- 22 hours ago
حين تنطق الوريثة بالحكم
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Short filmTranscript
00:03I was born with a curse.
00:05Whoever I doom dies exactly as I say.
00:08When I was five, the trafficker who kidnapped me beat me half to death because I wouldn't
00:13stop crying.
00:14You'll be crushed into meat paste by a truck.
00:17The words barely left my lips when a runaway assembly barreled through the gate, flattened
00:22it so thoroughly.
00:24Later at the orphanage, the director embezzled our food and locked me in the punishment closet
00:28for days.
00:30You will choke to death on your own greed.
00:33That very noon, he died at the dinner table, a chunk of expensive steak lodged in his throat.
00:39After that, I became the monster everyone feared.
00:43So I learned to shut my mouth and play mute until the day the Sterling family found me
00:48and brought me home.
00:50You're doing very well.
00:51The past studies in your six months, you're going to start learning how to do business.
00:54In the future, you'll become an outstanding giz.
00:56Your younger sister you get would learn from you.
00:58By the way, our family is engaged in a marriage with the Blackstone family and your fiance's
01:03name is Julian.
01:06But I'd only been there one day when I pushed open the front door and saw Lydia, the adopted
01:11sister, sobbing in my fiance's arms.
01:14Julian, does Everly hate me now?
01:16She whimpered.
01:18She's been spreading rumors at the office, claiming I slept with Mr. Harrington to secure
01:23the Westside development deal and that I caught syphilis from him.
01:27My mother stormed over and slapped me hard across the face.
01:31Your sister is innocent!
01:32How dare you spread such vile lies about her!
01:35I knew it.
01:36You grew up poor and bitter and now you're rotting from jealousy.
01:40Get to your room and don't come out until I say so.
01:43I covered my face, saw the smug look in Lydia's eyes, and sneered.
01:47You think I'm spreading rumors?
01:49Fine.
01:50Then you'd better be ready with the consequences when I open my mouth.
01:56Mom, Dad, look, Evelyn's laughing.
01:59My mother's chest heaved with fury, and she grabbed the teacup from the table and hurled
02:04the scalding liquid straight into my face.
02:06You cursed brat!
02:08I should never have brought you back!
02:10We gave you everything.
02:13Food, clothes, a home, and this is how you repay us?
02:17Slandering your own sister at the company.
02:19How can you be so vicious?
02:20I bit down hard on my tongue until I tasted iron.
02:24Evelyn, I told you from the start.
02:26You don't belong in the Sterling family, and you sure as hell don't deserve to be my fiancée.
02:30If Lydia hadn't begged me to give you a chance, I would have called off this engragement ages ago.
02:35Now get on your knees and apologize to her, or I'm ending this farce right now.
02:39I lowered my head, staring at the puddle of tea soaking into the marble floor, and said nothing.
02:44My curse has always been absolute.
02:46Once I speak, fate obeys without fail.
02:49In the six months since they brought me home, the Sterlings gave me something I'd never had before.
02:54Warmth.
02:55When I had a fever, my mother stayed up all night changing cold compresses on my forehead.
02:59My father, who never cooked, clumsily made me pork chops and gave me the first piece.
03:04Even my brother, who swore he'd never accept me, started sneaking pastries into my bag.
03:09My mother would stroke my face with tears in her eyes, and whisper that she was sorry for the years
03:15I'd suffered alone.
03:16My father even drove me to the office himself, saying I needed to start building connections,
03:21because one day, the entire Sterling empire would be mine.
03:24To protect this fragile sliver of warmth I'd finally found, I sealed my lips shut.
03:30Seeing my silence, Lydia's sobs grew louder.
03:34Does Evelyn think she can just play dumb and get away with this?
03:38She's been spreading those disgusting lies, it's about me all over the company.
03:42Everyone's looking at me like I'm dirty now.
03:44How am I supposed to show my face in this industry again?
03:47Julian's face twisted in rage, and he stormed over and grabbed the fine chain around my neck, yanking hard.
03:54Pain seared across my skin.
03:56Six months ago, my mother had recognized me because of this necklace.
04:00She said she'd put it on me the day I was born, a mark of my identity as the sole
04:04legitimate heir.
04:05I lunged forward, trying to grab me.
04:08Give it back!
04:09Julian sidestanged the stick, letting me crash to the floor.
04:12Don't touch me! If you come near me again, I'll call the cops and tell them you assaulted me!
04:15And then, right in front of me, he placed the necklace around Lydia's neck.
04:22A treasure this priceless should only be worn by someone pure and kind like Lydia.
04:28A vicious, foul-mouthed nobody like you would only taint it.
04:32Before I could get back on my feet, my brother came charging down the stairs and grabbed me by the
04:38collar.
04:39I knew we shouldn't have brought you back, you filthy charity case!
04:45It was Lydia who begged to be kind to you.
04:48She even gave up her own bedroom to you!
04:51And for the past six months, she's handed you every good thing she's ever had!
04:56And this is how you repay her?
04:58You ungrateful snake!
05:01Butler!
05:02Lock this trash in her room right now!
05:04No one gives her a single drop of water without my permission, understood?
05:08Two security guards rushed forward, dragged me upstairs.
05:12I was locked in that room for seven days straight.
05:16Every night, the maid would slide a single bowl under the door.
05:19Inside was nothing but cold leftovers and scraps.
05:22Outside, I could hear laughter echoing through the halls.
05:25Before, the perfect little family.
05:27Lydia made sure to parade Julian past my door every single day.
05:32Julian, this watch is too expensive.
05:34Why don't you give it to Evelyn instead?
05:36I know you love me, but Evelyn is their real daughter, and she's the one you're technically engaged to.
05:41Maybe we should just end this.
05:43As long as I can see you happy from afar, I'd die a thousand deaths and it would still be
05:47worth it.
05:48Stop talking nonsense.
05:49That piece of trash they dragged back from the gullet isn't even worth carrying your shoes.
05:52Just looking at her pathetic face makes me sick.
05:55Why the hell would I give her something this expensive?
05:59Don't worry, Lydia.
06:00Even if I marry her, I'll never lay a fender on her.
06:03You're the only one I'll ever love.
06:05I leaned against the door.
06:07Wearing something that expensive to bed?
06:09Better be careful.
06:10You might wake up with a stiff neck.
06:12The next morning, Lydia's shrieks tore through the hallway.
06:16It hurts!
06:17My neck!
06:18I can't move it!
06:24Then came my sister's panicked voice, followed by the frantic footsteps of the household staff, scrambling to help.
06:30I sat in the dark, eyes closed, a slow smile spreading across my face.
06:35On the eighth day, the lock finally clicked open.
06:38Lydia stood in the doorway, arms crossed.
06:41Oh my god, Evelyn.
06:43You look like death.
06:44Did you really starve yourself just to guilt trip us?
06:47Come on, get up.
06:49Mom and dad want you at the company.
06:51All you have to do is stand in front of everyone and admit you lied, apologize to me, and we
06:55can all move on.
06:56I pushed myself to my feet and walked toward the door.
07:00The moment I reached the top of the stairs, Lydia leaned in close and whispered in my ear.
07:06You poor little bastard.
07:08Did you really think you could steal my parents and my man?
07:12I froze mid-step and turned to look at her.
07:15Lydia let out a blood-curdling scream.
07:18Evelyn, no!
07:19I swear I won't take the inheritance from you!
07:22Then she threw herself backward and tumbled down the stairs.
07:25Julian bolted toward the staircase.
07:27Lydia!
07:27And my parents and sister came running from every direction.
07:32Lydia lay crumpled at the bottom.
07:34Julian, don't blame Evelyn.
07:36I just lost my balance.
07:39You've lived in this house for over 20 years and never once fell down these stairs.
07:44There's no way this was an accident.
07:46My mother flew up the steps and landed two brutal slaps across my face.
07:50I was so weak from starvation that the force sent me crashing to the floor.
07:54How did we ever give birth to a monster like you?
07:57I pressed my hand to my burning cheek and stared back at them.
08:01I let out a cold, humorless laugh.
08:03If I really wanted to hurt her, I wouldn't need to lift a finger.
08:06My brother's entire body shook the brain and he kicked over a decorative plant stand.
08:10Mom!
08:11Do you hear this?
08:12Do you hear what she's saying?
08:14Lydia's lying there in pain.
08:17And Evelyn has the audacity to double down on her threats.
08:21You're still refusing to admit what you've done?
08:23Stop pretending you have some kind of supernatural power, you delusional freak!
08:26My father turned his face away, as if even looking at me disgusted him.
08:31Get her out of my sight.
08:32Lock her back in her room now.
08:34I struggled against the guard's grip and let out a sharp, bitter laugh.
08:38You're all playing your parts so well.
08:41Just make sure she doesn't actually break a bone and pass out from the pain.
08:44Lydia suddenly went rigid.
08:46Her head lolled forward and she slumped, unconscious.
08:49My mother screamed.
08:51Someone get her in the car!
08:52We need to get to the hospital now!
08:54The guard scooped Lydia up and sprinted out the door, with my parents and brother racing after them.
09:00The roar of engines filled the courtyard, and within seconds, they were gone.
09:04I was thrown back into my room like garbage.
09:07A few days later, Lydia was discharged from the hospital.
09:11My parents shoved me into the car and dragged me straight to the Sterling Group headquarters.
09:15The normally spacious lobby was packed wall-to-wall with employees.
09:19My parents had summoned the entire company to publicly clear Lydia's name.
09:23On the massive LED screen in the center of the room, a video played on loop.
09:27Footage of Lydia handing out backpacks to underprivileged children in remote villages.
09:31And late-night shots of her working tirelessly on the West Side Development Project.
09:36My father stepped onto the platform, microphone in hand.
09:40His voice booming across the lobby.
09:43Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great misfortune to announce that we brought home a daughter of such rotten characters.
09:52Out of pure jealousy, she spread vicious, slanderous rumors about Lydia throughout this company.
09:58She has not only damaged our family's reputation, she has committed an unforgivable moral crime.
10:05The employees, not knowing the full story, began whispering amongst themselves.
10:10Once trash, always trash. Doesn't matter if you put her in a mansion.
10:15I heard she grew up in some backwater foster home.
10:18People from places like that are all liars and thieves.
10:21If she's willing to slander her own sister, there's nothing she wouldn't do.
10:24Lydia, supported by Julian, walked up to me and held out a piece of paper.
10:29A printed confession titled, Statement of Guilt and Apology.
10:33Evelyn, I know why you did this.
10:35All you have to do is sign this, admit you lied, and apologize to me in front of everyone.
10:40Then I'll forgive you.
10:42I stared at her smug face, my chest heaving with barely restrained rage.
10:46I never said those things.
10:48But if I had said you slept with Mr. Harrington?
10:52Before I could finish, Julian's polished oxford slammed into the back of my knee.
10:56I collapsed onto the marble floor with a sickening crack.
11:00The employees around me erupted in laughter.
11:03Some even pulled out their phones, snapping photos and recording videos of my humiliation.
11:09Karma's a bitch!
11:10Shane tore through me like this evaded me.
11:13And then...
11:14Stop! Evelyn didn't lie! I can prove it!
11:16Everyone froze.
11:17A young woman shoved her way through the crowd.
11:19Stop! Evelyn didn't lie! I can prove it!
11:21She is the intern I'd comforted on my first day at the office,
11:24who'd been crying in the break room after getting chewed out by her supervisor.
11:29She planted herself in front of me, her voice shaking but firm as she pointed at Lydia.
11:34I saw it with my own eyes that night when we were working late!
11:37Lydia got into Mr. Harrington's car, and they were in the back seat together.
11:42The entire lobby went dead silent.
11:44Lydia's face drained of color.
11:46But she recovered quickly, throwing herself into Julian's arms and wailing at the top of her lungs.
11:52Julian! How much did Evelyn pay this girl to lie for her?
11:56First she makes up disgusting rumors, and now she's bribing people to back her up?
12:01What kind of month is anymore? I just want to die.
12:04The crowd's shock instantly morphed into contempt.
12:07Julian's expression darkened, glaring at the intern with pure hatred.
12:12He stepped forward and backhanded her across the face.
12:15The intern lost her balance and hit the floor hard, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.
12:21You've gone too far!
12:23Throw this traitorous little bitch out of my building!
12:26Fire her immediately!
12:28Blacklist her from every company in the industry!
12:31I want her name ruined!
12:32Four security guards swarmed the intern,
12:35raining fists and kicks down on her fragile body.
12:38She curled into a ball on the floor.
12:40I knelt on the cold floor, watching the girl who'd been beaten half to death for telling the truth.
12:45I bit down on my lower lip so hard that blood streamed down my chin, but I didn't even feel
12:51it.
12:52My trust in them shattered completely.
12:56Mom, Dad, Evelyn must be doing this because she's terrified I'll steal her inheritance.
13:02I know she hates me.
13:04She's always hated me for taking away the life that should have been hers all these years.
13:08She clutched my father's pant leg.
13:10As long as you let me stay by your side, I'll be happy even if it kills me.
13:14Julian strode over, grabbed a fistful of my hair, and yanked my head up.
13:18Everyone, take a good look at this vile excuse for a human being.
13:25Today, I, Julian Blackstone, am officially calling off my engagement to her.
13:30Next month, Lydia and I will be having the grandest wedding this city has ever seen.
13:36My father stood on the platform like a judge, passing sentence.
13:40If you don't confess and apologize right now, I will disown you in front of this entire company.
13:46You won't see a single share of Sterling Group stock. Not one.
13:50Julian's designer shoe pressed down on the back of my hand, grinding my bones into the marble.
13:55The sickening crunch was followed by a wave of agony that shot straight to my skull.
14:00Around me, the crowd roared with laughter, camera flashes exploding in my face.
14:05My parents' disgusted voices echoed in my ears.
14:08I closed my eyes.
14:09The last fragile thread of affection I'd held for the Sterling Group was snapped.
14:13I opened my eyes slowly and spoke.
14:15I'm going to ask you one last time.
14:17Are you absolutely certain you want me to stand in front of all these people and confess that I spread
14:22those rumors?
14:23Of course, you did it. Now own up to it.
14:27My parents and Julian chimed in impatiently.
14:30Stop wasting our time. Apologize already.
14:34Fine. I confess.
14:36I looked at their eager, self-righteous faces.
14:39I said Lydia secured the West Side Development deal by sleeping with Mr. Harrington.
14:43And I said she contracted syphilis from him.
14:46Not only that, but Lydia is now pregnant.
14:48And the baby is Mr. Harrington's.
14:51The entire lobby fell deathly silent.
14:55Lydia froze for a split second.
14:57You all heard that, right?
14:59She finally admitted it!
15:01She made it all up!
15:02Julian let out a cold, mocking laugh.
15:05What are you waiting for? Get on your knees and apologize now!
15:08But just as she reached the peak of her victory,
15:11Lydia let out a blood-curdling scream and collapsed to the ground, clutching her groin.
15:16Blood began pouring down her legs.
15:18Lydia!
15:19Julian's face went white as a sheet, and he rushed to her side.
15:22The company's front doors exploded in them, glass and wood splintering everywhere.
15:28Mr. Harrington's wife, a massive and muscular woman with a crew of bodyguards, stormed into the lobby.
15:34Where the hell is that home-wrecking whore, Lydia Sterling?
15:38He charged forward, grabbed her by the collar, and ripped her out of Julian's arms.
15:42Then he started throwing punches, one after another.
15:45Ah! You disgusting slut!
15:49You seduced my husband!
15:51He pulled a stack of medical reports from his jacket, and slammed them onto the floor.
15:55Everyone, look at this!
15:57My husband caught syphids from this filthy parasite!
16:00The lab results scattered across the marble.
16:03The words, stage two syphilis, glaring up at the crowd in red ink.
16:07Julian's face turned ashen, and he staggered backward, staring at the papers in disbelief.
16:11Lydia was already barely conscious from the beating, blood streaming from her mouth.
16:17Julian, it's not true.
16:19I don't have any disease.
16:21This is all Evelyn's doing.
16:23She hired actors to destroy me.
16:25She even faked these medical records.
16:27She's a monster.
16:29She'll do anything to frame me.
16:31She sobbed hysterically.
16:32He looked at the medical reports, melted into pure rage.
16:35Then at Lydia's tear-streaked face, and his doubt vanished entirely.
16:39Get the hell off her!
16:40Julian kicked Mr. Harrington's wife through the chest, and a swarm of security guards surrounded him.
16:46If you touch my fiancé again, you're a dead man.
16:50Then Julian spun around, his eyes blazing with fury as he glared at me.
16:55Evelyn, do you ever stop?
16:58You went so far as to hire actors and forge medical documents just to prove your disgusting lives?
17:05Lydia is clean.
17:07There's no way she'd ever catch something that vile.
17:09My father's voice shook with rage.
17:12This is unforgivable!
17:14How did we ever raise such a venomous snake?
17:19You thought of something this despicable?
17:22Something this evil?
17:23My mother was on her knees beside Lydia, stroking her bloodied face.
17:28My poor baby.
17:29How did you end up with such a cruel sister?
17:31This is all my fault.
17:35It hurts so much.
17:37Suddenly, Lydia let out another agonized scream and went low, collapsing in a pool of her own blood.
17:44The puddle beneath her was growing larger by the second.
17:47Julian's face went white.
17:48Lydia!
17:49And he barked orders at the guards.
17:51Get the car!
17:52We're going to the hospital!
17:53Now!
17:54My parents stumbled after them, their faces twisted in panic.
17:58The lobby descended into chaos.
18:00My brother appeared out of nowhere, grabbed me by the collar, and started dragging me toward the exit.
18:06You're coming with us.
18:07If anything happens to Lydia, you're going to pay for it with your life.
18:12He shoved me into the back seat of the car, and my head slammed against the window.
18:16Through the glass, I watched Julian's car speed away, running red lights, and swerving through traffic like a scene from
18:24a disaster movie.
18:25A cold smile tugged at the corner of my lips.
18:28The hospital emergency room hallway was silent.
18:30The only sound was my mother's muffled sobbing.
18:33Finally, the red light above the door went dark, and the doctor stepped out, his expression grim.
18:38Julian and my family immediately swarmed him.
18:41Doctor, how is she?
18:43The doctor sighed.
18:47The patient experienced severe rectal bleeding due to acute ternal hemorrhahalride rupture.
18:52Additionally, there are visible signs of blunt force trauma to the genital area.
18:56She'll need to remain on bed rest.
18:58What? Hemorrhite bleeding? And trauma?
19:02Julian's face went slack with shock, and my parents and brother looked equally stunned.
19:07A nurse wheeled Lydia into a VIP room, and we followed.
19:10Lydia's eyes fluttered open, and when she heard the nurse repeating the doctor's instructions, even she looked genuinely shocked.
19:16But within a second, her brain recalibrated.
19:19She grabbed Julian's hand, tears welling up in her eyes.
19:23Julian, you're not going to think less of me because I have hemorrhage.
19:28Are you?
19:29But I swear, I'm innocent.
19:32The injuries down there are because I fought back when Mr. Harrington tried to force himself on me, and his
19:37people beat me up.
19:39This is proof that I stayed loyal to you.
19:42That I resisted with everything I had.
19:44Julian's entire body went rigid.
19:46Lydia, you really went through all that for me?
19:49Lydia nodded pitifully.
19:50Of course it was for you.
19:53I didn't want to use this to guilt you into marrying me.
19:56I was going to wait until you'd completely ended things with Evelyn.
19:59Julian was utterly convinced.
20:01He grabbed her hand tightly, his earlier doubts completely erased.
20:04He turned to look at me, his expression twisted with disgust.
20:09Evelyn, what do you have to say for yourself now?
20:13Lydia fought them off to stay faithful to me.
20:15She's devoted her entire heart to me.
20:17How could she possibly be sleeping with Mr. Harrington?
20:21Those people who barged in here were obviously hired by you.
20:25My father let out a long sigh of relief.
20:28He called his assistant.
20:30Send out an internal memo immediately.
20:32Announce that Lydia and the Blackstone family will be moving forward with the engagement.
20:35As for that ridiculous slander my daughter spread, it's been completely debuffed.
20:39And send those thugs who stormed the building to the police.
20:41My mother clutched her chest dramatically, tears of joy streaming down her face.
20:46Do you hear that?
20:46Lydia is devoted to Julian.
20:48You tried to curse your own sister with lies?
20:53You're not even human!
20:54Julian helped Lydia settle into the hospital bed, then strode over to me, his gaze ice cold.
21:01Evelyn, I gave you a chance, and you threw it away.
21:06Once Lydia recovers and is discharged, I'm personally escorting you to prison.
21:12Faced with their accusations, I started laughing, unsettling them.
21:16I shook off the guard's grip and locked eyes with Lydia, my voice sharp and cold.
21:21Whether or not she stayed faithful to you, the syphilis rash on her body will tell you the truth soon
21:27enough.
21:27A flicker of panic flashed across Lydia's face, but she quickly massed...
21:31You're lying!
21:32You psychopath!
21:33You're just jealous that I won Julian's heart!
21:36You couldn't get mom and dad to love you!
21:39You couldn't get Julian to want you, so now you're cursing me with some disgusting disease!
21:43Julian was about to slap me again.
21:45When the hospital room door swung open, the attending physician walked in, holding a stack of blood work results, his
21:51face grave.
21:52His eyes swept over everyone in the room, and he took a deep breath.
21:55Who here is the patient's family?
21:58Julian stepped forward immediately.
22:00I'm her fiancé.
22:01Doctor, she's going to be okay, right?
22:03The doctor glanced at him, his expression complicated.
22:07During the routine blood draw, we ran a full infectious disease palette as per protocol.
22:14He handed the lab results to Julian.
22:20The patient, Lydia Sterling, has tested positive for stage 2 syphilis.
22:25The titer levels are extremely high, indicating she's in a highly contagious stage.
22:30The room plunged into complete silence.
22:33Julian staggered backward, his legs giving out beneath him as he collapsed onto the floor.
22:37He stared at Lydia, who just moments ago had seemed so pure and innocent, with a look of absolute horror.
22:46No, that's impossible!
22:48You're laughing at a mistake!
22:50I know what happened!
22:52The needle you used to draw my blood must have been contaminated!
22:55You infected me!
22:57Julian, you have to believe me!
23:00Miss Sterling, that's medically impossible.
23:02The infection didn't occur from the blood draw.
23:04He glanced down at his clipboard and continued.
23:07Your tiler levels indicate you've been infected for at least two months.
23:11Additionally, regarding the fetus...
23:13Ah!
23:13My stomach!
23:14Doctor, it hurts so much!
23:16Please help me!
23:17Something's wrong!
23:18The doctor was interrupted and was not able to mention Lydia's pregnancy.
23:22I leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching the whole scene unfold with detached amusement.
23:29Mr. Blackstone, if you want to know the truth, why don't you call your ozing?
23:34How'd him look into whether Mr. Harrington has also been diagnosed of syphilis?
23:38Julian's hands shook as he pulled out his phone and dialed his assistant.
23:42The moment the call connected...
23:44Mr. Blackstone, it's confirmed!
23:46Mr. Harrington has been diagnosed with stage 2 syphilis!
23:48And sir, there's more!
23:49Miss Sterling is pregnant!
23:51The whole industry is saying the child is Mr. Harrington's.
23:53The entire Westside Development Project has been shut down.
23:55Saying the child is Mr. Harrington's!
23:57The entire Westside Development Project has been shut down!
24:00Julian's face went from shock, to confusion, to realization, and finally, to pure, murderous rage.
24:08You're pregnant?
24:09Lydia's face turned deathly pale.
24:12Yes.
24:13The patient is approximately 8 weeks pregnant, as I was trying to mention earlier.
24:17You lying piece of shit!
24:20Julian's eyes made a bloodshot, and he lunged at the hospital bed.
24:24He grabbed Lydia by the shoulders, shaking her violently.
24:27We haven't even slept together!
24:29You said you wanted to wait until the wedding night!
24:31Whose child is it?
24:32How many men have you been with?
24:34Lydia gasped for air, tears streaming down her face.
24:38But she had nowhere left to run.
24:40Realizing there was no way out, she gave up the act entirely and started playing the victim card.
24:46Julian, please, I was forced!
24:49I only did it to help you secure the Westside investment!
24:52Mr. Harrington got me drunk and took advantage of me!
24:55But the baby...
24:56The baby is yours!
24:58I swear it's yours!
25:00I know you never wanted the burden of fatherhood.
25:03So?
25:05I made arrangements to carry your child myself, using your frozen samples!
25:10Julian's hand flew across her face,
25:12Bullshit!
25:12slapping her so hard she slammed back into the pillows.
25:16Then he climbed onto the bed and started beating her.
25:18Slap after slap.
25:20Over and over.
25:22Until her face was unrecognizable.
25:24My parents and brother stood frozen in place.
25:27They looked at Lydia.
25:29Bruised.
25:29Bloodied.
25:30Pregnant.
25:30Carrying of the Nereal disease.
25:32And then turned to look at me.
25:34Leaning calmly against the doorway.
25:37In that moment,
25:38They finally understood one thing.
25:40I hadn't lied.
25:41Every single word I'd said was true.
25:44My brother stared down at his own trembling hands.
25:48He remembered how he'd used those same hands to beat me.
25:51To call me ungrateful.
25:53All for this disease-ridden liar.
25:56The weight of his guilt nearly crushed him.
25:58His legs buckled.
25:59And he had to grab the wall to keep from collapsing.
26:02Julian finally stopped his assault on Lydia.
26:06You said the bastard in your belly is mine?
26:08Fine.
26:09Since she claims she's carrying my child,
26:11We'd better make sure the baby gets proper prenatal care.
26:14Watch them both.
26:15I don't care how much it costs.
26:17Make sure that thing gets born alive so we can run a paternity test.
26:20Both Lydia and Mr. Harrington were placed under house arrest.
26:23Julian stationed bodyguards and private nurses in the hospital room.
26:27On rotating 24-hour shifts.
26:29During her confinement, Lydia tried multiple times to push herself down the stairs to induce a miscarriage.
26:35But every single time, the nurses caught her before she could succeed.
26:39Meanwhile, my father and brother finally started digging into Lydia's past.
26:43She hadn't just slept with Mr. Harrington.
26:45Her private life was a disaster of entanglements and scandals.
26:49The truth slapped them across the face.
26:51One revelation after another.
26:53Until they were dizzy with shame.
26:56Three days after I moved out of the Sterling Mansion,
26:59My brother cornered me outside my new apartment.
27:01He was holding a bakery box from an upscale patisserie.
27:04The moment he saw me, his eyes turned red, and he rushed forward.
27:08Evelyn.
27:10I brought you those French macamaroons from that place you used to love.
27:13I waited in line for two hours.
27:15They're still fresh.
27:17Please, just have one.
27:18Please?
27:19I took the box from his hands, and for a split second, hope flared in his eyes.
27:23Then I flipped my wrist.
27:24The delicate macarons tumbled out onto the dirty pavement,
27:28Their pastel shells cracking against the concrete.
27:31I don't like macaroons.
27:32I like pancakes.
27:34But no one in this family ever bothered to make me a single stack.
27:38My brother stood frozen in place as tears streamed down his haggard face.
27:43My father, desperate to make amends, reinstated me at the company.
27:47The employees who had once mocked me now fell silent whenever I passed.
27:51Heads bowed.
27:52Eyes averted.
27:52Everyone assumed I, a girl dragged back from poverty, would crumble under the pressure of salvaging the disastrous West Side
28:00Development Project.
28:01But it only took me one week.
28:03I scheduled meetings with every single landowner involved in the West Side Zone, and sat across from them at the
28:10negotiation table.
28:11Gone was the silent, cowering girl they thought they knew.
28:14I was sharp, ruthless, and surgically precise in dismantling their objections.
28:19When I walked back into Sterling Group headquarters, with signed contracts in hand, my father's hands trembled as he took
28:26them from me.
28:27Tears rolled down his weathered face.
28:29Evelyn, your father was blind.
28:33And I was so, so blind.
28:35The company is yours now.
28:37All of it.
28:38Please, forgive me just this once.
28:42I didn't even look at him as I walked past toward my new office.
28:46That's when Julian appeared.
28:47The once arrogant heir of the Blackstone Empire now looked hollowed out, his eyes red-rimmed and exhausted.
28:54He stared at me, and his expression twisted with regret.
28:57Evelyn, I broke off the engagement with Lydia.
29:02I was an idiot.
29:04I was blind.
29:05She manipulated me, and I fell for it.
29:07His voice cracked.
29:09Give me one more chance.
29:10A marriage between Sterling Group and Blackstone Holdings.
29:13I'll have my family transfer 30% of Blackstone's shares as a wedding gift.
29:16Just say yes.
29:17I sank into the chair that had once belonged to my father, casually twirling a pen between my fingers.
29:22I looked up and met his desperate gaze.
29:26Wait for the baby.
29:29Julian's face turned ashen.
29:31In the days that followed, my mother appeared at the office, carrying a container of homemade beef stew.
29:38Evelyn, please.
29:39I failed you.
29:41I'm your mother, and I failed you.
29:44I think about it every single day.
29:47Save the stew for your beloved Lydia.
29:49After all, with her condition, she's the one who needs the nutrition.
29:53My mother's sobs cut off abruptly.
29:55She crumpled to the floor, staring at my retreating figure.
29:59The day Lydia went into labor, the hospital waiting room was thick with dread.
30:04My parents, my brother, and Julian, all of them sat in tense silence, waiting for the final verdict.
30:10The delivery room doors swung open, and a nurse emerged carrying a sickly, underweight infant.
30:15Julian didn't even glance at the child.
30:17He merely gestured toward the DNA lab director, who'd been waiting on standby.
30:23Rush it.
30:24I want results in three hours.
30:26Those three hours were Lydia's last desperate scramble for survival, and my family's eternal humiliation.
30:33For me, it was just another afternoon.
30:35I leaned against the window, calmly running the sapphire necklace, now returned to me through my fingers.
30:41When the lab director finally emerged with the report, the entire hallway went deathly quiet.
30:47Mr. Blackstone, paternity has been excluded.
30:50Additionally, the infant shows signs of congenital abnormalities, likely caused by in vitro syphilis exposure.
30:57Julian's face went blank.
30:58Then he turned and stormed into Lydia's recovery room, ripping the blanket off her bed.
31:04Congratulations.
31:05You played me for a fool long enough to become the laughingstock of the entire city.
31:09He raised his hand and delivered one final, vicious slap.
31:14Enjoy the rest of your life in prison.
31:16With a snap of his fingers, his security team swarmed Lydia, dragging her out of the bed and beating her
31:22as she screamed.
31:23My parents didn't even try to stop them.
31:25They stood there, staring at the damning paternity report, and then slowly turned to look at me.
31:31The regret in their eyes was bottomless.
31:34My mother stumbled toward me and collapsed at my feet,
31:37her knees hitting the tile with a painful crack.
31:40She clutched the hem of my coat, sobbing uncontrollably.
31:44I was so blind.
31:46How could I have treated you that way?
31:51Hit me.
31:52Please, hit me.
31:53I deserve it.
31:55I'm the one who made you suffer.
31:57She raised her own hand and began slapping herself across the face, over and over.
32:01Mrs. Sterling, the floor is cold.
32:04You're getting older.
32:06Save the performance.
32:07My father stepped forward, his hands shaking as he pulled a document from his briefcase.
32:12Evelyn, I know I was wrong.
32:14This is the share transfer agreement for Sterling Group.
32:17I've already signed it.
32:19Everything, all of it, goes to you.
32:23Just, please come home.
32:27Let me spend the rest of my life making this up to you.
32:31I took the document and signed my name at the bottom.
32:33Fine.
32:35From today forward, Sterling Group becomes Hale Enterprises.
32:39My mother grabbed my bag, trying to carry it for me like a servant.
32:42Evelyn, please stay at the house tonight.
32:44I'll cook for you myself.
32:46I walked past her without a word.
32:47From that day on, my brother resigned from his VP position
32:51and became the hardest working project manager in the company.
32:54Two weeks later, he collapsed at his desk from exhaustion.
32:58When the medics revived him,
33:00Is Evelyn, is she still angry at me?
33:03Julian, meanwhile, threw Blackstone Holdings into chaos
33:06by forcibly diverting billions in company resources to support my projects,
33:11ignoring protests from his own board of directors.
33:14At the celebratory banquet after my latest acquisition,
33:18he approached me with a glass of wine.
33:20Evelyn, I was arrogant and stupid.
33:23If you can forgive me, I'll spend the rest of my life working for you.
33:27Whatever you need.
33:29Let's move forward with the merger.
33:31Please.
33:32I swirled the wine in my glass,
33:34looking at the man who once stood above me.
33:37Mr. Blackstone,
33:39I'm open to business partnerships.
33:41But marriage?
33:45You should probably get tested for syphilis first.
33:49One year later,
33:50under my leadership,
33:51Sterling Group, now Hale Enterprises,
33:54didn't just recover.
33:55It devoured several of Blackstone Holdings' key projects
33:58and became the most feared name in the industry.
34:02I was no longer the scared, silent girl they'd dragged back from the gutter.
34:07I was Evelyn Hale,
34:08and people crossed the street when they saw me coming.
34:11I used part of my fortune to buy the entire block across from the company headquarters
34:16and opened a flower shop.
34:18I tracked down the intern who'd been beaten and blacklisted for defending me,
34:22and I brought her back.
34:24Starting today, you're the store manager.
34:26Your salary is ten times what you made before.
34:28You saved my life.
34:31She'd stand among the flowers,
34:33eyes bright,
34:35and ask me questions like,
34:36Miss Hale,
34:38are you sure you don't want to move back into the estate?
34:41My brother, determined to atone,
34:44had requested a transfer to the harshest project site in the Northwest.
34:48He spent his days in sandstorms and brutal heat,
34:52the spoiled air finally stripped of his privilege.
34:56Every single day,
34:57he sent me a photo of the barren landscape with the same caption.
35:01I never replied.
35:03Not once.
35:06One quiet afternoon,
35:08I sat by the shop window,
35:09trimming flowers.
35:10The freedom felt better than any amount of power.
35:13A group of kids ran past the shop,
35:15laughing and shoving each other.
35:17One little girl tripped and scraped her knee,
35:20bursting into tears.
35:22I walked over and gently patted her head.
35:25Don't cry.
35:26Something wonderful is about to happen to you.
35:28She sniffled and looked up at me.
35:31A second later,
35:32she spotted her lost kitten hiding behind a planter box.
35:36She squealed with joy and threw her arms around the cat,
35:39and turned and gave me the brightest smile.
35:42My curse had finally transformed.
35:47The bell above the door chimed softly.
35:49A tall, striking woman in a crisp police uniform stepped inside.
35:54She walked toward me,
35:56her face flushed pink,
35:58looking almost shy.
36:00Evelyn,
36:00do you remember me?
36:02I froze.
36:02She was the girl from the orphanage.
36:05The only one who ever shared her food with me.
36:07The one who got her leg broken by the director for protecting me.
36:12I'd like to buy a bouquet of roses for someone I've loved for 20 years.
36:16I selected the most beautiful roses in the shop and handed them to her.
36:23She took the bouquet and then held it out to me.
36:26These are for you.
36:27I want the rest of your life to be full of flowers and endless spring.
36:32She took my hand and led me to her car.
36:36We drove to the highest peak overlooking the city,
36:39where the lights below sparkled like fallen stars.
36:42I closed my eyes.
36:44From today forward,
36:45may everyone I love live in peace and joy,
36:47and may everyone I hate never get what they desire.
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