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