She appears to be an ordinary woman, but behind her humble life lies a secret worth billions. As love, ambition, and hidden truths collide, a passionate romance unfolds between two people whose lives are forever changed by destiny. Filled with emotional twists, secret identities, luxury, and unforgettable moments, this captivating short drama delivers romance, drama, and suspense from beginning to end.
#ShortDrama #BillionaireRomance #SecretIdentity #DramaSeries #ShortFilm #ShortMovie #FullEP #CEORomance #LoveStory #HiddenTruth #WealthyHeiress #RomanceDrama #EmotionalDrama #ModernRomance #TrendingDrama
#ShortDrama #BillionaireRomance #SecretIdentity #DramaSeries #ShortFilm #ShortMovie #FullEP #CEORomance #LoveStory #HiddenTruth #WealthyHeiress #RomanceDrama #EmotionalDrama #ModernRomance #TrendingDrama
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Short filmTranscript
00:00My fiancé gave my custom wedding dress to his mistress.
00:03When I objected, he locked me out in the rain and froze every card I had.
00:08Without me you'll have nothing, he said.
00:10What he didn't know, every dollar in his company came from me.
00:14I'm the billionaire he's been living off.
00:16And I just made one phone call to take it all back.
00:20Inside the Parisian Haute Couture Bridal Boutique,
00:22the custom wedding dress I had waited six months for was now on the body of another woman.
00:27The famous actress, Elisa Sterling.
00:30The store manager looked tremblingly at Anthony Vance sitting on the sofa,
00:34breaking out in a cold sway.
00:35Anthony stood up and fixed the hem of Elisa's dress.
00:38He didn't even look at me.
00:45She needs a show-stopping dress for the red carpet next week.
00:48What's the big deal if she borrows yours?
00:50Just grab something off the rack for now. Stop acting like a child.
00:54Under the flashing lights, Elisa smiled happily at the mirror.
00:58I looked at myself in the mirror wearing casual clothes, completely out of place here,
01:03and suddenly felt that this wedding I had spent a year preparing for was utterly ridiculous.
01:08I didn't lose my temper.
01:10I just calmly took off the diamond engagement ring from my ring finger and placed it on the coffee table.
01:19Mr. Vance is right. Ready to wear is indeed not bad.
01:23I'll just find a groom who actually respects me,
01:25even if I'm wearing a cheap dress off the rack.
01:29The air in the bridal boutique became suffocatingly heavy in that second.
01:34Anthony's hand, which was adjusting Elisa's skirt, froze.
01:37He slowly turned around, his eyes narrowing slightly behind his gold-rimmed glasses,
01:43carrying a cold-attached scrutiny.
01:45Vivian Hayes, what did you just say?
01:47His voice carried a heavy sense of oppression.
01:50Looking at his handsome face, my stomach churned with discomfort.
01:56I said I'm not getting married anymore.
01:59My voice was perfectly calm.
02:02Elisa, standing in front of the mirror, suddenly covered her mouth and laughed.
02:06Holding up the diamond-encrusted main wedding dress that originally belonged to me,
02:10she walked over to me.
02:11Vivian, don't be so dramatic.
02:14Elisa blinked, her voice sickeningly sweet.
02:16Tony just felt bad that I didn't have a show-stopping gown for next week's film festival.
02:22This wedding dress can only maximize its commercial value when worn by me.
02:32You're usually so sweet and quiet.
02:35Why are you being so difficult now?
02:37She kept calling him Tony left and right, sounding completely natural.
02:41I looked at her coldly.
02:43Take it off.
02:44Elisa shrank back behind Anthony.
02:46That's right, her eyes turning red.
02:50Tony, Vivian is so mean.
02:52I'm scared.
02:53Anthony pulled Elisa behind him protectively, his brows knitting together.
02:57He strode over to me, impatience filling his eyes.
03:00Vivian, are you done throwing a tantrum?
03:03He used that very particular tone of his to say such hurtful words.
03:07Elisa is our top star.
03:09Helping her career is an investment for our future.
03:12You're just a stay-at-home wife.
03:15It's not like you have an audience.
03:18Why do you even need a $3 million dress?
03:23His matter-of-fact tone made me feel sick to my stomach.
03:26Five years of dedication in his eyes only amounted to a why do you even need.
03:33Five years of dedication in his eyes only amounted to a why do you even need.
03:38I took a deep breath.
03:40My hands clenched tight.
03:42Anthony, this is the custom-made dress I've waited half a year for.
03:47You just lend it out like that?
03:49Did you even ask for my opinion?
03:51Anthony sneered, completely unbothered.
03:53Asked for your opinion?
03:54He stepped closer, his presence enveloping me.
03:58This wedding dress cost $3 million and I paid for it.
04:02The clothes on your back, the things you use every day, wasn't given to you by me.
04:07And now you want to talk to me about opinions?
04:10He reached out a finger and poked my shoulder hard.
04:13Vivian, you need to learn how to be grateful.
04:16Don't think that just because I'm nice to you, you can start acting like a brat.
04:20Looking at this arrogant man in front of me, I suddenly felt he was a stranger.
04:24He didn't think there was anything wrong with snatching away his fiancée-esque wedding dress at all.
04:29In his eyes, I was just an object that depended on him to survive.
04:33I couldn't be bothered to waste any more breath on him.
04:36Turning around to walk out of the store, Anthony shouted,
04:41Stop right there!
04:42He took a step forward, his hand gripped my wrist like a vice.
04:48Anthony, let go!
04:49I gasped in pain.
04:51Not only did he not let go, but he yanked me toward him with even more force.
04:56He lowered his head to my ear, whispering in a warning to me.
05:01Vivian, don't be ungrateful.
05:03Be a good girl and pick out a ready-to-wear dress.
05:06The wedding next week will proceed as planned.
05:09As long as you're obedient, after Alyssa walks the red carpet, I'll rent out an entire island to throw you
05:15an even bigger one.
05:16If you dare step out of this door today...
05:18He paused, his eyes turning ruthless.
05:21I'll make sure you never show your face in high society again.
05:25You'll have nothing.
05:27You will have no place.
05:30Enduring the sharp pain in my wrist, I looked up and stared dead into his eyes.
05:35Anthony, you're pathetic.
05:38With all my strength, I shook off his hand.
05:40A ring of red marks had already surfaced on my wrist.
05:44Without giving him another glance, I turned and walked away.
05:47Behind me came Anthony's arrogant sneer, and the mechanical click of the glass door locking.
05:52The heavy glass door of the bridal shop was locked behind me.
05:56I turned back.
05:57Anthony stood inside, tossing the keys he'd snatched from the manager.
06:01He looked at me through the glass, a cold smirk playing on his lips.
06:07Vivian, I told you, without my nod, you're not going anywhere.
06:13I pounded on the glass door.
06:17Anthony, this is illegal imprisonment.
06:20Open the door.
06:23Imprisonment?
06:24Anthony strolled carelessly back to the sofa and sat down, crossing his legs.
06:28I'm just teaching my fiancé how to follow the rules.
06:32Elisa leaned over, resting on Anthony's shoulder, and flashed me a provocative smile.
06:37Vivian, just stop making a fuss.
06:41Tony is doing this for your own good.
06:44It's about to pour outside.
06:46You won't even be able to call a car.
06:49Anthony pulled out his phone and made a call right in front of me.
07:00Freeze every single card under Vivian Hayes.
07:03Now.
07:04Freeze all her hotel VIP privileges.
07:07Notice all the car rentals and ride-hailing platforms in Kingston.
07:11Whoever dares to take Vivian's order is going against the Vance Corporation.
07:16Hanging up the phone, he tapped his knuckles against the glass.
07:21Vivian, your pride is worthless.
07:25Without me, you won't even find a place to live in this city.
07:32I'll give you two hours to reflect on your mistakes.
07:35When you've learned your lesson, get on your knees and beg me to let you back in.
07:45The sky quickly darkened.
07:47A strong wind blew up, followed swiftly by heavy rain.
07:50The rain soaked through my clothes, and I started to shiver from the cold.
07:54I stood shivering under the eaves outside the shop.
07:57Taking out my phone, over a dozen text messages popped up on the screen.
08:00Dear customer, your credit card has been frozen by the primary cardholder.
08:04Apologies, Ms. Hayes.
08:06Your ride-hailing order has been forcibly canceled by the system.
08:09Anthony wasn't joking.
08:11He was using his privilege to completely block me out.
08:14He wanted to drive me into a corner, to make me realize I was nothing but his accessory.
08:19I gritted my teeth and scrolled through my contacts.
08:22I couldn't give up.
08:23I dialed my best friend Harlow Harrison's number.
08:26Harlan, come pick me up.
08:28I'm outside the Bridal Boutique on Fifth Avenue.
08:30On the other end of the line, Harlow's voice was teary.
08:34Vivian, I'm sorry.
08:37Anthony just called my dad, threatening that if I dared to pick you up, the Harrison's
08:43capital chain would break tomorrow.
08:45My dad locked me in my room.
08:49Vivian, just give in.
08:53Anthony has lost his mind.
08:56My heart sank.
08:58Anthony had blocked my last escape.
09:00Through the rain-blurred glass, I saw Anthony holding a glass of red wine.
09:05He swirled the wine comfortably, admiring my pathetic state in the rain.
09:09Elisa was kneeling at his feet, massaging his legs.
09:12This scene stung my eyes and completely killed any affection I had left for him.
09:16I realized you can't find a diamond in a dumpster.
09:19Trash belongs in the trash can.
09:21I took a deep breath and shoved my freezing hands into my pockets.
09:25Since no one was coming to get me, I would just walk back.
09:28I turned around and plunged headfirst into the rain.
09:32Before I could take two steps, a black maybach break sharply in front of me, splashing muddy
09:37water high into the air.
09:39The window rolled down, and Anthony's executive assistant stepped out, holding a black umbrella.
09:44He looked disdainfully at my soaked figure and tossed a garment bag at my feet.
09:48Through the half-open zipper, I saw inside was a cheap, ugly bridesmaid dress.
09:54It had loose threads everywhere and the sleeves were made of literal plastic.
09:59It had loose threads everywhere and the sleeves were made of literal plastic.
10:03The assistant looked at me coldly, his tone condescending.
10:06Mrs. Hayes, Mr. Vance is showing great mercy.
10:09Mrs. Sterling is hitting the red carpet tonight.
10:12She needs someone to carry her train.
10:14Mr. Vance said that as long as you put on this dress and accompany Mrs. Sterling tonight,
10:19or your credit cards will be unfreezed tomorrow, and a spot will be saved for you at the wedding.
10:24Make me hold the train for the woman who stole my wedding dress.
10:27And wear this kind of trash.
10:29This was pure humiliation.
10:31I stared at the garment bag on the ground, shivering from the cold, but my back remained
10:36perfectly straight.
10:39Go back and tell Anthony.
10:42He can go to hell.
10:45The assistant's face twisted in anger.
10:47He pointed a finger at my face and started yelling.
10:50Vivian, don't be ungrateful.
10:53Do you really think you're still the boss's fiancé?
10:56Without Mr. Vance, you wouldn't even be able to afford a meal!
10:59He waved his hand, and the back door of the Maybach was pushed open.
11:03Two bodyguards rushed out of the car, pinning my arms behind my back from both sides.
11:08Let me go!
11:09What are you doing?
11:10I struggled desperately, but my body, frozen stiff by the rain, couldn't muster any strength.
11:16The executive assistant picked up the mud-soaked bridesmaid dress from the ground,
11:20and forced it into my arms, then he kicked me hard in the stomach.
11:24Mr. Vance said if you won't do this the easy way, we'll do it the hard way.
11:28We're dragging you there.
11:29I was stepped roughly into the car, and my arm popped out of its socket.
11:33The car door slammed shut behind me.
11:35The Maybach sped through the torrential rain, heading straight for tonight's film festival
11:40red carpet.
11:41The air conditioning in the cabin was turned down freezing low.
11:44Wearing soaked clothes, I was so cold my lips turned purple and my teeth chattered.
11:50The executive assistant sat in the passenger seat, sneering at me through the rearview mirror.
11:55Mrs. Hayes, if you knew it would come to this, why did you act up in the first place?
11:59As a woman, if you just keep your head down and obey, you can have it all.
12:05Insisting on going against Mr. Vance, aren't you the only one suffering in the end?
12:11I closed my eyes, refusing to listen to his nonsense.
12:16Half an hour later, the car stopped backstage at the red carpet.
12:19I was forcefully shoved out of the car by the bodyguards.
12:22In the lounge not far away, Elisa was wearing the main wedding dress that should have been mine.
12:26Surrounded by reporters for interviews, Anthony stood beside her in a sharp suit, his eyes full
12:31of doting affection.
12:32Seeing me being escorted over, Anthony excused himself to the reporters and strode toward me.
12:37He glanced at the mud-stained bridesmaid dress in my hands and my limply hanging arm.
12:41Look at you.
12:43How did you get into such a state?
12:45He took off his suit jacket, wanting to drape it over my shoulders.
12:48Vivian, you're just too stubborn.
12:52As long as you are obedient, how could I bear to just suffer like this?
12:58I felt sick to my stomach.
13:00I pulled away before he could touch my suit jacket fell to the ground.
13:04Anthony's face darkened, his eyes turning fierce.
13:08Vivian, my patience has limits.
13:10He grabbed my chin, forcing me to look up.
13:12Now go change into that dress.
13:14When Elisa goes on stage later, you will hold her train from behind.
13:19If you tear to mess this up...
13:22He sneered, pulling a jade bracelet out of his pocket.
13:25That was the only thing I had left from my grandmother.
13:28Anthony!
13:30I panicked and lunged forward to grab it.
13:32Anthony, give it back to me!
13:37He raised his right hand high, his eyes cold.
13:39Go hold the train and I'll give it back to you.
13:42The jade bracelet was placed on my wrist by my grandmother on her deathbed.
13:46It was my last memento in this world.
13:48Anthony's fingers tightened slightly around the bracelet.
13:51If he just let go, the jade would shatter on the ground.
13:55I'll count to three.
13:56Anthony looked down at me, condescendingly.
13:59Three.
13:59Three.
14:01Two.
14:02I trembled all over, my nails digging into my palms until they bled.
14:06One.
14:07I'll change!
14:08I squeezed these words out of my throat.
14:10My eyes stinging, Anthony smiled in satisfaction.
14:13He took back the bracelet and patted my cheek.
14:16That's a good girl.
14:18Go on, Elisa's about to make her appearance.
14:21I took the mud-stained bridesmaid dress and walked into the restroom.
14:26Looking at my wretched reflection in the mirror, my eyes were cold.
14:29For five years, I hid the truth to protect his pride.
14:33He had no idea I was the mastermind behind one of the biggest investment firms in the world.
14:37I willingly stayed at home, being the woman behind him.
14:40I thought I had fallen in love with an ambitious man.
14:42I thought he was ambitious, but I was really just feeding a monster.
14:46Anthony has every ounce of humiliation you inflicted on me today.
14:50Tomorrow, I will make you pay for it with the entire Vance Corporation.
14:54I didn't change into that bridesmaid dress.
14:56I threw it straight into the trash can.
14:58Pushing open the restroom door, I walked toward the red carpet waiting area.
15:02Elisa was holding Anthony's arm, ready to step onto the red carpet.
15:05Seeing me walk out in my soaked casual clothes, Anthony's face darkened.
15:09Vivian?
15:12Are my words just a joke to you?
15:15Elisa also put on an aggrieved look.
15:18Vivian, how could you do this?
15:21Without holding the trial!
15:23The effect of my main wedding dress will be ruined!
15:26I looked at them coldly, the camera flashes ahead on the red carpet were already going off.
15:31And the host was loudly calling Elisa's name.
15:33I ignored Anthony, turned around, and walked toward the exit.
15:37Anthony didn't care about the occasion and gave the order directly.
15:40Grab her!
15:43The two bodyguards lunged forward and kicked the back of my knees.
15:50Caught off guard, I fell to my knees on the gravel-covered ground.
15:53A sharp pain shot through my knees and blood spilled over the floor.
15:57The surrounding staff and reporters turned to look, and some raised their cameras.
16:00Tony stood up to me, his eyes ruthless.
16:02He pointed right at my nose in front of everyone.
16:05My friends from the press, I am truly sorry.
16:08But the words he spoke were incredibly hurtful.
16:11This woman is just a low-level assistant.
16:14She's obsessed with me.
16:16And has these crazy fantasies about us being together.
16:19Today she actually came backstage to cause trouble.
16:22Trying to ruin Miss Sterling's red carpet moment.
16:24Someone, drag this woman out of here.
16:27Get her out of here.
16:28She's an eyesore.
16:29The whole crowd was in an uproar.
16:31Countless camera flashes aimed at my kneeling figure.
16:33He wanted to destroy my dignity this way.
16:35The bodyguards roughly grabbed my arms and dragged me out the door into the pouring rain.
16:40Anthony wrapped his arm around Elisa's waist and looked at me.
16:43Vivian.
16:45This is what happens when you disobey.
16:47Tonight you can sleep on the streets and take a good look at yourself.
16:56I was thrown into the muddy water outside the backstage doors.
16:59The heavy rain washed over the blood on my knees.
17:02Lying in the mud, I looked at the radiant couple on the red carpet.
17:05A cold sneer on my lips.
17:07From my soaked pocket, I pulled out that encrypted black phone.
17:11With trembling fingers, I dialed a string of numbers.
17:14It was Dominic Blackwood's private line.
17:16Dominic the most feared man in high society whom no one dared to provoke.
17:19I'm the only partner who fought alongside me when I founded my venture capital empire on Wall Street years ago.
17:25For the past five years, she willingly stepped behind.
17:28The scenes to manage hundreds of billions in overseas capital for me.
17:31Countless times, hiding his deep love for me four years.
17:34He begged me to leave Anthony.
17:36Only to be stubbornly rejected by my excuse of wanting the stable love of an ordinary person.
17:41It wasn't until today that I finally understood.
17:43Some trash simply doesn't deserve genuine love.
17:46The call connected.
17:48Hello, it's me.
17:49The game is over.
17:52Pull every cent out of the Vance Corporation.
17:55Now.
17:56And cut off their capital chain.
18:00I closed my eyes, letting the rain smash against my face.
18:04When I opened them again, only absolute resolve remained in my eyes.
18:08Dominic, come pick me up.
18:10Tomorrow, I want Anthony and his Vance Corporation to disappear from Kingston.
18:16The other end of the line was quiet for a few seconds before the man's deep.
18:19Horse voice came through.
18:20His voice cold and filled with rage.
18:22Ten minutes.
18:25I'm going to make him regret he was ever born.
18:28Hanging up the phone, the sound of Anthony and Elisa flirting still drifted from the lounge not far away.
18:32They were still thinking about trampling me under their feet.
18:35They had no idea that they were about to be finished.
19:06Hanging up the phone, I gripped the black phone tightly.
19:07Surrounding the red carpet like a wall of iron, the door of the extended phantom in the middle was pulled
19:12open.
19:13A pair of clean black leather shoes stepped into the muddy water.
19:16Dominic, holding a massive black umbrella, radiated a murderous aura as he walked toward me through the mud.
19:22Seeing me lying in the muddy water with bleeding knees, Dominic's pupils contracted.
19:26His usually calm eyes were now filled with fury.
19:29He threw away the black umbrella.
19:31Vivian!
19:33Ignoring the muddy water on the ground and dropped to one knee beside me,
19:37Dominic took off his suit jacket still warm from his body heat.
19:39And wrapped my shivering form into his arms.
19:43I'm sorry I'm late.
19:45His deep, horse voice trembled with self-blame as
19:47his fingers carefully wiped the muddy water from my face.
19:51I leaned against his broad, warm chest, holding on with my last breath.
19:58Dominic.
20:00My jade bracelet is with Anthony.
20:03It was left to me by my grandmother.
20:06Dominic's eyes instantly turned freezing cold.
20:09I'll get it back for you, and while I'm at it, I'll cripple that hand of his.
20:14He scooped me up into his arms and gently placed me into the warm backseat of the car.
20:18The moment he turned around, he said a single word coldly to the head bodyguard behind him.
20:23Smash.
20:24Over a dozen bodyguards directly kicked open the glass doors of the red carpet backstage.
20:28At this moment, Anthony had just finished walking the red carpet arm-in-arm with Elisa.
20:33And was smugly returning to the lounge, holding a glass of champagne.
20:36He was still bragging to his executive assistant.
20:39Is that woman Vivian frozen to death outside yet?
20:42Go take a look.
20:44If she knows she's wrong, tell her to crawl in here and pour the drinks.
20:48Before his voice could fade, the lounge door, along with its frame, was kicked flying.
20:53Anthony turned his head, not even having the time to make a sound.
20:56Dominic had already closed in right before his eyes in an instant.
21:02Who the fuck are-
21:03Before Anthony could spit out the word you, Dominic's fist.
21:06Wrapped in ebony rosary beads, smashed into his jawbone, a sharp crack of bone echoed in the room.
21:12Anthony was sent flying, crashing into the vanity, mirror behind him.
21:16Glass shards shattered all over the floor, and Elisa screamed in terror.
21:19Dominic stepped over the broken glass and walked up to Anthony, whose face was covered in blood.
21:23He grabbed Anthony by the collar, lifting him halfway into the air.
21:27Dominic's voice was completely flat, yet it oozed murderous intent.
21:31Anthony was seeing stars from the blow, but the arrogance in his bones kept his mouth stubborn.
21:38Who the hell do you think you are, daring to meddle in the Vance Corporation's family affairs?
21:46Dominic sneered, wasting no words.
21:48He grabbed Anthony's right wrist and snapped it backwards.
21:51A miserable shriek pierced through the entire backstage area.
21:55As Anthony's right hand broke at a highly twisted angle, that emerald green jade bracelet slipped out of his pocket.
22:01Dominic caught the jade bracelet steadily and threw Anthony onto the ground he took out a handkerchief.
22:05And meticulously wiped the dust off the jade bracelet, his eyes full of contempt.
22:10Mr. Vance, enjoy your final moments of glory.
22:14When the sun rises tomorrow, there will be no more Vance Corporation in Kingston.
22:22Inside Dominic's private mansion, I washed off the mud and the cold, changed it into a ro-beam sat by
22:27the crackling fire in the living room.
22:29The jade bracelet was back where it belonged on my wrist.
22:32The doctor had just finished treating my knees and left the room.
22:35Dominic brought me a cup of hot milk and pressed it into my hands.
22:38He sat beside me and pulled me, blanket and all, into his arms.
22:41The legal team is waiting.
22:43Dominic whispered, resting his chin on my head.
22:46I held the warm cup, my eyes turning cold and sharp again.
22:49Start the meeting.
22:51Dominic snapped his fingers, and the massive LCD screen opposite us lit up.
22:55On the other side of the screen was the overseas venture capital team and the legal team.
23:00Standing by in full readiness.
23:02Mr. Vance.
23:03Dozens of elites in suit spoke in unison, their expressions solemn.
23:06I set down the milk cup and sat up straight.
23:09Cut off all capital investment channels to the Vance Corporation.
23:12Initiate the patent retrieval process and freeze the production lines of their core products.
23:19At the same time, send the evidence of Anthony cooking the books
23:24and embezzling public funds over the past few years
23:27to an imprinting of Estrigue Blumen.
23:30Before dawn, I want to see, see the Vance Corporation stock turn into waste paper.
23:39My voice was completely flat as I issued the commands.
23:41Some things are useless normally, and when they act up, there's no other way but to cut them out.
23:51A neat chorus of acknowledgement came from the other side of the screen.
23:54This slaughter quietly raised its curtain in the dead of night.
23:59Early the next morning, this was the day Anthony had originally planned for us to hold our wedding.
24:04Inside the CEO's office of the Vance Corporation,
24:07Anthony, with his right hand in a cast and his face heavily swollen,
24:10was furiously smashing documents on the desk.
24:14Investigate! Investigate for me!
24:15Who the hell was that lunatic who hit me last night?
24:19He roared at his executive assistant.
24:21I want him dead!
24:23The executive assistant stood trembling to the side, not daring to make a sound.
24:28Elisa sat on the sofa in a red dress, fanning the flames while touching up her makeup.
24:32Tony, that guy last night was definitely a thug hired by Vivian.
24:36She's useless herself, so she can only use these dirty dicks to disgust you.
24:42Today was supposed to be your wedding day.
24:46She's probably hiding in some corner, crying.
24:48Hearing this, Anthony sneered, his eyes vicious.
24:51Wait for me to soften?
24:53She's dreaming.
24:54Isn't she supposed to be tough?
24:57I'd like to see how many days she can freeze out there.
25:01Notifies all the senior executives in the company.
25:04Today I'm throwing a celebration banquet for Elisa,
25:07right at the hotel booked for the wedding.
25:09I want everyone in Kaston to know that Vivian isn't even fit to tie Elisa's shoes.
25:16Just as Anthony was thinking about how to continue humiliating me.
25:19Bang.
25:20The office door was pushed open.
25:22The CFO of Vance Corporation rushed in with an ashen face,
25:25holding up a tablet and trembling all over.
25:27Mr. Vance!
25:28This is bad!
25:29Something terrible has happened!
25:33Anthony frowned in displeasure.
25:35What's the panic?
25:36Did someone die or did the company go bankrupt?
25:39Bankrupt!
25:41The CFO screamed, his voice cracking.
25:44What nonsense are you talking about?
25:46Anthony stood up, pulling his wound and wincing in pain.
25:49The CFO rushed to the desk and slammed the tablet in front of Anthony.
25:52Mr. Vance, our biggest hidden venture capital investor
25:55suddenly announced their withdrawal.
25:57In the middle of the night!
25:59The $5 billion capital chain is broken,
26:01and the bank just sent a notice to call in our loans early.
26:04Not only that, all of our company's Husson's Pretleys have just been forced and revoked
26:09by the Pedley owner!
26:12The production lines have completely shut down,
26:15and the suppliers are all blocking the downstairs lobby demanding payment.
26:19Anthony's brain buzzed as if he had been punched.
26:22He stared in disbelief at the plummeting stock chart on the screen.
26:25This is impossible.
26:26This is absolutely impossible!
26:29He swiped the screen with his good left hand.
26:31Why would venture capitalists withdraw?
26:33And who is the patent owner?
26:34Did I raise a bunch of useless trash?
26:37Why wasn't there a single word of warning before this?
26:40The CFO tremblingly opened an electronic document.
26:43Mr. Vance, this is the termination notice there.
26:46That mysterious venture capital boss, who is also the patent owner.
26:51The CFO swallowed hard, his voice filled with despair.
26:55Her name is Vivian.
26:57Anthony's legs gave way, and he slumped back into his executive chair,
27:00his heart turning to ashes.
27:05Vivian, this is impossible.
27:08Anthony's eyes were wide and bloodshot, staring in shock.
27:11He stared at the electronic signature Vivian on the screen, his mind spinning.
27:15She's just a woman who depends on me to survive!
27:18All she does is stay at home and wait for me to come back!
27:20How could she control the Vance Corporation?
27:22Anthony collapsed, his mind completely breaking down.
27:25The business empire he was so proud of.
27:27The power he used to trample on my dignity.
27:30Was it all just a toy I had given him out of pity?
27:32Elisa was so terrified that her lipstick dropped to the floor.
27:35She ran over in a panic and grabbed Anthony's arm.
27:38Tony, what on earth is going on?
27:40The company is bankrupt.
27:41What about the investment for my new show?
27:43What about my luxury brand endorsements?
27:46Hearing Elisa still caring only about her resources at a time like this,
27:50Anthony's fury reached its peak.
27:52Get out!
27:54All of you, it's hard!
27:55Dick, get out!
27:56Like a maddened beast, he shoved Elisa away.
27:59Elisa fell to the ground, staring in disbelief at the crazed man before her.
28:04Before Anthony could even catch his breath,
28:06a flurry of footsteps echoed from outside the office door.
28:09Several uniformed officers walked in with grim expressions.
28:12Mr. Anthony Vance.
28:13The lead officer flashed his badge, his voice strictly business.
28:17We received a real-name report and have secured the evidence.
28:21You are suspected of long-term accounting fraud
28:23and embezzling public funds up to $200 million.
28:26At the same time, your company is being seized by the court effective immediately
28:30due to suspected patent infringement and debt default.
28:32Please come with us and cooperate with the investigation.
28:35The blood in Anthony's veins seemed to freeze.
28:37He stared at the cold handcuffs,
28:39his arrogant disguise torn to shreds, leaving nothing but fear.
28:42No! I didn't embezzle any funds! I'm innocent!
28:46He backed away desperately, but two officers pinned him down by the shoulders.
28:49Take him away!
28:51Under the gazes of all the company's employees.
28:53The once high and mighty Mr. Vance was handcuffed
28:55and escorted out of the building in disgrace.
28:59In the patrol car, Anthony was given one last chance to make a phone call.
29:03With trembling hands, he dialed the number he had once treated with disdain.
29:07The call connected.
29:09Vivian! Vivian! Is that you?
29:11Anthony began to cry into the phone.
29:13I know I was wrong! I really know I was wrong!
29:17Can you stop playing around?
29:19Bring the funds back! The company is our life's work!
29:23I've already kicked that woman, Elsa, out!
29:26As long as you let me off, I'll book the biggest hotel and marry you right away!
29:29I'll listen to whatever you say!
29:31From the other end of the line came my calm voice.
29:34Anthony, feeding my true heart to a dog and then blaming the dog for being ungrateful.
29:39That was my mistake.
29:41I paused, my tone turning ice cold.
29:43But now, I have the whip hand.
29:46Everything you owe me.
29:48I'll make you spit it back out, with interest.
29:51Enjoy doing time in prison.
29:52It's what you deserve.
29:54The call was hung up, listening to the dial tone on his phone, Anthony fell into despair.
29:59He finally understood what he had thrown away with his own hands.
30:04Anthony was temporarily released on bail pending trial.
30:07But all his assets were frozen, and his bank cards were entirely suspended.
30:11As he walked out the gates of the police station, heavy snow began to fall from the sky.
30:16Still wearing that thin suit, he shivered from the cold.
30:18He wanted to take a cab back to that downtown penthouse villa.
30:22Only to realize he couldn't even scrape together a single penny.
30:25He could only drag his right arm in a cast, trudging through the snow for three hours.
30:30When he finally arrived at the front gate of the villa,
30:34he found the doors wide open with several movers throwing things out.
30:37The leather sofa he had handpicked, his favorite wine cabinet,
30:41and even the haute couture suits he had worn, all were tossed into the snow.
30:45What are you doing?
30:46Who told you to touch my things?
30:49Anthony rushed forward like a madman trying to stop the workers.
30:53Get lost!
30:54The foreman shoved him hard into the snow.
30:56The foreman pulled out a property transfer certificate and slapped it against his face.
31:00Look closely!
31:01The owner of this house has always been Zayze!
31:04She sold this house to our boss at half price last night.
31:07Mrs. Hayes specifically ordered that...
31:11Anything inside tamped with the smell of a dog must be thrown out as trash, leaving nothing behind!
31:17Anthony lay in the snow, staring at the property transfer certificate.
31:21Every single word on it mocked his stupidity.
31:24He always thought he was the master of this house.
31:27It turned out he was just a parasite living off Vivian's success.
31:31Ding!
31:31The only phone that hadn't been taken away buzzed in his pocket.
31:34It was a message from a group chat of rich airs.
31:37Anthony opened it with shaking hands.
31:39A short video was going viral in the chat.
31:41In the video, the top floor of the Bulgari hotel looked like a dreamland.
31:45Thousands of roses, flown in from overseas, covered the entire room, the caption read.
31:50Dominic's grand wedding, the bride is breathtaking.
31:53Isn't she the ex?
31:54Fiancé of that bankrupt CEO?
31:56Anthony's pupils dilated.
31:57He stared fixedly at the figure in the wedding dress in the video.
32:00That was Vivian.
32:01That was the woman he once had at his fingertips, only to push away with his own hands.
32:06Jealousy and resentment gnawed at his heart.
32:08He fell into a frantic delusion.
32:10This must be a trick Vivian deliberately pulled to piss me off.
32:14How could a bigs like Dominic marry her?
32:18She's forcing me to go find her.
32:20Yes, that must be it.
32:25Anthony scrambled up from the snow and ran desperately toward the Bulgari hotel.
32:30He ran so hard he lost a shoe, his bare foot stepping into the ice and snow, long devoid of
32:35feeling.
32:37When he rushed to the entrance of the Bulgari hotel, panting heavily, he was stunned by the grand display before
32:42him.
32:43The entire street was locked down, lined with luxury cars.
32:48Bodyguards stood guard at every few steps, completely surrounding the hotel.
32:52Anthony straightened his back, trying to put on the airs of the CEO he used to be and strode toward
32:56the main entrance.
32:59Get lost! I'm here to see Vivian!
33:02The two bodyguards glanced at him, without a word of nonsense.
33:05They stepped forward, and kicked Anthony right in the knees.
33:09Anthony let out a miserable scream and fell to his knees at the bottom of the steps.
33:13No invitation, trespassers die.
33:15The bodyguard's voice was icy cold.
33:18The massive class barrier transformed into an insurmountable high wall at this moment.
33:23Anthony's status meant absolutely nothing here.
33:26Anthony knelt beneath the freezing steps.
33:29Tears of humiliation mixing with the snow water as they flowed into his mouth, bitter and astringent.
33:33He struggled desperately, roaring hysterically at the main doors.
33:39Let me in!
33:41Vivian is my woman!
33:43You lot!
33:45Tell Dominic to get the hell out here!
33:47The passing bosses who usually flattered him now gave him a wide berth.
33:51They cast occasional glances of contempt and mockery his way.
33:58Isn't that Mr. Vance?
34:00How did he end up like this?
34:04Mr. Vance, my foot.
34:06He's just a rat crossings the street with 200 million in debt now.
34:13And he dares to make a scene on Mr. Blackburner's turf.
34:17He must have a death wish.
34:19These whispers cut into Anthony's pride like knives.
34:23Just as he tried to scramble up and force his way in rumble,
34:26the gilded doors of the Bulgari hotel slowly pushed open to both sides.
34:30The solemn wedding march drifted out.
34:32Anthony's movements froze through the gaps between the bodyguards.
34:35He stared fixly at the long carpet covered in red rose petals inside.
34:39His breath hitched.
34:40He saw Vivian.
34:41She was wearing that one-of-a-kind main wedding dress worth a hundred million.
34:45A diamond tiara rested on her head.
34:46She was noble and aloof, so beautiful that Anthony's very soul trembled.
34:51And the man standing at the end of the red carpet, reaching out to Vivian with devout eyes,
34:56was indeed Dominic.
34:57The man no one in the entire upper class dared to provoke.
35:00Anthony's worldview collapsed.
35:02The wishful thinking he had been hypnotizing himself with was crushed by reality in this very second.
35:06This wasn't an act.
35:08This wasn't a trick to force him to bow his head.
35:10The woman he had treated as a mere accessory and trampled on at will was,
35:13truly standing at a height he could never reach.
35:17Truly standing at a height he could never reach.
35:20Regret intertwined with agonizing pain making Anthony lose his mind.
35:25With a sudden burst of unknown strength, he viciously bit into a bodyguard's thigh.
35:31The moment the bodyguard recoiled in pain, he rammed headfirst into the bellboy with bloodshot eyes.
35:36He stumbled blindly into the banquet hall.
35:41Vivian!
35:43Anthony let out a mournful roar that shocked the entire hall.
35:46Stop right there!
35:48You can't marry him!
35:51Just fall to mine!
35:53The wedding march came to an abrupt halt.
35:55The hundreds of guests in the hall fell dead silent.
35:57Everyone's eyes landed on Anthony, who had suddenly barged in.
36:01He was drenched, missing a shoe, his right hand in a cast,
36:04looking as wretched as a beggar.
36:06Dominic stopped in his tracks and slowly turned around.
36:08His narrow eyes narrowed slightly,
36:10a flash of murderous intent crossing his gaze.
36:13He only needed to give a single look,
36:15for bodyguards hidden in the shadows darted out.
36:17Without a word, the four of them struck simultaneously,
36:20pinning Anthony face down onto the cold marble floor.
36:23Anthony's cheek was pressed against the ground,
36:25his bones letting out cracking sounds.
36:27Just then, my best friend Harlow, wearing a bridesmaid dress,
36:30stepped off the stage.
36:31She picked up a microphone and began his public execution in front of the city's elite.
36:36Distinguished guests, apologies for the spectacle.
36:40Harlow's voice rang out crisp and loud.
36:43The man pinned on the floor is the former CEO of Vance Corporation, Anthony.
36:48Not only did he snatch the wedding dress our Vivi waited half a year for,
36:53just to let his mistress walk the red carpet.
36:56He also leeched off Vivian's hidden assets for years,
37:00playing the big shot while living off a woman.
37:03He even abused his power to try and freeze Vivian to death on the streets.
37:08Harlow stripped Anthony of his disguise completely.
37:10A wave of mockery and disdain immediately erupted across the room.
37:13So he's just a freeloader.
37:17Disgusting.
37:18And he dares to make a scene at Mr. Blackwood's turf.
37:22The intense humiliation made Anthony wish he could die on the spot.
37:26He struggled desperately to lift his head,
37:28crying and begging me on the stage.
37:30In the head, Jess!
37:32I was wrong!
37:34I really know I was wrong!
37:38I'll give that wedding dress back to you.
37:40I love you.
37:41Please don't marry him.
37:43Come home with me.
37:43I lifted your skirt and slowly walked to the edge of the steps.
37:49Anthony.
37:50My red lips curled into a cold smile.
37:52I never recycle trash.
37:55Dominic stepped forward and pulled me close.
37:57His strong fingers crushed a walnut in his hand.
38:00The crack of the shell was the sound of Anthony's last hope-breaking.
38:03Throw him back into the gutter.
38:05Blacklist him everywhere.
38:08If anyone gives him even a crumb to eat,
38:11they are an enemy of the Blackwood group.
38:16Amidst his heart-wrenching cries,
38:18Anthony was grabbed by the hair by the bodyguards.
38:20He was dragged backward toward the banquet hall doors,
38:23in the last second before the doors closed.
38:25Anthony, with his bloodshot eyes wide open,
38:27watched Dominic lower his head and gently kiss my lips.
38:30At that moment, Anthony's world plunged into darkness.
38:34Within a month after the wedding,
38:35the rest of Anthony's life turned into a nightmare.
38:38The blacklist order from Blackwood Corporation
38:40meant no one in the upper class dared to help him.
38:42He was burdened with a $200 million debt from embezzled funds
38:45and countless breach of contract penalties
38:47that Alisa who kept calling him Tony.
38:49On the very night she learned Vance Corporation was finished.
38:53She used Anthony's trust to sweep away the last $3 million in his private account.
38:57She bought a plane ticket overnight and fled overseas.
39:00Before leaving, she even sent a text message.
39:02Anthony, why pretend to be a big shop when you have no money?
39:07You're worse than a delivery guy now.
39:09Did you expect me to beg for food with you?
39:11The once arrogant Mr. Vance was now unshaven, in rags, and reeked of sourness.
39:15He had to hide from loan sharks during the day and at night.
39:18He could only fight wild dogs for cardboard boxes under the bridge to keep warm.
39:25On a freezing winter night,
39:26Anthony huddled in a dirty alley clutching half a moldy bread.
39:29A few debt collectors found him.
39:34Well, if it isn't Mr. Vance.
39:37The bald leader kicked Tony over,
39:39grinding his muddy leather shoe into his face.
39:43When you plan to pay back the $50 million, you owe us.
39:52No money?
39:54If you have no money, pay with your organs!
39:57Punches and kicks rained down.
39:59The sound of steel pipes smashing against bones was chilling.
40:03Anthony didn't even have the strength to resist.
40:06He could only hold his head and let out muffled groans of pain.
40:09The cold, hunger, and severe physical pain constantly tormented his nerves.
40:13But what tortured him more than all this was that whenever he closed his eyes,
40:16the image of me cooking for him would appear in his mind.
40:19If only he hadn't been blinded by arrogance back then.
40:22If he hadn't treated Vivian's devotion as something cheap.
40:24The person living in that multi-million dollar manner.
40:28Enjoying the admiration of thousands, should have been him.
40:31Regret nodded his heart day and night, making him wish for death but unable to find it.
40:36After the debt collectors broke one of his legs, they swaggered away.
40:39Anthony dragged his broken body, struggling to crawl up from the bloody puddle.
40:45Leaning against the filthy wall, looking through the freezing wind.
40:48He stared in despair at the brightly lit Blackwood Corporation building in the distance.
40:52Obsession and madness dictated Anthony's final actions.
40:55Dragging his broken leg, braving the blizzard at minus 10 degrees.
40:59He crawled step by step to the exit of the Blackwood Corporation's underground garage.
41:03He waited there for three days and three nights, without food or water.
41:07He didn't know what he was going to do.
41:09He only knew he had to see Vivian one more time.
41:12Even if it was just once.
41:13Even if it meant kneeling and licking the solace of her shoes.
41:16He was willing.
41:17Finally on the evening of the fourth day.
41:19A black Rolls Royce Phantom, escorted by several bodyguard vehicles.
41:23Slowly drove out of the garage.
41:25Anthony seized the moment, bursting with immense strength.
41:28And dashed out thud.
41:29He knelt heavily in front of the Phantom.
41:31His knees making a loud crack against the freezing asphalt.
41:34The screech of brakes pierced the snowy wind.
41:37Anthony knelt in the muddy slush.
41:38Kowtowing frantically, bang.
41:40Bang, bang.
41:41The sound of his forehead hitting the ground was chilling.
41:44Blood mixed with slush flowed down his cheeks, hitting the ground red.
41:47Vivian!
41:49Please, just see me once!
41:51I really know I was wrong!
41:53I don't ask for your forgiveness!
41:55Just give me a bite to eat!
41:57I'm dying!
41:59He was as lowly as dust.
42:01Inside the car, the tinted window slowly rolled down 10 centimeters.
42:04The heater was on inside.
42:07Wearing expensive maternity clothes, leaned in Dominic's embrace.
42:10I didn't even turn my head.
42:12My gaze calmly fixed on the swirling snow ahead.
42:14Anthony!
42:15My cold voice drifted out through the wind and snow, devoid of any emotion.
42:19Even if you shatter your knees, you can't bring back a dead heart.
42:23The way you look now, you're not even fit to be the mud under my feet.
42:26As soon as I finished speaking, the window rolled up mercilessly, isolating the two worlds.
42:31The phantom's engine let out a low roar and, without detouring, drove right past Anthony,
42:35brushing against his body.
42:36The wheels rolled over a puddle, splashing muddy water all over Anthony.
42:40He knelt stiffly in place, watching the car disappear into the blizzard.
42:44He had completely become a joke.
42:46Late one night a few months later, New Year's Eve fireworks gleamed in the sky over Kingston.
42:51Anthony curled up in a torn cotton quilt under an overpass, freezing to death.
42:55With frostbitten, ulcerated fingers, he swiped open a shattered phone he had picked up from
43:00a garbage dump.
43:01On the screen, a headline news notification popped up.
43:04Dominic, the richest man in the upper class, welcomes a baby girl.
43:08Spends a billion to buy an island for his beloved wife Vivian.
43:10In the accompanying photo, Dominic was holding a baby girl with eyes full of tender love.
43:15Gently kissing Vivian's forehead.
43:17The two smiled at each other, their happy appearance stinging Anthony's eyes.
43:21Anthony stared intently at Vivian's gentle smile on the screen.
43:24That was his entire world, once so easily within his reach.
43:28Yet thrown into the trash by his own hands.
43:30He covered his eyes tightly, letting out a desperate, agonizing wail in the dark and cold.
43:35Tears mixed with blood streamed down his face, freezing into ice for the rest of his life.
43:40He was doomed to atone for his arrogance and stupidity in endless agony until the day he died.
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