- 13 hours ago
Hated By All, But I Woke Up Smarter englishsub fullmovie
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00My name was Elena Reed. No, I should have said Elena Harper.
00:00:04But for 23 years, I believed I was a Reed.
00:00:09Today, they finally found the excuse to kick me out of the house.
00:00:12Elena, our family has given you everything for 23 years, and this is how you repay us?
00:00:17You ungrateful brat! Pack your things and go back to that run-down village to find your real parents!
00:00:23Just moments ago, Sylvia deliberately shattered a glass, cut her own hand with the shards.
00:00:32And ran downstairs, crying, claiming that I had pushed her and tried to ruin her face.
00:00:42Mom, don't be mad. I'm sure Elena didn't mean any harm.
00:00:48She's just struggling to accept that your love and dads belong to me now.
00:00:53Please don't hold it against her.
00:00:55Her words sounded like she was pleading for me, but every sentence only made me look guiltier.
00:01:00No one asked me the truth.
00:01:02To think you'd be capable of such cruelty, trying to scar Sylvia's face.
00:01:06With a heart as wicked as yours, you don't deserve to stay in Foykland.
00:01:09I've already sent for your real parents. Pack your things and prepare to return to Cloudtream Village.
00:01:15Elena, next month is Darren and my engagement party.
00:01:19Even though you'll be going back to that remote village, I still hope you'll come.
00:01:23Darren had been my fiancé, but he had abandoned me.
00:01:29It's shocking that you want a garbage like him. If you want him, he's yours.
00:01:34Sylvia was speechless with rage.
00:01:36I turned and went upstairs, without looking back.
00:01:40I had no attachment to that family.
00:01:44By the time I came downstairs, Sylvia's hand, the one she had cut with the glass shards,
00:01:49was already neatly wrapped in bandages.
00:01:51Elena, I'll miss you.
00:01:53Sylvia said it hypocritically, then deliberately bumped into me.
00:01:57A necklace fell to the floor.
00:02:05Isn't this the necklace my mom gave me?
00:02:07How did it end up in your bag?
00:02:09Sylvia picked up the necklace and began accusing me of being a thief.
00:02:12You filthy thief! Do you know what this is?
00:02:15This had been designed by the world-famous Helena Walsh.
00:02:18I paid five million for it.
00:02:19I'm calling the police.
00:02:21What do you have to say for yourself?
00:02:23Call the police if you like.
00:02:25But if I didn't steal the necklace, how do you plan to make it up to me?
00:02:29Elena, don't be so stubborn.
00:02:30We only have one of Walsh's designs in our family.
00:02:34Sylvia handed the necklace to Cicely.
00:02:37Cicely looked at the number on it and froze.
00:02:41This... how could this be?
00:02:42I clearly bought number nine, so...
00:02:44Why does this say number one?
00:02:46Number one? That can't be.
00:02:48It's one of a kind in this world.
00:02:52I snatched the necklace back from them and walked out the door.
00:02:56Outside, an old, dust-covered van was parked at the entrance.
00:03:01Miss Harper, I sincerely apologize for my tardiness.
00:03:06I hadn't anticipated that there wouldn't be a helipath here.
00:03:10The helicopter had to be stationed farther away.
00:03:13To avoid further delays, I arranged for this vehicle instead.
00:03:19It hadn't been used in some time, so it may appear a little worn.
00:03:23I hope you don't mind.
00:03:25Only then did I take a closer look.
00:03:27This wasn't just any old van.
00:03:29It was a Maybach.
00:03:31An extremely rare, limited edition.
00:03:38Did you drag this junk out of a scrapyard?
00:03:46Declan took a box from the van and handed it to Cecily as a thank you gift for taking care
00:03:50of me over the years.
00:03:53But she refused.
00:03:54That won't be necessary.
00:03:56You may leave.
00:03:57Mr. Reed, are you certain?
00:04:00What good stuff could a hick from the strips possibly have?
00:04:03Just get out of here.
00:04:08They didn't know that inside the box were deeds to 23 properties.
00:04:1323 high-end jewelry pieces.
00:04:1623 luxury car keys and a bank card with a balance of 230 million.
00:04:22The helicopter touched down.
00:04:25The sight of Hillside Manor before me made one thing instantly clear.
00:04:29My biological parents were never poor farmers.
00:04:35Elena, my daughter.
00:04:37I finally found you.
00:04:41Jolie Harper hugged me with tears in her eyes.
00:04:44Her embrace was warm, completely different from Cecily's coldness.
00:04:51Here's 10 million.
00:04:52A gift for you.
00:04:54I'm giving you 10 million too.
00:04:58And this emerald jewelry set.
00:05:01Also for you.
00:05:03Only then did I learn who my biological parents, Alexander and Jolie, really were.
00:05:08One was the head of the Harper group.
00:05:10The other a woman of refined upbringing.
00:05:17You also have three brothers.
00:05:20Jeffrey, Ellis, and Louis.
00:05:23They all want to meet you.
00:05:29I was led inside the manor.
00:05:33The dining table was filled with fine cuisine.
00:05:37Jolie kept adding food to my plate.
00:05:39Eat a little more.
00:05:41You're too thin.
00:05:42Her eyes were filled with 23 years of pent-up guilt.
00:05:46For the first time, I understood what a mother's love felt like.
00:05:57Cecily had never given me this kind of warmth.
00:06:04This family belonged to a world the Reeds could never dream of entering.
00:06:12To make it up to me, Jolie took me to the Helena Jewelry Flagship Store to pick out accessories.
00:06:21But what I didn't expect was that we ran into Cecily and Sylvia by chance.
00:06:28The cheapest piece here costs at least a million.
00:06:31Can you even afford that?
00:06:33If you two can be here, why can't I?
00:06:37Sylvia suddenly snatched the ruby pendant from my hand and dropped it onto the floor.
00:06:46Elena!
00:06:47How could you be so clumsy?
00:06:49You couldn't even hold on to something so valuable!
00:06:55This pendant is 50 million.
00:06:58What?
00:07:00Elena, looks like you'll be paying off this pendant for the rest of your life.
00:07:04I didn't rush to argue.
00:07:08Instead, I had the clerk pull the surveillance footage.
00:07:17Cicely was stunned.
00:07:18They had to buy that extraordinarily-priced pendant.
00:07:24Insufficient funds.
00:07:25But they didn't have the money.
00:07:27Elena, you scheming bitch.
00:07:30You planned this to humiliate us!
00:07:34That's how you treat my daughter?
00:07:36The collaboration between the Harper family and the Reed family is hereby terminated.
00:07:42Who do you think you are?
00:07:43Are you paying or not?
00:07:45You can't afford it?
00:07:47Of course we can!
00:07:50I'm paying for it!
00:07:50She had to call Darren, Sylvia's fiancé, for help.
00:07:55And they left in embarrassment.
00:07:59The next day, Benjamin and Cicely showed up at the entrance of Hillside Manor.
00:08:04When Cicely saw me walking out, she thought I was working as a maid.
00:08:09So you're working as a maid for the Harper family now?
00:08:12Better drop your little habit of stealing.
00:08:14When Benjamin and Cicely saw my father Alexander,
00:08:17they immediately put on flattering smiles and approached him.
00:08:21Mr. Harper, our partnership can't be terminated!
00:08:24Elena's real father is just a driver, and her mother is from some backwater town.
00:08:28She's nothing but a liar!
00:08:29Don't let her fool you into thinking badly of us!
00:08:31Alexander's and Jolie's faces changed at the same time.
00:08:35Cicely had just insulted them to their faces.
00:08:38As of today, the Harper family cuts all ties with the Reed family.
00:08:44Permanently.
00:08:45Benjamin and Cicely were stunned.
00:08:47They had no idea what they had done wrong.
00:08:49They were escorted out by security.
00:08:51Ow!
00:08:52Ow!
00:08:53Ow!
00:08:54Ah!
00:08:54Ah!
00:08:55You ungrateful little wretch!
00:08:58Cicely was still cursing.
00:09:00She still had no idea who she was dealing with.
00:09:03After they were driven away,
00:09:04my eldest brother Jeffrey came home by car.
00:09:08And happened to see me still using an old phone.
00:09:11You must be my sister, right?
00:09:13I haven't brought a gift, so let me give you some pocket money.
00:09:16Is a million enough?
00:09:17Jeffrey thought I was so poor.
00:09:19I couldn't even afford a smartphone.
00:09:22Scan here.
00:09:25I pulled out the latest smartphone and showed him the QR code.
00:09:29A deep, quiet chuckle came from inside the car.
00:09:33You tricked me?
00:09:34Jeffrey realized he had been tricked.
00:09:36But instead of getting mad, he laughed.
00:09:39The man in the car, Wesley Spencer, saw me for the first time.
00:09:44I'll be leaving now.
00:09:45Until next time.
00:09:45Wesley said goodbye to Jeffrey and left.
00:09:54I never got a clear look at that man's face.
00:09:57That day, my grandma Bertha was discharged from the hospital.
00:10:03The whole family gathered together.
00:10:06My cousin, Javier, gave Bertha a painting.
00:10:15I leaned in to take a closer look.
00:10:19What do you know about art?
00:10:21You're just pretending.
00:10:23Elena, it's okay if you don't understand.
00:10:25No one will laugh at you.
00:10:27Elise was my parents' adopted daughter.
00:10:30She sounded like she was defending me, but her words were dripping with sarcasm.
00:10:38This painting is a forgery.
00:10:43Peyton's authentic works have a lotus pattern in the lower left corner.
00:10:46When exposed to fire, it appears.
00:10:50What makes you so sure?
00:10:55My daughter wouldn't speak carelessly.
00:10:58Just give it a try.
00:10:59If any damage occurs, I'll take full responsibility.
00:11:03No way!
00:11:04I went through so much trouble to find this painting.
00:11:07There's no way I'm letting you burn it!
00:11:09The authentic piece is at the Spencer family's home.
00:11:12Borrow it and compare.
00:11:14Then you'll know.
00:11:16She's just trying to save face, isn't she?
00:11:19Elise thought I would lose.
00:11:20She was wrong.
00:11:23Wesley, can we borrow that painting from your collection?
00:11:26Let Elena come and get it herself.
00:11:28Jeffrey called Wesley to borrow the painting.
00:11:30But Wesley made a condition.
00:11:32He wanted me to come get it myself.
00:11:34I went to the Spencer's estate.
00:11:43For the first time, I saw Wesley Spencer.
00:11:46Chiseled features, deep eyes, an undeniable commanding presence.
00:11:50Do you know L?
00:11:53Who is L?
00:11:54He suddenly asked if I knew L.
00:11:56I didn't change my expression.
00:11:57But I knew he was testing me.
00:12:00Why would Wesley suspect me?
00:12:04What connection between me and L had he discovered?
00:12:09The painting is on the first floor.
00:12:11You may leave now.
00:12:15I didn't ask any more questions.
00:12:18I took the painting and left.
00:12:29But I knew this was only the beginning.
00:12:40He would keep testing me.
00:12:42I brought back the authentic painting from the Spencer family.
00:12:47The two paintings were displayed side by side.
00:12:55The flame approached.
00:12:57A beautiful lotus pattern appeared on the authentic piece.
00:13:02Everyone stared in shock at the lotus pattern appearing on the painting.
00:13:08Pavier's face darkened.
00:13:10There really is a lotus pattern.
00:13:12How could the painting I found be a fake?
00:13:16You dared to fool me with a forgery?
00:13:20Bertha tore up the forgery and shouted at Javier.
00:13:24Javier's face was darkened.
00:13:25His eyes were fixed on me with malice.
00:13:29This is my fault, but I didn't mean to.
00:13:31Javier gave me a vicious glare.
00:13:34Elena!
00:13:35You're not even a Harper!
00:13:37You're not part of the Harper family yet!
00:13:39You!
00:13:39Javier wanted to say more, but Alexander cut him off.
00:13:46Who says she's not a Harper?
00:13:50In three days, I will hold a banquet to officially welcome Elena back.
00:13:55From now on, she will be Elena Harper.
00:14:08The day of the banquet arrived.
00:14:10I walked into the banquet hall in a white dress.
00:14:21Everyone's eyes were on me.
00:14:23I knew, from that day on, I was Elena Harper.
00:14:31Ladies and gentlemen, I have transferred 5% of Harper Group shares to Elena.
00:14:48Alexander is truly generous to this daughter.
00:14:52Ilysa stood in the corner, her nails digging into her palms.
00:14:58She couldn't understand why the shares went to me, an outsider who just came back, when the Harper family had
00:15:04raised her for over 20 years.
00:15:14Debbie had just raised her glass when a girl accidentally walked by and bumped into her arm.
00:15:21The wine splashed all over Debbie's own face.
00:15:24Her makeup was a mess.
00:15:26She looked utterly ridiculous.
00:15:37That girl looked back at me, nodded slightly, and then disappeared into the crowd.
00:15:42Only later did I learn her name.
00:15:45Kira Johnson, the youngest daughter of the Johnson family.
00:15:49A girl who couldn't speak nor hear.
00:15:54In the crowd, my eyes met the eyes of a man on the second floor.
00:15:58It was Wesley.
00:16:00He was watching me too.
00:16:06At the peak of the banquet, Wesley made an unexpected appearance.
00:16:11Isn't that Wesley?
00:16:13He never comes to these events.
00:16:14What is he doing here?
00:16:22This man, who never attended social events, walked straight towards me.
00:16:33He handed me a velvet box.
00:16:36I opened it.
00:16:37Inside was an extremely rare pigeon blood ruby.
00:16:40A one-of-a-kind piece from the Spencer family's mine.
00:16:43Someone had offered billions for it, but he never sold it.
00:16:49Oh my god, is that the legendary pigeon blood ruby?
00:16:53Wesley gave it away?
00:16:54Is he insane?
00:16:55Elise was mad with jealousy.
00:17:01She deliberately went up to him and reached out to take his arm.
00:17:05Wesley, it's been so long.
00:17:14Wesley took off the jacket that Ellis had touched and threw it away.
00:17:20Elise was humiliated.
00:17:26She ran away crying.
00:17:28Alexander watched the scene lost in thought.
00:17:34After the banquet, Elise went to Bertha, crying.
00:17:38Grandma, Elena bullied me.
00:17:41She deliberately humiliated me in front of everyone.
00:17:44Alexander gave 5% of the shares to Elena, but Elise got nothing.
00:17:48Is that fair?
00:17:49My aunt, Samira, took the chance to stir up trouble.
00:17:58Bertha was so angry that she had a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital.
00:18:04Alexander, I'm just saying, why not let Vince be the CEO?
00:18:09Vince was Samira's husband.
00:18:12Alexander looked coldly at Samira.
00:18:14He finally saw these people for who they really were.
00:18:18You'd better pray my mother is okay.
00:18:20If anything happens to her, I will hold you responsible.
00:18:25I was just...
00:18:26Samira's face turned ashen.
00:18:29She couldn't say a word.
00:18:31For the first time, she was truly afraid.
00:18:35The patient's blood worths have rupturedly.
00:18:37Her life is in danger.
00:18:39Unless the legendary Dr. Healer appears, there's nothing we can do.
00:18:42What do you mean nothing you can do?
00:18:44Aren't you doctors?
00:18:47Grandma is going to be okay, right?
00:18:52Everyone had given up hope.
00:18:55I stepped forward.
00:18:59I can save her.
00:19:01You?
00:19:02Don't be ridiculous.
00:19:05What do you know about medicine?
00:19:07Exactly.
00:19:08Don't make things worse.
00:19:10Miss, this is no joke.
00:19:15Elena, are you sure you can do this?
00:19:18Father, there's no other choice.
00:19:21Let me try.
00:19:24Let her try.
00:19:25If my mother doesn't wake up, I will resign as CEO.
00:19:32Alexander chose to believe in me.
00:19:37I took out the silver needles.
00:19:39The vice hospital director, Phil Benton, immediately recognized them.
00:19:43This is Healer's Silver Needles.
00:19:46You are Healer's Apprentice.
00:20:0020 minutes later, Bertha coughed up the pooled blood and was out of danger.
00:20:11Grandma is awake!
00:20:14The whole room fell silent.
00:20:17These silver needles are Healer's trademark.
00:20:20You are Healer's Apprentice.
00:20:22My heart skipped a bait.
00:20:24My mentor only took me in six years ago, but Healer had died ten years ago.
00:20:28They were not the same person.
00:20:30I don't know anything about any Healer.
00:20:33Impossible!
00:20:33These silver needles belong only to Healer.
00:20:36I denied it firmly.
00:20:38No one believed me, but no one asked further.
00:20:46Elena, thank you for saving me.
00:20:49After Bertha woke up, her attitude toward me became noticeably warmer.
00:20:54Ellie stood at the hospital room door, watching this scene, grinding her teeth with hatred.
00:21:00Why does she get all the attention every time?
00:21:02After Bertha's condition stabilized, Alexander and Jolie reviewed the whole incident.
00:21:13It was Elise who went crying to Bertha, and Samira who stirred up trouble.
00:21:20That's what caused Bertha's heart attack.
00:21:28I raised you for over 20 years, but you nearly caused Bertha's death just for some shares.
00:21:35This time, I will not forgive you.
00:21:42Jolie, I didn't mean to.
00:21:46I was just so upset.
00:21:49Elise kept crying to Jolie, trying to win her forgiveness.
00:21:55Pack your things.
00:21:57Move out.
00:21:58You stay away from my mother.
00:22:02Elise was kicked out of Alexander's house and moved next door to Vince's.
00:22:14As she passed me, she glared at me fiercely.
00:22:17Don't get too cocky.
00:22:20Soon, you'll be the one getting kicked out.
00:22:25I'll be waiting.
00:22:32Samira's face was ashen.
00:22:33She had just been put in her place in front of Bertha, and now Elise was kicked out too.
00:22:42That day, Bertha called everyone together and made a big announcement.
00:22:49I want to give the jewelry company Leopard X to Elena.
00:22:55Grandma, I studied jewelry design.
00:22:58Why should she get it?
00:22:59Exactly.
00:23:01Elise is a professional.
00:23:03Elena didn't even go to college, did she?
00:23:07When Elise and Samira heard this, they immediately became anxious.
00:23:11I earned my Ph.D. from Imperial University when I was 23.
00:23:17What?
00:23:21They hadn't expected that not only had I gone to college, but I had also earned a doctorate.
00:23:27Fair competition.
00:23:29Whoever secures the Spencer Group's partnership gets Leopard X.
00:23:35Elise smirked.
00:23:36She thought she had the upper hand.
00:23:41Fine.
00:23:42I'll make Wesley give me the partnership.
00:23:44I knew very well.
00:23:45Wesley hated being pestered by women.
00:23:47Elise's so-called knowing him was nothing but wishful thinking.
00:23:51Elise, Anne, and I started at Leopard X on the same day.
00:23:55The person in charge, Paige, received us.
00:24:00Miss Elise Harper, here is your private office.
00:24:11You?
00:24:14Sit on that bench in the corner.
00:24:16She settled Elise into a private office, then pointed to the bench in the corner that everyone looked down on.
00:24:24Why don't I have an office?
00:24:27Paige couldn't help but snigger.
00:24:30What do you have to compete with, Elise?
00:24:33She's a daughter of the Harper family.
00:24:39I am also a daughter of the Harper family.
00:24:46You?
00:24:50Just then, Monica walked in from outside.
00:24:54The moment she saw me, she hurried over.
00:24:59Darling, what are you doing here?
00:25:06Mrs. Hayes?
00:25:07Seeing how familiar Monica was with me, Paige was stunned.
00:25:15Elise's expression shifted slightly.
00:25:18She couldn't understand how Monica knew me.
00:25:21No one knew that Monica was 10th place in the International Jewelry Design Competition, seven years ago.
00:25:28And first place was Helena, that is, me.
00:25:33Monica had always admired me.
00:25:35Over the years, she had carefully maintained this friendship.
00:25:39Give this office to Elena, the one across from mine.
00:25:42But that was reserved for Miss Elise Harper.
00:25:45Elise can take a regular desk.
00:25:49Is there a problem?
00:25:53No, she gave me the private office that was originally reserved for Elise, the one across from hers.
00:25:59Bigger, with a better view.
00:26:02Why?
00:26:04Because I'm in charge here.
00:26:06Is that reason enough?
00:26:10Elise watched all this through gritted teeth.
00:26:13Her hatred deepening.
00:26:14This office, once I secure the contract, I'll take it back sooner or later.
00:26:20And when I do, you'd better get the hell out.
00:26:27In response to her harsh words, I just smiled faintly.
00:26:31She finally realized, Elena was not someone she could easily tremble.
00:26:39Design department manager Ruby Lopez couldn't stand me.
00:26:43She caused trouble for me at every turn.
00:26:50Move!
00:26:51You're blocking the elevator!
00:26:54You were the last one in.
00:26:56The elevator is overloaded.
00:26:58You should be the one to get off.
00:27:02You!
00:27:07I knew she was deliberately trying to make things difficult for me.
00:27:11But I wasn't going to give in.
00:27:14I heard you got in through connections.
00:27:16No wonder you don't know anything.
00:27:19How many years has Leopard X gone without a hit piece?
00:27:21If I start designing, you'll be completely outdone by me.
00:27:24If you can design a hit piece, I'll resign.
00:27:27If you lose, you'll apologize publicly and leave the company.
00:27:31Remember what you said.
00:27:34Ruby dismissed me with contempt.
00:27:37She was convinced that a woman who got in through connections had no design talent.
00:27:41She didn't know that the person she was facing was Helena herself.
00:27:46To take over the company, I needed to secure the Spencer Group partnership.
00:27:50But Wesley's whereabouts were a mystery.
00:27:56I had to call Jeffrey to ask for Wesley's address.
00:28:01What do you need him for?
00:28:03Work-related.
00:28:04Granma is having Elise and me compete for Leopard X.
00:28:08Whoever secures Spencer Group's partnership wins.
00:28:15Imperial Club.
00:28:16Just use my name.
00:28:23I arrived at Imperial Club.
00:28:27As soon as I entered the lobby, I saw that Elise had already gotten there ahead of me.
00:28:32I'm Jeffrey Harper's family.
00:28:34Of course, Miss Harper.
00:28:35This way, please.
00:28:36She claimed to be Jeffrey's family and got in effortlessly.
00:28:39Hey, gorgeous.
00:28:40Here alone?
00:28:41Call me honey and I'll take you inside.
00:28:44This place isn't for just anyone.
00:28:47Unfazed.
00:28:47I walked to the front desk and slowly pulled out a black card from my bag.
00:28:53The receptionist took the black card and examined it carefully.
00:28:57Her face changed dramatically.
00:28:59You're a black card holder?
00:29:01Please, come with me.
00:29:02I'll show you the way.
00:29:03This was one of only a few black cards in the world at Imperial Club.
00:29:08In Clyte, only Wesley had one.
00:29:11Be black card?
00:29:12No way.
00:29:13Did I just say something stupid?
00:29:15You don't think she'll hold a grudge, do you?
00:29:18The rich guys who had mocked me shut up instantly.
00:29:21The one who said, call me honey and I'll take you inside, turned pale.
00:29:25I went up to the top floor billiards room.
00:29:28Wesley was lazily smoking a cigarette, his long legs casually crossed, radiating a do-not-approach aura.
00:29:37Wesley, this is Leopard X's proposal.
00:29:40We're willing to give up all profits, just to have a counter in the duty-free zone.
00:29:44Ellie's confidently handed over the proposal, believing she had offered an irresistible deal.
00:29:49But Wesley didn't even glance at her.
00:29:52His eyes were fixed on me.
00:30:00I picked up a cue stick and walked toward Wesley.
00:30:03Let's play a game.
00:30:05The loser grants the winner one request.
00:30:07Fine.
00:30:08Wesley put out his cigarette and stood up.
00:30:11Ellie smirked to herself.
00:30:13She probably thought I was asking for humiliation.
00:30:16Wesley has never lost.
00:30:17She's digging her own grave.
00:30:19If you lose, I want to see Elle.
00:30:23My heart tightened.
00:30:24He was still suspicious of me.
00:30:26He had never given up on finding Elle's true identity.
00:30:30If I win, Spencer Group gives the duty-free counter to Leopard X.
00:30:36Deal.
00:30:39You break.
00:30:49I lean down, aimed, and struck.
00:30:55The balls scattered.
00:30:58Four dropped into pockets.
00:31:01Four on the break?
00:31:03How is that possible?
00:31:08Who is she?
00:31:11The whole room gasped.
00:31:13Ellie's smile frozen on her face.
00:31:18I calculated every angle with precision.
00:31:21The balls dropped into the pockets one by one.
00:31:25She sunk another one.
00:31:27That's five.
00:31:28Wesley hasn't even had a turn.
00:31:30I've never seen anyone dominate Wesley like this.
00:31:33Elise's hands were clenched white.
00:31:35She had expected Wesley to crush me.
00:31:39But now the tables had completely turned.
00:31:42The last ball dropped.
00:31:44Wesley never got a chance to play.
00:31:46He lost.
00:31:49I win.
00:31:51Yeah.
00:31:52He said only one word, flatly.
00:31:54But I could see something different in his eyes.
00:31:56Not anger, but appreciation.
00:31:58I'll bring the formal proposal tomorrow to sign the contract.
00:32:02Elise's face looked terrible.
00:32:03That give up all profits proposal she had just presented was now a complete joke.
00:32:09What made her even more miserable was that Wesley had never once looked at her properly.
00:32:14Early the next morning, before the sun was fully up,
00:32:17Elise took her employee Christy and rushed to Spencer Group.
00:32:26I'm here to sign the contract.
00:32:28Where is Wesley?
00:32:30Wesley's assistant, Felix, received her.
00:32:34Please follow me.
00:32:35Mr. Spencer is waiting in his office.
00:32:42Felix brought them into the office.
00:32:46Elise thought victory was in her grasp.
00:32:50Wesley, I'm here to sign the contract.
00:32:53Here are Leopard X's official documents.
00:32:58Who told you to come?
00:33:01I isn't...
00:33:01Isn't it about signing the contract?
00:33:03Didn't we agree yesterday?
00:33:05I'm waiting for Elena.
00:33:08Not you.
00:33:10Get out.
00:33:12Whether it's me or Elena,
00:33:14we both represent Leopard X.
00:33:16It's the same whoever you sign with.
00:33:25Felix, show them out.
00:33:32Elise was kicked out, completely humiliated.
00:33:35I signed the contract and returned to Leopard X.
00:33:38As I pushed open the office door,
00:33:40I saw Ruby heaving by her workstation.
00:33:45Arms crossed, wearing an expression that said she was waiting to see me fail.
00:33:50You didn't get the contract, did you?
00:33:52I knew it.
00:33:54What could a woman like you,
00:33:56who only got in through connections,
00:33:57possibly accomplish?
00:34:03What do you think this is?
00:34:05Unfazed, I opened my phone and showed Ruby a photo.
00:34:09How do you have this photo?
00:34:11The photo showed Ruby with a middle-aged man.
00:34:14Her sugar daddy.
00:34:19A married man who owned a glass flanctory.
00:34:24Give me that phone!
00:34:27Ruby turned pale and lunged to grab my phone.
00:34:29I sidestepped, and she missed.
00:34:33Just then, the man's wife burst in.
00:34:36You homewrecker!
00:34:38How dare you seduce my husband!
00:34:40I'm gonna tear that face of yours apart!
00:34:42No!
00:34:43No!
00:34:44No!
00:34:44No!
00:34:45No!
00:34:46No!
00:34:46No!
00:34:47No!
00:34:47No!
00:34:48No!
00:34:48No!
00:34:48No!
00:34:48No!
00:34:49No!
00:34:49No!
00:34:49No!
00:34:49No!
00:34:51The wife from the photo burst into the office,
00:34:53fist, and publicly beat Ruby.
00:34:55The whole office was in chaos.
00:34:57I watched it all calmly.
00:34:59If you come after me, be prepared to face the consequences.
00:35:02The day of the jewelry exhibition,
00:35:05the entire hall was brightly lit.
00:35:07Klath's elite and dignitaries gathered together.
00:35:11Klath's elite and dignitaries gathered together.
00:35:14My bracelet design debuted as the finale piece.
00:35:18The moment it appeared, it stunned the entire audience.
00:35:22Oh my god, who designed this?
00:35:24It's gorgeous!
00:35:25Leopard X making a comeback this year.
00:35:26This design is incredible.
00:35:28I've never seen such an inspired piece.
00:35:32My piece was undoubtedly the center piece.
00:35:35Everyone was asking who the designer was.
00:35:40At the celebration banquet,
00:35:43just as everyone raised their glasses,
00:35:45Elise suddenly walked onto the stage crying.
00:35:52My design sketches are missing.
00:35:54The piece Alina showed is exactly the same as the one I lost.
00:35:58She stole my design!
00:36:00The whole room was in an uproar.
00:36:03Whispered accusations flooded in like a tidal wave,
00:36:07of all pointing at me.
00:36:11Elena, admit your mistake.
00:36:14Don't make this ugly for everyone.
00:36:20I stood on the stage,
00:36:24watching their annex without any expression.
00:36:32You say this is your design?
00:36:35Yes!
00:36:36It's mine!
00:36:38It's mine!
00:36:38You stole my sketches!
00:36:41Then tell me, which section is the hidden clasp on?
00:36:53Section 2.
00:36:56Are you sure?
00:36:58At my question,
00:37:00Elise was clearly panicking.
00:37:05Section 3!
00:37:06It's section 3!
00:37:08I was just too nervous and said it wrong!
00:37:10I raised the bracelet and showed it to everyone.
00:37:13Under the lights,
00:37:14every detail of the bracelet was clearly visible.
00:37:18This design has no hidden clasp at all.
00:37:21Would a real designer not know whether their own work has one?
00:37:27She's right!
00:37:28There's no hidden clasp on the bracelet at all!
00:37:30I just looked!
00:37:31Carefully!
00:37:33Then, what's this about Ely losing her sketches?
00:37:36Is she trying to frame Elena?
00:37:39Ellisee's face turned pale.
00:37:41She couldn't utter a single word.
00:37:43Tears still hung on her face,
00:37:45but no one felt sorry for her anymore.
00:37:50Elena is the real daughter of the Harper family!
00:37:52Didn't any of you know?
00:37:53In the heat of the argument,
00:37:54Monica blurted it out.
00:37:56The whole room fell into dead silence.
00:37:58What?
00:37:59Elena is the real daughter of the Harper family?
00:38:01Then what about Ellis?
00:38:03She's always been saying she's a daughter of the Harper family.
00:38:06I've never heard Elena mention it,
00:38:08but Elyse tells everyone she's a Harper.
00:38:13All the colleagues had thought Elyse was the real Harper daughter,
00:38:16and I was just a connection higher.
00:38:18Now the truth came out.
00:38:21Alice was only an adopted daughter.
00:38:23Even more awkward was that Elyse had always hinted
00:38:26that she was the Harper family's daughter,
00:38:27and had never corrected anyone's misunderstanding.
00:38:31Please, stop.
00:38:34Elyse bit her lip and ran out of the banquet crying.
00:38:37Samira's face was livid.
00:38:39The next day, news exploded everywhere.
00:38:43Leopard Tech's rising designer Elena Harpens
00:38:45suspected of plagiaring Elena Walsh's classic work.
00:38:49Side-by-side comparison images showed that my bracelet
00:38:52looked strikingly similar to Elena's iconic piece.
00:38:54The angles, lines, even the curves of the details matched.
00:39:10The comments were all insults.
00:39:12My name became the target of an online backlash overnight.
00:39:17Let's see how you get out of this one.
00:39:20Once the plagiar of accusation sticks,
00:39:22you'll never work in the jewelry industry again.
00:39:26Samira was gloating.
00:39:34Just then, two vice presidents of the Jewelry Design Association
00:39:38arrived in person.
00:39:43You're here to hold Elena accountable, right?
00:39:47This has nothing to do with Leopard X.
00:39:50She's already been fired.
00:39:51If you want to blame someone, blame her alone.
00:39:58Firing Elena?
00:39:59Is Leopard X serious?
00:40:04Elena?
00:40:06What are you talking about?
00:40:11Ms. Walsh,
00:40:13the president position of the Design Association
00:40:16has been vacant for years,
00:40:17reserved only for you.
00:40:20When would it be convenient for you to take office?
00:40:24I'll consider it.
00:40:28Samira was completely stunned.
00:40:30Never had she expected that the country girl
00:40:32she had always looked down on
00:40:34was actually the world's top jewelry designer,
00:40:37Helena Walsh herself.
00:40:40Oh my God!
00:40:41Elena is Helena?
00:40:43That mysterious genius designer?
00:40:46We were gossiping behind her back
00:40:48about how she got in through connections?
00:40:50This is so embarrassing!
00:40:52The news spread.
00:40:54Within hours,
00:40:55the entire internet reversed its stance.
00:40:58Everyone who had called me a plagiarist
00:41:00was now apologizing.
00:41:03Elise saw the news
00:41:04and smashed the glass in her hand.
00:41:09Her face was even paler than the paper.
00:41:13Helena?
00:41:14How could she possibly be Helena?
00:41:17I didn't pay attention to the online news.
00:41:19At that moment,
00:41:20I was on my way to the Johnson family's home.
00:41:26The girl who had helped me
00:41:27at the recognition banquet
00:41:29was waiting for me.
00:41:31A week ago,
00:41:32her brother Malcolm had come to me
00:41:34after hearing that I had saved Bertha.
00:41:36He begged me to save his sister.
00:41:39Today was the follow-up visit.
00:41:41On my way to the Johnson's house,
00:41:43Kira suddenly rushed out and bumped into me.
00:41:46Oh!
00:41:47She was covered in bruises and wounds,
00:41:50frantically signing with her hands
00:41:52hiding behind me.
00:41:55Kira signed.
00:42:00Help me.
00:42:02They want to take my kidney.
00:42:04Kira!
00:42:04Get back here!
00:42:06Rory is still waiting for your kidney!
00:42:08Don't you run away!
00:42:13She's not going with you.
00:42:17Who do you think you are?
00:42:19Mind your own business!
00:42:21This is a family matter!
00:42:23I stepped in front of Kira,
00:42:25protecting her.
00:42:27The girl had helped me
00:42:28at the recognition banquet.
00:42:30This time,
00:42:31it was my turn to help her.
00:42:35While Ethel wasn't looking,
00:42:37I secretly texted Malcolm.
00:42:44I'm her aunt!
00:42:45It's only right that I take her home!
00:42:47Stay out of this, outsider!
00:42:52I'm her aunt!
00:42:53Malcolm arrived quickly.
00:43:07We went to Ethel's house
00:43:08and found the hidden doctor.
00:43:13I was just doing a routine examination.
00:43:18A routine examination?
00:43:20Then tell me,
00:43:21which kidney were you planning
00:43:22to take from Kira?
00:43:25Ethel, have you lost your mind?
00:43:28Kira is my sister!
00:43:31How dare you!
00:43:36I...
00:43:37I raised her for so many years.
00:43:39What's wrong with her giving Rory
00:43:41one kidney?
00:43:42Isn't that only fair?
00:43:43Rory was Kira's cousin,
00:43:45suffering from severe kidney disease.
00:43:48Kira curled up next to me
00:43:50like a wounded puppy,
00:43:51trembling all over.
00:43:53She held my hand tightly,
00:43:55her nails almost digging into my skin.
00:43:59Malcolm called the police on the spot
00:44:01and cut off Ethel's financial support.
00:44:04Ethel's scheme was completely exposed.
00:44:08Kira was taken to the Johnson family home.
00:44:10Malcolm personally took care of her,
00:44:12but the trauma in her heart
00:44:13hurt much worse than those physical ones.
00:44:15Tests showed that Kira's hearing
00:44:16and vocal organs were intact.
00:44:18Her inability to speak or hear
00:44:20was completely psychological,
00:44:21trauma caused by years of abuse and fear.
00:44:23Can she be cured?
00:44:25Yes.
00:44:25But it will take time.
00:44:27I'll prescribe medication for her.
00:44:30We should see improvement in a month.
00:44:33Okay.
00:44:34I'll have someone prepare the medicine immediately.
00:44:36Malcolm was skeptical,
00:44:38but willing to try.
00:44:39I didn't mention payment.
00:44:41The Cinnabar material the Johnsons had given me before
00:44:43was already more than enough.
00:44:46I have to go now.
00:44:47I'll come see you again next week.
00:44:49Kira held my hand and wouldn't let go.
00:44:51Her eyes were red,
00:44:53but she didn't cry.
00:44:54I said something softly,
00:44:55and her eyes lit up.
00:44:57Don't be afraid.
00:44:58No one will ever bully you again.
00:45:03To find Cinnabar for Wesley,
00:45:05I returned to Folklanks again
00:45:07to see the old collector,
00:45:09Patrick Marquez.
00:45:14Elena!
00:45:15Long time no see.
00:45:17Here, try my new coffee beans.
00:45:21Patrick was an old collector.
00:45:23If anyone had what I needed,
00:45:26it would be him.
00:45:29Patrick, I need Cinnabar.
00:45:30More than last time.
00:45:33Cinnabar isn't cheap.
00:45:34Why do you need so much?
00:45:36I'm buying it for a friend.
00:45:38Price isn't an issue.
00:45:40As we were drinking coffee
00:45:42and discussing the deal,
00:45:43Cecily and Sylvia suddenly barged in.
00:45:46Patrick, don't let her fool you.
00:45:48She doesn't even acknowledge her foster parents.
00:45:50She's got a black heart.
00:45:53What do you mean?
00:45:54Patrick hated ungrateful people
00:45:55more than anything.
00:45:56Cecily knew this
00:45:57and started exaggerating the story.
00:45:58We worked so hard to raise her,
00:45:59gave her the best of everything,
00:46:01and how does she repays us?
00:46:02The moment she found a richer family,
00:46:04she turned her back on us.
00:46:05Now she won't even acknowledge us.
00:46:07Patrick's expression
00:46:08grew colder by the minute.
00:46:11I watched Cecily's performance in silence.
00:46:14Patrick, you have no idea.
00:46:16She's living the high life now
00:46:17in some grand manor,
00:46:18driving luxury cars.
00:46:20And us, we can barely afford to eat.
00:46:23Mom, stop.
00:46:24Aline has found her place
00:46:25among the rich now.
00:46:26Of course she doesn't remember
00:46:27how good we were to her.
00:46:29Elena,
00:46:30I always thought you were a good kid.
00:46:32I didn't expect you
00:46:33to be this kind of person.
00:46:36I'm not selling you the Cinnabar.
00:46:39Take your things and get out.
00:46:41Patrick refused to sell me
00:46:42the Cinnabar on the spot
00:46:43and threw the scented candles
00:46:44I had brought out the door.
00:46:46Get out.
00:46:47Don't let me see you again.
00:46:59I picked up the candles
00:47:01and placed them back on the table.
00:47:06I don't take back gifts
00:47:07once they've been given.
00:47:09With that, I turned and left.
00:47:11The Cinnabar deal fell through.
00:47:14For the first time,
00:47:15I couldn't keep a promise
00:47:17I had made to Wesley.
00:47:25Now you know who's in charge,
00:47:27don't you, Elena?
00:47:29After failing to get the Cinnabar,
00:47:31I didn't go straight back to Clayth.
00:47:33Instead, I detoured to the old town
00:47:36where Sheila lived.
00:47:38Sheila, my foster grandmother,
00:47:40was the only person
00:47:41in the Reed family
00:47:42who was good to me.
00:47:43When Cecily wouldn't let me eat
00:47:44as a child,
00:47:46Sheila secretly gave me money.
00:47:47When Benjamin wanted to kick me out,
00:47:49she was the one who spoke up for me.
00:47:51But today,
00:47:52Sheila's room was empty.
00:47:53Elena?
00:47:56You're here for Sheila?
00:47:58Cecily took her away
00:47:59a few days ago.
00:48:01Said she was taking her
00:48:02to a big mansion
00:48:03to enjoy the good life.
00:48:11Alarm bells went off in my head.
00:48:14Cecily and Sheila
00:48:14had never gotten along.
00:48:16Her suddenly taking Sheila away
00:48:17meant nothing good.
00:48:19I called Zisily.
00:48:24Oh, missing your grandmother already?
00:48:26Want to see her?
00:48:28Fine.
00:48:29Give me 50 million.
00:48:32Sylvia and Darren's wedding
00:48:34needs money.
00:48:35As her sister,
00:48:36shouldn't you contribute?
00:48:38Where is Sheila?
00:48:39That's none of your business.
00:48:41Wire the money,
00:48:42or you'll never see her again.
00:48:44I hung up coldly.
00:48:49That afternoon,
00:48:51Reed Group's five core partners
00:48:52all received the same email.
00:48:54Terminate cooperation with Reed Group.
00:49:02The Reed Group's crisis exploded overnight.
00:49:06Raw material supplies were cut off,
00:49:08projects halted,
00:49:09workers collectively demanded
00:49:10unpaid wages.
00:49:12Benjamin was in over his head.
00:49:14Osiris,
00:49:14we've been partners for so many years.
00:49:17How can you just terminate
00:49:18our agreement like this?
00:49:19You've offended someone
00:49:20you shouldn't have.
00:49:21Who?
00:49:21Who did I offend?
00:49:24You know perfectly well.
00:49:25Goodbye.
00:49:26Benjamin finally realized,
00:49:28these partners' loyalty to me
00:49:29far exceeded any they had for him.
00:49:31For 10 years,
00:49:32those contracts had never been signed.
00:49:34Because of his skills.
00:49:36But me.
00:49:37Even worse,
00:49:38news of Darren calling off the engagement
00:49:39spread throughout Foykland.
00:49:41The Reed family became
00:49:42a complete laughing stock.
00:49:43How did this happen?
00:49:45How did this happen?
00:49:46Cecily was finally starting to get scared.
00:49:49But she didn't know.
00:49:50This was only the beginning.
00:49:52I returned to Cloth empty-handed
00:49:56and confessed to Wesley
00:49:57that I hadn't gotten the Cinnabar.
00:49:59Why?
00:50:00There was a complication.
00:50:02Someone sabotaged the deal.
00:50:04But I won't give up.
00:50:05I'll find another way.
00:50:06I thought Wesley would be angry.
00:50:09After all,
00:50:09I knew how much effort
00:50:10he had put in purchasing Cinnabar.
00:50:13There were a few seconds of silence
00:50:14on the other end of the line.
00:50:18It's fine.
00:50:19I'll wait for you.
00:50:20I was stunned.
00:50:22This man had always been testing me,
00:50:24using me.
00:50:24But every time I ran into trouble,
00:50:26he was there.
00:50:28I'll find another way.
00:50:30Give me a few days.
00:50:33Okay.
00:50:34Wesley hung up
00:50:34and said something to Felix.
00:50:36Look into what the Reed family
00:50:38has been up to lately.
00:50:39Yes, Mr. Spencer.
00:50:41I didn't know it yet,
00:50:42but he was already preparing to act.
00:50:44A week later,
00:50:46I returned to the Johnson's home
00:50:47to check on Kira again.
00:50:49Kira's treatment
00:50:50had made remarkable progress.
00:50:52She was starting to hear sounds.
00:50:55Knock, knock, knock.
00:50:57Kira's head snapped around,
00:50:58her eyes wide,
00:51:00staring my hand.
00:51:01She had heard it.
00:51:02She heard it?
00:51:03She actually heard it?
00:51:04Yes.
00:51:05Next,
00:51:06she needs to learn to speak,
00:51:08like a baby,
00:51:09starting from scratch.
00:51:12Elena, thank you.
00:51:13Thank you for healing my daughter.
00:51:16Mr. Johnson,
00:51:17I still need some Cinnabar.
00:51:18I'd like to buy some.
00:51:19Cinnabar is not for sale,
00:51:21but you saved Kira.
00:51:22I'm giving it to you.
00:51:23Just tell me how much you need.
00:51:25I hadn't expected to get the Cinnabar so easily,
00:51:27but I later came to understand.
00:51:29What Wesley wanted was never just Cinnabar.
00:51:31After getting the Cinnabar,
00:51:33I went to Spencer Group to deliver it.
00:51:35After signing the documents,
00:51:36I went to the restroom.
00:51:38As soon as I walked in,
00:51:39I heard voices from the stalls.
00:51:41Did you hear?
00:51:42Wesley's fiancé is coming back!
00:51:44Really?
00:51:45That Miss Kathy Garrett?
00:51:46That's the one.
00:51:47I heard she's been abroad.
00:51:48This time she's coming back.
00:51:49All those women who tried to seduce Wesley before,
00:51:52she took care of every single one of them.
00:51:54What about Elena?
00:51:55She's with Wesley every day.
00:51:56Shh!
00:51:56Keep your voice down.
00:51:57I think she's in the building today.
00:51:58I washed my hands,
00:52:01dried them,
00:52:02and left without changing my expression.
00:52:05The moment the door closed,
00:52:07I heard gasps behind me.
00:52:10Was that Elena just now?
00:52:12We're doomed!
00:52:14She definitely hurt us!
00:52:16Kathy Garnett,
00:52:17Wesley's fiancé.
00:52:20Wesley had never mentioned her to me.
00:52:23But what did that have to do with me?
00:52:25I came out of the restroom
00:52:27and turned the corner
00:52:28when a man almost bumped into me.
00:52:31Whoa there, beautiful!
00:52:32Theo Spencer,
00:52:34Wesley's half-brother.
00:52:35His whole demeanor reeked of frivolity.
00:52:38I haven't seen you around before.
00:52:40Are you new here?
00:52:41Let's exchange numbers.
00:52:43Move.
00:52:44Don't be so cold.
00:52:45You're from Leopard X?
00:52:47I have authority over Spencer Group's projects too, you know.
00:52:50I said,
00:52:51Move.
00:52:52Theo blocked my way,
00:52:53wearing a flirtatish and smirk.
00:52:55I couldn't be bothered to waste words on him.
00:52:57I walked straight around him.
00:52:59I looked up
00:53:00and saw someone standing at the end of the hallway.
00:53:02It was Wesley.
00:53:04He was watching us,
00:53:05his eyes dark.
00:53:06Felix stood behind Wesley
00:53:08and quietly stepped back.
00:53:10His boss's gaze was terrifying.
00:53:13Wesley?
00:53:15Wesley ignored him.
00:53:17His eyes stayed fixed on me.
00:53:19I kept walking.
00:53:21As I passed Wesley,
00:53:23I noticed he was leaning against the wall,
00:53:25his face pale.
00:53:31You don't look well.
00:53:32I smelled alcohol on him.
00:53:34He had just been drinking.
00:53:36His stomach condition wasn't healed yet
00:53:38and he was already drinking again.
00:53:40Did he have a death wish?
00:53:42You have a stomach condition
00:53:43and you're still drinking?
00:53:44Do you want yourself killed?
00:53:46I'm fine.
00:53:47He said he was fine,
00:53:49but there was sweat on his forehead.
00:53:51I sighed
00:53:52and pressed my hand against his abdomen.
00:53:58What are you doing?
00:54:00Relieving your pain.
00:54:02Don't move.
00:54:03I massaged his abdomen precisely.
00:54:07His breathing gradually stead-eyed.
00:54:12His deep eyes never left my face.
00:54:19Why are you helping me?
00:54:21You helped me before.
00:54:22Just repaying the favor.
00:54:24Wesley's eyes dimmed.
00:54:28He didn't speak,
00:54:29but I could tell he wasn't satisfied with that answer.
00:54:32My hand continued massaging his abdomen.
00:54:35Casually,
00:54:36my eyes fell on the ring on his finger.
00:54:37My heart skipped a beat.
00:54:39That ring,
00:54:40it was identical to the one my mentor left behind.
00:54:42The pattern,
00:54:43the material,
00:54:44the patia,
00:54:45every detail matched.
00:54:46I suppressed the surge of emotion and asked,
00:54:49fending calm.
00:54:50Mr. Spencer,
00:54:51your ring is very unique.
00:54:53Where did it come from?
00:54:55It's a family heirloom.
00:54:57The symbol of the Spencer family head.
00:54:59A family heirloom.
00:55:00That meant this ring had been passed down
00:55:02through the Spencer family for generations.
00:55:04Then where did my mentor's ring come from?
00:55:07It's beautiful.
00:55:09You like it?
00:55:11I've just never seen this design before.
00:55:13Wesley didn't press further,
00:55:14but his eyes told me he didn't buy that.
00:55:17How are you feeling now?
00:55:18My palm continued massaging Wesley's stomach.
00:55:21Much better.
00:55:23If you really want to thank me,
00:55:25can you promise me one thing?
00:55:27Wesley's brow fronted slightly.
00:55:29Few people dared to make demands of him so openly.
00:55:32What is it?
00:55:33It's nothing too difficult.
00:55:35I just want to ask you a question.
00:55:39What question?
00:55:41Just as I was about to speak,
00:55:42Wesley's phone rang.
00:55:48He had to answer it.
00:55:50Okay, I know.
00:55:51Wait for me in the conference room.
00:55:52I'll be right there.
00:55:54Wesley hung up.
00:55:56I have something to take care of now.
00:55:58I'll answer your question when I'm done.
00:56:00I nodded.
00:56:02Work was important, after all.
00:56:04After Wesley's meeting,
00:56:06he opened a bottle of wine.
00:56:07Have a drink to celebrate.
00:56:09I took a sip, fruity and sweet,
00:56:11not like hard liquor.
00:56:12I had one glass, then another.
00:56:13When my vision started to blur,
00:56:15I realized this wine had a strong kick.
00:56:18Mr. Spencer, stop spinning.
00:56:22Before I could finish my sentence,
00:56:24I fell straight into his arms.
00:56:26Wesley looked down at my flushed cheeks.
00:56:29His Adam Apple bod.
00:56:31His breathing became headier.
00:56:33The phone suddenly rang.
00:56:34Jeffrey's voice came through.
00:56:37I'm coming to pick up Elena.
00:56:38Where is she?
00:56:40Come in.
00:56:41The door opened.
00:56:42Jeffrey walked in and saw me leaning on Wesley.
00:56:44His face turned ash.
00:56:46What did you do to her?
00:56:48Can't you see?
00:56:49She's the one leaning on me.
00:56:51Jeffrey helped me out with a dark expression.
00:56:53The car door closed,
00:56:55and we drove out of the parking lot.
00:56:57I opened my eyes.
00:56:59My gaze was clear.
00:57:00There was no trace of drunkenness.
00:57:03I smiled slightly.
00:57:04Faking it?
00:57:06Yes.
00:57:09You did that on purpose?
00:57:12He's been testing me all along.
00:57:14I needed to test him too.
00:57:15I wanted to know where this man's limits were with me.
00:57:18Don't play with fire.
00:57:20Wesley is not someone to be trifled with.
00:57:22I know.
00:57:23I could see that Wesley's interest in me was growing.
00:57:26His tests,
00:57:27his gaze,
00:57:27his breathing just now.
00:57:28They were all telling me one thing.
00:57:30He was falling for me.
00:57:33But I still didn't know how I should respond.
00:57:35A few days later,
00:57:36Jeffrey took me to a gathering at the Spencer family home.
00:57:39Gerald Spencer was there too.
00:57:41Wesley's sister Karen came up to me.
00:57:43Elena,
00:57:44do you dare to race me?
00:57:45The loser is never allowed to set foot in the Spencer house again.
00:57:48I knew she didn't like how close I was to Wesley.
00:57:52What if you lose?
00:57:53If I lose,
00:57:55I'll never bother you again.
00:57:57Gerald watched us bicker with interest.
00:58:00He didn't stop us.
00:58:02Fine.
00:58:03You pick the time and place.
00:58:05Tomorrow at 4pm,
00:58:06Thundertrack.
00:58:07Don't be late.
00:58:10Karen smirked and walked away.
00:58:12She was looking forward to watching me embarrass myself on the track.
00:58:16She didn't know that I had won the championship on that same track three years ago.
00:58:21Elena,
00:58:23aren't you afraid of losing?
00:58:25I won't lose.
00:58:26The next afternoon,
00:58:27Thundertrack.
00:58:28Karen brought me here.
00:58:29A group of rich kids gathered around to watch and plate bets.
00:58:32I'm betting on Karen.
00:58:345 million.
00:58:35Me too.
00:58:35She's the champion every year.
00:58:37Almost everyone was betting on Karen to win.
00:58:40Elise was there too,
00:58:42watching with a cold smirk.
00:58:45Elena,
00:58:46you're just asking for humiliation.
00:58:49Karen is the racing god of Clathe's elite circle.
00:58:54We'll see.
00:58:555 million.
00:58:56On Elena to win.
00:58:57Everyone fell silent.
00:58:58Everyone looked at Wesley.
00:59:00This man who never attended social events,
00:59:02had actually come to play the bet himself.
00:59:04Karen's face turned Asian.
00:59:05But under Wesley's icy gaze,
00:59:07she didn't dare cause trouble.
00:59:09The race began.
00:59:10In the first round of peace,
00:59:12I stayed in the middle,
00:59:13taking it easy.
00:59:14Karen advanced easily.
00:59:16In the final round,
00:59:17Karen and I faced off head to head.
00:59:20She slammed on the gas and left me behind.
00:59:27Karen thought smugly.
00:59:28She's not that impressive after all.
00:59:33Karen is going to win!
00:59:36I told you.
00:59:38How could Elena possibly beat Karen?
00:59:40The final lap.
00:59:46my car suddenly shot forward like an arrow.
00:59:50My earlier low profile,
00:59:52all of it was a disguise.
01:00:01I overtook at a bewildering angle on the curve.
01:00:05The tires screamed against the track.
01:00:12The silver shadow of my car crossed the finish line first,
01:00:16like a shooting star.
01:00:22Karen was still lost in her illusion of victory.
01:00:26The referee walked over and cleared his throat awkwardly.
01:00:31Miss Spencer, you were lapped.
01:00:34What?
01:00:38She was lapped left!
01:00:39How is that possible?
01:00:41Elena is the real, real racing expert.
01:00:44She was just acting before.
01:00:47I took off my gloves and got out of the car.
01:00:55The whole place was quiet.
01:00:58Everyone was still in shock from what they had just witnessed.
01:01:01Elise's face turned pale.
01:01:03She thought she'd see me humiliated,
01:01:06but Karen ended up losing spectacularly.
01:01:09How is this possible?
01:01:11How could she win?
01:01:16Impossible.
01:01:17This can't be.
01:01:21You lost.
01:01:23Don't forget to keep your promise.
01:01:27Karen gritted her teeth and nodded.
01:01:30I looked at her calmly,
01:01:32then turned and walked away.
01:01:36Behind me,
01:01:37Elise was trembling with rage.
01:01:40What made her even angrier was that Wesley had come in person,
01:01:44to bet on me.
01:01:48Why?
01:01:49Why does everyone take her side?
01:01:56I didn't know what Elise was thinking.
01:01:59I only knew that this victory was mine.
01:02:02After the race,
01:02:04the crowd slowly dispersed.
01:02:06Karen was helped away,
01:02:08her face full of resentment.
01:02:11Elise stood in the distance,
01:02:13staring at me intently.
01:02:15Like a baleful snake.
01:02:17At that moment,
01:02:18Wesley was walking toward me.
01:02:21The crowd parted automatically
01:02:23to make way for him.
01:02:28You won.
01:02:29You saw it.
01:02:30I knew you would win from the start.
01:02:32His tone was calm,
01:02:34as if he was just stating a fact.
01:02:36But I could hear something in it.
01:02:37Not surprise, but certainty.
01:02:39Wesley didn't say much more.
01:02:41He turned and left.
01:02:43Felix,
01:02:44following behind,
01:02:45whispered something as he passed me.
01:02:47Mr. Spencer has never bet on anyone else to win.
01:02:51You're the first.
01:02:52I paused for a moment,
01:02:53watching Wesley's figure disappear into the night.
01:02:56That five million,
01:02:58he had bet on me.
01:02:59I knew that winning this race against Karen
01:03:02was just the beginning.
01:03:03What lay ahead was far more complicated
01:03:05than a simple competition.
01:03:07After the race,
01:03:09Karen's attitude toward me had clearly changed.
01:03:12She was still unhappy about it,
01:03:14but at least she no longer dared to provoke me openly.
01:03:17But Elise was different.
01:03:19The way she looked at me
01:03:20was even more vicious than before.
01:03:23I knew she wouldn't let it go.
01:03:27Elena,
01:03:28don't get too cocky.
01:03:29Karen just had bad luck.
01:03:31Next time,
01:03:32you won't be so lucky.
01:03:38Is that so?
01:03:40I'll be waiting.
01:03:46I didn't take Elisa's words to heart.
01:03:51When I got home,
01:03:53I found Julie sitting in the living room,
01:03:55holding an invitation in her hand.
01:03:58Elena,
01:03:59you're back.
01:04:00Come take a look at this.
01:04:06What is it?
01:04:07An invitation to the Garrett family's charity gala.
01:04:10Miss Kathy Garrett has returned to the country,
01:04:12and this is her welcome banquet.
01:04:14All of Clay's elite will be there.
01:04:16Kathy Garrett.
01:04:17I had heard that name before.
01:04:18The daughter of the Garrett family,
01:04:20regarded as Wesley's fiancee since childhood.
01:04:22I want to take you with me.
01:04:24You've been back in the Harper family for a while now.
01:04:27It's time for you to make a formal appearance in high society.
01:04:32All right.
01:04:33I knew this banquet would not be peaceful,
01:04:35but I had never been afraid of trouble.
01:04:36On the day of the charity gala,
01:04:38Julie had prepared a silver white gown for me.
01:04:41When I walked down the stairs in it,
01:04:43the whole family was stunned.
01:04:48Elena,
01:04:49you look beautiful today.
01:04:51Of course my little sister is beautiful.
01:04:55When we arrived at the banquet hall,
01:04:58it was already crowded.
01:04:59Almost all of Claytha's elite and dignitaries were there.
01:05:04I saw Karen standing in the crowd.
01:05:08When she saw me,
01:05:09she gave me an awkward nod.
01:05:12Then I saw Kathy Garrett.
01:05:14She was standing in the center of the banquet hall,
01:05:16surrounded by a group of people.
01:05:18Golden curls,
01:05:20a red gown.
01:05:21She was like a blazing flame.
01:05:26So you're the Harper family's newly found daughter.
01:05:29You certainly live up to your reputation.
01:05:34I'm flattered, Miss Garrett.
01:05:36I'm not complimenting you.
01:05:40I'm just saying,
01:05:41you do have a face that would make men's hearts flutter.
01:05:46Unfortunately,
01:05:47a pretty face alone isn't enough.
01:05:51Her smile was elegant,
01:05:52but every word she said was a provocation.
01:05:58She was telling me,
01:06:00don't think that just because Wesley gave you a ruby,
01:06:03you're special.
01:06:05You're right.
01:06:06A pretty face alone isn't enough.
01:06:11That's why I have other advantages as well.
01:06:14Oh?
01:06:15Like what?
01:06:17For example,
01:06:18I can make Wesley come in person just to give me a gift,
01:06:21but some people can stand right in front of him,
01:06:23and he won't even glance their way.
01:06:25Kathy's expression changed.
01:06:27She knew who I was talking about.
01:06:30Who in Clay's high society didn't know that Wesley had gave me a pigeon blood ruby?
01:06:38You!
01:06:41Fine.
01:06:42We'll see about that.
01:06:45Kathy turned and walked away,
01:06:47but I could see her fists clenching.
01:06:49I knew that from today on,
01:06:51I had gained another enemy,
01:06:53but I didn't regret it.
01:06:55If you take one step back,
01:06:56they'll take a mile.
01:06:58Better to show them from the start.
01:07:00I'm not someone to be messed with.
01:07:02Halfway through the banquet,
01:07:04Wesley appeared.
01:07:05He was still the same black suit,
01:07:07cold expression,
01:07:08and unapproachable aura.
01:07:10But tonight,
01:07:11he walked straight toward me.
01:07:14Everyone's eyes followed him.
01:07:17You look beautiful today.
01:07:20Kathy stood not far away,
01:07:22watching this scene,
01:07:23her face ashen.
01:07:25She was the hostess of this banquet,
01:07:27but Wesley's gaze never fell on her once.
01:07:30Miss Garrett,
01:07:31you see?
01:07:32This is how she seduces Wesley.
01:07:35Shut up!
01:07:39I know what to do.
01:07:41Wesley stood beside me for a while,
01:07:43without saying much.
01:07:45But the fact that he stood beside me
01:07:47was himself a statement.
01:07:49Be careful with Kathy.
01:07:51She's not like Elise.
01:07:53She's not just some woman
01:07:54who plays petty tricks.
01:07:57Are you worried about me?
01:08:00What do you think?
01:08:04He didn't answer.
01:08:07But his eyes told me the answer.
01:08:10After the banquet ended,
01:08:11I thought that was it for the night.
01:08:12But just as I was about to leave,
01:08:14Kathy called out to me,
01:08:16Elena, wait a moment.
01:08:18Is there something you need?
01:08:20I want to talk to you
01:08:22about Wesley.
01:08:24There's nothing to talk about.
01:08:25Don't leave so soon.
01:08:27I just want to tell you one thing.
01:08:30My engagement to Wesley
01:08:31was arranged by our families
01:08:33since we were children.
01:08:35I know he has no feelings for me,
01:08:37but that doesn't matter.
01:08:38What matters is that the marriage
01:08:39between the Garrett and Spencer families
01:08:41affects the fate of both clans.
01:08:43So?
01:08:45So, I hope you'll stay away from him.
01:08:47Not for me.
01:08:49For him.
01:08:50If you truly care about him,
01:08:52you won't make things difficult for him.
01:08:55Kathy's words were flawless.
01:08:57She wasn't threatening me.
01:08:58She was caring for me.
01:09:00This kind of person was much harder
01:09:02to deal with than Elise.
01:09:04Miss Garrett,
01:09:05Wesley is not a piece of merchandise.
01:09:08Who he chooses is his freedom.
01:09:10If he chooses you,
01:09:12I won't bother him.
01:09:13But if he chooses someone else,
01:09:15you can't stop him either.
01:09:21With that, I turned and left
01:09:23without looking back at her.
01:09:27A few days later,
01:09:29as I was handling documents
01:09:30at the company,
01:09:31my assistant Charlotte
01:09:32walked in hurriedly.
01:09:34Elena, something's wrong.
01:09:36What happened?
01:09:39Someone reported to the company
01:09:41that you tampered with the project
01:09:42and leakered confidential data.
01:09:44The audit department
01:09:45is already investigating.
01:09:47Who reported it?
01:09:49Anonymous.
01:09:50But I have a feeling
01:09:52this isn't simple.
01:09:54I didn't panic.
01:09:56Instead, I opened my computer
01:09:57and started tracing
01:09:58the source of the complaint.
01:10:00Ten minutes later,
01:10:01I found the IP address
01:10:03traced back to the Garrett group.
01:10:06Kathy.
01:10:08She finally made her move
01:10:09and her first move
01:10:11was aimed at destroying me.
01:10:13Did you find out who it was?
01:10:16I found it.
01:10:18But I'll handle this myself.
01:10:20I wouldn't let Kathy win.
01:10:22She could use the Garrett family's power
01:10:25to suppress me.
01:10:26But what she didn't know was
01:10:28I had never been someone
01:10:29who relied on others to survive.
01:10:31When the audit department
01:10:33came to investigate,
01:10:35I had already prepared
01:10:36all the evidence.
01:10:38Every line of code,
01:10:39every document,
01:10:41every operation log,
01:10:42all crystal clear.
01:10:46Ms. Harper,
01:10:47someone has reported
01:10:48that you tampered with the project.
01:10:50Please cooperate
01:10:51with our investigation.
01:10:53No problem.
01:10:54These are all my work records
01:10:56since I joined.
01:10:57You can examine them carefully.
01:11:01Kathy also came to the scene.
01:11:03She stood aside,
01:11:05arms crossed,
01:11:06waiting to see me humiliated.
01:11:12Elena,
01:11:13if you confess,
01:11:14I can put in a good word
01:11:15for you with Wesley.
01:11:16After all,
01:11:17you've had a hard life.
01:11:18Why would I confess
01:11:20to something I didn't do?
01:11:26Two hours later,
01:11:28the audit results came out.
01:11:33All records are clean.
01:11:35The report is false.
01:11:37Ms. Harper is innocent.
01:11:40Kathy's expression changed.
01:11:42She hadn't expected me
01:11:44to keep such complete work records.
01:11:46Ms. Garrett,
01:11:48sorry to disappoint you.
01:11:52Kathy gritted her teeth
01:11:54and turned to leave.
01:11:57But I knew she wouldn't stop there.
01:11:59After the false report incident,
01:12:02Wesley came to me.
01:12:04Kathy was behind this.
01:12:07I know.
01:12:09Aren't you angry?
01:12:11What good would being angry do?
01:12:14She wanted to see me lose control.
01:12:17The angrier I get,
01:12:18the more satisfied she becomes.
01:12:21You're always like this.
01:12:23No matter what happens,
01:12:24you stay so calm.
01:12:26Being calm is how you solve problems.
01:12:30Impulsiveness only makes things worse.
01:12:33I'll handle this.
01:12:35Kathy won't bother you again.
01:12:37No need.
01:12:38I can handle it myself.
01:12:40I know you can.
01:12:41But I want to help you.
01:12:44I looked at him,
01:12:45feeling something I couldn't quite name.
01:12:47This man,
01:12:48from testing me,
01:12:49suspecting me,
01:12:50to now wanting to help me.
01:12:51I didn't know what this was,
01:12:52but I knew.
01:12:53I didn't hate it.
01:12:56But if possible,
01:12:57I hope you won't get involved for now.
01:12:58This is between her and me.
01:13:03All right.
01:13:04I respect your decision.
01:13:06He turned and left,
01:13:07leaving me alone by the window.
01:13:09In the night,
01:13:10the city lights flickered in the distance.
01:13:13Kathy Garrett,
01:13:14Elise Harper,
01:13:17one used family power against me.
01:13:20The other plotted against me from the shadows.
01:13:24They thought this would bring me down,
01:13:26but they didn't know.
01:13:29I'd never relied on anyone to get where I was.
Comments