- 25 minutes ago
The Cruelty of His Scheme
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Yesterday, I was the joke of Los Angeles.
00:03My husband Jackson auctioned my dead mother's shame photos.
00:06Everyone knew I was too broke to lift a finger.
00:08They laughed at my face.
00:10They took bets on when my studio would collapse.
00:13And Jackson orchestrated gavel came down.
00:16Opening bid, 160,000 per set.
00:21Minimum raise, 80,000.
00:24In less than 60 seconds, we were past 800 grand.
00:28Everyone was watching.
00:29Waiting for my crash.
00:31Then I took one slow breath, raised my hand.
00:34Looked the auctioneer in the eye.
00:35And said the words that changed everything.
00:38Unlimited bidding.
00:40Those photos flashing on the giant screen.
00:43The exact ones I've spent years trying to burn out of my brain.
00:47Every big shot in Los Angeles was packed into that room.
00:50Sipping drinks and passing judgment like it was casual Friday.
00:54I heard someone mutter.
00:56Her mom used to be the star attraction at the Pleasure Hallis.
00:59Dad was the guy downstairs collecting the cash.
01:01Another voice chimed in.
01:03Who would have guessed?
01:06L.A.'s hottest young designer came from that kind of family?
01:11And then the killer line.
01:13Talent clearly runs in the blood.
01:15Mr. Steinberg kept that side of things quiet.
01:18No wonder he's living so comfortably.
01:20All the business buddies shot these knowing looks at Jackson.
01:23I stood there frozen.
01:24Hands and feet ice cold.
01:26Nails digging so deep into my palms I could feel the sting.
01:29I turned to look at my husband, the man I shared a bed with every single night.
01:33And there he was.
01:34Lounging back.
01:35Jesse curled against his chest like she belonged there.
01:38Batting her lashes at me with that smug little victory smile.
01:41Jackson just smirked.
01:43Slow and lazy.
01:45Each page sells separately.
01:47Highest bidder gets the private drive.
01:50Full videos.
01:51Every single client your mom entertained over the years.
01:53The room exploded.
01:54Applause.
01:55Cheers.
01:56A couple of whistles like we were at some twisted comedy show.
01:59Jackson pulled Jesse closer, stood up, and strolled over to me, looking down like I was mildly entertaining.
02:08Baby.
02:09He drawled.
02:10This is your big moment.
02:12Time to start raising that paddle.
02:15Don't worry.
02:16Jesse won't steal the spotlight tonight.
02:19Everyone smelled drama and crowded and tighter.
02:22Phones half raised like they were waiting for the money shot.
02:24Some guy in the back couldn't resist.
02:27Come on, Jackson!
02:28He called out, grinning.
02:29Last auction, you straight up told us to choke her studio.
02:34We did.
02:36She can't even afford to lift her hand once, never mind 500 times.
02:41Laughter rolled through the room.
02:43Jackson shrugged, playing innocent.
02:46Hey, that was just me being dramatic.
02:49Didn't think you guys would actually go through with it.
02:52My bad.
02:53He paused, then added with a shrug.
02:55Guess my mother-in-law's photos.
02:58Are gonna end up in someone else's private collection.
03:02I stared at him.
03:03Stunned.
03:04Then I shot to my feet.
03:06You told people to sabotage my studio behind my back?
03:10My voice cracked.
03:11Do you have any idea?
03:14I've poured every last dollar I had just to keep the lights on?
03:19I even mortgaged my mom's bracelet to pay my staff.
03:23The whole place burst out laughing, like I'd just told the punchline of the year.
03:27Someone yelled.
03:28Jackson!
03:29You gonna sponsor your wife a little?
03:32Come on!
03:33He gave that helpless, charming shrug everyone used to love.
03:38She's the picture of independence.
03:41Insists on doing it all with her own skills, unlimited bidding and everything.
03:47Tough girl.
03:48Daughter of a gangster, after all.
03:51Another voice jumped in.
03:52True!
03:53Remember that $13 million bracelet?
03:57She claimed it without even blinking.
03:59Can't wait to see what she pulls off tonight.
04:02The auction bell rang.
04:07Everyone filed back to their seats,
04:09checking their paddle numbers like it was assigned seating at a wedding.
04:12As they passed me, half of them didn't even bother hiding the smirks.
04:16Little side eyes, tiny snickers, real classy.
04:20The last six months, every dollar I could touch had been frozen,
04:24tied up, or quietly strangled.
04:26Every single person in that room could outbid me without blinking.
04:30Just one lazy flick of the wrist.
04:32They weren't just rich.
04:33They were asterisk untouchable asterisk rich.
04:36And Jackson knew it better than anybody.
04:38He also knew exactly what would happen if even one of those photo books leaked.
04:41I'd be finished.
04:43Done.
04:44Worst is my mom and dad all over again.
04:47Endless jokes, dot memes, cruel comments.
04:49People would treat their deaths like entertainment.
04:52It felt like someone had me on a spit,
04:54turning slowly over an open flame.
04:56No exit.
04:57No air.
05:00I grew up in those fancy schools,
05:02the kind with uniforms that cost more than most people's rent.
05:05Top tutors thought summer programs in Europe.
05:08The whole package.
05:09I worked my ass off, chased the dream,
05:12actually caught it.
05:13People started looking at me with envy instead of pity.
05:16I finally made it.
05:17And the night I hit that peak,
05:19that was the night mom and dad locked every door,
05:22lit the charcoal brazier in the living room,
05:24and quietly ended it.
05:25They left a note, short dot com, basically.
05:28We're not letting our past ruin everything you built.
05:31Go be brilliant.
05:33They died so I could pretend I was born on third base like the rest of these people.
05:37And now Jackson was torching the whole damn thing.
05:41Someone in the crowd muttered,
05:42loud enough for me to hear.
05:45Yeah, who's got time for her little sob story?
05:48If she's broke, just admit it.
05:51We came for the porn videos.
05:55Jackson's eyes turned to slits.
05:57His voice came out low.
05:58I scold.
06:00Get the hell out.
06:03The room went dead quiet,
06:04like someone hit mute.
06:06I turned, kept my spine straight,
06:07and walked out.
06:08Forced my legs to move.
06:10Straight into the restroom.
06:12Door shut.
06:13I leaned against the sink.
06:15Yanked my phone out.
06:16And texted the studio's finance girl.
06:19Transfer every cent we've got left.
06:20Right now.
06:22It wasn't nothing.
06:23But compared to what it would take to buy up every single one of those albums.
06:27A teaspoon in the ocean.
06:28Mom spent her whole life protecting me.
06:31Mom took every hit so I wouldn't have to.
06:33Mom's past wasn't pretty, sure.
06:35But she still raised me to walk into any room like I belonged there.
06:39Head high dot shoulders back.
06:40That thought cracked something open inside me.
06:42Tears just started falling.
06:44Couldn't stop them.
06:46Didn't even try.
06:47And right there, blurry through the crying,
06:49my eyes landed on a number I'd had saved in my contacts four years.
06:54The restroom smelled like bleach and old perfume.
06:57A faucet somewhere dripped.
06:59I stared at the screen until my vision blurred.
07:02Thumb hovering over that number.
07:04Then I just tapped it.
07:06Mom's voice popped into my head one last time.
07:09Clear as anything.
07:11Once you decide, baby.
07:13Don't look back.
07:14Ten minutes later I walked back into the auction hall.
07:17Heads turned, whispers rippled.
07:18I lifted my eyes and locked straight onto Jackson across the sea of people.
07:23For half a second something ugly flashed in his face.
07:26Something dark.
07:26Something almost scared.
07:28Gone in a blink.
07:29The smirk slid right back into place.
07:32He tilted his head.
07:33Pinched Jesse's cheek like she was his favorite toy.
07:36Gave me a lazy side eye.
07:38Then leaned in and kissed her deep.
07:39Right there.
07:40In front of everybody.
07:44Jackson murmured loud enough for me to hear.
07:46Baby.
07:48Tonight, I'm gonna make sure you're real satisfied.
07:52Every little thing they've done to you, I'll make them pay ten times over.
07:56Trust me.
07:57I looked away, face blank.
07:59Nothing left to give him.
08:00I walked back to my seat, sat down, and said calm, like I was ordering coffee.
08:05Thanks for waiting, everyone.
08:07We can start now.
08:09The auctioneer flicked a quick glance at Jackson.
08:11Jackson gave the tiniest nod.
08:14Gavel cracked.
08:15First set of albums popped up on the screen.
08:17Ten photos per set.
08:19My mom's face.
08:20Her body.
08:20Her shame.
08:21All of it laid bare.
08:22No blur.
08:23No mercy.
08:24Everyone could see.
08:25My phone buzzed against my thigh.
08:27Jackson's message lit up the screen.
08:30If you kneel right now and apologize to Jesse in front of the whole room, I'll buy every
08:35single one of these and take them home.
08:37No one else will ever see them.
08:41I let one corner of my mouth twitch.
08:43Just barely.
08:44Then I held down the power button.
08:46Screen went black done.
08:48Auctioneer's voice cut through.
08:50Opening bid, $160,000 per set.
08:54Minimum raise, $80,000.
08:56Less than 60 seconds later we were already over $800,000.
09:00My phone kept buzzing.
09:04More of Jackson's little love notes popping up one after another.
09:07I didn't even look.
09:08Everyone around me was watching like it was the best reality show they'd seen all year.
09:13Smirks.
09:13Phone cameras angled my way.
09:15They were waiting for the crash.
09:17Waiting for me to hit bottom and keep falling.
09:19I took a slow breath.
09:21Raised my hand.
09:22Looked straight at the auctioneer.
09:23And said it clear.
09:24Word by word.
09:26Those all.
09:28Unlimited bidding.
09:31Gasps hissed through the room like air leaking from a tire.
09:34Damn, she's got guts.
09:36Someone muttered.
09:37Sullivan just doesn't know when to quit.
09:40Another voice louder.
09:41Last time she couldn't even get a secondary card out of Staincroc.
09:44Now her studio's basically dead.
09:47She's got nothing.
09:48And she's still putting on this little performance?
09:51I turned my head slow.
09:53Locked eyes with Jackson.
09:54No blinking.
09:55No backing down.
09:56The cruel amusement in his stare hit like the last shove before you fall off a cliff.
10:01Jessie leaned in close.
10:02Her red lips grazing his ear.
10:04Voice all syrup and poison.
10:06Look at her, Jackson.
10:07Still trying to fight you.
10:09Face on the line in front of everybody.
10:12And she'd rather humiliate herself than just admit she's wrong.
10:15Jackson kept his eyes on me.
10:17Calm.
10:18Almost bored.
10:19Like he was watching a street performer who'd overstayed their set.
10:24Jackson turned to Jessie, cupped her face with fake tenderness.
10:27Kissed her slow, right in front of me.
10:30Well then.
10:31He drawled, lazy and cruel.
10:33Let's just watch.
10:34See how far she gets before she's tapped out and still can't pay.
10:38Jackson paused, let the words hang.
10:40If it gets that bad, she can always follow in her mom's footsteps.
10:44Strip down, sell herself off.
10:46A small, mean laugh.
10:47I doubt anyone's lining up.
10:50Seconds after I've already worn her out.
10:53The auctioneer's face went blank professional.
10:55He had to ask Dot Protocol.
10:57If you're serious about unlimited bidding, Miss Sullivan,
11:02you'll need to register with the house and verify funds.
11:06We have to confirm you can cover it.
11:08My jaw locked so hard my teeth ached.
11:10Whole body felt hollowed out.
11:12Like someone had reached in and scooped everything vital.
11:15Eyes burning, tears right there.
11:17But I refused to let them fall.
11:19No problem.
11:20Voice shook just a little, barely.
11:24A loud snort cut the air.
11:26One guy stood up, leaned over his seat,
11:28staring me down like I was roadkill.
11:30Come on, Sullivan.
11:31Drop the act.
11:32That joke of a company?
11:34We're the ones who place bets on bearing it.
11:37We know exactly how broke you are.
11:40Dragging this out isn't fooling a soul.
11:43Laughter exploded again.
11:45Sharp, mean, rolling.
11:46My chest felt like it was splitting open.
11:49I looked straight at Jackson.
11:50He stared back.
11:51No flinch.
11:52Just that smug, empty calm.
11:54What?
11:55About to beg now?
11:58Sorry, sweetheart.
12:00Too late.
12:01He turned to the auctioneer like he was doing everyone a favor.
12:05If she wants to put on a show, let's give her the stage.
12:11You guys got time, right?
12:13More knowing chuckles.
12:14Of course.
12:16Someone yelled from the back.
12:17This is why we showed up.
12:19Good drinks, good seats, and free entertainment.
12:23If the clown wants to keep juggling, who are we to walk out?
12:28I ripped my gaze away, shut my eyes for one second hard, then forced my legs to move up
12:34the steps.
12:35Onto the stage, I pulled up the digital card on my phone, handed it over to the attendant
12:39who'd climbed up with the card reader.
12:41Down below, the crowd was buzzing, pointing, whispering like we were at a circus sideshow.
12:48She's hilarious.
12:49One woman's voice carried across the room.
12:52Better actress than half the girls at the clubs.
12:56Like mother, like daughter, that kind of talent definitely runs in the family.
13:00Another voice.
13:01Look at her hands, they're shaking like leaves.
13:04Bet she'll collapse the second that balance comes up empty.
13:07Right then, Jessie piped up all fake sweetness, cutting through the noise like she was doing
13:11everyone a favor.
13:13Oh, come on, gentlemen, that's enough.
13:15Can't you see Nicole's about to cry?
13:17She's still a woman.
13:18She's got her pride.
13:19You keep pushing like this, and of course she's going to drag herself up on stage.
13:25Honestly, I kind of get it.
13:28Jackson let out this soft, amused laugh.
13:32She treats you like trash, and you're still defending her?
13:36You're such a little fool.
13:38The room jumped right in to kiss her ass.
13:41Look at Missy's Kruger.
13:42That's what a real lady from a good family looks like.
13:46We've been saying it forever.
13:48Jackson never should have married Nicole, just because he pitied her.
13:51That one weak moment cost him the perfect match.
13:55Good thing it's not too late.
13:57Kicking that bitch's bastard kid to the curb?
14:01Best move he's ever made.
14:03I stood up there on the stage, looking down at every single face until my eyes landed on
14:08Jessie's smug little grin.
14:10I let out a short, ugly laugh, sharp enough to cut.
14:13A lady?
14:14You're calling her a lady?
14:16Since when does a real lady sneak around seducing someone else's husband with zero shame?
14:22As far as I'm concerned, she's dirtier than any hooker on the street.
14:29Jackson's voice dropped dot cold as ice.
14:32Nicole, I'm warning you, watch your mouth.
14:35I laughed again, bitter and hollow, yeah.
14:38I believed him, completely.
14:40All of this the photos, the sabotage, the public shredding was because I dared to take back
14:44something that was my mom's.
14:46I'd stolen Jessie's spotlight for five seconds, and Jackson had built this whole circus just
14:51to crush me for it.
14:52What would he do next time?
14:54I didn't even want to picture it, but honestly, it didn't matter anymore.
14:57Whatever scraps of love I'd still had for him, burned clean away.
15:01The only thing keeping me upright right now was the fire they'd lit under me.
15:05Nothing else he could do would hurt worse than this.
15:07I turned back to the hostess with the card reader.
15:10Gave her the tiniest, coldest smile.
15:12Well what are you waiting for?
15:14Run it.
15:16The pause machine beeped once, twice.
15:19The whole room the sneers, the chuckles.
15:21The whispers went dead silent.
15:23Every eye locked on that little screen.
15:25They were practically salivating.
15:27Waiting for the number to flash up small and pathetic so they could laugh all over again.
15:31But the hostess's smug look slowly cracked.
15:34Her eyes widened.
15:36Mouth parted just a little.
15:37I bit my lip hard.
15:39Clenched my fists to stop the shaking.
15:41Swallowed the burn in my throat and asked quiet.
15:44What's result?
15:45She didn't answer, just stood there frozen for what felt like forever.
15:49Then she shot a nervous glance at the auctioneer.
15:52Like help.
15:53He leaned over, looked at the screen.
15:55His bored, half-lidded eyes snapped wide.
15:58A second later he jerked his head toward Jackson.
16:01Mr. Mr. Steinberg.
16:04Jackson caught the shift instantly, brows furrowed.
16:08What?
16:09Number two embarrassing to say out loud?
16:11Jackson chuckled, waving it off.
16:14Come on, don't hold back on my account.
16:17Everyone here knows I'm not that sensitive.
16:20The crowd chimed in, all fake cheer.
16:24Exactly!
16:26We've been buddies with Jackson for years!
16:28Just spit it out!
16:29They were still grinning, still buzzing with that ugly excitement.
16:33Still waiting for me to crash and burn.
16:34The auctioneer let out a long sigh.
16:36Then picked up his phone and plugged it into the data cable on his podium.
16:41Upon verification, Mrs. Sullivan has more than enough funds to make the unlimited bidding.
16:48The auction may proceed as normal.
16:50As soon as he finished speaking, the big screen lit up, projecting my phone interface for all to see.
16:56The balance showed a number with ten digits.
17:02What the hell is going on?
17:05Jackson stared hard at the figure, completely frozen.
17:10Didn't Mr. Steinberg cancel all of Nicole's secondary cards?
17:13Where did this money come from?
17:16Don't tell me these two planned this together and are just playing us for fools!
17:20In an instant, the crowd's excitement twisted into suspicion.
17:23Everyone turned to Jackson.
17:25The glee they'd shown earlier was replaced by open doubt.
17:27Jesse could no longer maintain her demure facade.
17:31Her shrill voice rang out like nails on a chalkboard.
17:34Jackson, what is going on?
17:36You told me you'd put her in her place!
17:38Why does she still have this much money?
17:41Did you lie to me?
17:43You owe me an explanation!
17:45Irritated, Jackson shoved Jesse aside and stormed up to the auction platform like a caged beast ready to snap.
17:51He grabbed my wrist in a vice-like grip, his eyes dark and furious, like he wanted to drill a
17:56hole straight through me.
17:58Nicole, what did you do?
18:01I lowered my gaze, glanced at Jackson, then curled my lips into a cold smirk.
18:07In the next moment, I yanked my wrist out of his grasp.
18:10My voice was calm and unwavering.
18:12I'm keeping unlimited bidding for all the items in this auction.
18:15You can all decide for yourselves if it's worth draining your liquidity over things that, frankly, have nothing to do
18:21with you.
18:22Everyone in the room scattered quickly.
18:24As they left, they shot accusatory glares at Jackson, convinced that the two of us had teamed up to trap
18:30them in a cash flow crisis.
18:31It was a trap but the real target was never me.
18:34Jackson was left speechless, unable to explain.
18:36Only after the crowd had completely cleared did he turn to me, eyes burning with rage, like a wild animal
18:42on the verge of attacking.
18:43He marched up to me, yanked me off the stage with brute force.
18:47Jesse was sobbing uncontrollably behind him, only adding to his frustration.
18:53Jackson poured all of that fury onto me, gripping my wrist so tightly it felt like he was trying to
18:59snap it in two.
19:00Nicole!
19:01What dirty deal did you make behind my back?
19:04Who did you sell yourself to?
19:08I looked up at him cold, then, without warning, I raised my phone and smashed it against his chest with
19:14everything I had.
19:16You want to know who I am?
19:18I laughed soft at first, then tinged with rising madness and despair.
19:24Crazy? You're damn right I'm crazy!
19:27I went crazy the moment you exposed my mother's most private secrets!
19:32I went crazy when you knew exactly what I'd been through,
19:35and still used my deepest pern to tear me apart!
19:39I went crazy the second you started using every underhanded, vile trick you could think of to get back at
19:45me, for another woman!
19:47I stepped toward him, slowly but deliberately, tears brimming in my eyes.
19:53Jesse flinched and tried to back away, but I was never going to let her off that easy.
20:00I grabbed Jesse's arm, pulled her close, and when she opened her mouth to scream, I leaned in and whispered,
20:06cold and venomous.
20:07What happened to your grace and elegance?
20:10Weren't you supposed to be the picture of innocence?
20:21Jesse looked up at me, face full of horror, completely falling apart.
20:30Nicole, what are you trying to do?
20:32Jackson! Help me!
20:35Jackson gritted his teeth, fighting through the pain.
20:38He rushed forward and shoved me away with all his strength.
20:41I wasn't prepared.
20:43I hit the ground hard.
20:45The back of my head cracked against the edge of the stage steps.
20:48A wave of dizziness hit me.
20:50I felt the pressure surge through my nose, even though I'd long since given up on Jackson.
20:57That moment still struck like a fist to the chest.
21:02Jackson came at me again, grabbing me by the shoulders.
21:06His blood dripped onto my face, thick and metallic, the scent making me nauseous.
21:13Nicole!
21:14He growled, eyes dark with fury.
21:17I don't care how insane you've become!
21:20If you ever lay another hand on Jesse again, I swear I'll make you pay for it a hundred times
21:26over!
21:28I could feel the pressure tightening around my neck.
21:32The air around me was growing thinner by the second.
21:35Just when I thought I might die here today, a sudden commotion erupted at the entrance.
21:40A team of bodyguards burst in, storming straight toward us, before anyone could react.
21:46One of them kicked Jackson square in the chest, sending him flying.
21:51He hit the ground hard.
21:53I even heard the sickening crack of bone.
21:57Jackson trembled from the pain.
21:59Unable to say a word before he passed out cold.
22:06Jesse froze in shock.
22:08The Kruger family might have been a prominent family, but she'd never seen anything like this.
22:16Jesse stood there like a statue, watching as someone gently helped me up and escorted me out of the auction
22:22hall.
22:24The crowd at the entrance parted to make way.
22:28I never looked back.
22:30Outside the auction room, a car was already waiting.
22:34Black.
22:36Sleek.
22:36The kind of car that costs more than most people make in a decade.
22:41The bodyguards walked me to the car.
22:45Made sure I was inside safely.
22:48Shut the door.
22:50Headed to the vehicle behind.
22:52A man put down his phone and looked up at me.
22:57Taking in my disheveled, pitiful state.
23:02He let out a barely audible sigh.
23:06You are just like your mother.
23:10Tears streamed down my face.
23:13A wave of emotion I couldn't hold back surged forward.
23:17My poor mother had been forced to sell her body just to support me.
23:21It wasn't until she met my adoptive father that she finally found a tiny, stable corner of the world to
23:27call her own.
23:28To everyone else, I was just the daughter of a whore.
23:32Anyone could throw that past in my face to hurt me.
23:35But no one knew that the man sitting across from me, this elegant, poised man with a natural air of
23:42nobility, was my biological father Jordan Fletcher.
23:45When he saw my tears, his expression softened.
23:49I know I failed your mother.
23:52But back then, I wasn't in control of my life either.
23:58The Fletcher family kept me under strict watch.
24:00I had no freedom.
24:03I didn't even know my family had done such awful things to her.
24:12They left her with no choice but to make that decision.
24:15But Nicole, whether you believe me or not, I regret it.
24:18I do.
24:19And I truly want to make things right.
24:23I quietly looked away.
24:25Turning my gaze to the window, my expression was blank.
24:29Eyes cold and lifeless.
24:31Deep down, I felt nothing but numbness.
24:34Both my mother and I had placed our trust in a man's promises.
24:38And in the end, this was what we got.
24:41I calmly accepted all of Jordan's support.
24:44That's when I learned he and his wife had been married four years but never had children.
24:49I made a grand public return to the Fletcher family.
24:52They invited high-profile figures from every corner of society to the ceremony,
24:58including Jackson, who had recently been discharged from the hospital.
25:02The moment Jackson stepped into the venue with Jessie and spotted me,
25:07he let go of her and headed straight in my direction.
25:10He grabbed my arm.
25:12Dragged me into a quiet corner.
25:18What are you doing here?
25:22Nicole, don't tell me the reason you had money at the auction was because you became that old Fletcher guy's
25:28mistress?
25:29Have you no shame?
25:30You're nothing but a whore!
25:35As soon as Jackson said it, he tried to pull me away, not even sparing Jessie a glance.
25:40I yanked my arm out of his grip, gave a cold, mocking glance in Jessie's direction, then sneered.
25:51Jackson, who the hell do you think you are to tell me what to do?
25:56What's that supposed to mean?
25:58We haven't even divorced yet!
26:01You're still my wife!
26:03Oh, so now you remember I'm your wife?
26:08Funny, because I thought you had amnesia.
26:11Parading around with your mistress, hurting me for her,
26:15did it ever cross your mind then that I was still your wife?
26:19Jackson swallowed his anger, lowered his voice.
26:22Stop making a scene.
26:24I was just mad because you embarrassed me in public.
26:29It wasn't entirely for Jessie's sake.
26:33Honestly, if you'd just backed down that day, I never would have let those photos leak.
26:37Not a single one.
26:41I couldn't hold back a laugh.
26:45And what if I refused to back down?
26:48Jackson, what makes you think I'd ever give in to the woman you cheated with?
26:54What do you take me for?
26:55Jackson was completely stunned by my words.
26:58His face darkened, but he had no comeback.
27:01I didn't bother with him anymore and turned to leave.
27:04But of course he refused to let go.
27:06He grabbed my wrist tightly, still unwilling to give up.
27:10No matter what, you're still my wife.
27:13You're coming home with me.
27:14Just then, the sound of a microphone rang out from the stage, and Jordan's deep, steady voice filled the room.
27:21The purpose of tonight's gathering is to introduce someone very important to me, my long-lost daughter.
27:30As he spoke, his gaze swept over the crowd and landed squarely on me.
27:36More than half the people in the room had attended the auction that day.
27:40Their eyes widened in disbelief.
27:43As they followed Jordan's line of sight, right to me, Jordan gave a small, calm smile, and continued.
27:51Please welcome my daughter.
28:18Thank you, Jordan.
28:22The guests lowered their heads, scrambling to distance.
28:26They all claimed they'd forgotten the past, that they couldn't remember anything that happened.
28:31Before Anne certainly wouldn't speak of it to anyone.
28:34Jordan nodded in satisfaction.
28:38Jordan turned his attention to Jackson.
28:43I hear Mr. Stainberg has already moved on to someone new.
28:48My daughter will not marry a man like that.
28:51Consider the marriage over.
28:53I'll be choosing a more suitable husband for her.
28:56I ask that you cooperate and complete the paperwork as soon as possible.
29:00Jackson stared at me, dot-dazed, like he hadn't fully processed what Jordan had just said.
29:05It was like he'd lost his mind.
29:07Jackson refused to get divorced.
29:10And even went so far as to fire Jesse.
29:13But trouble was closing in fast.
29:15The business people who'd attended the auction with him already suspected.
29:19Jackson had rigged the event to drain their cash flow.
29:23Now that I had officially rejoined the Fletcher family, they saw an opportunity.
29:27One by one, they turned on the Stainbrook family.
29:32The next time I saw Jackson, he was walking out of his office building.
29:36His suit jacket was slung over one arm, his tie hung crooked across his shoulder.
29:40His shirt was a mess of wrinkles, deep dark circles ringed his eyes.
29:44But the moment he spotted me, they lit up with hope.
29:47He rushed over.
29:50Nicole, the Fletcher family have kept you so well protected.
29:53I couldn't even get a glimpse of you.
29:55But now you're here.
29:56I knew it.
29:57I knew you still had feelings for me.
29:59I've already fired Jesse.
30:01She won't come between us again.
30:03Just give me one more chance, please.
30:06Help me save the company.
30:09Help us.
30:11I looked at him coldly.
30:15And for a moment, I genuinely couldn't remember what I'd ever seen in this man.
30:22Jackson, stop dreaming.
30:24I came here today for one reason.
30:26To tell you, I've already drawn up the divorce papers.
30:29All you have to do is sign.
30:31I don't want a single cent from the Stainbrook family.
30:35But if you keep pestering me, don't blame me for what happens next.
30:41Jackson still refused to let go.
30:43Nicole, please don't be so heartless.
30:45I know I was wrong.
30:47I do.
30:48He begged me desperately.
30:49It was all Jesse's fault.
30:51She messed with my head.
30:53I wasn't thinking straight.
30:55That's the only reason I treated you that way.
30:58Getting Dilu.
31:01But promise, I'll never see her again.
31:04Just forgive me, okay?
31:06Just this once?
31:09I let out a cold, humorless smile.
31:11Are you sorry?
31:12Or are you just scared because you're about to lose everything?
31:16Jackson, wake up.
31:18The moment you forced me into that corner, whatever we had was over.
31:22Jackson looked up at me in anguish, trying to say something.
31:25But before he could speak, a shrill female voice cut through the air.
31:29Jackson, you bastard!
31:31I'm pregnant with your child!
31:37I'm pregnant!
31:37Jesse came out of nowhere, dropped to her knees right in front of me.
31:46Mrs. Sullivan, you already have everything!
31:49That humiliating background of yours doesn't even matter anymore!
31:53No one in Los Angeles dares to bring it up now that Jordan's your father!
31:59So please, just stop fighting me over Jackson, all right?
32:04I'm carrying his child.
32:07My baby needs a father.
32:09Jackson's eyes widened in panic.
32:10He shoved Jesse away instinctively.
32:13I let out a snort, pulled the already prepared divorce papers from my bag,
32:16and tossed them at him.
32:18Take care of your wife and kid, Jackson.
32:23Sign the damn papers.
32:25Otherwise, whether the Stainwell group survives or not, won't be up to you.
32:30With that, I turned and walked away, behind me.
32:33The sound of them arguing and blaming each other slowly faded into the warmth of the spring breeze.
32:38But Jackson still wouldn't give up.
32:40He seemed completely convinced.
32:42I still had feelings for him.
32:44Then came the stunts one after another.
32:46He sent me flowers and gifts every day.
32:50Jackson came the most desperate move of all.
32:52He forced Jesse to terminate the pregnancy.
32:55And even had someone deliver the medical report to me,
32:58stained at the corners with fresh blood.
33:00I was disgusted.
33:02Around that time, Jordan started grooming me as the next successor of the Fletcher group.
33:06And the first challenge I set for myself was to
33:09bring down the Stainbrook group.
33:12After a series of calculated strikes,
33:15their stock plummeted.
33:16I seized the opportunity and bought up shares at rock bottom prices.
33:21Completely catching Jackson off guard.
33:25Backed into a corner and on the verge of bankruptcy,
33:28Jackson finally caved.
33:30He agreed to the divorce after the Friday market closed.
33:33We were finally, officially divorced.
33:38The day I got the divorce certificate,
33:40Jackson still tried to put on a lovesick act.
33:44The moment he started spewing that nauseating nonsense,
33:47I had to wave my hand and order my bodyguards to throw him out.
33:52That same night, I sent a dossier of dirt I'd been sitting on to the paparazzi.
33:57Within 30 minutes, the internet exploded.
34:01Stainbrook group.
34:02CEO Jackson allegedly forced girlfriend to get an abortion.
34:06Jackson Stainbrook cheated during his marriage.
34:09Mistress Jesse.
34:09Revealed as Kruger heiress fake innocent.
34:12Real man-eater with dozens of flings.
34:14Jackson Stainbrook cheated during his marriage.
34:17The trending topics were a frenzy.
34:19And gossip-hungry netizens couldn't get enough.
34:21Jackson held a rushed press conference claiming he and Jesse were engaged.
34:25And that the abortion had been entirely her choice.
34:28Jesse also came forward.
34:30Insisting she was innocent and just wanted to settle down quietly.
34:33No longer wishing to take up public resources.
34:35I shut off my phone and casually looked across the desk at the man standing before me.
34:40I chuckled.
34:40Mr. Stainberry, shouldn't you be busy planning a wedding right about now?
34:45What are you doing here?
34:48Jackson's face twisted in agony.
34:50His eyes so bloodshot they looked ready to bleed.
34:54Nicole, I love you.
34:55The moment I realized I was about to lose you for good.
34:58I was crushed with regret.
35:00As he spoke, he yanked open his shirt.
35:03Exposing his chest still bruised and swollen.
35:05A tattoo, etched in angry ink, spelled my name.
35:09The sight made my stomach turn.
35:10I wanted nothing more than to plunge a knife straight through him.
35:13And yet Jackson kept going.
35:15Completely convinced he was pouring out some grand romantic confession.
35:20I'm only marrying Jesse because I have no choice.
35:23Once this all blows over, I'll divorce her.
35:25I swear.
35:26That's why I had your name tattooed over my heart.
35:29To prove my loyalty.
35:32Nicole, please.
35:34Wait for me, will you?
35:37I gave a little shrug, then casually picked up a tablet from the desk.
35:41After tapping it a few times, I tossed it in front of him.
35:45Jackson glanced down in confusion, then froze.
35:48His expression shifted instantly.
35:50Staring back at him were the original account logins behind every post that had set the internet on.
35:55Fire.
35:56They were all logged in on my tablet.
35:58He turned ghostly pale.
36:00His voice cracked.
36:03It was you?
36:05Why?
36:06I gave a slow, cold smile.
36:09Because you disgust me.
36:11After Jackson's so-called marriage, life didn't exactly turn out like a fairy tale.
36:15Their screaming matches were so dramatic they might as well have been part of an action movie.
36:19And they made frequent appearances on trending searches.
36:22The fake pregnancy scandal destroyed whatever shred of credibility Jesse had left.
36:27Jackson couldn't trust a word she said anymore.
36:30Every fight ended with him screaming about the lies.
36:32And her screaming that she did it for him.
36:37Meanwhile, my world finally quieted.
36:40I took full control of Fletcher Group.
36:43I never deluded myself into thinking.
36:46Jordan backed me because he loved me.
36:48Jordan didn't.
36:49I was just the only child he had left.
36:51And the only one.
36:53Remotely capable of inheriting the empire he'd built.
36:56So I made sure I didn't disappoint.
36:57Not only did I solidify Fletcher Group's position.
37:01But I also expanded my fashion design studio into a major force.
37:07Eventually, I edged Jordan out completely.
37:10Stripped him of all power.
37:13Moved him into a luxury nursing home where he lived off the allowance I sent every month.
37:18To my surprise, he didn't resist at all.
37:21He only muttered one sentence as I turned to leave.
37:25You are my daughter.
37:27I didn't respond.
37:29I walked away, head held high.
37:34Finally tasting the sweet satisfaction of avenging my mother.
37:39Two years later, I received an invitation to an auction.
37:43There, in the auction hall.
37:45I ran into Jackson and Jesse, ghosts of the past.
37:48They looked nothing like the powerful pair from two years ago.
37:51Ragged, hollow-eyed.
37:53Worn down by time and failure.
37:55There weren't many items up for bid that night.
37:57And they barely raised their paddles there.
38:00Business was hanging by a thread.
38:01They had almost no money left to spend.
38:06I watched them from across the room.
38:08Jackson's hand rested on Jesse's shoulder.
38:10But his eyes kept drifting toward the exit.
38:13Like he was looking for someone who was never coming back.
38:15Jesse clutched her purse tight.
38:17Scanning the room with paranoid jitteriness.
38:19Afraid of being recognized.
38:21Afraid of the whispers that followed them everywhere they went.
38:23Then, the auctioneer stepped on stage to announce the final item of the evening.
38:29A private video featuring Jesse.
38:30The beloved wife of Stainberg Group's Mr. Jackson Stainberg.
38:34The highest bidder wins.
38:36Jackson and Jesse shot to their feet.
38:38Terror struck as a series of screenshots flashed across the giant screen.
38:43Cold sweat dripped from their faces.
38:46I smiled and slowly raised my hand high in the air.
38:49Unlimited bidding.
38:50The room fell silent.
38:52Just like that first night.
38:54Except this time I wasn't the one trapped in the corner.
38:57I wasn't the one with everything to lose.
39:00Jackson's face drained of color.
39:02His mouth opened.
39:03But no sound came out.
39:05Jesse grabbed his arm.
39:06Trembling.
39:08Jackson.
39:09Tell her to stop.
39:11Please.
39:11He didn't move.
39:13Couldn't move.
39:14Because we both knew just like before I had every intention of following through.
39:18The gavel came down.
39:19And for the second time in my life.
39:21I owned their shame.
39:22But this time.
39:23I wasn't buying it to protect anyone.
39:25I was buying it to end them.
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