphone,
00:02:18took Effie's hand, and walked toward the gate.
00:02:23Security! Stop them! Don't let them leave!
00:02:34Two strong security guards blocked the door.
00:02:37I awakened my fighting instinct,
00:02:40and took one down instantly.
00:02:45When did you learn this?
00:02:47How much are you hiding from me?
00:02:49You never knew the real me.
00:02:51I pushed open the heavy gate,
00:02:52and took Effie out of the cage that had imprisoned me for five years.
00:02:56Isoled!
00:02:57You will pay for this!
00:02:59Grayson chased into the marble lobby.
00:03:01You humiliated me in public!
00:03:03Go back and apologize, now!
00:03:06I held up the diamond ring on my left hand,
00:03:09the chain he used to imprison me.
00:03:12I'll raise your allowance.
00:03:13Stop this and come home.
00:03:15I twisted off the ring and slammed it hard onto the floor.
00:03:19I want a divorce.
00:03:20Forgot the pre-module agreement?
00:03:22You'll have nothing after divorce!
00:03:25I don't want your money, house, or cars.
00:03:28I only want Effie.
00:03:30Belle hurried over, pretending to be gentle and persuading me not to be impulsive.
00:03:33Isoled!
00:03:34Don't be rash!
00:03:35Grayson and I are just friends!
00:03:42Grayson is yours.
00:03:43No returns.
00:03:46Grayson flew into a rage and froze all my credit cards.
00:03:49I called a ride and left.
00:03:58Mommy, where are we going?
00:04:05A real adventure begins now.
00:04:14I took Effie into a ride-hailing car, away from the mansion, towards our own freedom.
00:04:25I used emergency cash hidden for five years.
00:04:29Checked her into a budget hotel, leaving no trace.
00:04:34Effie, rest quietly first.
00:04:37Mommy has things to handle.
00:04:40Mommy?
00:04:41There's no daddy here, right?
00:04:44Yes.
00:04:45Only us here.
00:04:48It's safe.
00:04:52Late at night, I logged into my email with a disposable phone.
00:04:55The account was Valkyrie, X7, full of top institute invitations.
00:05:00From today, Isolet is dead.
00:05:03Only Valkyrie lives.
00:05:05Arland Roth, CEO of Roth Airlines, contacted me through a secret channel.
00:05:12Isolet, I know you are Valkyrie.
00:05:15How do you know that name?
00:05:18I need your skills.
00:05:20Your design was stolen by them.
00:05:31I've retired for five years.
00:05:33I don't want to touch engineering again.
00:05:36Phoenix X7 is your prototype.
00:05:39They'll launch it next month.
00:05:42I woke up startled in the hotel early,
00:05:45and only calmed down completely when I saw Effie sleeping peacefully.
00:05:51My old phone rang suddenly.
00:05:53Maria, the family maid,
00:05:56begged me anxiously to go back and take care of Kayden.
00:05:59Please come back.
00:06:00Kayden only eats the porridge you make.
00:06:02I am not a maid, not a nanny, and not Mrs. Lancaster.
00:06:06Don't call this number again.
00:06:15Mommy, look at the rocket I drew.
00:06:24Make the angle sharper to break through air resistance.
00:06:33Mommy, I fixed it.
00:06:36I looked at the drawing precisely corrected by my daughter,
00:06:38filled with shock and admiration.
00:06:45My baby, you're a born genius.
00:06:48Far better than I ever imagined.
00:06:51We're going to a new school that sees your light.
00:06:54Mommy, are you really never going back to that cold house?
00:06:59Never again.
00:07:01From now on, it's just us, safe and free.
00:07:10On the way to send Effie to school,
00:07:13I bumped into a man,
00:07:14and engineering drawings scattered all over the ground.
00:07:22The compression ratio is wrong.
00:07:25It will stall at 30,000 feet and can never fly.
00:07:29Arlind froze sharply and recognized me at once
00:07:32as the legendary engineer who had disappeared five years ago.
00:07:35Isselton?
00:07:36It's really you.
00:07:38Arlind Roth.
00:07:40You're still here.
00:07:41You can fix my engine.
00:07:43I've been in hiding for five years.
00:07:45Come with me.
00:07:46Prove you're still the genius who shocked the industry.
00:07:49Why do you think I'd drop everything to help you?
00:07:52I turned to leave,
00:07:53but Arlind held my wrist firmly, sincere.
00:07:56I beg you.
00:07:59This is my company's last hope.
00:08:02I need absolute privacy.
00:08:06It can't affect my daughter.
00:08:10I promise you,
00:08:11all terms are up to you.
00:08:13I looked the drawing,
00:08:15picked up a pen,
00:08:16and fixed all flaws in the engine in five minutes,
00:08:20saving millions and six months.
00:08:24Next month at the air show,
00:08:26Belle is releasing Phoenix X7?
00:08:30Yes.
00:08:32It's your original design that was stolen years ago.
00:08:37She stole my husband,
00:08:39and now they want to steal my designs and dreams!
00:08:43Join me.
00:08:44I'll help you crush them.
00:08:47I'm in.
00:08:48You really want to fight the entire Lancaster family?
00:08:51My eyes were cold.
00:08:52I would get back everything Grayson and Belle had snatched away from me.
00:08:58I hire you as senior project director.
00:09:00Hidden identity.
00:09:01High salary.
00:09:02Confidential.
00:09:03I'll prepare the contract right away.
00:09:05It can take an effect tomorrow.
00:09:08The sooner the better.
00:09:10I don't have time for them to react.
00:09:13I updated my encrypted portfolio under the alias Sophia,
00:09:17gradually taking back my professional status.
00:09:20The school nurse called suddenly,
00:09:22anxiously telling me Caden collapsed from a high fever and kept calling for me.
00:09:26Caden is in critical condition.
00:09:28Calling for you.
00:09:28We can't reach Grayson.
00:09:30Contact his biological parents.
00:09:31Call 911 in an emergency.
00:09:32Don't call me again.
00:09:34Mommy, who was that?
00:09:37Wrong number.
00:09:44Grayson rushed to the hospital.
00:09:47Caden woke up asking for my soup first thing.
00:09:51Isolette, where the hell are you?
00:09:53Come back now!
00:09:54I blocked all numbers,
00:09:56completely cutting off contact with the Lancaster family.
00:10:05Mommy, we don't have to see them anymore.
00:10:10As long as you don't want to, we'll never see them.
00:10:16Late at night, Effie's cries woke me up.
00:10:19She had a 104.2 Fahrenheit high fever,
00:10:22the fatal illness from my past life.
00:10:25Effie!
00:10:26Hold on!
00:10:27I had no money and no fever medicine.
00:10:29I had no choice but to call Grayson.
00:10:36Grayson, please answer the phone.
00:10:39Effie is dying!
00:10:41He hung up again and again.
00:10:43The number you dialed is currently switched off.
00:10:45Then turned off his phone,
00:10:47ignoring his daughter's life.
00:10:48I picked up Effie and rushed to stop a car.
00:10:51Rushing to the hospital with my last bit of cash.
00:10:59Driver!
00:11:00Mount Selalai Hospital!
00:11:01Please, hurry!
00:11:03I changed husband in my contacts to one cold word,
00:11:06target.
00:11:07Arland rushed to help immediately after hearing the noise.
00:11:14Don't worry.
00:11:15I've arraigned the best doctors in the hospital to save her.
00:11:18I waited outside the emergency room all night without sleep.
00:11:22I refused to loo my daughter again.
00:11:25I'll cover all costs.
00:11:27Just stay with her.
00:11:34Thank you, Arland.
00:11:36I will repay this kindness.
00:11:42Effie finally survived and was transferred.
00:11:45Another half hour and we really couldn't save her.
00:11:50I ran into Grayson gently feeding Caden porridge in the corridor.
00:11:59I sneered.
00:12:00He had ignored his own daughter's critical condition.
00:12:08What are you doing here?
00:12:10Haven't you caused enough trouble?
00:12:11This isn't your place to act up.
00:12:14Exactly.
00:12:15Caden needs peace.
00:12:17Don't come here with bad luck.
00:12:21Bad luck?
00:12:22While my daughter was dying in the ER.
00:12:26You were enjoying yourselves.
00:12:29Effie is in Ward 402.
00:12:32Acute respiratory failure.
00:12:35She nearly died in a taxi last night.
00:12:41You.
00:12:42Why didn't you tell me earlier?
00:12:44I called countless times.
00:12:47You hung up.
00:12:48Turned off your phone.
00:12:55Stay with your mistress and bastard son.
00:13:01You don't deserve to be her father.
00:13:09I know I was wrong.
00:13:12Please let me see her once.
00:13:19Grayson finally panicked and wanted to see Effie.
00:13:23We stopped him holdly.
00:13:26You don't deserve to be a father.
00:13:29Isolette!
00:13:30Haven't you caused enough trouble?
00:13:32Caden still has a fever.
00:13:36Shut up.
00:13:38If you dare come near Effie again,
00:13:41I'll destroy everything you have.
00:13:43I mean every word.
00:13:47Belle turned pale,
00:13:48grabbed Grayson and left.
00:13:51I turned and walked into the ward.
00:13:55Effie was already awake,
00:13:58staring blankly at the ceiling.
00:14:00Mommy, did I do something wrong?
00:14:03Daddy only likes Caden.
00:14:08It's not your fault.
00:14:10Daddy just doesn't know how to cherish you.
00:14:13Caden said I'm illegitimate.
00:14:15A mistake.
00:14:20Whoever taught him those words is the mistake.
00:14:24You are a miracle.
00:14:27The nurse said time was up.
00:14:30I stepped out and texted Arlen.
00:14:33Send me Skyline Specs.
00:14:35I'll destroy them.
00:14:39Welcome back, Valkyrie.
00:14:48Two days later, Effie was discharged.
00:14:52I drove her back to the penthouse for her things.
00:14:55I chose Saturday morning when Grayson usually took Caden golfing.
00:15:06But when I walked in,
00:15:08they were all in the living room.
00:15:11Caden was flying a remote-controlled plane.
00:15:17The illegitimate kid is back!
00:15:20Here for things.
00:15:21Effie, go pack.
00:15:23Just as Effie headed to the hallway,
00:15:24Caden shouted,
00:15:26Target practice!
00:15:27And shoved the controller.
00:15:28Target practice!
00:15:31The plane hit Effie's calf.
00:15:34Blood poured out.
00:15:36Hit the target!
00:15:38I went mad.
00:15:40I stomped on the plane.
00:15:43And smashed it against the wall.
00:15:51You're crazy!
00:15:52That's $2,000!
00:15:57Your daughter is bleeding,
00:15:59and you only care about a toy?
00:16:01Get out of here!
00:16:03I will leave.
00:16:07But if you ever let her get hurt again,
00:16:11I won't stop at toys.
00:16:17This is violence!
00:16:18I'm calling the police!
00:16:23Go ahead.
00:16:24Let the police see your son used a weapon to hurt someone.
00:16:29Grayson charged over furiously,
00:16:31only caring about his son's toy.
00:16:33I crouched in front of Caden,
00:16:35and grabbed his wrist tightly.
00:16:37If you ever touch Effie again,
00:16:40I will smash every toy you have.
00:16:43And then...
00:16:45And I will come for you.
00:16:52I tore my skirt to bandage Effie.
00:16:56Picked her up,
00:16:57and left.
00:16:58The elevator doors closed slowly.
00:17:04I drove straight to Long Island.
00:17:13My mother Ellen opened the door,
00:17:17pale at the bandage.
00:17:26Carson Power is finished.
00:17:28The bank is calling the loan.
00:17:31Suppliers raised prices 40%.
00:17:34Mom, don't be afraid.
00:17:36I'm back.
00:17:39What can a woman like you do?
00:17:45Just watch.
00:17:47I picked up the supplier invoice.
00:17:49The company was Bell's mother's shell company.
00:17:53This isn't poor management.
00:17:56Grayson and Bell are working together to short the company.
00:17:59Why would they want to hurt me?
00:18:01To buy your patents at a low price.
00:18:05Mom, give me the books.
00:18:08My fingers flew through the pages,
00:18:10confirming their conspiracy.
00:18:18I used my encrypted phone to contact my old friend, Saul.
00:18:23Supply my mother's company at cost.
00:18:26Don't tell her it's me.
00:18:31I wrote a $50,000 check and pushed it to my mother.
00:18:38Where did you get this money?
00:18:41I earned it.
00:18:42File for bankruptcy protection.
00:18:44Give me six months.
00:18:48Who are you?
00:18:50I'm the one who saves this family.
00:18:53Skyline headquarters.
00:18:54I wore a secondhand suit,
00:18:56but my presence was commanding.
00:19:02Grayson is not in.
00:19:04I'm not here for him.
00:19:06I pressed the HR floor.
00:19:15The manager made me wait 20 minutes.
00:19:19I resigned from all charity board positions.
00:19:23These are just honorary positions.
00:19:26That's why I'm resigning.
00:19:28I'm tired of being his accessory.
00:19:32I walked out with the papers,
00:19:34passing the main conference room.
00:19:40Grayson and Belle were accepting compliments.
00:19:45I took off my visitor badge
00:19:47and tossed it into the trash right in front of him.
00:19:51Bye-bye.
00:19:51Smile while you can.
00:19:53It won't last.
00:19:56At 9 p.m., Grayson returned to the penthouse.
00:19:59Pitch black.
00:20:00No dinner smell.
00:20:02No Effie's toys.
00:20:04Isolette?
00:20:05Effie?
00:20:06Where is everyone?
00:20:08Where did they all go?
00:20:09He turned on the light.
00:20:11The living room was empty.
00:20:12He rushed into the master bedroom.
00:20:15The bed was made perfectly.
00:20:18On his pillow lay a thick file folder.
00:20:22Next to it,
00:20:23the ring I had smashed on the foyer floor.
00:20:26What's this?
00:20:28Divorce papers?
00:20:29Waving all alimony?
00:20:30Wanting nothing?
00:20:31Just custody of Effie?
00:20:34Is she insane?
00:20:40She must be bluffing.
00:20:41She won't last a week.
00:20:45Freeze all her cards.
00:20:47Let's see how she'll afford groceries.
00:20:50He opened his mobile banking
00:20:52and froze all my cards.
00:20:53You Soleil,
00:20:54you'll come crawling back.
00:20:55With a child,
00:20:56where can you even go?
00:20:58You will definitely regret this.
00:21:00He didn't know.
00:21:01I was never coming back.
00:21:03The Jacob Convention Center was packed.
00:21:06The annual air show.
00:21:13I was here.
00:21:18Invitation only.
00:21:20No entry.
00:21:21I showed Roth Airlines' VIP card.
00:21:25The guard immediately let me through.
00:21:27I took off my sunglasses
00:21:29and looked straight at the cameras.
00:21:35That's a fight.
00:21:42Security!
00:21:43Throw her out!
00:21:44Ma'am,
00:21:45her access is full clearance.
00:21:47What?
00:21:48Impossible!
00:21:50Impossible!
00:21:54What are you doing here?
00:21:58To cause trouble?
00:22:01I'm here to see what you've built.
00:22:05With the design you stole from me.
00:22:08This is Belle's work.
00:22:11Is that so?
00:22:13Then let's watch what she's got.
00:22:16The lights dimmed.
00:22:18The curtain opened.
00:22:24A forward-swept winged drone appeared.
00:22:32That was my design drawn on a napkin five years ago.
00:22:36They didn't even change the screw position.
00:22:39I spent months refining this design.
00:22:41How did you solve the supersonic, uh, aeroclastic diversion problem?
00:22:51Belle froze, looked at Grayson, and had no answer.
00:23:01Trade secret.
00:23:02Can't disclose.
00:23:07She's lying.
00:23:08She doesn't understand a thing.
00:23:11They only stole the shape.
00:23:15Should we expose them?
00:23:17No.
00:23:18Let them fly it.
00:23:20Past Mach 1.2, the plane will break apart.
00:23:24Let it break apart in front of everyone.
00:23:36The presentation ended.
00:23:38Thunderous applause filled the hall.
00:23:40Belle bowed on stage.
00:23:42I stood up.
00:23:43I didn't clap.
00:23:46I just stared coldly at Grayson.
00:23:48You see?
00:23:50This is Belle's talent.
00:23:52Better than you.
00:23:53See what?
00:23:54She can't even explain her own design.
00:23:56You're just jealous.
00:23:58Jealous of a thief?
00:24:00Who stole my design?
00:24:01Don't you find that ridiculous?
00:24:04You.
00:24:06When that plane takes off, you'll regret it.
00:24:09Are you threatening me?
00:24:12Not a threat.
00:24:13A fact.
00:24:14I designed it.
00:24:16I know every weakness.
00:24:17You're crazy.
00:24:19Remember my words.
00:24:31At the banquet,
00:24:33Caden showed off the limited edition Phoenix X7 model.
00:24:42Daddy, can I have one too?
00:24:44VIP exclusive. Paid and is more mature.
00:24:51I'll buy you a doll tomorrow.
00:24:56I stepped in front of Grayson.
00:25:01Effie didn't cry, but her eyes were red.
00:25:06Move aside. Don't make a scene.
00:25:10Remember this moment. This is the last time your daughter will ever ask you for anything.
00:25:16Are you threatening me?
00:25:19Just stating a fact.
00:25:26I took Effie to the competition resecration desk.
00:25:31I signed us up.
00:25:34I'm going to build a better plane. One he can't ride.
00:25:44That's my girl.
00:25:46Mommy, can we win?
00:25:50Not can we win.
00:25:53We will win.
00:25:59The air show had just passed.
00:26:02I took Effie to Central Park for a walk.
00:26:12Grayson, Belle, and Caden appeared on the other side of the park, trailed by photographers.
00:26:20You don't have a daddy. You're a bastard.
00:26:26Mommy.
00:26:28I'll push you down.
00:26:31Effie!
00:26:32Caden shoved Effie.
00:26:33She fell backward toward the stone bench.
00:26:36Grayson rushed over and caught her, shielding the back of her head with his palm.
00:26:40Daddy.
00:26:41Grayson!
00:26:42Caden fell! Come here now!
00:26:44Effie fell on her own.
00:26:46It had nothing to do with me.
00:26:51He set Effie down, turned to Belle, picked up Caden, and walked away.
00:27:02Mommy, why did Daddy say I fell on my own?
00:27:18Let's go. We're going home.
00:27:22The night we came back from the park, Harper called.
00:27:25She was my college roommate and the sharpest divorce lawyer in New York.
00:27:30Did you see the trending search?
00:27:32The Lancasters have painted you as a crazy woman.
00:27:35What now?
00:27:37They cropped out the part where Effie was pushed.
00:27:39The comments are all attacking you.
00:27:42Let me see.
00:27:48Ex-wife using daughter for attention.
00:27:50This woman is mentally ill.
00:27:52What are you going to do?
00:27:59Go live.
00:28:01You're crazy. Do you know what going live means?
00:28:34I turned on my phone's livestream.
00:28:42That's exactly what I want.
00:28:47After the livestream, Arlen took me and Effie to Columbia University to see my mentor, Professor Nelson.
00:28:57You finally come back.
00:29:00I advised you so many times when you gave up the Research Institute's offer to get married.
00:29:07Professor, I...
00:29:09Five years!
00:29:10The technology has advanced three generations.
00:29:14Do you think you're still the same Valkyrie?
00:29:20Don't yell at my mommy!
00:29:23I walked to the blackboard.
00:29:25On it was an orbital decline formula, half solved.
00:29:30You missed the solar radiation pressure variable.
00:29:33The integration path can be simplified.
00:29:44In three minutes, I provided the complete answer.
00:29:52Take it.
00:29:54Competition sponsorship card.
00:29:55Top level.
00:29:56Don't embarrass me.
00:29:57I won't.
00:30:02Thank you, Professor.
00:30:06The pre-competition reception was held at the Four Seasons.
00:30:10I wore my old black dress and kept a low profile.
00:30:14Watch this!
00:30:15Caden spilled an entire cup of red juice on Effie.
00:30:18Her pink dress turned red instantly.
00:30:24Why does your mother buy you such cheap clothes?
00:30:27If you can't afford nice things, don't come to places like this.
00:30:30Stop making a scene.
00:30:31Kids' roughhousing is normal.
00:30:38What did you say?
00:30:42I took a glass of red wine from a server's tray.
00:30:48This glass is from my daughter to you.
00:30:51The entire glass of red wine splashed across Belle's face.
00:30:55The whole room went silent.
00:30:57You're insane!
00:30:58My dress!
00:31:01If you touch my daughter again, you'll regret it.
00:31:13I picked up Effie and walked out of the reception.
00:31:16I carried Effie out of the reception.
00:31:18Darren ran after me.
00:31:19He was Skyline's technical director.
00:31:21Who do you think you are?
00:31:22Grayson will make sure you can't work in this industry!
00:31:26Move.
00:31:28You're a housewife who hasn't touched a computer in five years.
00:31:31What do you have to fight us with?
00:31:33You're still using that three-year-old simulation software, aren't you?
00:31:36That broken program with the memory leak issue?
00:31:40How do you know that?
00:31:44The flaw is on line 47, your own loop logic error.
00:31:47You couldn't have seen it!
00:31:51You used my hardware-level architecture.
00:31:55My name is in the comments.
00:31:59You.
00:32:03Move.
00:32:04Don't embarrass yourself in front of me.
00:32:08Arland helped me carry my luggage up to the fourth-floor apartment in Brooklyn.
00:32:12No elevator.
00:32:14Are you sure you want to live here?
00:32:15I have an empty apartment in downtown.
00:32:17No.
00:32:18I want to use my own money.
00:32:23Mommy, are we going to live here from now on?
00:32:27Yes.
00:32:28Do you like it?
00:32:31It's so small.
00:32:35But this is ours.
00:32:37No one can kick us out.
00:32:42I took Effie to the supermarket downstairs.
00:32:46I used the last of my money to buy cereal.
00:32:49Milk.
00:32:50And instant noodles.
00:32:54Mommy, I like it here.
00:32:58Why?
00:32:59Because here, Daddy won't suddenly shout.
00:33:06I pulled her into my arms.
00:33:10I would never let her go back to that place.
00:33:16At 8 in the evening, I was revising my design.
00:33:19The phone suddenly rang.
00:33:20It was the Lancaster Penthouse Landline.
00:33:29I want you to come back.
00:33:31The chef's food is disgusting.
00:33:34Caden, where's your mother?
00:33:36She can't cook.
00:33:37She can't even boil water.
00:33:39I want your spaghetti.
00:33:40I'm not your nanny anymore.
00:33:42Go find your mother.
00:33:44Come back.
00:33:45I'll tell Daddy to give you money.
00:33:46However much you want.
00:33:48I don't need your father's money.
00:33:50I don't need anything from your family.
00:33:54Mom, who called?
00:33:57I looked at the scar on Effie's leg.
00:34:00The image of Caden flying the plane into her was still fresh.
00:34:06Hit the target!
00:34:09This is the last time you ever call this number.
00:34:12Do you hear me?
00:34:13I hung up.
00:34:14Then I took the SIM card out, snapped it in half, and threw it in the trash.
00:34:17The next afternoon, I went to pick up Effie from school.
00:34:23A silver Bentley blocked my car.
00:34:27Caden is spoiled because of you.
00:34:31He won't eat, won't go to school, keeps yelling for you.
00:34:36That's your son.
00:34:37You deal with him.
00:34:38You take him for a few hours this afternoon.
00:34:41The maid took the day off.
00:34:42No.
00:34:45Don't push it!
00:34:47I am not your employee.
00:34:49I am not your nanny.
00:34:50I am not your wife.
00:34:54From the day you signed the divorce papers, you and I have nothing to do with each other.
00:34:58Stop right there!
00:34:59He reached for my arm.
00:35:01I opened the car door and let Effie in.
00:35:09You dare leave?
00:35:11He threw himself in front of the hood.
00:35:16He stepped on the gas.
00:35:19He jumped back in fright.
00:35:22After several late nights, I finally completed the second round design.
00:35:29Harper came to my place to drop off documents.
00:35:34Skyline acquired K-Tech.
00:35:36Bell is in charge of procurement.
00:35:38They only paid 2 million.
00:35:42K-Tech?
00:35:44Yes, what's wrong?
00:35:48K-Tech's sensors have a 4% drift rate.
00:35:52What does that mean?
00:35:54In the Martian environment, that error will cause incorrect oxygen calculations.
00:36:00Within 3 weeks, the entire ecosystem will collapse.
00:36:05Oh my god, so Bell is digging her own grave?
00:36:10She thinks she's saving money.
00:36:13She's actually destroying the entire project.
00:36:16Are you going to expose her?
00:36:21No.
00:36:22I just need to let the simulation run normally.
00:36:29The data will speak for itself.
00:36:32Good thing I'm your friend, not your enemy.
00:36:34The first round of the space race.
00:36:37I was competing anonymously, wearing a baseball cap and black framed glasses.
00:36:43Bringing a kid to compete?
00:36:45Are you here just for fun?
00:36:48The first round simulated the impact of a Martian storm on the base.
00:36:53Skyline's glass dome is completely shattered.
00:36:57Score, 78.
00:36:59Team Sophia's honeycomb structure didn't budge.
00:37:02Perfect score.
00:37:04Who is this Sophia?
00:37:06Go check on Valkyrie.
00:37:10I can't find anything.
00:37:12All the information is encrypted.
00:37:15She must be in this building.
00:37:17Dig through the earth if you have to.
00:37:20Find her.
00:37:23I stood up and took Effie's hand.
00:37:25I walked past Grayson.
00:37:26Mommy, did we win?
00:37:28This is just the beginning.
00:37:30Let them keep guessing.
00:37:34After the big win in the first round of the space race,
00:37:37I checked into a hotel near the convention center with Effie.
00:37:43Late at night, my daughter was fast asleep.
00:37:47Harper sent me the detailed data on K-Tech sensors.
00:37:50To save money, Bell had lowered the safety threshold by 40%.
00:37:54The thermal runaway threshold is far below industry standards.
00:37:58In the Martian environment, this system is doomed.
00:38:01Got it.
00:38:01I'm going downstairs to get some coffee.
00:38:06The VIP lounge was brightly lit.
00:38:09Grayson and Bell were sitting inside,
00:38:11with a photographer taking work photos of them.
00:38:15Bell deliberately showed off her diamond ring to the camera,
00:38:18smiling like a victor.
00:38:20Five years ago this would have crushed me.
00:38:24Now, it just made me sick.
00:38:27I turned to leave with my coffee.
00:38:30Grayson suddenly looked up and locked his eyes on me.
00:38:33Stop.
00:38:35You.
00:38:37I hurried back to my room.
00:38:40Just as I closed the door,
00:38:42my phone buzzed.
00:38:44A text from Grayson.
00:38:48Your mother's birthday is coming up.
00:38:50She hasn't been well lately, did you know?
00:38:51Stop this drama and come home.
00:38:53This is your last chance.
00:38:54My blood ran cold.
00:38:56He knew my mother was my only weakness.
00:38:58He was using her to threaten me.
00:39:00I deleted the text and blocked his number.
00:39:04Effie turned over in her sleep,
00:39:05murmuring something.
00:39:07Tomorrow, I'm not just going to win the competition.
00:39:11I'm going to crush the reputation and career you care about most.
00:39:15You won't get another last chance.
00:39:20The second round finals,
00:39:22the convention center was packed.
00:39:24I wore a mask and a baseball cap,
00:39:27using a voice changer to hide my identity.
00:39:30Our base uses the world's most advanced sensor technology,
00:39:34ensuring the safety of every colonist.
00:39:38I waited until she said the word sensor.
00:39:40Then I hit enter.
00:39:42Escobar.
00:39:43Ms. Escobar,
00:39:45what is the thermal turnout threshold of the K-TEC sensors?
00:39:49That's a trade secret.
00:39:52A trade secret?
00:39:53Your sensors have a 4% drift rate.
00:39:55In the Martian environment,
00:39:58that means death.
00:39:59On the big screen,
00:40:00the sensor data began to drift.
00:40:02Oxygen concentration errors grew.
00:40:05Temperature went out of control.
00:40:07Plants wilted.
00:40:09The entire system collapsed within three weeks.
00:40:14Ms. Escobar,
00:40:16did you know these sensors were faulty?
00:40:17That's your signature on the purchase contract.
00:40:20Turn off the screen.
00:40:22Turn it off now.
00:40:23I switched to my own design.
00:40:25Honeycomb ecological structure.
00:40:27Liquid metal passive cooling.
00:40:29Zero energy consumption.
00:40:30Zero error.
00:40:3199.8% survival rate.
00:40:34Perfect score.
00:40:35Without a doubt.
00:40:36Perfect score.
00:40:39Grayson stood up and stared intently in my direction.
00:40:42He recognized Effie.
00:40:44He recognized who this strange woman standing next to Effie was.
00:40:49It's you.
00:40:50It's actually you.
00:40:52I stood on the podium holding the gold trophy.
00:40:55Effie waved happily to the crowd beside me.
00:40:59The mask hid my face,
00:41:01but not the light on hers.
00:41:04How is this possible?
00:41:06How could she beat us?
00:41:14Sophia, please wait.
00:41:16What do you want?
00:41:18Skyline needs a talent like you.
00:41:19Triple salary, start Monday.
00:41:22Name your terms.
00:41:23I took the business card and glanced at it.
00:41:27I heard your procurement director doesn't even understand what sensor drift rate rate means.
00:41:33I'm not interested in a company like that.
00:41:35What did you say?
00:41:37Say that again!
00:41:45Darren.
00:41:47Shut up.
00:41:48I took Effie's hand and walked past him.
00:41:50Effie looked back at him, then turned away and kept walking.
00:41:54There was nothing in her eyes, like looking at a stranger.
00:41:58Did you just give him another heart attack?
00:42:03Hold this for me.
00:42:04It's heavy.
00:42:08Of course a gold trophy is heavy.
00:42:11You deserve it.
00:42:12After the competition, Harper told me Grayson's lawyer wanted to meet to discuss asset division.
00:42:18He's been looking at the calendar all day.
00:42:20Your wedding anniversary is coming up.
00:42:22He wants to use that as a reason to pause the divorce.
00:42:25I was sitting in the conference room.
00:42:27The door opened, and Grayson and his lawyer walked in.
00:42:31I know you hate me.
00:42:32But the past five years weren't fake.
00:42:35Effie needs a complete home.
00:42:40Do you want to know why I go by Sophia?
00:42:43Sophia is my real name.
00:42:45Isolay Lancaster.
00:42:46You gave me that name.
00:42:48What do you mean?
00:42:50You took my name, my career, my dignity.
00:42:54Piece by piece.
00:42:56And now you tell me you need a complete home?
00:43:01Isolette, I...
00:43:06You're the one who tore apart that complete home, not me.
00:43:09Just as we reached an impasse, Bell burst into the law firm.
00:43:14Caden followed behind her, crying with snot all over his face.
00:43:19I want you to come back!
00:43:21I don't want her!
00:43:23I'm dizzy.
00:43:25I can't stand.
00:43:27My stomach hurts.
00:43:29It hurts so much.
00:43:32Grayson looked at Bell, then at me.
00:43:34His eyes wavered.
00:43:36For the first time, he actually looked uncertain.
00:43:40Let's talk another day.
00:43:44He chooses her every single time!
00:43:46Every single time!
00:43:47I picked up the diamond ring on the table.
00:43:49The one he bought me when we got married.
00:43:52I set it down on the table.
00:43:54Please return this to him.
00:43:56Are you sure?
00:43:57This ring is worth $300,000.
00:44:00I don't need it anymore.
00:44:01Never again.
00:44:08Grayson eventually came back to the law firm alone.
00:44:11Only the two of us remained in the office.
00:44:16Sign this.
00:44:17You'll get the house, the trust fund, alimony.
00:44:20You won't have to worry about the future.
00:44:22I didn't look at the agreement.
00:44:24I took an envelope from my bag and placed it face down on the table.
00:44:29Diamond ring, apartment key card, mansion keys, black card.
00:44:34They're all here.
00:44:39These things are the chains you used to trap me.
00:44:41I'm returning them now.
00:44:46Are you really doing this?
00:44:48I want a divorce.
00:44:50I don't want your money, your house, or anything of yours.
00:44:52I only want Effie.
00:44:54You don't want my money?
00:44:56Who do you think you are?
00:44:57You think you can survive without me?
00:44:59You can't even afford your lawyer's fees!
00:45:01He picked up the phone and called the bank right in front of me.
00:45:04Freeze all subsidiary cards under Isolette's name.
00:45:11You don't even have money for a cab home now.
00:45:17Grayson, your biggest problem is that you think everyone is like you.
00:45:21Measuring everything by money alone.
00:45:29Late at night, I was woken by Effie's cries.
00:45:32She was having a nightmare, kicking and thrashing.
00:45:34Don't hit me!
00:45:36I don't want daddy!
00:45:37Go away!
00:45:38Effie, wake up!
00:45:39Mommy's here!
00:45:40Mommy's right here!
00:45:42Mommy, I had that dream again!
00:45:45The next day, I took her to see a child psychologist.
00:45:48The doctor looked at Effie's drawing.
00:45:50The drawing has you, her, and your house.
00:45:53But daddy is painted as a black blob.
00:45:56And in the corner, it says daddy.
00:45:59What does that mean?
00:46:00She has severe abandonment fears.
00:46:01She doesn't hate her father.
00:46:03She's afraid to trust him again.
00:46:04But her talent, that's her weapon to rebuild her confidence.
00:46:07This math problem is middle school level.
00:46:09She already solved it in her head.
00:46:11She's only five.
00:46:12St. Jude's gifted program.
00:46:13I'm going to send her there.
00:46:15Caden goes to that school too.
00:46:16But he doesn't qualify for the gifted program.
00:46:19I know.
00:46:20She'll use her talent to defeat the boy who bullied her.
00:46:23Effie's school application required her birth certificate and vaccination records.
00:46:27These documents were locked in the penthouse safe.
00:46:29I timed it carefully.
00:46:31Wednesday at two in the afternoon.
00:46:32Grayson was at work.
00:46:33Belle was at the hair salon.
00:46:35Caden was at school.
00:46:36But the door lock code had changed.
00:46:38I crouched by the door and took out my toolkit.
00:46:44The door opened.
00:46:46The smell of perfume in the apartment almost made me vomit it.
00:46:49Belle had sprayed her scent all over the entire place.
00:46:52Isolid's back!
00:46:54Help!
00:46:54Shut up.
00:46:55I'm here to get something.
00:46:57Then I'm leaving.
00:46:58Mommy!
00:46:59Help!
00:47:00Isolid?
00:47:01What are you doing here?
00:47:03Getting Effie's birth certificate.
00:47:06You broke into my home.
00:47:09Stealing documents.
00:47:10This isn't stealing.
00:47:12This is mine.
00:47:13He rushed at me.
00:47:15I blocked him and ran out the door.
00:47:16As the elevator doors closed, I saw Grayson holding a crying Caden, looking completely defeated.
00:47:23Back home, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
00:47:27Why did Grayson come home suddenly?
00:47:29Why wasn't Caden at school?
00:47:31I opened the apartment smart home system.
00:47:34I had built that system myself years ago.
00:47:36Grayson had forgotten to remove my administrator access.
00:47:39The access logs showed Belle's fingerprint at two in the morning.
00:47:43Two people's body temperature data in the master bedroom at three in the morning.
00:47:50Caden, tear up Effie's drawings.
00:47:52This room is yours from now on.
00:47:54My hands were shaking.
00:47:55Not from fear, from disgust.
00:47:58She slept in my bed, ate with my utensils, and tore up my daughter's drawings.
00:48:03Harper, help me file an emergency injection.
00:48:05I want everyone to know she moved into my home before the divorce was even fatalized.
00:48:10This isn't just evidence of cheating.
00:48:12This is psychological abuse against you during your marriage.
00:48:17Can we win?
00:48:18Yes.
00:48:27On the day of the gifted program interview, I dressed Effie in her favorite little blue dress
00:48:32and tied her hair in two ponytails.
00:48:35Mommy, I'm nervous.
00:48:37You don't need to be nervous.
00:48:38You're the smartest kid here.
00:48:41The entrance of St. Jed's was lined with luxury cars.
00:48:44Belle was sitting in the waiting area with Caden.
00:48:48Oh, here to try your luck?
00:48:49The gifted program isn't for just anyone.
00:48:53Effie didn't look at her.
00:48:54She walked straight into the exam room.
00:48:57Caden tried to follow, but the teacher stopped him.
00:49:00Effie was in the exam room for 40 minutes.
00:49:02When she came out, Caden suddenly lunged at her, grabbed the math workbook from her hands,
00:49:08and threw it into the fountain.
00:49:12Caden, if you touch her again, I'll make sure your mother never sets foot in this school for the rest
00:49:17of her life.
00:49:18You dare threaten my son?
00:49:19I'm telling you.
00:49:20From today on, Effie goes to this school.
00:49:23If your son ever bullies her again, I'll make you and your mother's shell company disappear together.
00:49:28Belle's face turned white.
00:49:30She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
00:49:37Mommy, let's go.
00:49:39Okay.
00:49:40Let's go.
00:49:45After the gifted program interview, I thought that was the end of it.
00:49:49But the next day, a set of photos appeared on social media.
00:49:52The photos showed Effie standing by the fountain with Caden crying next to her.
00:49:56The caption read,
00:49:58Ex-wife's daughter bullies an innocent child.
00:50:06Did you see it?
00:50:07The comments are all attacking Effie.
00:50:11No.
00:50:12Then don't look.
00:50:13I've already got the legal team on it.
00:50:15I hung up, and saw Effie standing in the kitchen doorway.
00:50:18She was holding the rocket drawing she had made, her eyes red.
00:50:23Mommy, are they saying bad things about me again?
00:50:28What they say doesn't matter.
00:50:30You know who you are.
00:50:32And I know.
00:50:33That's enough.
00:50:35Mommy, I got into the gifted program.
00:50:39Really?
00:50:43First place.
00:50:50My baby.
00:50:51I'm so proud of you.
00:50:57In Effie's first week at the gifted program, the school held the Math Olympia Selection Test.
00:51:03It was the most important math competition in the city.
00:51:07I heard Effie talking to herself in the living room.
00:51:11This problem.
00:51:13Use Uller's formula.
00:51:16Then substitution for the integral here.
00:51:26I walked out and saw her writing on the whiteboard.
00:51:30That problem was high school competition level.
00:51:33She was only five.
00:51:36Mommy, I think I solved it.
00:51:42My phone buzzed with an incoming call.
00:51:48Don't let Effie take the Math Olympian.
00:51:50She'll get crushed.
00:51:53Caden has been studying math since he was three.
00:51:56He's definitely getting first place this time.
00:51:59Thanks for the concern.
00:52:01But my daughter doesn't need your pity.
00:52:07I turned off my phone and checked Effie's solution steps.
00:52:11Every single step was correct.
00:52:16On the day of the Math Olympiad, I sat in the last row of the audience.
00:52:22Effie sat in the exam hall.
00:52:24Her small body almost hidden by the desk.
00:52:27But she sat up straight.
00:52:30Caden, don't be nervous.
00:52:32You're the best.
00:52:36The test papers were handed out.
00:52:39Effie scanned the questions, then started writing.
00:52:42Her hand barely stopped.
00:52:45An hour later, Effie raised her hand to submit her paper.
00:52:49The proctor stared at her test in shock, almost unable to believe it.
00:52:55Who is that little girl?
00:52:56Why did she submit so fast?
00:52:58I hear she's once a Lancaster.
00:53:03That housewife's daughter?
00:53:05No way.
00:53:06Effie walked out of the exam hall and threw herself into my arms.
00:53:13How did you do?
00:53:14The bonus question was a little hard, but I solved it two different ways.
00:53:20Two ways?
00:53:22Yes.
00:53:23The first way took five minutes.
00:53:25The second way only took two.
00:53:37On results day, the school hall was packed with parents.
00:53:41Effie and Caden stood next to the podium, waiting for the scores.
00:53:44Caden scored 85, third in the school.
00:53:48On the big screen, the first place name appeared.
00:53:52Effie Carson, perfect score.
00:54:02Grayson's mother, Patrice, instantly exploded.
00:54:06This is impossible.
00:54:09This child has only been in school for a week.
00:54:12How could she get a perfect score?
00:54:15She must have cheated!
00:54:22Mrs. Lancaster, you are questioning my daughter's score.
00:54:26Please provide evidence.
00:54:28Evidence?
00:54:29A five-year-old getting a perfect score on the math Olympion?
00:54:33That is the evidence!
00:54:36I turned on my phone's live stream and pointed the camera at Beatrice.
00:54:40Let everyone hear how Mrs. Lancaster slander a five-year-old girl.
00:54:45You!
00:54:46Put that thing away!
00:54:49Didn't you want everyone to know?
00:54:51Then let's see how they react.
00:54:54The live stream viewership exuded 500,000.
00:54:59The comments exploded.
00:55:02Mom!
00:55:02Shut up!
00:55:10You're telling me to shut up?
00:55:12I am your mother!
00:55:14I'm telling you to shut up!
00:55:15Now!
00:55:17Grayson's voice was shaking.
00:55:19He wasn't defending me.
00:55:21He was defending the stock price.
00:55:23I turned off the live stream and walked up to Beatrice.
00:55:28You owe Effie an apology.
00:55:32I...
00:55:35Apologize.
00:55:37Mom, apologize.
00:55:38Apologize.
00:55:42I'm sorry.
00:55:45I took Effie's hand and walked out of the hall.
00:55:48Behind us were whispering parents and the livid Lancasters.
00:55:53Mommy, why doesn't Grandma like me?
00:55:58Because she doesn't know you.
00:56:00When she gets to know you, she will like you.
00:56:03Really?
00:56:05Really.
00:56:06But not everyone deserves to know you.
00:56:17The next day, Belle ran to the school, holding several pieces of paper, claiming they were cheat sheets found under
00:56:23Effie's seat.
00:56:24This is the evidence.
00:56:25She wrote the answers on these papers and brought them into the exam.
00:56:28Mrs. Carson, do you have anything to say?
00:56:31You placed these papers there yourself, didn't you?
00:56:34How dare you falsely accuse me?
00:56:37Fine.
00:56:38Let's call the police.
00:56:39Let them analyze the handwriting and check if your fingerprints are on the papers.
00:56:44You.
00:56:45When you placed them under Effie's seat, you probably weren't wearing gloves.
00:56:55Mommy, didn't you say no one would find out?
00:56:58The whole room fell silent.
00:56:59The principal stared at Belle.
00:57:02Belle stared at Caden.
00:57:03I stared at Caden.
00:57:05Mrs. Escobar, please leave the school with your son.
00:57:08Await the investigation results.
00:57:10No.
00:57:10That's not how it happened.
00:57:12Caden, thank you for telling the truth.
00:57:14Even if it wasn't voluntary.
00:57:21After the cheating scandal, Caden was suspended from school.
00:57:27Effie's name was engraved on the school's honor wall.
00:57:31That evening, Grayson was waiting for me downstairs.
00:57:37He looked much older.
00:57:43My mother wants to see Effie.
00:57:46She's sick.
00:57:47The doctor says she has only a few months left.
00:57:53She wants to see Effie one last time.
00:57:58Even if she kneels down and apologize, I'm not sure I would agree.
00:58:04Grayson looked at me, then suddenly knelt down.
00:58:08Please.
00:58:09I've never begged you for anything.
00:58:13This one time, I'm begging you.
00:58:18Stand up.
00:58:19You look ridiculous kneeling here.
00:58:21You agree?
00:58:24I didn't agree.
00:58:32But I'm willing to negotiate.
00:58:36What conditions?
00:58:39First, Belle is not allowed to be at the estate.
00:58:44If she's there, we're not coming.
00:58:50Second, Beatrice must apologize to Effie in public.
00:58:56Not a percentual apology.
00:58:58A sincere one.
00:59:02You know she would never-
00:59:03That's your problem.
00:59:05Not mine.
00:59:07Fine.
00:59:08I'll make her apologize.
00:59:09Third, when Effie doesn't want to call you daddy, you are not allowed to force her.
00:59:13She is my daughter!
00:59:14Then ask yourself, when have you ever acted like a father?
00:59:17I agree.
00:59:18All three conditions.
00:59:19I agree.
00:59:21Fine.
00:59:23Saturday at ten in the morning.
00:59:24We'll be there.
00:59:27I closed the door.
00:59:29Effie came out of her room.
00:59:35Effie, do you want to go see Grandma?
00:59:37She yelled at me last time.
00:59:40But if she apologizes, I can forgive her.
00:59:47Okay.
00:59:48Then we'll go on Saturday.
00:59:56On the weekend, I took Effie to the Lancaster Estate in Hudson Valley.
01:00:02Beatrice sat in a wheelchair, soaking up the sun in the garden.
01:00:07Effie walked up to her.
01:00:09Without a word, she handed her the honor certificate.
01:00:15Grandma, you accused me of cheating last time.
01:00:18I forgive you.
01:00:20You forgive me?
01:00:22Yes.
01:00:23Because Mommy said forgiving others makes one happier.
01:00:27Oh, isn't this Isaleth?
01:00:30You got kicked out by my brother.
01:00:32What are you doing here?
01:00:34Here to freeload?
01:00:35Or to beg for money?
01:00:37Serafina, watch your words.
01:00:41What?
01:00:42Did I say something wrong?
01:00:44My mommy is an engineer.
01:00:46She's better than you.
01:00:48You can't even read engine and blueprints.
01:00:52What did you say?
01:00:55You little-
01:00:55Serafina, enough!
01:00:59My daughter is right.
01:01:01You can't read blueprints.
01:01:03And you can't read people's hearts either.
01:01:11At dinner, the long table was set with silverware and crystal glasses.
01:01:15Serafina sat at the head, deliberately not arranging seats for me or Effie.
01:01:21Sorry, the maid probably forgot.
01:01:23You can eat in the kitchen.
01:01:24There's space by the servants' area.
01:01:28Serafina, get up.
01:01:32What?
01:01:33I said, get up.
01:01:37Who do you think you are?
01:01:39Because I am Effie's guardian.
01:01:41Because I am Beatrice's invited guest.
01:01:43Because in this family, you have nothing except the Lancaster name.
01:01:50I reached out, took her arm, and pulled her up.
01:01:54She stood up from the chair.
01:01:59Effie, sit here.
01:02:08I lifted Effie onto that seat, then sat down in the chair next to her.
01:02:14This seat belongs to Effie from now on.
01:02:19Mom!
01:02:20Are you just gonna let her bully me like this?
01:02:24Sit down.
01:02:26Eat.
01:02:28Stop embarrassing yourself.
01:02:31Grayson sat across the table, watching all of this in silence.
01:02:37Mommy, this chair is so tall.
01:02:41You deserve to sit up high.
01:02:43You deserve the best things in the world.
01:02:46After dinner, Beatrice signaled for me to follow her to the study.
01:02:50Grayson tried to come along, but the old woman blocked him with her cane.
01:03:00Open it.
01:03:01I opened the wooden box.
01:03:03Inside were a yellow diary, an emerald brooch, and a photograph.
01:03:06A woman in a flight jacket stood in front of a B-17 bomber.
01:03:10Who is this?
01:03:11Your grandmother.
01:03:13She was a women's air force pilot during World War II.
01:03:18She flew B-17 bombers.
01:03:21She was a top navigator and an engineer.
01:03:24I always thought she was just a servant of the Lancaster family.
01:03:28She was in love with Grayson's father.
01:03:31But she refused his proposal because she wouldn't give up her career.
01:03:36The Lancaster family owes her a lot.
01:03:42Grayson suddenly burst in.
01:03:45Mom, are you giving her money?
01:03:51Grayson, you measure everything by money.
01:03:55That's why you'll never know what you've truly lost.
01:04:00What have I lost?
01:04:03You've got a child and can barely afford food.
01:04:07I lost a nightmare.
01:04:12You lost your daughter's heart.
01:04:17The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains into the guest room.
01:04:21Effie was already awake, quietly counting the patterns on the carpet.
01:04:31You don't have to say anything if you don't want to.
01:04:34You are the master of your own voice.
01:04:37Okay, Mommy.
01:04:42Come here, sweetheart.
01:04:43Let Daddy give you a hug.
01:04:44Effie froze instantly, staring at his hands.
01:04:47She remembered being pushed away, being ignored.
01:04:49She screamed and dodged in fear.
01:04:51No! Go away!
01:04:58Your approval rating is too low.
01:05:01She's just cranky from waking up.
01:05:03All kids are like this.
01:05:05She's not having a mood.
01:05:07She recalls what you've done to her.
01:05:13Have some bacon, Effie.
01:05:15Your favorite.
01:05:15She can't eat bacon!
01:05:17Enough!
01:05:18He slammed down his fork.
01:05:22And stormed out of the dining room.
01:05:25Saturday dinner.
01:05:27Distant relatives had come to visit Beatrice.
01:05:30Candlelight reflected off crystal glasses.
01:05:32I wore a simple black dress, calm and composed.
01:05:40Oh, divorced and unemployed, still hanging around your ex-husband?
01:05:46Shameless.
01:05:51You have no manners.
01:05:55I turned to leave.
01:05:57Stop right there!
01:05:58Who do you think you are?
01:06:04Respect is earned.
01:06:06You've never earned mine.
01:06:08Sit down!
01:06:09I said sit down!
01:06:14The drama is yours.
01:06:16I'm leaving.
01:06:21Back in the guest room, my phone buzzed with an email from Arland.
01:06:25He was officially hiring me as chief engineer of Orbital Systems.
01:06:29I signed the contract.
01:06:31Mommy, are we moving?
01:06:36Yeah.
01:06:40To a place where no one dares look down on us.
01:06:45Sunday morning, I was packing my luggage.
01:06:48The tablet beside the bed was still lit, open on Orbital Systems' contract page.
01:06:56The door was suddenly pushed open.
01:06:59Grayson walked in with a glass of green detox juice, a stirrer still in it.
01:07:03Drink this.
01:07:04You're emotionally unstable.
01:07:06Hormonal imbalance.
01:07:08I'm not sick.
01:07:09His eyes swept over the tablet.
01:07:12When he saw the name Orbital Systems, his face darkened instantly.
01:07:17Orbital Systems?
01:07:18You're delusional.
01:07:19You haven't touched engineering in five years.
01:07:22At best, you're a coffee fetter.
01:07:24I'm the chief engineer.
01:07:26Five years of just planning parties.
01:07:29You've long forgotten what calculus is.
01:07:30Drink it!
01:07:32I took the cup.
01:07:34He smiled smugly.
01:07:36I turned and walked into the bathroom.
01:07:40I poured the green liquid into the toilet and flushed.
01:07:48I walked back out holding the empty cup.
01:07:51This is detox.
01:07:53Getting rid of all the poison that belongs to you.
01:07:58When you fail at your job and come back crying,
01:08:01don't expect me to go easy on you!
01:08:04Just wait and see.
01:08:07He cursed for a while outside the door, then stormed off.
01:08:10Mommy, why is Daddy shouting?
01:08:13Daddy is just throwing a tantrum like a little kid.
01:08:16Come on, let's go back to our Brooklyn home.
01:08:18Really?
01:08:19Right now?
01:08:20Yes.
01:08:21Right now.
01:08:22I zipped the suitcase as fast as I could.
01:08:26Grabbed Effie's coat.
01:08:30And opened the door.
01:08:31But Grayson had never left.
01:08:33He leaned against the door frame, dangling my car keys from his finger.
01:08:38Going somewhere?
01:08:39Give me back my keys.
01:08:41The driver is off.
01:08:42The mountain roads are dangerous.
01:08:44You're unstable right now.
01:08:45I can't let you drive.
01:08:46Give me back my keys.
01:08:49No.
01:08:50Mommy, what's wrong?
01:08:53Effie was already trembling.
01:08:54I couldn't let her know we were trapped again.
01:08:56It's okay.
01:08:57We're playing a fort game.
01:08:59Mommy will guard the door.
01:09:01No one gets in tonight.
01:09:08I pressed a heavy armchair against the door handle and stood guard all night.
01:09:22My daughter sobbed in her sleep.
01:09:25No.
01:09:26Don't hit me.
01:09:29Mommy's here.
01:09:32Mommy's here.
01:09:33No one can hit you.
01:09:38Monday morning.
01:09:39I dragged my luggage downstairs.
01:09:42Grayson, dressed in a fine navy suit, ordered the driver to put my bags in the Maybach.
01:09:47I'm driving my own car.
01:09:50No.
01:09:53His phone suddenly rang.
01:09:56The special ringtone.
01:09:57It was Belle.
01:10:07Sweetheart, don't worry.
01:10:08I'll be right there.
01:10:10Mommy, I'm going to get my culling book.
01:10:14Effie!
01:10:14Watch out!
01:10:17Grayson's leg bumped into Effie.
01:10:19His hand jerked.
01:10:21The scalding hot double espresso spilled all over Effie's arms and legs.
01:10:25Mommy, it hurts!
01:10:27It hurts so much!
01:10:29You ruined my $20,000 suit!
01:10:32Do you know how expensive this suit is?
01:10:34You only care about your clothes, not your own daughter's cries.
01:10:38You monster!
01:10:40Mom, why did you hit me?
01:10:42You deserved it.
01:10:48It's just a little hot water.
01:10:50She'll be fine.
01:10:51Kids heal fast.
01:10:55The keys.
01:10:57Give them to me.
01:10:59No.
01:11:01No.
01:11:04Give them to her!
01:11:06The old woman grabbed a porcelain bowl and smashed it at his feet.
01:11:10He flinched and reluctantly handed over the keys.
01:11:17First, go to the school and apologize to Belle.
01:11:20You embarrassed her before.
01:11:22I froze completely.
01:11:24My daughter had second degree burns, and he wanted me to apologize to his mistress first?
01:11:32Effie, let's go.
01:11:33I picked up Effie and ran out the door.
01:11:40Mommy, I don't like Daddy.
01:11:44I want a new Daddy.
01:11:47We are done with him.
01:11:49Completely.
01:11:54The nearest burn unit was past St. Jude's School.
01:11:58Just as I neared the school gate, Grayson's Maybach suddenly cut in front of me, blocking the road.
01:12:16I looked out the window.
01:12:23Belle stood dressed up among a group of mothers, a smug smile on her face.
01:12:34I threw the car into reverse, then slammed it into drive and cranked the wheel.
01:12:39The car mounted the sidewalk and brushed past Belle.
01:12:46She's trying to kill me!
01:12:48Help!
01:12:50Freeze all subsidiary cards under Isolae's name.
01:12:53All of them!
01:12:54Ma'am, the registration fee is $500.
01:12:56Your card was declined.
01:12:59Try this one.
01:13:07Approved.
01:13:08Ma'am, please follow me to a private room.
01:13:12I carried Effie into the treatment room.
01:13:16My daughter was already asleep.
01:13:18Her arms wrapped in thick bandages.
01:13:22Tuesday morning, I left Effie with Harper and took a taxi to the Orbital Systems building,
01:13:27dressed in a floral dress.
01:13:28My presence was fully unleashed.
01:13:37Oh, here to beg?
01:13:39Applying for a janitor job?
01:13:43You don't even belong in the lobby.
01:13:45Get out!
01:13:46I ignored them and walked on.
01:13:49I told you to stop!
01:13:50Did you hear me?
01:13:53Duran reached for my arm.
01:13:55I sidestepped and grabbed his wrist, twisting it.
01:14:01He bent over in pain.
01:14:07Don't touch me.
01:14:10You're violent!
01:14:11I'm calling the police!
01:14:14I took out my black executive access card.
01:14:20A beep, and the elevator doors opened.
01:14:31Enjoy your time in the lobby.
01:14:44Arlen waited for me outside the elevator.
01:14:47Please.
01:14:51Welcome back, Chief Engineer.
01:14:56He led me to a large glass office.
01:14:58The title etched on the door read, Chief Engineer.
01:15:03I reached out and touched the glass.
01:15:06This was not a dream.
01:15:10Downstairs in the conference room,
01:15:12Belle was giving an atrocious presentation.
01:15:16She recited empty slogans over a powerpoint filled with space station stock photos.
01:15:23We only recognize physics, not empty poetry.
01:15:28Presentation over.
01:15:36She broke down crying and called Grayson.
01:15:40He was dealing with school drama and was swayed by her tears.
01:15:48Buy her a researcher position at the Institute.
01:15:52Donate enough that Professor Nelson can't refuse.
01:15:55Arlen told me about Grayson's plan.
01:16:05Grayson is going to buy her a position at the Institute.
01:16:08It'll ruin the Institute's reputation.
01:16:12Let him buy it.
01:16:14Professor Nelson hates frauders more than anything.
01:16:17Once Belle gets in, she'll regret it later.
01:16:22You knew this would happen all along?
01:16:26I knew.
01:16:32Outside the window, the New York skyline glittered in the sunlight.
01:16:37I picked up my pen and wrote two words in the corner of the blueprint.
01:16:41Game over.
01:16:44Effie said she's coming to the office to find you.
01:16:46I'll take her for ice cream.
01:16:48Tell her mommy is waiting for her.
01:16:50A new life is waiting for her.