- 26 minutes ago
After My Husband Cheated, I Left Him with Nothing
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Hi, this is Mrs. Hudson. I'm here to swipe my card for the $3,000 a table 10-year-old
00:05birthday party I reserved.
00:07I'm terribly sorry, Mrs. Hudson. This card has less than $500 available credit.
00:12I poured everything I had into helping my husband build his tech startup from nothing,
00:17turning it into one of Silicon Valley's red-hot unicorns.
00:21After that, I stepped back from the spotlight without a second thought and became a full-time mother.
00:26On my daughter Ava's 10th birthday, I wanted to throw her a grand party
00:30and booked a luxury banquet package at the Hotel Bel Air in Beverly Hills at $3,000 per table.
00:37But when I swiped the card, the front desk staff apologized.
00:41Mrs. Hudson, I'm very sorry, but the available balance on this card is less than $500.
00:46Embarrassed, I went home and confronted my husband. He put on an apologetic face and said,
00:52The company is bidding on the Silicon Valley Corley Tech Park, a competitor militially stirring up trouble,
00:57so I advanced a huge amount of money for components guarantees, and I'm a cash flowed temporarily tut.
01:01When the funds come through, I promise to throw Ava the most decent birthday party Los Angeles has ever seen.
01:05I considerately expressed my understanding, then immediately turned around and started liquidating our assets.
01:11Because the new chair of the review panel leading this bidding project is none other than my father,
01:16and I had just spoken with him on the phone last night.
01:19He made it clear, there have been no recent requests for any private financial transactions.
01:25The entire process is open and compliant.
01:29I'm going to find out exactly who he's been spending the money on.
01:32This black card was our family's joint account.
01:35Just last month, it still had over $2 million in it.
01:39The transaction history had been deliberately deleted,
01:42so I went to the bank specifically and requested the full statement.
01:45The single largest charge was, incredibly, at the very same Hotel Bel Air I had just been to, $140,000.
01:54And the details read, private birthday party all-inclusive package.
01:59Daddy must be planning a surprise for us, right?
02:05Mommy, let's hurry over and give Daddy a surprise too.
02:08Looking at my daughter Ava's innocent eyes, I couldn't bring myself to think badly of Liam.
02:15When we rushed to the hotel banquet, I spotted him immediately Liam, sharply dressed in a suit,
02:20standing at the entrance, laughing and chatting with guests.
02:24A woman in a red evening gown was intimately holding his arm, looking just like a perfect golden couple.
02:30She was Sophia, Liam's chief assistant, and practically a company veteran.
02:34Liam, your son looks exactly like you, so outstanding.
02:39Who wouldn't envy you? Still so in love with a child this old.
02:43Listening to the guests' flattering words, I then noticed a little boy standing between them,
02:49with a striking resemblance to Liam around the eyes and brows.
02:53My daughter suddenly wrenched her hand free from mine and ran toward Liam.
02:57Daddy, the name up there is wrong!
03:00My name is Ava, not Noah!
03:02That was when I realized she had seen the welcome sign nearby,
03:06which boldly read,
03:08Happy 7th birthday, to our beloved son, Noah Hudson.
03:13Before I could even begin to process this,
03:16I heard a loud thud Sophia had reached out and shoved my daughter to the ground.
03:21Where did this child come from?
03:23No manners at all.
03:24I rushed forward and scooped up my daughter.
03:28The moment I saw the blood beating on her scraped knee,
03:31rage, completely overpowered reason.
03:34Liam Hudson!
03:35You used our family money to keep a woman and an illegitimate child on the side.
03:39And now you're letting her hurt Ava?
03:42My voice trembled with fury as I held my sobbing daughter tightly.
03:46Sophia muttered under her breath,
03:47What joint property?
03:49Every single penny of this company was earned with me fighting by his side.
03:52Some people have been playing housewife for so long,
03:56they actually think they're the company's owner.
03:59The surrounding guests buzzed with discussion,
04:01their eyes swiveling back and forth between us.
04:04Is this the mistress coming to stir up trouble?
04:07How dare she crash the real partner's party?
04:10Absolutely outrageous.
04:12Had nothing but a daughter and still tries to make a scene truly pathetic.
04:16Those probing, contemptuous, mocking stares fell on my daughter and me,
04:21piercing like countless needles.
04:23I said angrily,
04:24Are you kidding me?
04:27Sophia is the mistress!
04:28This boy is the dirty little secret no one was supposed to know about!
04:31A few snickers rippled through the crowd.
04:34A man with a beer belly swirled his wine glass and said,
04:37Sophia and Liam have been together for ages.
04:41Everyone knows she's the one who holds everything together for him.
04:45Another woman chimed in.
04:46Liam and Sophia have such a great relationship.
04:49This woman clearly just wants to scam him because he's loaded.
04:52I turned my gaze to Liam and said icily,
04:55Liam, tell me, who am I?
04:59Liam finally spoke.
05:01Wearing a helpless smile, he turned to the guests.
05:04My apologies for this little scene, everyone.
05:07This is Claire, our household assistant.
05:10She spends all her time reading romance novels and has a hard time telling fantasy from reality.
05:15He then turned to look at me, his eyes filled with warning.
05:18Claire, take your daughter Ava back to rest.
05:22Stop embarrassing yourselves here.
05:24I felt as if I had been struck by lightning.
05:26I couldn't believe that the man who had shared my bed for 12 years
05:30would actually slap such an absurd identity onto me right to my face.
05:35Seeing that Liam had taken her side,
05:37Sophia immediately found her confidence, her voice rising.
05:41Claire, I know it's not easy raising a daughter on your own,
05:44but you can't try to extort money like this.
05:49Tell you what, why don't you go back for now
05:51and I'll have the butler pay you an extra three months' salary.
05:54Bursts of mocking laughter erupted from the guests.
05:57Oh, so the assistant is trying to move up?
05:59That's a joke.
06:01People do anything for money these days.
06:05That poor little girl, stuck with a mother like that.
06:08A mother who acts like that, the child is bound to pick it up.
06:12She's probably going anywhere in life.
06:15Sophia smiled smugly.
06:17She crouched down and said to Noah,
06:20You see? Study hard, so you won't become a laughing out.
06:24Noah jutted out his chin,
06:27his eyes full of a meanness far beyond his years.
06:30How dare you shout at mom like that?
06:34He reached out and shoved me hard.
06:37Caught completely off guard,
06:38I staggered back two steps,
06:40nearly falling down together with my daughter.
06:43Noah said arrogantly,
06:44My dad said the tech company will be mine to control someday.
06:48You don't deserve to take my dad from me.
06:54You'll end up just like your mom,
06:57a servant assistant.
06:59The guests knock and laugh are even more patient.
07:03The young master has such ambition.
07:07Just then, several hotel waitstaff in uniform passed by carrying trays,
07:11and one of them was the front desk manager who had assisted me last time.
07:16When he saw me, he deliberately raised his voice and said to the colleague beside him,
07:21Well, well, if it isn't Mrs. Hudson,
07:23the one who reserved a 3,000-a-table birthday party
07:26but couldn't even get $500 out of her card.
07:28Told you, some people just love to put on airs,
07:31pretend to be a rich wife,
07:32and they have to slink off with their tail between their legs.
07:35Sophia's frivolous and went out of scum.
07:38Broke is a joke.
07:39Can't even scrape up 500 bucks?
07:41No surprise she's throwing a fit.
07:43The bare-bellied man Richard from earlier also swayed forward,
07:46his greasy gaze sizing up Ava and me,
07:49his tone frivolous.
07:52You have to admit that Nancy at Liam's place is actually quite good looking,
07:55and the little girl is kind of cute too.
07:57You definitely don't stand a chance with Liam,
08:00so why not come with me?
08:01I'll give you $3,000 a month,
08:03plus room and bear for you and your daughter.
08:05What do you say?
08:05You won't have to worry about $500 anymore.
08:07I'm willing to be the one to take over.
08:09Pretty decent of me, don't you think?
08:11Hearing this, the other guests laughed even harder.
08:14Richard, you're so generous!
08:16But seriously, isn't $3,000 a bit too much for someone like her?
08:21Sophia wrestled up to Liam and joined the crowd in the jury.
08:25I demanded sharply,
08:26Liam, are you just going to stand there
08:28and watch them insult me and Ava like this?
08:31Liam looked at me expressionlessly,
08:33as if I truly were a complete stranger.
08:36After everyone had laughed their fill,
08:38he finally spoke again,
08:40his tone cold and impatient.
08:42Claire, stop embarrassing yourself here.
08:44This is my son's birthday party.
08:47Take your daughter and go back or I'll call security.
08:50Ava trembled even more violently in my arms.
08:53Her tiny hands clutched tightly at the hem of my clothes,
08:56and she buried her face against my chest,
08:59too afraid to look at those malicious faces.
09:02Mom, is it really like what they said?
09:05Hearing my daughter's terrified question,
09:07my heart ached so fiercely I could barely breathe.
09:1112 years of devotion and sacrifice,
09:13and what I got in return was being trampled and humiliated
09:17by my own husband in public like this.
09:21No, no, Ava.
09:22I covered Ava's ears.
09:24My heart filled with bitterness.
09:26How was I supposed to explain this to her?
09:29Back when Liam first started his business,
09:31we were crammed into a run-down garage
09:33of less than a hundred square feet.
09:35The company couldn't afford to hire anyone,
09:37so I took on multiple roles.
09:40Admin, bookkeeper, order tracking.
09:43To help him bring in clients,
09:45I cast aside every shred of dignity
09:47and begged every single person I knew.
09:50I remember the day he signed
09:51his first million-dollar contract.
09:53He excitedly spun me around in circles
09:56and then used that money to buy me a very expensive dress.
09:59I saw the sparkle in Liam's eyes,
10:01and in the end,
10:03I never told him that the big client
10:05was actually a long-time business partner of my uncle.
10:08Later, the company gradually got on track,
10:10and I became pregnant with Ava.
10:12Liam, out of concern for me,
10:14had me go home to rest
10:16and take care of the pregnancy in peace.
10:18From now on, I'll take care of you.
10:20You've suffered so much for me.
10:22Now it's turn to give you the life of a princess.
10:24But now,
10:25I looked down at the old dress I was wearing,
10:28the one I had worn for three years.
10:30Meanwhile,
10:31Liam was in a sharp suit,
10:33and Sophia was draped head-to-toe in designer brands.
10:36The two of them stood together,
10:38basking in everyone's flattery,
10:40looking perfectly matched.
10:41And I was called the assistant,
10:43and no one even doubted it.
10:45Ma'am,
10:46I know life hasn't been easy for you,
10:48but children at this age already understand things.
10:51If you don't care about your own dignity,
10:53at least don't embarrass the child.
10:55As Sophia spoke,
10:57she pulled a small stack of green bills
10:59out of her exquisite designer wallet.
11:01She held it out to me with utter arrogance.
11:17As she leaned in close,
11:19Sophia said in a voice so low,
11:21only the two of us could hear,
11:22Claire,
11:23what does it matter that you met Liam first?
11:25The one not loved is the one who doesn't belong.
11:30Right in front of everyone's watching eyes,
11:32she suddenly let out an,
11:34oh dear,
11:35and her fingers loosened.
11:37The bills smacked across my face
11:39and scattered all over the floor.
11:41Sophia smiled without a trace of apology,
11:44her gaze condescending.
11:46Sorry,
11:47my hand slipped.
11:48The pot-bellied vice president immediately chimed in.
11:51What a classy lady Sophia is!
11:55No wonder she's Liam's most trusted partner.
11:58Liam glanced at me indifferently and commanded,
12:01Pick it up and hurry along.
12:02I was so enraged that I actually laughed.
12:05$2,000 trying to get rid of me?
12:08Liam,
12:10do you think back then your crappy garage company,
12:13what made you think you could get those
12:14multi-million dollar defense contracts?
12:17Every penny you've spent on Sophia
12:19and this illegitimate child over the years
12:21is our marital property.
12:22If I want,
12:24I can take it all back.
12:26That's quite a story,
12:27Claire.
12:28With that imagination,
12:29you should try writing some rich family romance for fun.
12:32Times have changed.
12:33No need to be so hung up on being the original wife.
12:36But Liam was clearly hit where it hurt.
12:39His face instantly turned ashen,
12:41and he was just about to shout,
12:43Claire,
12:43stop it!
12:44A crisp sound of a slap cut him off.
12:46Liam,
12:47if you dare slander me one more word,
12:49if you dare call me an assistant again,
12:50I'll take you to court immediately.
12:52I'll make Hudson Technology vanish from Silicon Valley for good.
12:58Liam was stunned by the slap.
13:00The moment he registered what had happened,
13:02fury ignited in his eyes.
13:04He grabbed me by the throat,
13:05his knuckles turning white from the force,
13:07his tone vicious.
13:09You think I wouldn't hit a woman?
13:11Don't push your luck.
13:13In a corner where no one could see,
13:15he suddenly clamped down on my neck.
13:17His grip grew tighter and tighter,
13:19and I felt the air being slowly squeezed out of me.
13:22My vision began to darken,
13:24and I could only claw helplessly at his wrist.
13:27Just when I thought I was truly going to die right there,
13:30Sophia stepped forward with feigned concern to intervene.
13:33Liam,
13:33it's not worth getting angry over someone like that.
13:37What if you end up hurting yourself?
13:39Only then did Liam release his grip.
13:41I collapsed to the floor,
13:43gasping for breath,
13:44tears streaming down my face uncontrollably.
13:47The ruthlessness in his eyes just moments ago
13:49made me understand in that instant,
13:51his gaze was filled with pure rage,
13:53and he struck without the slightest regard
13:55for the bond we once shared.
13:57Sophia tenderly stroked the red mark on Liam's face,
14:00and then,
14:01right in front of everyone,
14:03she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
14:05Alright, don't be upset.
14:08Today is Noah's birthday.
14:10Don't let people like that ruin our good mood.
14:13Liam's expression softened slightly,
14:15and he wrapped an arm around Sophia's waist.
14:18Just then,
14:18the banquet hall lights suddenly dimmed.
14:22The timed projector flickered on,
14:24and photos began to play across the screen.
14:27There,
14:27on the screen,
14:28in vivid detail,
14:30were the moments of Noah's life from birth to now.
14:32His birth,
14:33his first birthday,
14:34his first day of school.
14:37All were recorded,
14:38and in every single one,
14:39Liam and Sophia were there by his side.
14:42Yet in my daughter Ava's life,
14:44Liam,
14:45as a father,
14:45was always absent.
14:47My daughter and Noah share the same birthday.
14:49So after Noah turned three,
14:51meaning from the very year Noah was born,
14:53my daughter never saw her father on her birthday again.
14:56Noah made,
14:57a face at my daughter,
14:58and taunted.
14:59So you say he's your father?
15:02Then take out the photo and let us see.
15:04Mom,
15:05does daddy not care about me at all?
15:08Am I just an unwanted child?
15:10I shook my head,
15:11but photos of them started playing on the screen.
15:14Seeing several familiar backgrounds,
15:16I couldn't help but freeze.
15:18The backgrounds were the deck and the ocean,
15:20the two of them cheek to cheek,
15:22intimately.
15:23I remembered that cruise ship.
15:25It was the luxury cruise I had booked
15:27for my fifth wedding anniversary with Liam.
15:29So Liam had booked a ticket for Sophia too.
15:32And that family photo at the amusement park.
15:34Liam and Sophia tightly embracing the date
15:37stamped on the photo
15:38was the very same day Liam had been at the park
15:40with me and our daughter.
15:42Finally,
15:43I understood why.
15:44Every time we went out,
15:46Liam always had some urgent,
15:48unavoidable meeting.
15:49The happy marriage I had cherished in my heart
15:51was already full of cracks.
15:53Rotten on the inside.
15:54While I was still lost in shock,
15:56Noah suddenly rushed over.
16:00Slapped Ava hard across the face
16:02and shouted,
16:03Cause your mom is citizen
16:04among the top where and dad it.
16:06Your mom just dared to hit my dad
16:08so I'm going to bully you.
16:10My daughter's head was struck to the side,
16:12her cheek instantly flushing bright red.
16:15She was a head taller than Noah
16:17and at an age where children
16:18are naturally competitive
16:19and eager to stand their ground.
16:21So her instinct was to hit back.
16:24But Sophia immediately grabbed hold of Ava's hands,
16:27squeezing her wrists forcefully
16:28and scolded her harshly.
16:30Acting so insilent at such a young age.
16:34You truly lack manners and upbringing.
16:36Seeing my daughter restrained,
16:38Noah rushed forward at once
16:39and began kicking and hitting her.
16:42Children strike without any sense of restraint
16:44and soon bruises and marks
16:46appeared all over my daughter's body.
16:48She was in so much pain
16:49that tears streamed down her face.
16:51But she stubbornly bit her lip
16:53and refused to let herself cry out loud.
16:55Stop!
16:57Desperate, I tried to pull Noah away,
16:59but Liam seized my arm in a death grip.
17:01They're just children playing.
17:02Why are you getting involved?
17:03Noah's very sensible.
17:05He knows his limits.
17:06Nothing will happen.
17:06I had reached my breaking point
17:08and screamed almost hoarsely.
17:10Liam Hudson!
17:11That is your own daughter!
17:13How can you just stand by
17:15and watch others bully her?
17:17How can you be so heartless?
17:19But Noah's my son.
17:22But Noah's my son.
17:24His voice was very soft,
17:26yet every word pierced my heart like a blade.
17:29But Noah is my son.
17:30Just then,
17:31Noah kicked Ava viciously in the stomach.
17:34My daughter immediately doubled over in pain,
17:36her little face turning deathly pale.
17:39AVA!
17:40I shrieked.
17:41My heart nearly stopping.
17:43Ava tried to shield her stomach with her hands,
17:45but Sophia was still clamping down on her tightly,
17:49leaving her utterly unable to protect herself.
17:51Seeing this,
17:53Noah grew even more smug
17:54and raised his foot again,
17:56aiming straight for Ava's already scraped and injured knee.
18:00I finally wrenched myself free from Liam,
18:03threw myself forward,
18:04and shoved Noah aside,
18:06gathering my daughter protectively into my arms.
18:08Ava was trembling violently in my embrace.
18:11Her tiny hands clutched tightly at the hem of my clothes,
18:15and her voice was feeble.
18:16Mommy,
18:17it hurts so much.
18:19Noah,
18:20having been pushed away,
18:21knocked into a nearby table,
18:23and started wailing loudly in pain.
18:25Sophia was beside herself with distress.
18:30My precious son!
18:31Our Noah is going to inherit the entire Hudson Technology Empire one day!
18:36Can you even afford it if you break him?
18:37Seeing Sophia and her son crying in each other's arms,
18:42Claire, how could you be so vicious?
18:44Liam couldn't hold back and raised his hand.
18:46Just as his slap was about to land on me,
18:49the sound of synchronized footsteps suddenly rang out from the entrance of the banquet hall.
18:54A middle-aged man in a dark, bespoke suit,
18:57exuding an aura of commanding authority,
19:00strode in.
19:00His eyes were razor sharp,
19:02and his entire presence radiated a quiet, intimidating power.
19:06Flanking him were a bodyguard and a senior assistant.
19:10The pot-bellied Richard,
19:11who had made those insolent remarks to me earlier,
19:14instantly switched to a fawning expression.
19:17He trotted over to greet the newcomer,
19:19bowing and scraping obsequiously.
19:21Mr. Anderson,
19:22your presence here is a true honor for the entire banquet.
19:26Liam, come over here.
19:27Let me introduce you.
19:29This is Silicon Valley's top angel investor,
19:32the lead investor in the tech company's first round,
19:34Mr. Robert Anderson!
19:37Liam stared at the newcomer in utter disbelief,
19:39his face instantly turning deathly pale.
19:42Father-in-law?
19:45Holding my injured daughter in my arms and gazing at that familiar face,
19:49my tears finally burst forth uncontrollably.
19:52I called out through my sobs,
19:54Dad!
19:57Mr. Robert ignored Richard,
19:59who had rushed up to him first,
20:01and didn't even glance at Liam,
20:03whose face was as pale as paper.
20:06He walked straight through the crowd and stopped in front of me.
20:09When his eyes fell on Ava in my arms,
20:12her face pallid,
20:13her arms and calves covered in purplish bruises,
20:16and then swept over the clear,
20:18glaring strangulation marks on my neck,
20:20the temperature in the entire banquet hall
20:23seemed to plummet to freezing in an instant.
20:26What's going on here?
20:27His voice was not loud,
20:29but it carried an unquestionable authority
20:31that struck everyone's heart like a heavy hammer.
20:33Richard,
20:34who had been so unbearably arrogant moments ago,
20:37was now drenched in sweat,
20:39the back of his shirt soaked through with cold perspiration.
20:42He stammered,
20:43trying to explain,
20:44Mr. Anderson,
20:46this is all a misunderstanding.
20:47This mother and daughter are Liam's household elders.
20:49They came to Noah's birthday party
20:50trying to extort money and cause bus blanks,
20:52and I'm so embarrassed that you have to see this.
20:54And next time you come,
20:55please your assistant notify me in advance,
20:56and I'll suddenly pick you up at the airport.
20:58Are you saying
21:00that my daughter and grandbotter
21:02are extorting money and causing trouble?
21:06His gaze slowly swept over Liam and Sophia's arms,
21:10still tightly intertwined,
21:11and finally came to rest on Ava.
21:13His tone softened considerably.
21:16Ava,
21:17tell grandpa who hit you.
21:19Dad,
21:19let me explain.
21:21Things are not as you think.
21:22Ava,
21:23speak.
21:24Mr.
21:25Robert's tone was firm,
21:26and brooked no argument,
21:28giving Liam no chance to defend himself whatsoever.
21:31Ava timidly peeked out from my arms.
21:34Her little finger pointed first at Noah,
21:36still sniffling in Sophia's arms.
21:38Then at Sophia,
21:40tears streaming uncontrollably down her face.
21:42It was him.
21:44He hit my face,
21:45kicked my stomach,
21:47and she held my hand so I couldn't die.
21:49Listening to Ava's tearful accusation,
21:52fine beads of cold sweat broke out on Liam's temples.
21:55He quietly pulled Richard aside,
21:57ducking away.
21:59Richard,
21:59is this really the newly a director of the fine patroker department?
22:02Are you sure you've got the right person?
22:04Richard was now utterly terrified.
22:07He kept wiping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief,
22:10his voice trembling.
22:11Absolutely.
22:12He invested in Google,
22:14Tesla.
22:14He's a titan of Silicon Valley.
22:16How could I be mistaken?
22:20This is really your father-in-law?
22:22Liam,
22:23you never told me you had such a big shot as a father-in-law.
22:25Why didn't you tell me her father is top Silicon Valley investor?
22:32How was I supposed to know?
22:33I thought he was just some reclusive retired old man who only goes fishing and reads books
22:37every day.
22:37He never talks about who he really is.
22:40And he rarely asked about Claire's affairs,
22:42so I assumed.
22:43I thought.
22:44While the two were still whispering,
22:46Noah,
22:47sheltered in Sophia's arms,
22:48had absolutely no inkling of how tense the atmosphere had become.
22:51He had just bumped his head,
22:53and was already feeling full of grievance.
22:55Now,
22:56seeing this strange old man siding with Ava and even letting Ava tattle,
23:00his anger flared instantly.
23:15As he spoke,
23:16he even reached out his little hand to shove his father's leg,
23:19but the assistant swiftly stopped him with sharp reflexes.
23:23Sophia was scared out of her wits.
23:25She rushed forward in a panic,
23:27wrapped her arms around Noah,
23:29and clamped her hand tightly over his mouth.
23:31Forcing a smile that was worse than a grimace onto her face.
23:35Please don't take it to heart, sir.
23:36The child is young and doesn't know what he's saying.
23:39Yes, dad.
23:40He's just a little boy with no filter.
23:42Please don't hold it against him.
23:44It seems Mr. Hudson has a rather unique approach to disciplinating his child on a regular basis.
23:50But Noah was still struggling,
23:52making muffled sounds through the hand over his mouth,
23:54his eyes still glaring fiercely at Mr. Robert.
23:57Clearly, he didn't regard this old man as anyone important at all.
24:03Sophia, frantic,
24:04secretly pinched his arm several times before he finally settled down a little.
24:08Yet he still kept his neck stiff,
24:11wearing a defiant, unyielding expression.
24:17Seeing his son's reckless arrogance,
24:19and catching the increasingly cold look on Mr. Robert's face,
24:22a surge of fury ignited within Liam.
24:25It's all thanks to the way you've raised your son!
24:28Look at what you've spoiled him into!
24:30Sophia's head was knocked sideways by the blow,
24:33her hair falling loose in disarray,
24:36and clear finger marks surfaced on her face.
24:39She covered her face in disbelief,
24:41her eyes instantly reddening.
24:43Liam Hudson, you actually hit me?
24:45Ask yourself, don't you bear any responsibility for the way no one has turned out?
24:48Dad, it was this woman who seduced me.
24:50Noah only exists because of her careful scheme.
24:53You're a man too.
24:54What man doesn't make mistakes?
24:56But Claire has always been the one I truly love.
24:59From now on,
25:00I'll cut all ties completely with this mother and son.
25:02You promised me you'd divorce Claire!
25:05Now that your father-in-law is here,
25:06you want to kick us out?
25:08There's no way I'm letting this go!
25:11So what if her dad is a big shot?
25:13You're a wealthy boss too.
25:15Take this opportunity,
25:16they everything out on the table and divorced her!
25:17Crazy woman!
25:19How could I possibly divorce Claire for you?
25:21Don't even dream about it!
25:23You're so heartless.
25:24Liam, with you all these years,
25:27gave you a son and this is how you treat me?
25:29The two of them were completely heedless of the setting,
25:32tangled in an all-out brawl,
25:34the scene utterly unsightly.
25:36The surrounding guests watched in stunned disbelief.
25:43Some quietly took out their phones to record videos,
25:46while others stepped backward,
25:48afraid of getting caught in the fray.
25:50Noah's earlier arrogance had vanished entirely.
25:53He stood rooted to the spot,
25:55wailing loudly.
25:56Just as the two of them were locked in their ugly,
25:59inextricable fight,
26:00the doors of the banquet hall were pushed open once again.
26:03Several police officers in Los Angeles Police Department uniforms walked in.
26:08The lead officer scanned the room and asked in a deep voice,
26:11We received a report that someone here is suspected of intentional assault,
26:15child abuse,
26:16and disturbing public order.
26:18Who is Liam Hudson?
26:20Who is Sophia Miller?
26:22Liam and Sophia instantly froze in place.
26:24Liam frantically straightened his twisted tie.
26:27Officer, this is all a misunderstanding.
26:30Dad, please put in a good word for me.
26:32No amount of pleading will help.
26:34Misunderstanding or not,
26:36you're coming to the station with us for investigation.
26:39Mr.
26:40Robert's assistant stepped forward and said calmly,
26:43Officer, I'm the one who called the police.
26:45I'll cooperate and go back to give a full statement.
26:48Fully cooperate with the police investigation.
26:50Submit all collected evidence truthfully and completely,
26:52leaving nothing out.
26:57Under the shocked stares of the entire banquet of guests,
27:00Liam and Sophia were handcuffed and taken away.
27:04Noah stood there where he was,
27:06his face smeared with tears and snot,
27:08but he no longer dared to cry or throw a tantrum.
27:11He just stood there timidly,
27:13like an abandoned child.
27:14Off to the side,
27:16Richard remembered his own earlier behavior,
27:18how he had jeered and mocked me so brazenly,
27:20and his face instantly turned ashen as death.
27:23He hunched over and bowed his head in utter terror,
27:27apologizing profusely with deep regret.
27:29Mrs.
27:30Hurtson,
27:30my previous words and actions were rude and offensive.
27:33I sincerely ask for your forgiveness.
27:36All those disrespectful remarks were my fault.
27:39It was my lack of insight and failure to see the truth.
27:42Watching him grovel with the tide like this,
27:44I felt nothing but disgust.
27:46I turned my face away,
27:48unwilling to look any longer.
27:50My father merely cast him a cold glance,
27:52then carefully took Ava from my arms.
27:55His eyes were filled with heartache.
27:57Ava,
27:57be good.
27:59Grandpa
28:00is taking you to the hospital for a checkup and treatment.
28:07After a few days of quiet recuperation in the hospital,
28:10Ava's complexion improved considerably,
28:12but her spirit was still somewhat listless.
28:15She would often startle awake from nightmares,
28:18so I stayed at the hospital with her the whole time.
28:21In this sordid drama,
28:23all the blame had been pinned on Sophia.
28:25Liam did not bear the primary responsibility,
28:28and was quickly bailed out of jail before long.
28:30Soon after,
28:32Liam appeared at the door of the hospital room,
28:34carrying an exquisite fruit basket,
28:36and a bouquet of Ava's favorite pale pink daisies.
28:39He was wearing a simple shirt and trousers,
28:41with a shadow of bluish stubble on his chin,
28:44and prominent dark circles under his eyes,
28:46his whole appearance considerably haggard.
28:49He stood at the doorway,
28:51his voice carrying a cautious, testing tone.
28:53Honey,
28:55Ava,
28:55I've come to see you.
28:57Ava,
28:57who had been leaning against me reading a book,
29:00saw Liam,
29:00and her eyes flickered faintly.
29:03She called out softly.
29:06I could see clearly that in her heart,
29:08my daughter still longed for fatherly love.
29:14Even after being hurt,
29:16she hadn't completely let it go.
29:18As if granted redemption,
29:20Liam immediately walked into the room,
29:22and placed the flowers in Ava's hands.
29:24Do you like it, sweetie?
29:26Daddy has always remembered.
29:28Your favorite flowers are light pink daisies.
29:31Ava took the flowers and nodded lightly,
29:32but her eyes were full of evasiveness,
29:35tinged with unmistakable timidity.
29:37I didn't know what you'd like,
29:39so...
29:40I also bought your favorite mango pudding,
29:42the signature dessert
29:44from that trendy sweet shop you always go to.
29:46Claire, it's your favorite flavor, too.
29:49I sat quietly to the side,
29:51not uttering a single word.
29:52The damage from that day
29:54had nearly upended my daughter's entire worldview.
29:57I didn't want to provoke her further,
29:58and could only remain silent for the time being.
30:01Over the following half-month,
30:03Liam came to the hospital on time
30:05every single day to visit.
30:06Sometimes he brought carefully prepared meals,
30:10sometimes new toys,
30:11and sometimes he would just sit quietly by the bedside,
30:14chatting with Ava to cheer her up.
30:17He never once mentioned Sophia or Noah,
30:19as if that unbearable, ugly farce had never happened.
30:23Seeing that I showed no obvious resistance,
30:26Liam grew bolder.
30:27He probed gently.
30:28Claire, I know I've made unforgivable mistakes.
30:31Please, for Ava's sake,
30:33give me another chance to turn over a new sheaf, will you?
30:38With Ava right beside us,
30:40I gave no response,
30:42simply lowering my head
30:43and quietly peeling an apple in silence.
30:46My silence gave Liam a glimmer of hope.
30:49Starting the next day,
30:50rare and expensive flowers,
30:53haute couture clothing,
30:54and designer jewelry poured into the hospital room
30:56in an endless stream,
30:58piling up in every corner.
30:59I accepted every single item
31:01without the slightest hesitation.
31:03By the time Ava was discharged from the hospital,
31:06Liam showed up holding two exclusive invitations
31:09to a top-tier fashion show,
31:11his eyes earnest and tinged with excitement.
31:14Claire, do you remember
31:15when I landed my first business order?
31:19I bought you your first affordable luxury dress.
31:23Back then I told you,
31:24once I made it big,
31:25I'd book the entire fashion show
31:27and give you every how-to gown.
31:29Now, this show is specially prepared for you.
31:32It wasn't that he was incapable
31:33of being thoughtful and considerate,
31:36nor that he had forgotten his past promises.
31:38It was simply that,
31:39before,
31:40he had never been willing
31:41to put in the effort for me.
31:43I finally spoke,
31:45my tone flat and unruffled.
31:47Liam,
31:48do you really think doing all this
31:50can erase all the hurt
31:51and make up for everything?
31:52He immediately stepped forward
31:54and clutched my hand,
31:55urgent and earnest.
31:56Claire,
31:57I know this is far from enough,
31:58but I'm willing to spend
32:00the rest of my life
32:00making it up to you and Ava.
32:02I'll completely cut off
32:04all ties with Sophia
32:05and arrange for her and her son
32:06to go abroad.
32:07They will never come had
32:09to disturb our lives as anyone.
32:14Just as he was envisioning the future
32:16with a heart full of hope,
32:17I directly pulled out
32:18a divorce agreement
32:19I had long since drafted
32:20and placed it in front of him.
32:22The moment Liam saw the agreement,
32:24the invitations in his hand
32:26fell to the ground.
32:27He stared at me blankly.
32:29Nobody can go through life
32:30without making mistakes.
32:32I was just confused for a moment.
32:34Claire,
32:35do you have to be so heartless?
32:36Let's part on good terms
32:37and not make things awkward
32:39for each other in the end.
32:40Liam quickly scanned
32:41the contents of the agreement
32:43and his face instantly
32:44turned ashen and contorted.
32:46Claire, you're so heartless.
32:48Why should I have to give up
32:48the vast majority
32:49of my property and assets?
32:50Then see you in court.
32:51Liam took a deep breath,
32:53suppressing the fury
32:54rising in his heart.
32:55I can give you all
32:56the family assets,
32:57but not the company.
32:58This is the enterprise
32:58I built with my own hand.
33:00My life's work,
33:00I can't give it to you.
33:02As for the shares you hold,
33:03I'm willing to buy them
33:04all back at full market price.
33:05I looked at him,
33:06my words deeply meaningful.
33:08Okay.
33:09Landry,
33:10you recover all the
33:11chance of the
33:12Wendidgin Sophia
33:13and her Urzen Express.
33:14I will never interfere
33:15with your company.
33:19Liam agreed on the spot
33:20and his execution was swift.
33:23The very next day,
33:24he retained a top-tier law firm
33:26and formally filed a lawsuit
33:28against Sophia,
33:29demanding the return
33:30of all property gifted to her
33:31during the marriage.
33:33In the courtroom,
33:34Sophia's face was streaked
33:36with tears.
33:37She sobbed emotionally,
33:39making every possible excuse.
33:41All the money was voluntarily
33:42paid by Liam
33:43as living expenses
33:44and child support,
33:45which constitute voluntary gifts
33:47and do not need to be returned.
33:49Over the years,
33:50the total value
33:51of the property
33:51Liam had lavished on
33:53and gifted to Sophia
33:54and Noah
33:54amounted to $3 million.
33:57In the end,
33:58the court ruled
33:59that Sophia must return
34:01$140,000.
34:03Although not all the money
34:04was recovered,
34:05this sum was enough
34:06to completely bankrupt her
34:08and leave her with nothing.
34:10The moment the verdict
34:11was handed down,
34:12Sophia completely lost control
34:14in the courtroom,
34:15screaming hysterically.
34:20Liam!
34:21You are cold and heartless
34:23with no trace of affection!
34:25Ah!
34:27I worked hard by your side
34:29for years,
34:30gave you a son,
34:31and this is how cruelly
34:32you treat me?
34:33These things were never yours
34:34to begin with.
34:35Walking out of the courthouse,
34:37Liam quickly caught up to me.
34:39A trace of hope
34:40and wishful thinking
34:41in his eyes.
34:42Claire,
34:43I've made up my mind.
34:45I can't lose you and Ava.
34:46I'll spend the rest of my life
34:48proving my sincerity.
34:49Just give me one more chance.
34:52All right.
34:53We'll talk after you've got
34:54the company running smoothly.
34:56Not long after,
34:57Liam still showed up at my door.
34:59This time,
35:00his eyes were bloodshot,
35:01his hair a disheveled mess.
35:03The spirited air
35:04of a Silicon Valley
35:05young entrepreneur
35:06had been completely stripped away,
35:08leaving him looking
35:09utterly wretched and defeated.
35:11Claire!
35:12Was this your scheme all along?
35:14I've already returned
35:15all of Sophia's money
35:17and given you
35:17all the marital assets
35:19as you demanded!
35:20Why won't you just let me go?!
35:22The company has recently lost
35:23three key clients in a row.
35:25All our partners
35:25have annually terminated
35:26cooperation without even
35:27giving a reason.
35:28Nook thanks
35:28to the Wall Street banks
35:29we worked have
35:29thrown like Titan
35:30all set in lines
35:31and are completely squeezing
35:32our Subint Len.
35:33You've pushed me
35:33a boopy dead in Ted's end.
35:35You determined to drive
35:36a corner with no way out.
35:40Take a good look.
35:41Every major client
35:42and every core investment
35:43that has kept you standing
35:44in Silicon Valley
35:45all these years,
35:46who do you think
35:47has been paving the way
35:47behind the scenes?
35:49If I didn't win them
35:50on my own merit,
35:51what,
35:51you handed them to me
35:52as charity?
35:53Claire,
35:53don't go too far.
35:55Sure,
35:55you have a father
35:56in a high position,
35:57but Hudson Technology?
35:58I built it myself
36:00working countless nights.
36:01Do you remember
36:02that first Lifeline order
36:03in the early days
36:04of the company?
36:05You always thought
36:06it was because
36:07your business proposal
36:08brilliant enough,
36:09didn't you?
36:09That was my uncle's
36:10longtime business friend.
36:13Back then,
36:14to secure that opportunity,
36:16I went to their door
36:17every day for a month,
36:18curting favor
36:19with their family
36:20and swallowing
36:20all my pride
36:22just to buy you
36:23a Lifeline
36:24for your startup.
36:24And what about
36:25Mr. White,
36:26the company's
36:26biggest venture partner?
36:27In Silicon Valley circles,
36:29he's always been
36:30notoriously tough
36:31and rarely willing
36:32to collaborate.
36:33I went to his door
36:34three times
36:35and got rejected
36:36every time.
36:37I had to ask
36:38my father's
36:38former colleague
36:39from the defense department
36:40to make the introduction
36:41using that kind
36:42of top-line connection
36:43to get you
36:43that $10 million
36:44venture capital.
36:45Without me,
36:46who would have given
36:46your tiny startup
36:47which had nothing
36:48at the time
36:48the time of day?
36:49All these years,
36:51Liam had been
36:52completely immersed
36:53in his own myth
36:53of building a business
36:54from scratch,
36:55priding himself
36:56on his achievements
36:57a faint bitterness
36:59rose in my heart.
37:00Do you know
37:01why my father
37:02has never meddled
37:03in our family affairs
37:05or interfere in your career
37:06all these years
37:07we got Heman?
37:08Throughout his life,
37:09he has always adhered
37:11to his principles
37:12and acted with integrity.
37:15He can't bear the most
37:16is watching his own daughter
37:19set aside
37:19all her pride
37:20and dignity,
37:21running around
37:22begging for favors
37:23and clinging to connections
37:25just to help
37:26her husband
37:27get ahead.
37:27Every night
37:28he had stayed up
37:29battling through the grind.
37:30I had been there
37:31the whole time,
37:32silently supporting him.
37:34Back then,
37:35I always felt
37:36that as long as
37:37I could help him
37:37steady his career
37:38and hold together
37:39our little family,
37:40all the sacrifice
37:41was worth it.
37:42Liam opened his mouth
37:43as if to argue,
37:44but his throat tightened
37:45and he had no words.
37:47Did I orchestrate
37:48this scheme
37:48to trap you?
37:50Liam,
37:51without me,
37:52you're nothing.
37:56He collapsed
37:57weakly onto the floor,
37:59every shred
37:59of his arrogance
38:00and confidence
38:01dissolving in an instant.
38:02A moment later,
38:04Liam,
38:04utterly shattered,
38:05got to his feet.
38:06He stumbled
38:07toward the door,
38:08his back hunched
38:09and bent,
38:10as if he had aged
38:11ten years overnight.
38:13Just as he raised
38:14his hand
38:14to push the door open,
38:15a figure burst out
38:17suddenly from around
38:18the corner of the villa block
38:19and blocked his path
38:20with deadly determination.
38:21It was Sophia.
38:23So you two
38:24really got back together?
38:25Sophia's hair
38:26was disheveled.
38:27Her eyes shot through
38:28with blood-red veins.
38:30Haggard and wretched,
38:30she had long since
38:32lost the polished,
38:33capable look
38:34she once wore.
38:35Seeing Liam
38:36walk out of my villa,
38:37she completely lost
38:38control of her emotions,
38:40screaming hysterically,
38:41Liam!
38:42Then what am I to you?
38:44What does our son
38:45Noah count for?
38:46Now I'm drowning
38:47in debt
38:48with nothing left.
38:50You turn around
38:51to cozy up
38:53to this woman?
38:54Haven't you
38:54caused enough trouble?
38:56What happens
38:57between me and her
38:57is none of your business.
39:00Worry to try.
39:02You're the one
39:03who insisted on
39:04clinging to this.
39:05Ending up like this,
39:06you deserve it.
39:07Deserve it?
39:09When I risked
39:10everything to give you
39:11a son,
39:11you didn't call me
39:12deserving back then.
39:14Now you want to go back
39:15and beg for her forgiveness
39:16and you're tossing
39:17us away like garbage?
39:18Liam,
39:19let me tell you,
39:20don't you dare
39:21think you'll get away
39:22with it!
39:25Her shouting
39:26grew louder and louder,
39:28drawing passersby
39:29in the villa community
39:30to stop and watch.
39:32Whispering among
39:32themselves,
39:34Liam's face
39:34cycled from ashen
39:35to pale.
39:36Wanting nothing more
39:38than to escape
39:38this farce,
39:39he gave Sophia
39:40a hard,
39:41impatient shove.
39:42Don't make
39:43unreasonable trouble
39:43here and disturb
39:44public order.
39:45That shove
39:46thoroughly ignited
39:47the despair
39:48and hatred
39:49that had been
39:49festering inside
39:50Sophia.
39:51She stared deathly
39:52at Liam's
39:53cold,
39:53merciless face
39:54and a crazed,
39:56ferocious ruthlessness
39:57suddenly surged
39:58in her eyes.
39:59Having completely
40:00lost all reason,
40:01she abruptly
40:01pulled a portable
40:02sharp knife
40:03from her handbag.
40:05If I can't have
40:05a good life,
40:06none of you
40:07will either!
40:10Sophia,
40:11don't do
40:12anything rash!
40:13But it was
40:13already too late.
40:15Sophia raised
40:16the knife high
40:16and stabbed it
40:17viciously into
40:18Liam's chest.
40:19Liam let out
40:20an agonized cry
40:21of pain.
40:22He collapsed
40:22to the ground,
40:23clutching the
40:24gushing wound
40:24tightly,
40:25the bright red
40:26blood instantly
40:27soaking through
40:27his light-colored
40:28shirt.
40:29In the very moment
40:30she struck,
40:31Sophia was also
40:32utterly stunned.
40:33She stood
40:34frozen in place,
40:35the knife clattering
40:36from her hand
40:37onto the ground.
40:37I calmly and
40:39immediately dialed
40:40emergency services
40:41and the police.
40:42Through the
40:43courtyard fence,
40:44I watched
40:44Liam's breathing
40:45grow weaker
40:46and weaker.
40:47He struggled
40:48to lift his eyes.
40:49All that was
40:50left in them
40:50was bone-deep
40:51remorse.
40:52His breath
40:53fading to a
40:53whisper,
40:54he murmured,
41:06those were
41:08the last words
41:08he ever spoke
41:09to me.
41:10Police cars
41:11and ambulances
41:11quickly arrived
41:12at the scene,
41:13but Liam had
41:14lost too much
41:14blood and
41:15succumbed to
41:16his injuries
41:16en route to
41:17the hospital.
41:18Sophia was
41:19arrested on
41:19the spot by
41:20police for
41:20intentional assault
41:21resulting in
41:22death.
41:23Years of
41:23tangled love
41:24and hatred
41:25ended at
41:25last in
41:26tragedy,
41:26one dead,
41:27the other
41:28behind bars.
41:29The bonds
41:29of love
41:30and entanglement
41:31that had
41:31bound us
41:31for 12 years
41:32were thus
41:33completely
41:34and utterly
41:34severed.
41:35I turned
41:35and went
41:36back inside
41:36the house,
41:37tightly embracing
41:38my daughter,
41:39who had rushed
41:39out upon
41:40hearing the
41:40commotion.
41:41Ava had
41:42just been
41:42startled awake
41:43from her
41:43sleep.
41:44Rubbing her
41:45drowsy eyes,
41:46she said
41:46softly,
41:47Mom,
41:48I think I
41:48heard Dad's
41:49voice.
41:49I was silent
41:50for a moment,
41:51then spoke
41:51gently.
41:52Dad has
41:52gone to a
41:53place far,
41:53far away
41:54and he'll
41:54never come
41:55back.
41:56Ava,
41:58will you
41:58miss Daddy?
41:59My daughter
42:00hesitated for
42:00a few seconds,
42:01then reached
42:02out and
42:03wrapped her
42:03arms tightly
42:04around my
42:04waist.
42:05Her voice
42:06was soft
42:06and sweet,
42:07yet utterly
42:08resolute.
42:09I don't.
42:10Actually,
42:11Ava understands
42:11everything.
42:12Daddy is a
42:13bad daddy.
42:14He loves
42:14his little
42:15brother more.
42:16I don't want
42:17Daddy.
42:17I only want
42:18Mommy and
42:19Grandpa.
42:20I know.
42:21We only
42:22want each
42:22other and
42:22Grandpa.
42:22Grandpa.
42:23We only want
42:23to be
42:23I never
42:25want
42:25to be
42:25happy.
42:25Never
42:25know.
42:25You
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