- 16 hours ago
The Betrayed Billionaire Heiress
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00The day I decided to tell my fiancé I was a billionaire heiress, I caught him fucking his assistant in
00:05his office.
00:08For eight years, he paraded women through our home.
00:11Everyone assumed I'd endure it like always, but this time, I threw our wedding papers in his face.
00:16I am the daughter of the richest man in the United States!
00:19You've lost the right to marry me, Ethan Brooks.
00:24I walked out. Ethan followed. Fast.
00:30Sienna, are you forcing me to marry you right now? Can you grow up?
00:34The hallway fell silent. Over a dozen co-workers turned to stare at us.
00:38He switched masks instantly, one second angry, the next gentle and caring.
00:42Chloe was helping with the roadshow. You completely overreacted and embarrassed me.
00:47But you too were...
00:48We're weeks away from NASDAQ, and that's what you're worried about? This is the office, Sienna.
00:53The co-workers started whispering. Just like that, he won.
00:57In everyone's eyes, I became the emotional fiancé.
01:00The problem. Then Chloe walked out, holding the IPO proposal.
01:03My proposal. The one I built through countless sleepless nights.
01:07Ethan turned to the crowd.
01:08Everyone, listen up.
01:10Starting today, Chloe will take full charge of the IPO roadshow.
01:15Chloe lowered her head, trying to look humble.
01:17But I caught the smile on her lips.
01:19I'll do my best.
01:20Ethan, that's my proposal!
01:22It belongs to the company.
01:26Sienna, you're obviously not in the right state of mind. Take a break and cool off. Go help with back
01:31-end data work.
01:32Back-end data work. I built the entire algorithm system for this company. Did he forget that?
01:37And as for the wedding...
01:38He paused. Made sure everyone was listening.
01:40We'll talk about it after the IPO.
01:43The company comes first.
01:44Personal matters can wait. You understand that, right?
01:47Then he patted my shoulder, like he was doing me a favor, and waved Chloe over.
01:51As she passed me, she leaned close.
01:53Don't worry. I'll enjoy taking over all your things.
01:58One by one, my co-workers looked away. Nobody said a word. I turned straight to the glass dome in
02:05the center of the hall.
02:07Every head in the hallway turned. Their eyes followed me. Nobody knew what I was about to do.
02:12In the center of the lobby stood Apex Digital's treasure. A prototype. Protected by glass, bathed in spotlights.
02:20Next month, it was supposed to take center stage at NASDAQ. The machine that proved Apex Digital's future.
02:25But there was one thing nobody knew. Every line of core code inside it was mine.
02:31I walked up to the display, lifted the glass cover, and grabbed the prototype.
02:35Then I shoved. With everything I had, the machine crashed onto the marble table. Plastics shattered.
02:41Parts exploded across the lobby. Everyone gasped.
02:45Sienna.
02:45Ethan spun around.
02:46You've lost your mind! Do you know how important this was?
02:50We're done! I quit! And from this moment on, Ethan Brooks, you are nothing to me!
02:54I freaking made you! Without me, you are nothing!
02:58I turned and walked away. Behind me, Ethan lunged forward. A few co-workers grabbed him before he could reach
03:03me.
03:04Ethan! Ethan, tell me there's a backup! What about the road show next month? What do we tell the investors?
03:08Panic spread through the floor. Ethan kept staring at my back.
03:12Sienna!
03:13You can't leave! Without me, you are nothing!
03:16I went back to the apartment. The one I paid for, but under Ethan's name.
03:20I walked straight to the room. He called his wedding a surprise.
03:23He claimed he had spent two years preparing it for me.
03:26Eight years of our lives. Plastered all over the wall.
03:29The cabinets were filled with gifts from him. At least, that's what he called them.
03:32The truth? I picked every single one myself.
03:35Sent him the links. And he paid for them with my card.
03:37Then I walked onto the balcony.
03:39To grab a golf club. Photos.
03:41Gifts. Furniture.
03:42Everything in this room. I destroyed them all.
03:45All I could think of was Ethan.
03:47Kissing Chloe.
03:48Handing my life's work to someone else.
03:50Finally, I dropped the engagement ring into the trash.
03:52That was the end of us.
03:54I picked up my suitcase.
03:55And walked out into the pouring rain.
03:57A black sedan pulled up beside me.
03:59The window rolled down.
04:01Sienna.
04:01Ethan sat in the driver's seat.
04:03Chloe cuddled up next to him.
04:05Ethan looked me over.
04:06My soaked clothes.
04:07My miserable state.
04:08Then he smirked.
04:09Look at you.
04:10What did I tell you?
04:11Without me, you are nothing.
04:14Beside him, Chloe covered her mouth and giggled.
04:17Ethan shook his head.
04:18Clear your head in the rain.
04:19When you finally come to your senses, give me a call.
04:22For the sake of our eight years together, I might give you another chance.
04:27The window rolled up.
04:28Then the car sped away.
04:29Muddy water splashed all over me.
04:31And they were gone.
04:32I pulled out my phone.
04:33Made a call.
04:34Sienna.
04:35I closed my eyes.
04:36Let the rain wash away the last trace of hesitation.
04:38Grandpa, you win.
04:40I will marry the mystery man.
04:42Less than ten minutes after I hung up, three black Mayboks pulled up in front of me.
04:46A bodyguard stepped out.
04:48Opened an umbrella.
04:49Then opened the rear door.
04:50Miss Vance, your car is ready.
04:52Vance Mansion.
04:53Grandpa stood in the grand hall.
04:55Eight years.
04:57You ran off with some nobody.
04:59And now you've finally come back?
05:01Grandpa looked at me with a disappointed expression.
05:04He walked toward me.
05:05Crack!
05:05Grandpa's cane slammed against the floor.
05:07Hard the servants nearby all exited the room.
05:09The old man stared at me for a few seconds.
05:12He didn't ask another question.
05:14There's a family dinner tonight.
05:15Your fiancé will be there.
05:17Go get yourself ready.
05:18Before leaving, he reached into his pocket.
05:20And placed two things on the table.
05:22A card.
05:23And a velvet box.
05:24I picked up the card, Sterling and Vance.
05:26A legacy renewed the Sterling.
05:28The family that controlled nearly 40% of Wall Street's private equity capital.
05:33I opened the velvet box.
05:34Inside was a ring.
05:35That night, Vance Mansion blazed with light.
05:38I changed into an evening gown.
05:40And walked down the staircase.
05:42Only to find that almost everyone who mattered in New York was there.
05:45The moment I appeared, every head turned.
05:47Whispers spread through the crowd.
05:49Was that Arthur's granddaughter?
05:50The one disappeared for eight years?
05:52The Vance heir finally came home?
05:54Then my grandfather appeared beside me.
05:56A glass of wine in hand.
05:58And a smug smile on his face.
06:00What?
06:00Nervous?
06:01I thought you said it was a family dinner.
06:03This is the family dinner.
06:05These people?
06:06One day they'll all work for you.
06:08Before I could answer, the whole room was completely quiet.
06:11Every eye turned toward the entrance.
06:13Someone had arrived.
06:15A man in a dark suit walked in.
06:17That's Sebastian Sterling.
06:18Someone near me whispered.
06:20Ironclad capital?
06:21That's Sterling?
06:22The man half of Wall Street answers to?
06:23He walked right through the crowd.
06:25And came straight toward us.
06:26Then he saw me.
06:27He stopped for a split second.
06:29Sienna.
06:30I frowned.
06:31Do I know you?
06:32He did not answer.
06:33Instead, he gave my grandfather a slight nod.
06:35Then looked back at me.
06:37Grandpa patted my shoulder.
06:38You two talk.
06:39I'll go greet the guests.
06:41I picked up a glass of champagne.
06:42And went straight to the point.
06:44Mr. Sterling, I don't like to play games.
06:46My grandfather wants us to get married.
06:48And here you are.
06:50Which means you agreed.
06:51I want to know why.
06:52He looked at me and smiled.
06:54You spent eight years at Apex Digital.
06:56You built their entire algorithm.
06:58Your favorite drink is vanilla latte.
07:00Your favorite color is blue.
07:02And your favorite food is truffle pasta.
07:03My hand holding the glass froze in mid-air.
07:06How do you know all of that?
07:08Last September, you went to the ER for stomach bleeding.
07:11But you still went to see investors the very next day.
07:13Who are you really?
07:14This marriage was not your grandfather's idea.
07:17I asked for it.
07:18I stood there in shock.
07:20People walked past us.
07:21And glasses clinked everywhere.
07:23But at that moment, I could not hear a single thing.
07:25Why?
07:26Sebastian was silent for a few seconds.
07:28When we were kids, you were the only person who ever stood up for me.
07:32I froze for a moment.
07:33A memory suddenly flashed in my mind.
07:35At a family party when we were young,
07:37a few kids were bullying a boy who was smaller and thinner than them in a corner.
07:40I rushed over and blocked him.
07:42Is it fun to bully people?
07:44Fight me if you dare.
07:45Those kids walked away.
07:47And the thin little boy looked up at me.
07:49I never saw him again after that day.
07:51Was it him?
07:51I looked closely at Sebastian Sterling again.
07:54He was in his early 30s,
07:56with a sharp jawline and a powerful vibe that could control all of Wall Street.
08:00He did not look like that weak.
08:01Quiet little boy at all.
08:03That little boy was you?
08:05He did not answer.
08:06He just looked at me.
08:08I took a deep breath.
08:09Whether it was about being thankful or something else,
08:11I did not have time to figure it out right now.
08:14Okay, I accept this arranged marriage.
08:17He raised his eyebrows a little.
08:18But this is a business deal.
08:20You help me completely crush Ethan Brooks and make him disappear from New York.
08:24In return, all of the Vance family's power and collections will be open to you.
08:29Sebastian looked at me and did not say a word for a few seconds.
08:32Then he raised his glass and gently clinked it against mine.
08:36Deal.
08:37Sebastian made his move.
08:38His fund secretly bought the controlling shares of Apex Digital's three main suppliers.
08:43At the same time, he pressured Ethan's Series B lead investor to start the priority buyback car.
08:48He completely cut off both the supply chain and the money stream.
08:50Ethan's CFO rushed into the office.
08:54Ethan, we have a cash flow problem.
08:56Three suppliers are demanding full payment right now,
08:59and the Series B investors are rechecking the buyback terms.
09:02Ethan crossed his legs, leaned back in his chair, and did not even look up.
09:06Who is it?
09:07We don't know.
09:08They use too many shell companies.
09:10Then go find out.
09:11He waved his hand with a look of disdain.
09:12We are going public next month.
09:14Every nobody wants to get a piece of us.
09:16Why should I care?
09:18The CFO opened his mouth, said nothing else,
09:20turned around, and walked out.
09:22Ethan kept his legs crossed, played with his phone, and acted like it was nothing.
09:26And today, I officially started my new job at Vance Global as a VP.
09:29I sat at my new desk and opened my computer.
09:32My schedule was completely full.
09:33New company.
09:34New identity.
09:35New battlefield.
09:35From today on, I was no longer anyone's shadow.
09:38After I left, Chloe completely lost all control.
09:41In her very first week on the job,
09:43she fired half of the tech team that I built up myself.
09:46She replaced all the open spots with her own people.
09:49She brought in a few people from her old company who could not even read code
09:52and put them in core positions.
09:54She spent the company budget like crazy.
09:56She blew $200,000 on the image consultant,
09:59went to high society parties every week,
10:01and told everyone she met that she was the co-founder of Apex Digital.
10:04I am the co-founder of Apex Digital.
10:07Ethan was too busy doing interviews,
10:09thinking about what to wear for the IPO day,
10:11and enjoying his new title as a NASDAQ rising star early.
10:14He did not care at all how badly Chloe was ruining the company.
10:17But on my side,
10:19Sebastian took me to a private Wall Street dinner party.
10:22This is Sienna Vance, Arthur's granddaughter.
10:25Sebastian introduced me to the elites in the room.
10:27Those people who would never even look at me in the past
10:29walked over with their wine glasses one by one.
10:32Miss Vance, it is an honor to meet you.
10:34I heard you are back.
10:35Arthur must be very happy.
10:37We should talk when you are free.
10:38I have a few projects.
10:39I want Vance Vals Global to look at.
10:42All night, people handed me business cards
10:44even faster than the wine was poured.
10:46In this circle,
10:47that soon-to-be-listed tech company was worth absolutely nothing.
10:50Ethan got a call from his underwriter,
10:51and his face changed instantly.
10:53What do you mean the fees went up?
10:55We already agreed on the terms?
10:57Mr. Brooks, the market changed.
10:59We need more due diligence papers,
11:01and we have to re-evaluate the fees.
11:03This is our process.
11:05What process?
11:06We are listing the company next month.
11:08The other side was very polite,
11:10but their meaning was clear.
11:11Take it or leave it.
11:13Ethan hung up the phone and slammed his desk.
11:15It took him over six months to get this underwriter,
11:17and it was too late to find a new one now.
11:20That night, there was a tech industry party.
11:22Ethan put on his newly bought custom suit
11:25and went to look for connections everywhere.
11:26He spotted a man, a middle-aged guy,
11:29standing in the corner.
11:30He looked low-key, but very powerful,
11:32and a few fund managers were trying to get close to him.
11:35That is a massive institutional LP.
11:37He manages billions of dollars.
11:39Ethan asked around, and someone told him.
11:41Shh.
11:42He walked over with his wine glass.
11:45Hi, I'm Ethan Brooks, CEO of Apex Digital.
11:47We are listing on NASDAQ next month.
11:50The man turned around,
11:51looked him up and down,
11:52and smiled.
11:53Oh, Apex Digital.
11:55I heard about it.
11:57Interesting company.
11:59Ethan thought he just found another big backer,
12:01so he smiled and handed over his business card.
12:04But he did not know.
12:05This man just had dinner with Sebastian last week.
12:08He showed up tonight just to bait him.
12:11Late at night, at the Vance Mansion,
12:12I sat on the balcony and flipped through some files.
12:15The night wind was a bit cold.
12:16Sebastian came out of the house.
12:18He walked up to me without saying a word.
12:20A few seconds later, a coat landed on my shoulders.
12:22I looked up at him.
12:24He already turned around.
12:25Don't catch a cold.
12:27You have meetings tomorrow.
12:28I looked at his back and froze for a moment.
12:30On the same day, three core suppliers sent a notice to Ethan.
12:33Due to compliance reviews,
12:35our services are suspended starting today.
12:37The platform crashed completely.
12:39Doppers popped up everywhere for users,
12:41and customer complaints flooded the hotline.
12:44Ethan sat in his office and made phone calls like crazy,
12:47but nobody answered.
12:48He called his legal team.
12:50Go check it out.
12:51Why are all three reviewing us at the same time?
12:54This is not normal.
12:55The legal team checked around.
12:57The reasons are all about compliance processes.
12:59We can't find any flaws.
13:01He called his Series B investors.
13:04Can you guys help talk to them and fix this?
13:06The other side was silent for two seconds.
13:08Ethan, we are also re-evaluating our relationship with you.
13:12You need to handle this on your own for now.
13:14Ethan fell back into his chairs and realized things were not that simple.
13:19Who is it?
13:19Who the hell is behind this?
13:21He thought about everyone, but he could not figure it out.
13:24A competitor?
13:26Which one of them had the power to handle three suppliers at the same time?
13:29Just then, Chloe pushed the door open and walked in.
13:33Babe, what should I wear to that high society luncheon next week?
13:36That dress or that other?
13:38Can't you see what a mess I'm in right now?
13:40Chloe shrank back from his yelling and pouted.
13:43I don't know anything about tech.
13:44Why are you yelling at me?
13:46She turned around and walked out, murmuring as she closed the door.
13:50His temper is getting worse and worse.
13:53Ethan sat in the office all by himself.
13:55His screens were full of customer complaints and media questions.
13:59He started to panic.
14:01Late at night, Ethan sent me a message.
14:03We need to talk.
14:04It's about the company.
14:05Our company.
14:06I took a look at it and did not reply.
14:08Ten minutes later, another one came.
14:11Sienna, the company is in big trouble right now.
14:13I need you.
14:14I stared at the words, I need you, and laughed.
14:17He thought the company could still run without me after he kicked me out.
14:21In the past, when I heard those words, I would get up right away and fix everything for him.
14:26I fixed bugs at three in the morning, flew to see investors at five in the morning,
14:31and went to talk business the very next day after leaving the hospital.
14:35Now he finally found out.
14:37Without me, Apex Digital was just an empty shell.
14:40The next day, it was the Vance Global Quarterly Board Meeting.
14:43I went up to give a presentation as a VP for the first time.
14:47Before I could speak, an old director sitting across from me took off his glasses and looked at me.
14:52Arthur, are you sure you want a little girl who just came back less than a month ago to do
14:57this presentation?
14:58Grandpa did not say anything.
15:00He just nodded for me to go on.
15:02In 15 minutes, I presented the restructuring progress for three projects, including all data, models, and expected returns.
15:10The old director who doubted me stared at the numbers on the screen for a long time, then put his
15:14glasses back on.
15:15Did you build this MN model yourself?
15:17Yes.
15:17He leaned back in his chair and stopped talking.
15:20The directors in the meeting room looked at each other.
15:22It is very solid, Arthur.
15:24Your granddaughter is even better than you.
15:25That night, Ethan drove straight to my old apartment, but I was already gone.
15:30He found the property manager.
15:32Sienna Vance, she canceled her lease last week.
15:35Ethan stood in the empty hallway, and his face changed color slice by slice.
15:39And that same night, Sebastian and I walked into a private Wall Street charity gala.
15:43The host introduced the guests on stage.
15:45Sienna Vance, next up, the founder of Iron Iron Clad Capital, Sebastian Sterling, and his fiancée, the VP of Vance
15:55Global, Sienna Vance.
15:56The whole room looked over, and camera flashes lit up everywhere.
16:01Whispers spread through the room like a tidal wave.
16:04Sterling is engaged?
16:05The girls from the Vance family?
16:07Arthur's granddaughter?
16:08The one who disappeared for a few years?
16:10These two families joined force?
16:11I smiled and nodded to them.
16:13I knew very well in my heart.
16:15Starting tonight, the name Sienna Vance would spread across the whole New York financial circle.
16:20The next day, the news reached Ethan's ears.
16:23An investor from his company mentioned it casually during a dinner.
16:26Ethan, your ex-fiancée seems to have found a big shot now.
16:31I saw her at a charity gala last night, hanging out with Sterling.
16:35Ethan's hand holding his wine glass froze in mid-air.
16:38Then he laughed.
16:39Sienna?
16:40What kind of high-level guy could she find?
16:43She probably just found a rich old man to be her sugar daddy.
16:46He took a sip of his wine, and acted like he did not care.
16:49She can't even afford food without me, let alone being a Vance.
16:52The people around the table looked at each other, and did not say a word.
16:56The Series B lead investor sent a demand letter.
16:59Buy back the shares within 30 days, or Ethan would lose control of the company.
17:04He checked all his accounts, and tried to borrow money from everyone he knew.
17:07The supplier stopped, the IPO froze, and now the investors wanted out too.
17:13He had no other choice.
17:14Through an old co-worker, he found out that I would show up at a private club in Manhattan
17:18tonight.
17:19He drove over there and waited at the entrance.
17:2220 minutes later, a Maybach stopped in front of the club.
17:25The car door opened.
17:27Sebastian put his hand on my waist naturally, and led me into the club.
17:30Ethan stood across the street, saw this, and rushed straight over.
17:34Sienna!
17:35I stopped walking and turned around.
17:38We need to talk.
17:40Just give me five minutes.
17:43Please, the company is really going under-
17:45Sebastian took a step forward, broke his grip directly, and blocked me.
17:49Who are you?
17:50Ethan stared at him, but Sebastian did not answer.
17:53He looked down at the red mark on my wrist from Ethan's grip, and his eyes went cold instantly.
17:58The next second, he punched Ethan right in the face.
18:01Ethan stumbled and fell back a few steps.
18:03Touch her again, and next time it won't be a punch.
18:06Sebastian turned around and put his hand back on my waist.
18:16Halfway through the dinner, I got up to go to the restroom.
18:23Just as I pushed the restroom door open, a hand covered my mouth from behind.
18:28And dragged me inside.
18:29The door was locked from the inside.
18:31I was pressed against the sink.
18:32I turned my head around.
18:34Don't scream.
18:35Just listen to me.
18:36Five minutes.
18:37He let go of his hand, took a step back, and blocked the doorway.
18:40Sienna, I was wrong.
18:41Please come back.
18:42I will give you your shares back.
18:43You can be the COO again, and we will still get married.
18:47Are you done talking?
18:48I leaned against the sink, and...
18:50Ethan, you could sneak in into this club today, only because you still have a little bit of value left.
18:56But do you even know the minimum price for a membership here?
19:00He did not say a word.
19:03Selling your whole company, Apex Digital, would not even be enough.
19:07His face went pale for a second.
19:09Sienna...
19:10You said we will still get married.
19:13Ethan, you can't even afford that cheap, faded ring a second time, can you?
19:17I stood up straight, and walked up to him.
19:20Get out of my way.
19:22Ethan Brooks, look closely at who I am right now.
19:26I pushed his arm away and unlocked the door.
19:29I am not your COO.
19:30I am not your fiancé, and I am not your anything.
19:36Outside the door, two bodyguards were already standing in the hallway.
19:40Sebastian leaned against the wall.
19:42When he saw me walk out, his eyes glanced at Ethan behind me.
19:47Are you okay?
19:48I'm fine.
19:49He's just trash.
19:51The bodyguards stepped forward, grabbed Ethan from both sides, and dragged him away.
19:54His screams got further and further away, and finally, they were cut off by the club's back door.
19:59The first thing Ethan did when he got back to the company was order someone to look into that man.
20:04Sebastian Sterling, where are you going?
20:06The assistant handed over the documents, and Ethan's face changed after flipping through just a few pages.
20:13Sebastian Sterling controlled 40% of the private equity cash flow on Wall Street.
20:17He managed over $100 billion in AUM.
20:21The partner list was full of institutions that Ethan could not even dream of getting into.
20:27Ethan threw the documents onto the desk and leaned back in his chair.
20:32No way.
20:33How could Sienna know someone like that?
20:36He thought for a long time and found an explanation for himself.
20:41He must be her sugar daddy.
20:43She used her pretty face to get a backer.
20:47He let out a laugh, but it was very forced.
20:50That same afternoon, the CFO rushed in again.
20:53Ethan, the accounting firm dropped us.
20:57What?
20:58We just got their letter.
21:00It says, due to internal resource adjustments, we cannot continue with the audit services.
21:04Effective immediately.
21:06Without an audit, there were no financial statements.
21:09Without financial statements, they could not even touch the threshold of an IPO.
21:13Ethan stood up and made four phone calls.
21:16But not a single firm was willing to take them.
21:20The last one said directly,
21:22Sorry, Mr. Brooks, we do not have the capacity right now.
21:26He smashed his phone against the wall and swept everything off his desk into the door.
21:33Flo pushed the door open, glanced at the broken pieces all over the floor, said absolutely nothing, and closed the
21:40door again.
21:43The IPO was completely out of the question.
21:46After the news leaked, three investors sent emails on the same day, demanding to pull out.
21:51Ethan sat in his office and stared at the screen.
21:53The numbers in the bank account looked more and more painful to watch.
21:57He picked up the phone and called the CFO.
22:00Redo the revenue for Q3 and Q4.
22:03There was a two-second silence on the other end.
22:06Ethan, do you mean...
22:07Are you deaf?
22:09Make the numbers look good.
22:10Double them.
22:11I need a new underwriter.
22:12And they want to see growth.
22:13This is fraud.
22:14Do you want to save your stock options or not?
22:16The CFO said nothing else and hung up the phone.
22:19Flo stood by the office door and overheard most of it.
22:21She did not go in.
22:22Instead, she turned around, went back to her desk, opened LinkedIn, and quietly changed her status to open to work.
22:28Then she sent messages to three different headhunters.
22:31The situation was going south, and she had to find herself a backup plan.
22:34Late at night, at the Vance Mansion.
22:36I was organizing the meeting files for tomorrow in the study.
22:39Sebastian walked in, carrying a vanilla latte.
22:42Still awake?
22:43Just finished.
22:44He handed me the latte.
22:45I took it, took a sip, and looked up to thank him.
22:48I froze for a second.
22:49His eyes landed on my lips and did not move away.
22:51And then, he kissed me.
22:53A few seconds later, he let go.
22:54His forehead rested against mine, and his breathing was a bit heavy.
22:58Sorry.
22:59I've been holding back for a very long time.
23:02That night, Sebastian asked me to have dinner with him at the mansion's private dining room.
23:06There was nobody else, just the two of us.
23:08Halfway through the dinner, he put down his knife and fork.
23:11When I was a kid, I was unwanted in my family.
23:15I looked at him and said nothing.
23:18I was an illegitimate child.
23:20My dad never recognized me.
23:21All the kids knew that, so they bullied me, because they knew there were no consequences.
23:26That day, they cornered me in the garden and poured food over my head.
23:30I was used to it, so I didn't fight back or run.
23:33He paused for a second.
23:34And then, you showed up.
23:35You stood in front of me and said,
23:37Don't bully him! Fight me if you dare!
23:40I remembered it. That thin, quiet little boy.
23:42That was the only time someone ever stood up for me.
23:46I looked at the man in front of me.
23:48The man who controlled 40% of Wall Street's private equity was sitting across from me right now,
23:53showing a scar he hid for 20 years.
23:55He put down his wine glass and looked at me.
23:58No one gets to hurt you again.
23:59Not while I'm here.
24:01The SEC investigators came straight to the door.
24:03Two investigators in suits walked into the lobby of Apex Digital
24:07and showed an official investigation letter.
24:09Mr. Ethan Brooks, we received an anonymous...
24:12Your company is suspected of financial fraud.
24:14We are freezing some of your company accounts starting today.
24:18Please cooperate with our investigation.
24:19Ethan's face went completely pale.
24:21He rushed back to his office and ordered the CFO to delete the data.
24:25But the CFO's hands were shaking so badly that he could not even type properly.
24:30Stop deleting. It's too late.
24:32They already got the backups.
24:35Ethan collapsed into his chair.
24:37He started to think back on everything that happened over the past few months.
24:40The suppliers cut off services on the same day.
24:43The accounting firm canceled the contract.
24:45The underwriter raised the fees at the last minute.
24:48The Series B investors demanded a buyback.
24:50Everything pointed in the exact same direction.
24:53He opened his computer and searched Ironclad Capital,
24:56the man who blocked Ethan to protect Sienna.
24:58He went through the news line by line and stopped when he hit the third page.
25:02It was a photo from a charity gala.
25:03The headline said, Ironclad Capital founder Sebastian Sterling
25:07attends Vance Global Charity Gala with his fiancée.
25:10In the photo, Sebastian's hand was on a woman's waist.
25:13The woman wore a black dress and her profile faced the camera.
25:16Ethan zoomed in on the photo.
25:18It was me.
25:19He suddenly understood that the woman he dated for eight years
25:21was the heir to the Vance family.
25:24Ethan rushed out of his company
25:25and drove straight to the Vance Global Headquarters, Pulperts.
25:28He ran red lights all the way and his mind was completely filled with that photo.
25:34He could not accept that the woman who slept by his side for eight years
25:37was the heir to the Vance family.
25:39The car stopped in front of the building
25:41and he rushed straight toward the entrance.
25:45Sir, please show your appointment.
25:47He pushed past the front desk and walked toward the elevator.
25:50The security guards surrounded him right away and grabbed him.
25:53Let me go!
25:54I am looking for Sienna!
25:56Sienna Vance!
25:57The guards dragged him outside
25:59but he held onto the glass door and refused to let go.
26:03Sienna!
26:04Get down here!
26:05Everyone in front of the building was watching him.
26:07His suit was wrinkled,
26:09his hair was a mess
26:10and he yelled at his surroundings like a madman.
26:13You lied to me for eight years!
26:15How could you?
26:18Sienna!
26:19I stood in front of the floor-to-sailing window
26:21and looked down at the tiny ant-sized figure below.
26:24Sebastian walked up to my side and took a look down too.
26:26Do you want me to make him disappear?
26:29I looked at the man below,
26:30who once slapped me to the ground.
26:32Now, he was pressed against the floor by security guards like a dog.
26:36The next day,
26:37photos of Ethan going crazy in front of the Vance building
26:40spread to all the group chats and forums in the tech world.
26:43In the photos,
26:44he was pressed to the ground by two security guards.
26:47His suit was torn,
26:48his hair was a mess
26:50and his mouth was open like he was screaming something.
26:52The headline was written very politely.
26:55Apex Digital CEO suspected of mental instability.
26:58The comment section was not so polite.
27:01Can this company still go public?
27:03Investors better run fast.
27:05I heard the SEC has already stepped in.
27:07When Chloe scrolled through this news,
27:09her hands went cold.
27:10She made her move that very day.
27:12She copied all the resources,
27:14connections,
27:15and client lists she got from the company
27:17over the past few months
27:18onto a private hard drive
27:20and then opened her phone
27:21to contact headhunters like crazy.
27:23Chloe Jenkins,
27:24sorry,
27:25we don't have any suitable positions for you right now.
27:27What do you mean?
27:28Did you even look at my resume?
27:30We did, but...
27:31The person on the other end hesitated for a moment.
27:35You might not know this,
27:36but word has already spread in the circle.
27:39Spread what?
27:41Ironclad put the word out.
27:43Anyone who touches Chloe Jenkins
27:45is making an enemy out of Ironclad.
27:48The call disconnected.
27:49Chloe stared at her phone screen
27:51and collapsed into her chair at her desk.
27:53Ethan found a second-tier investment bank
27:56that was willing to take the risk
27:57and used his last remaining connections
27:59to restart the IPO roadshow.
28:02On the day of the roadshow,
28:04the conference room was packed with investors
28:06and Ethan talked until his mouth
28:08was completely dry on stage.
28:10Halfway through his speech,
28:12an SEC investigation announcement
28:14suddenly popped up on the big screen
28:16in black and white.
28:18Apex Digital was suspected of securities fraud
28:20and was officially under investigation.
28:23The conference room went dead silent for two seconds
28:25and then the sound of moving chairs
28:27came from all over.
28:29Investors stood up one after another
28:31and walked out.
28:32Nobody would even look him in the eye.
28:34Wait a minute!
28:34This is a mistake!
28:35I can explain!
28:36Three minutes later,
28:37he was the only person left in the conference room.
28:40Ethan stood in the empty roadshow hall
28:42and his PowerPoint slide
28:43was still stuck on page seven.
28:45That night,
28:46he went back to his apartment
28:47and opened the door.
28:48The closet was empty,
28:50the vanity table was cleared,
28:52and only his own shoes
28:53were left on the shoe rack.
28:54All of Chloe's things were completely gone.
28:56There was a note on the coffee table.
28:58Sorry, babe.
28:59I don't want to go down with you.
29:01Chloe dressed up carefully
29:02and showed up at a high society cocktail party.
29:04She was planning to hook up with another rich guy.
29:06She held a glass of champagne
29:07and approached a partner of a hedge fund.
29:09But just as she started to introduce herself,
29:11the man heard her name,
29:12smiled politely,
29:13turned around,
29:14and walked away.
29:14She approached the next one
29:15and got the exact same reaction.
29:17The third person did not even wait for her to finish
29:19before walking away with his wine glass.
29:21She walked around the entire hall,
29:23but not a single person was willing to talk to her
29:25for more than 30 seconds.
29:26Finally, she hid in the restroom.
29:28A middle-aged noble lady was touching up her makeup
29:30and glanced at her through the mirror.
29:32Are you Chloe Jenkins?
29:33You know me?
29:34Darling, you have been blacklisted.
29:36The Sterling family made sure of that.
29:38You had better move to another city
29:40or even another planet.
29:41Chloe stood in front of the mirror.
29:42Her elegant makeup was still there,
29:44but her face was completely frozen.
29:46The SEC officially filed criminal charges against Ethan.
29:49The charges were securities fraud,
29:50forging financial statements and deceiving investors.
29:53That same morning,
29:54two FBI agents walked into the Apex digital office.
29:57Ethan was having a meeting
29:58when the conference room door was pushed straight open.
30:00Mr. Ethan Brooks?
30:01Everyone looked over.
30:02You are officially under arrest
30:03for suspected securities fraud.
30:05You have the right to remain silent.
30:06The handcuffs were locked on him
30:08right in front of all the company employees.
30:09Ethan's face turned bright red,
30:11and he tried his best to break free.
30:13You got it wrong!
30:14I need to call my lawyer!
30:15The agents pressed his shoulders
30:16with expressionless faces
30:17and pushed him toward the exit.
30:19As he walked past the empty desk
30:20where Chloe used to sit,
30:22Ethan took a glance.
30:23It was empty.
30:23The computer was gone.
30:24Her personal things were gone,
30:26and she was long gone.
30:27Outside the front door,
30:28reporters were packed
30:29three layers deep.
30:30Camera flashes snapped like crazy.
30:31Mr. Brooks,
30:32what is your response to the SEC charges?
30:35Can Apex digital still go public?
30:37The footage of Ethan being stuffed
30:38into a black SUV appeared
30:40in the headlines of all financial news
30:42that very night.
30:43At the same time,
30:44the top families funds
30:45and politicians in New York
30:46received a wedding invitation
30:47one after another.
30:48The gold stamped cover read,
30:50The Vance Sterling Union.
30:51The Vance Sterling Union.
30:52The day after Ethan
30:53was released on bail,
30:55he received my wedding invitation.
30:56I knew he would come,
30:57but before that,
30:58he did something incredibly stupid.
30:59He found my old assistant
31:00at Apex Digital
31:01and threatened her
31:02to help him get my private schedule.
31:04Help me ask Sienna out for a meeting,
31:05and I will give you $500,000.
31:07The assistant reported this
31:09to Sebastian's people
31:10that exact day.
31:11Sebastian did not tell me
31:12and handled it directly.
31:13The next day,
31:14Ethan got a phone call,
31:15and it was his bail lawyer
31:16on the other end.
31:17Mr. Brooks,
31:18someone reported to the court
31:19that you harassed a witness
31:19during your bail.
31:20If this is proven true,
31:21your bail will be cancelled immediately.
31:23Ethan cursed out loud
31:24over the phone.
31:24Who reported me?
31:25No comment.
31:26I suggest you stay
31:27on your best behavior lately.
31:28He was backed into a dead corner.
31:29He could not contact me.
31:31He could not come near me,
31:32and he could not even leave New York.
31:33The only thing he could do
31:34was watch the date
31:35on that invitation
31:35get closer day by day.
31:37His lawyer advised him
31:38not to go to the wedding.
31:39Ethan,
31:40showing up at any public place
31:41right now
31:42is just looking for trouble.
31:43I'm going.
31:44He gripped the invitation so hard
31:46his knuckles turned white.
31:47He thought he could get an answer
31:48if he went.
31:49He did not know
31:50that the wedding
31:50was the final lesson
31:51I prepared for him.
31:52On the night before the wedding,
31:54the Vance Mansion
31:54was full of bright lights.
31:56Luxury cars drove into the gates
31:58one after another,
31:59and the guests arrived
32:00one by one.
32:01I took a look
32:02from the second floor window.
32:04The people at the very top
32:05of New York's power pyramid
32:07were all here.
32:08I went back to my room
32:09to keep trying on my wedding dress.
32:11There were two knocks on the door,
32:13and Grandpa walked in.
32:15He stood at the doorway
32:16and looked at me
32:16for a few seconds
32:17without saying a word.
32:19Then he walked over
32:20and helped me smooth out
32:22the wrinkles on my veil.
32:23His hands were shaking a little.
32:26Your dad would be very happy
32:27to see you like this.
32:28My eyes welled up with tears,
32:30so I quickly looked up
32:31and took a breath.
32:33Grandpa,
32:34stop talking
32:34or you'll ruin my makeup.
32:36He patted my shoulder
32:38and turned to leave,
32:39but stopped for a moment
32:40at the door.
32:41Tomorrow I will hand you over.
32:43But remember,
32:44your last name is always Vance.
32:45If anyone dares to bully you,
32:47Grandpa has your back.
32:49The door closed.
32:50I stood in front of the mirror
32:52for a while
32:52and took a deep breath.
32:54The butler's voice
32:54came from next door.
32:56Sir, are you nervous?
32:57Sebastian's reply
32:58came through the wall.
32:59His voice was very soft,
33:01but I could hear it
33:02loud and clear.
33:03I am so, so nervous.
33:05I could not help
33:05but laugh a little.
Comments