- 5 hours ago
Un amor que no pudo sobrevivir
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00I woke up in the presidential suite, my body aching as I pressed my palm to my forehead.
00:05When I turned to see the naked man lying beside me, I gasped, ice running through my veins.
00:11It was Victor.
00:13Philadelphia's golden boy, the most eligible bachelor who had every woman in the city falling at his feet.
00:20As memories of last night flooded back, I felt a warmth between my legs.
00:25It had been my 18th birthday, and I was drowning my sorrows alone at a bar.
00:30Swirling whiskey in my glass.
00:32The scent of expensive tequila approached me, followed by a dizzying rush.
00:37I was thrown onto the suite's king-sized bed.
00:40His hands were everywhere, one tearing at my clothes, the other gripping my breast, kneading with desperate hunger.
00:47He lifted my legs over his shoulders, and waves of pleasure I'd never experienced crashed over me.
00:53His ragged breathing was like an aphrodisiac, making me lose myself completely in the ecstasy.
01:00That night, we made love with wild abandon until dawn.
01:05Unsurprisingly, I got pregnant.
01:07From that moment, I became Beverly Hills' most pampered expectant mother.
01:12During every prenatal appointment, both he and my father would pace the hospital corridors.
01:17Everyone said I was treated like a princess by my partner and father.
01:21But on the day of my comprehensive screening, both were conspicuously absent.
01:27Important business deal to close.
01:29Father said gently, stroking my hair.
01:32Victor caressed my growing belly.
01:34Once we wrap this up, I'll bring back gifts for you and the baby.
01:38I smiled as I watched them leave.
01:40But just before my appointment, I received an anonymous video, father in a tuxedo, standing beside Morgana Ashford.
01:47The mistress who had driven my birth mother to her grave, their illegitimate daughter, heavily pregnant, wore a wedding dress
01:54while clutching Victor's arm.
01:56Someone in the video raised a toast.
01:59Congratulations to both gentlemen on finding true love.
02:03At the end, father told Victor.
02:05Your sham marriage agreement with Emily doesn't count.
02:09Isabella is your real wife.
02:11Victor chuckled in response.
02:13Emily has everything.
02:15Isabella spent her whole life as a bastard child.
02:18I can't bear for her baby to suffer the same fate.
02:22Fighting back tears.
02:23I left the hospital.
02:25Only for my phone to buzz with a vasectomy certificate from Kai along with a message.
02:30Walking aimlessly through the streets of Los Angeles after leaving the hospital.
02:34I saw our family interview from three months ago playing on a massive mall screen when I just found out
02:40I was pregnant.
02:41Father held up a diamond he'd acquired at auction, smiling at the camera.
02:46This heart of true love is a gift for my future granddaughter.
02:50The price doesn't matter, it's about legacy.
02:53Victor tenderly squeezed my hand.
02:55Emily's the one making all the sacrifices.
02:58I'll spend the rest of my life taking care of both mother and daughter.
03:02The screen froze on our loving gaze, with Los Angeles' happiest family scrolling below.
03:08Rain mixed with tears, blurring my vision.
03:12Victor's ringtones suddenly pierced the air.
03:15I used to answer immediately whenever I heard it, but this time I hesitated, only picking up just before it
03:21went to voicemail.
03:22His friend's voices carried through the phone.
03:25Victor finally got what he wanted.
03:28When Isabella left for Europe, he searched all of California for her.
03:33Now he's willing to play along with their heiress for two years just to help Isabella gain control of Hunter
03:40Corporation.
03:41Victor's still got it.
03:43Last time Hunter's daughter was so dizzy from his kiss she couldn't even stand, just hung on him like a
03:49rag doll.
03:50No wonder he got her pregnant without even needing a real engagement.
03:53Ha! She always looked down on bastard children.
03:58Never imagining her own kid would become one.
04:02Exactly.
04:03Isabella just had to say, if mommy won't marry, neither will I.
04:07And Victor convinced Mr. Hunter to marry Ashford.
04:11Mother and daughter both marrying into wealth.
04:14LA hasn't seen drama like this in years.
04:16I gripped the phone tighter, tears streaming down my face.
04:21Suddenly, Victor's icy voice cut through.
04:24Who touched my phone?
04:25The chatter stopped instantly.
04:28His tone immediately softened.
04:30Baby?
04:31Why aren't you talking?
04:32Are you feeling sick?
04:34That gentle voice was flawless, as if those cruel words had been my imagination.
04:39I opened my mouth to mention ending our agreement, then realized we'd never had a real engagement.
04:45I didn't even have the right to ask for a breakup.
04:48A sweet voice cooed through the phone.
04:50Honey, my back hurts, the baby's kicking.
04:53Victor clearly panicked.
04:55Baby, I've got an emergency here.
04:58I'll come home later to be with you.
05:00He hung up without waiting for my response.
05:03I sat in our mansion's living room for what felt like hours before hearing the front door open.
05:09Father and Victor walked in still glowing with barely contained joy.
05:13Emily, I specially ordered supplements from Switzerland all natural.
05:18Father handed me a gift box.
05:20Victor knelt before me, gently massaging my swollen ankles.
05:24As Victor tried to appease me, his hand gradually moved up under my dress.
05:29I remained silent.
05:30Both father and Victor froze.
05:33Victor gave father an almost imperceptible shake of the head, indicating the wedding news hadn't leaked.
05:39I handed Victor a document.
05:42Sign this.
05:43Father playfully complained.
05:45Our little princess goes to her husband for everything now doesn't need daddy anymore?
05:50Victor signed his name with flourish without even reading it.
05:53We don't keep secrets.
05:55What's mine is yours.
05:56Don't be so formal.
05:58He smiled as he returned the papers.
06:00Just then, both their phones rang simultaneously.
06:04Father patted my shoulder.
06:06Company emergency will handle it in the West Wing study.
06:10Victor kissed the top of my head.
06:12I had the West Wing built especially for you.
06:15This way your father and I can work while still taking care of you.
06:19They hurried away, dropping two grooms' boutonnieres that reminded me tonight was their wedding night.
06:24I looked down at the document reading, biological father voluntarily relinquishes all parental rights, and laughed through my tears.
06:32With this signature, my unborn child would have no connection to Victor whatsoever.
06:37Emily Hunter could love deeply, but she could also let go completely.
06:41Wiping away my final tear, I called my lawyer.
06:45Marcus, I want to terminate the trust agreement early.
06:49Also, stop all resource allocation to Hunter Corporation.
06:54Miss Hunter, once inheritance procedures begin, 72% of Hunter Corporation shares will transfer to you within 10 days.
07:04Marcus paused, adding,
07:06Your mother established comprehensive asset protection when she died.
07:11Even if Ms. Ashford marries in, she won't get a penny of Hunter Corporation.
07:16I acknowledged and hung up.
07:18The year mother died, father knelt at her grave sobbing, slapping himself repeatedly saying he betrayed us in his drunken
07:25weakness.
07:26I hid in my room refusing to eat until Victor brought me porridge, patiently coaxing me to swallow spoonful by
07:33spoonful.
07:34Your mother in heaven wants you to live well and be happy.
07:38That sentence got me through the darkest time and made me give him my whole heart.
07:42Now I understood the calculation behind that tenderness.
07:46My phone buzzed constantly with photos, young Victor kissing Isabella on a yacht, walking hand in hand through snow.
07:53Every photo was inscribed, beloved Isabella.
07:56Our honeymoon destinations were all places they'd visited together.
08:01Isabella's voice message arrived, taunting.
08:04Sister, the hotel suite where you honeymooned, the sheets still had traces of our lovemaking.
08:10Didn't Victor swear he'd hold you every night?
08:12Wanna bet I could make him come running with one phone call?
08:15Her words made my stomach churn.
08:18I barely made it to the bathroom before retching.
08:21The door burst open as I finished vomiting.
08:24Emily, is your morning sickness getting worse?
08:27I'll make you something light right away.
08:30He moved quickly, returning with a bowl of steaming pumpkin soup.
08:34He'd learned this recipe from a Michelin chef specifically for pregnant women,
08:38cancelling three merger deals to master it.
08:41His eyes were full of expectation.
08:44Waiting for me to fall into his arms like before.
08:46When I didn't move, he looked confused, then began massaging my temples with practiced ease.
08:53Victor.
08:54I said suddenly.
08:55Is there anything you're hiding from me?
08:57If you tell me now.
08:59Given that he'd broken three ribs protecting me when I jumped from the second floor years ago,
09:04I'd give him one last chance.
09:06What are you talking about?
09:07You and our baby are my life's greatest love.
09:11Victor's gaze was sincere, his performance flawless.
09:15Looking at him, I felt utterly ridiculous.
09:18Victor studied my expression, then laughed softly.
09:21I knew it.
09:22You're saying these things just to make me spoil you.
09:25He leaned in to kiss me.
09:26Thunder crashed outside, making me instinctively shrink into the covers.
09:32I hadn't cried from thunderstorms in years.
09:35Since meeting Victor, I thought I'd found safe harbor.
09:38But now, tears flowed uncontrollably.
09:41Victor pulled me close.
09:43Don't be afraid, I'm here.
09:45His embrace was still warm, but I shivered with cold.
09:48A servant rushed in, whispering urgently in Victor's ear.
09:52His face darkened, but he maintained composure, scolding.
09:56Can't you see my wife isn't well?
09:59What's the emergency?
10:00He patted my back absently, ties constantly darting toward the door.
10:04Sleep now, I'll stay with you.
10:06But once he thought I was asleep, he rushed out without looking back.
10:10My phone screen lit up in the darkness as Isabella sent increasingly explicit photos,
10:16rumbled sheets, Victor's naked back, a hair tie wet with fluids.
10:19Her final voice message came with breathless satisfaction.
10:24Emily, Victor hasn't touched you since you got pregnant, has he?
10:27But, he can't control himself around me.
10:30You don't know how passionate he gets.
10:33I heard Victor hasn't named your baby yet.
10:35Ours is called Megan.
10:37In the video, Isabella revealed a chest tattoo identical to Victor's.
10:42Victor was kissing her chest with a hunger I'd never seen.
10:46Seeing their intimacy made me sick.
10:48For three years, I'd been living as the world's biggest fool.
10:53I sat awake until dawn, finally responding to the number that had been waiting.
10:58I agree to let you be the child's father in name.
11:02Let's work together.
11:03The next morning, I was woken up by a loud commotion.
11:07The villa's hall was packed with Los Angeles' elite, all gathered to celebrate my birthday.
11:12I froze since my mother passed away, I hadn't celebrated my birthday in ten years.
11:18Looking around, I saw that all the portraits of my mother had been replaced with those of Ashford.
11:23The butler, with a fawning smile, explained.
11:27It was Mr. Young's request.
11:29He thought Mrs. Isabella would be pleased to see them.
11:32The guests began to gossip.
11:34Did you hear?
11:35The shop's Mrs. Hunter, left behind have all been transferred to Mrs. Ashford's name.
11:43The first wife worked her whole life, only for the third party to benefit in the end.
11:48Sure.
11:49Keep your voice down.
11:51She's the legitimate Mrs. Hunter now.
11:53Morgana Ashford weakly leaned against my father's shoulder, wiping away tears as she said to me.
12:00I know you don't like me.
12:01But today is a joyful day.
12:04And I just ask one thing from you.
12:07Let me stay with Richard for the rest of his life and take care of this family.
12:11As your mother would have done.
12:13She didn't mention that today was also the anniversary of my mother's death.
12:18Seeing the redness in my eyes, my father casually intervened.
12:22From now on, Ashford will be your elder.
12:25She went out of her way to organize this birthday banquet for you.
12:29So be magnanimous.
12:31Before he finished speaking, Isabella walked in, holding Victor's arm.
12:36Happy birthday, my princess.
12:39Victor spoke affectionately, handing me a black and gold gift box.
12:43Oh my.
12:44That's the exclusive packaging for Heart of True Love from Christy's auction.
12:50One of the guests gasped.
12:51Last month.
12:53A mysterious buyer paid a sky-high price for it.
12:57I can't believe it was President Young.
12:59What a love story.
13:01Emily Hunter is so lucky.
13:03But I couldn't care less.
13:05What was the grand finale collection?
13:08What was the heartfelt prints?
13:10I didn't care at all.
13:12I was only focused on Isabella's maternity dress.
13:15It was the same dress my mother had sewn for me as a Kamingovic gift, using the last of her
13:21strength before she passed.
13:23Take it off.
13:24My voice trembled as I fixed my gaze on that dress.
13:28Isabella immediately reddened around the eyes, stepping back behind Victor.
13:32The guests hadn't expected me to defy Victor so openly, and a collective gasp swept through the room.
13:39Emily, stop making a scene.
13:41If you like this style, I'll have the designer come to our house tomorrow and make you a custom one.
13:48All right?
13:49But I didn't listen, only focused on charging towards Isabella.
13:53Victor grabbed my shoulder.
13:55Emily, calm down.
13:57You're still pregnant.
13:59Ah.
14:00Isabella suddenly collapsed to the ground, furiously ripping at the collar of her dress.
14:05I know you look down on us.
14:07You've always liked to bully me.
14:09Back in school, she'd do this tossele farm and then cry, saying I had hit her.
14:13From that point on, everyone thought the Hunter family's eldest daughter was arrogant and loved to bully others.
14:20Guests whispered among themselves, their eyes full of disdain.
14:24The first wife's daughter really has such a bad temper.
14:28An illegitimate daughter is still a sister.
14:31Why be so harsh?
14:32Victor took off his suit jacket and draped it over Isabella's shoulders, his face suddenly cold toward me for the
14:38first time.
14:39Emily, apologize.
14:41I didn't react, watching as my mother's belongings were torn into pieces.
14:46Everything before me blurred.
14:47Victor stared at me in shock, reaching out to help me.
14:50Emily.
14:51Just then, Isabella pretended to reach out to help but shoved me violently as she got close to my lower
14:56back slammed into the metal armrest.
14:58And the sharp pain immediately spread throughout my body while Isabella herself fell right into the cake.
15:04Her face smeared with cream, looking utterly disheveled.
15:07Why did Emily push me?
15:09Isabella cried out.
15:11Isabella.
15:12Victor and my father rushed to her immediately.
15:14No one noticing the bloodstains seeping between my legs.
15:17Victor wrapped his coat around Isabella and my father helped Ashford up.
15:21And a group of people hurriedly rushed toward the hospital.
15:25Before leaving, Victor turned around and gave me a disappointed look.
15:28Emily.
15:29I've spoiled you.
15:31You need to reflect on yourself.
15:32The banquet hall quickly emptied.
15:35I shakily dialed the hospital, only to be told that all my supplementary credit cards had been frozen.
15:40Staring at the heart of true love rolling on the floor.
15:43I smiled through my tears.
15:45It turns out the so-called pampering was nothing but a trick to tame a canary.
15:49Giving me the most luxurious cage, the most expensive food, making me think I was a princess.
15:55But once I stopped obeying, he cut off my resources.
15:58Waiting for me to admit my mistakes.
16:00Such pampering was something I could not care less about .7 days past.
16:05And both my father and Victor had not contacted me.
16:08But Isabella kept updating her Instagram with posts of the happy family of four.
16:13And I found out they had gone to the Maldives for vacation.
16:16Lawyer Marcus urgently contacted me.
16:19Miss Hunter.
16:20Assets from Hunter Group are rapidly being transferred to Ashford's name.
16:24There's a board meeting in three days.
16:26And your father is planning to sell the shares held on your behalf.
16:31As long as you attend.
16:32We can reclaim all the assets that were transferred.
16:36I gripped the necklace my mother had left me and replied with a simple.
16:40Okay.
16:40In the evening, Isabella posted a picture of her and Victor's marriage certificate.
16:45And Twitter exploded.
16:47So Emily Hunter is actually the third party.
16:50Using her family's wealth to force a marriage.
16:53Only to find out the whole time she was never loved.
16:56Laughable.
16:57But within three minutes, that post mysteriously disappeared.
17:01Victor's phone call came right after.
17:03But I wasn't in the mood to answer.
17:05For the past seven days.
17:06I had been bleeding continuously.
17:08And with my assets frozen, I had no choice but to hide in a small community hospital.
17:13Someone recognized me and whispered.
17:15She's the one who stole her sister's husband.
17:18The hunter family's eldest daughter.
17:21Right?
17:22That's her.
17:23The news says she used her family's wealth to force the marriage.
17:27But the man never loved her.
17:29Look at her belly.
17:31She's probably carrying the illegitimate child.
17:33The cramping pain in my abdomen made my voice tremble.
17:36Help me call the doctor.
17:38Stop pretending to be pitiful.
17:40A pregnant woman suddenly shoved me.
17:42I can't stand women like you, the third party.
17:46Someone grabbed my hair.
17:47The child of a third party shouldn't even be born.
17:50Who says I'm the third party?
17:51I stepped back, protecting my belly.
17:54Whoever touches me again.
17:55I'll make sure they can't work in Los Angeles.
17:58I repeatedly dialed Victor's number.
18:00But no one answered.
18:02A bucket of cold water was suddenly thrown in my face.
18:05Still dreaming of being a princess.
18:07The mother and daughter are already in high society.
18:10And you're nothing.
18:11I didn't care about wiping the water off my face, continuing to dial Victor's number.
18:16When the call was answered, it wasn't Victor's voice, but Isabella's playful tone.
18:21You've neglected Emily for so long.
18:24Aren't you afraid she'll run away?
18:26Victor responded with a confident chuckle.
18:29I've pampered her for so many years.
18:31She can't live without me.
18:33We've never been apart for so long.
18:36When we finally meet, it'll be like a honeymoon.
18:39So easy to coax.
18:41I bought her a small island in the Maldives.
18:44She loves diving.
18:45His tone suddenly became serious.
18:47When your child is born, we'll go straight to the city hall.
18:51The call was abruptly hung up, and the angry crowd suddenly started throwing chairs at me.
18:57She's really the third party.
18:59Get rid of her, bastard.
19:00Just when I thought all hope was lost, with a loud bang, a hand with defined knuckles blocked the chair,
19:06breaking it into splinters.
19:08A bodyguard in black stormed in, shouting.
19:10Enough!
19:12Who dares call Mr. K's child a bastard?
19:15Someone gasped in shock.
19:16Oh my god.
19:18Is that New York's heir, K-Thorne?
19:20K-K Mr. K?
19:21The pregnant woman who had been shouting the loudest suddenly started stuttering.
19:26The people around quietly whispered about K-Thorne, the only son of the Thorne family in New York, who took
19:32over the family business at 25, tripling the value of Thorne Group within three years.
19:37K-Thorne thought he was ruthless in business, never yielding an inch at the negotiating table.
19:41Even the oldest families in Los Angeles would respectfully address him as a Mr. K.
19:46But just a month ago, he publicly announced he had undergone a vasectomy, cutting off the possibility of many family
19:53alliances.
19:54Everyone thought he had lost his mind.
19:56Who would inherit the century-old legacy of the Thorne family now?
19:59K took off his coat, scooped me up, covered in blood, and said in a deep voice.
20:09The people around immediately sprang into action, contacting the medical team and clearing the area swiftly and efficiently.
20:16I opened my mouth to speak, but K seemed to read my mind, leaning in close and whispering.
20:22The only heir of the Thorne family?
20:24It's an honor to give you all the attention.
20:27I froze, my heart skipping a beat.
20:30Suddenly, I remembered the text he had sent me, saying that as long as I was willing, the child in
20:36my womb would be his only heir.
20:37It turned out every word was sincere.
20:40In the Maldives vacation villa, Victor was soothing a crying Isabella when he saw a message from the butler, and
20:46his heart skipped a beat.
20:48The young lady has gone missing.
20:50Isabella pouted and coquettishly said,
20:52Victor, how could you say that earlier?
20:55You are in such a hurry to arrange a formal wedding, after my baby is born.
20:59Victor didn't respond, his mind drifting back to the scene from seven days ago at the birthday banquet.
21:05Emily's pale face, her eyes hollow as she watched her mother's belongings being torn apart.
21:10At that moment, he clearly saw the despair in her eyes.
21:13But when Isabella suddenly fell, he rushed over to help her, completely neglecting Emily.
21:18For the next seven days, he didn't contact her, each time he picked up the phone.
21:23Isabella's words echoed in his mind.
21:25A love is like flying a kite.
21:26The tighter you pull, the easier it flies away.
21:29Give her some space so she knows your importance.
21:32He thought Emily would, as before, wait for him to return.
21:36Listen to his soothing words, and run into his arms with a smile.
21:40But now, she had disappeared.
21:42And no one knew where she had gone.
21:44The hospital had frozen her supplementary cards.
21:46The villa was empty, her assistant said she hadn't returned to the office.
21:50And even her close friends couldn't reach him.
21:53Your father has already married your mother and given you the status of Miss Hunter from
21:57Hunter Group.
21:58You're no longer an illegitimate child.
22:00And your mother had all of Hunter's assets in her hands.
22:03So you'll never be bullied again.
22:05Victor looked at Isabella, speaking slowly.
22:08But Emily, now she has nothing.
22:10I'm going to marry her.
22:12Isabella's face turned pale, and tears instantly welled up.
22:15Victor, it's not about the money.
22:18I just can't bear to lose you.
22:19Victor sneered.
22:21Can't bear to lose me.
22:22Then have your father cancel the stock sale meeting in three days,
22:26and return all of Mrs. Hunter's assets to Emily.
22:31Isabella immediately shut her mouth,
22:33her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her dress.
22:36She couldn't part with that money.
22:38Victor looked at her, suddenly finding it utterly ridiculous.
22:41He once had as much pity for Isabella as he now has disdain for her.
22:46Five years ago, his younger sister was driven to suicide by school bullying.
22:51Then he met Isabella, who cried, saying she had been bullied, ostracized, and humiliated by Emily.
23:00That face, which resembled his sister's, made him feel pity.
23:05He protected her, pampered her, and even developed real feelings for her.
23:11But after Isabella took a large sum of money for a breakup fee,
23:15she left without a second glance and went abroad.
23:18When she returned, she acted pitiful, begging him for help.
23:23At first, perhaps it was because of his resentment from being abandoned that he didn't reject her advances.
23:30Until one drunken night, Isabella took advantage of the situation and brought him back to the hotel.
23:36Intentionally whispering, Emily, in his ear.
23:40Making him believe the woman in his arms was Emily.
23:43And then he became emotionally involved.
23:45But when he woke up and saw Isabella's fake face,
23:49he was disgusted.
23:51She was never Emily.
23:52Emily, the real Emily was the young woman who,
23:55hearing that he had stomach problems,
23:58flipped through cookbooks and ruined several pots of soup just to make him a meal to soothe his stomach.
24:03She was the only one who could make him drop all his defenses after a hard day in business.
24:09She was lively, innocent, and always managed to ease his exhaustion.
24:15What he loved was that Emily,
24:17who had no ulterior motives,
24:20who only had him in her heart.
24:21But he had carefully calculated that very innocence.
24:25Thankfully,
24:26she still didn't know the truth.
24:29Victor stared at Isabella,
24:31his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
24:34The fact that I registered a marriage with you must never be leaked.
24:37Isabella's forehead beaded with sweat,
24:40remembering the tweets she had orchestrated,
24:42slandering Emily as the third party.
24:44She muttered a vague,
24:46Victor didn't give it much thought,
24:49turning around to dial his assistant's number.
24:51Use all your connections.
24:53Turn Los Angeles upside down and find Emily.
24:57Understood, Mr. Young.
25:00The assistant hesitated before asking.
25:03But are you really going to mortgage all of Hunter Group's assets to acquire Mr. Hunter's shares?
25:09If the cash flow breaks,
25:12we'll be finished.
25:13Questioning his own strength didn't sit well with Victor,
25:16but when it came to Emily,
25:18he patiently explained.
25:19Don't worry.
25:20No one in Los Angeles has more power than I do.
25:24Even if there's outside bidding,
25:26Emily has the final say.
25:28She'll definitely choose me.
25:30The assistant remained silent for a moment,
25:33then replied.
25:34All right.
25:35I'll arrange it now.
25:37Three days later,
25:39the Hunter Group shareholder auction went ahead as planned.
25:42Has Emily arrived?
25:43My father waved at me with a smile,
25:45his face still showing the appearance of a kind father.
25:49I'm getting old,
25:50and my health isn't good.
25:51The shares your mother left are in my hands.
25:54But it's a waste.
25:56I quietly looked at him,
25:58saying nothing.
25:58He sighed and shook his head in feigned helplessness.
26:02I plan to transfer these shares to someone more capable.
26:06Ashford and I are planning to retire in Australia.
26:09Ashford wore a victorious smile,
26:11his eyes full of smugness.
26:14Isabella,
26:14who had been ignored by Victor for the past few days,
26:17was seething with anger.
26:19Seeing the situation,
26:21she immediately spoke up.
26:22Emily,
26:23the immigration list for Australia only includes the four of us.
26:26She tilted her head in a feigned sympathetic manner.
26:30I admit you are the legitimate daughter of the Hunter family,
26:33but so what?
26:34You'll be all alone in China,
26:36growing old and lonely.
26:38Ashford feigned sympathy and patted Isabella's hand.
26:41Silly girl.
26:42Don't say that.
26:44Your father's health is poor.
26:46And medical insurance abroad is expensive.
26:48We're not abandoning Emily.
26:50We just don't want to burden her.
26:53My father nodded happily,
26:54as though every word they said was reasonable.
26:57They were all waiting for me to collapse,
26:59waiting for me to question them hysterically or beg my father,
27:03like I used to,
27:04not to leave me behind.
27:05But I simply asked calmly,
27:07Have you already obtained Australian citizenship?
27:10My father froze for a moment,
27:12then nodded.
27:13Of course.
27:14All the paperwork is done.
27:16That's good.
27:17I turned to lawyer Marcus.
27:19Please contact the immigration office
27:20and revoke their American citizenship.
27:23Their smiles instantly froze on their faces.
27:26Isabella was the first to react,
27:28sneering.
27:29Sis,
27:30have you gone crazy from the shock?
27:32My father shook his head and sighed,
27:34as if lamenting my spoiled behavior.
27:36Just then,
27:37the meeting room door swung open,
27:39Victor strode in,
27:40holding a thick stack of property deeds,
27:42his face full of indulgent but helpless smiles.
27:46Emily.
27:46You're such a little stubborn brat.
27:49I only asked for an apology,
27:51and what do you do?
27:52You disappear on me.
27:54He reached out to pinch my face,
27:56but I stepped back to dodge him.
27:58He froze for a moment,
27:59then left.
28:00Still mad?
28:01Fine.
28:02Let me hug you.
28:03I missed you.
28:04But in the next second,
28:06Kai stepped forward,
28:07confidently pulling me into his arms.
28:09He announced to everyone,
28:11Emily Hunter is my fiancé.
28:14The meeting room fell completely silent.
28:16Victor's face darkened instantly.
28:18Mr. Thorne.
28:19What does this mean?
28:21Before Kai could answer,
28:23the meeting host struck the bronze bell.
28:25The auction begins.
28:27What happened next shocked everyone.
28:29Victor,
28:29like a gambler who had lost his mind,
28:31raised the bid again and again,
28:34ignoring his assistant's pale face and frantic gestures.
28:38Mr. Young.
28:39The assistant shouted.
28:41This price is way beyond our collateral limit.
28:44Victor didn't listen at all.
28:46He only saw Emily sitting across from him,
28:48indifferent,
28:49not giving him a single glance.
28:50He bid like a madman,
28:52even mortgaging three subsidiaries of the Hunter group.
28:55Isabella's eyes burned with jealousy in the audience.
28:58While my father and Ashford laughed uncontrollably if finally,
29:01the host struck the gavel and announced the result.
29:04The successful bidder for the shares is Mr.
29:07Kai Thorne.
29:08The entire room fell into dead silence.
29:11Then Victor slammed the table,
29:12losing his usual elite composure.
29:15Kai Thorne.
29:16What do you mean by stealing my woman?
29:18I raised my phone and played the wedding recording the conversation where he and my
29:22father discussed the fake engagement and the illegitimate child.
29:26Your legal wife is Isabella.
29:28Victor's gaze snapped to Isabella.
29:31Did you tell her?
29:32No.
29:33It wasn't me.
29:34Isabella shook her head desperately,
29:36tears spilling,
29:37but panic showed in her eyes.
29:39She looked to my father and Ashford for help,
29:41but Victor yanked her back.
29:43His anger seemed to burn her alive.
29:45I pity you,
29:46and you schemed against me?
29:48Father immediately stepped aside,
29:50blushing and walked over to shake Kai's hand.
29:53Don't thank me yet.
29:55End the silence.
29:56Lawyer Marcus took out my mother's sealed will and read it aloud.
29:59According to clause 7 of Mrs.
30:02Hunter's will,
30:03any abnormal transfer of escrowed shares automatically ends the custody.
30:08All proceeds from today's sale of Richard Hunter's shares belong to Emily Hunter.
30:15Father collapsed into his chair and Ashford shrieked.
30:18Are you insane, Emily?
30:21You're betraying your mother.
30:22You're the Hunter family's sinner.
30:24I found it ridiculous.
30:26Father said he wanted someone more capable to manage the business.
30:30Now he can't let go.
30:31I announced clearly, word by word.
30:34I sever all parent-child ties with Richard Hunter.
30:36The room erupted in shock.Richard's eyes widened, lips trembling,
30:40unable to speak.He had once been Los Angeles's most prestigious man.
30:45Now he slumped in his chair, spine broken.
30:49Kai stood and nodded to Marcus.
30:51The secretary immediately made a call.
30:54A massive sum transferred to my account.
30:56Then, in front of everyone, he knelt on one knee, holding a share transfer agreement.
31:01Emily.
31:02These Hunter group shares are yours from today.
31:05I.
31:06Kai Thorne.
31:07Will protect you and our child for life.
31:10Will you marry me?
31:11The room fell silent, then erupted in chaos.
31:14People took pictures, live streams went up, and Twitter exploded.
31:19New York heiress proposed by Young Tycoon, billion-dollar engagement shocks America.
31:24After that day, Kai assembled a dedicated legal team and quickly filed lawsuits against Richard
31:30in Ashford.
31:31Every property, every deposit my mother left behind, even the antique jewelry she had collected,
31:37was reclaimed.
31:38Kai's involvement during my prenatal checkups became even more extravagant.
31:42Top-tier medical teams, a custom-designed luxurious hospital room, and even the hallways
31:47of the hospital were covered with non-slip red carpets.
31:50People in Los Angeles started to envy me again, calling me a woman favored by fate.
31:55The previous rumors, calling me the abandoned daughter of the Hunter family or accusing me
32:00of being the third party, had long since disappeared without a trace.
32:04That day, I had just finished my checkup and was about to step into the Lincoln sedan when
32:09a familiar voice called out,
32:11I paused for a moment but didn't turn around, until he nearly screamed,
32:18I slowly turned around.
32:20The once-confident president of Hunter Group now looked exhausted, unrecognizable, with hollow
32:25eyes and a scruffy beard as if he hadn't had a good night's sleep in a long time.
32:30It made sense. I heard that after Hunter Group's failed auction, they were sued by several business
32:36partners, and the financial chain had already broken. He staggered to me, disregarding the
32:42bodyguards trying to stop him. Pulling out a land deed from his suit pocketed was the property
32:47deed for the private island in the Maldives. His voice was hoarse.
32:51Emily, last year when I taught you to dive, at 10 meters underwater, you suddenly took off your
32:58regulator and kissed me, almost choking on water. In the middle of the night, you insisted on chasing
33:06the tide, and when you got your foot scratched by coral, I carried you 3 kilometers back to the
33:12hotel. You lay on my back and said, Victor, I want you to pamper me like this for the rest
33:18of my life.
33:19On New Year's Eve last year, you said you wanted to see the aurora at both the north and south
33:25poles
33:26with me, this Christmas. His voice suddenly cracked, and tears dropped onto the floor,
33:31no longer caring about maintaining his composure. You said you wanted to have a child like me.
33:37You probably forgot why I gave you the heart of true love. It was because when we watched Titanic,
33:44you pointed at the heart of the ocean and said you wanted a love token that could last through the
33:49ages. I flew to London that night, waited at Christie's auction for three days and nights,
33:55and won it. Is it really true that this little girl, whom I've pampered so carefully,
34:01doesn't want me anymore? I looked at his red eyes and slowly shook my head.
34:06Victor, you remember all of this, but you conveniently forgot that I hate being lied to.
34:11That feeling of being deceived reminded me of how my mother was deceived by Richard her entire life,
34:16never escaping until the day she died. Victor's eyes were bloodshot, and he screamed in despair.
34:22Emily, for the sake of the child, give me one last chance. I'm the biological father.
34:28I took a deep breath, my tone calm but firm.
34:32You don't deserve to mention this child. If it weren't for Kay, this child wouldn't have survived.
34:37Victor stood frozen, clearly unaware of what I had gone through.
34:40Step aside. Kay suddenly picked me up and placed me gently into the back seat of the car,
34:46his tall frame following close behind, outside the car window. Victor slammed his hands against
34:51the glass, but Kay ignored him completely, his tongue pushing against my lips, deepening the kiss.
34:57Don't get distracted.
34:58He murmured, his voice hoarse.
35:01Just think of me.
35:02I was stunned by the deep affection hidden in this kiss. His breath was hot against my skin,
35:07and after a moment, he explained. If I told you that, since your 18th birthday,
35:11I've been waiting for you to look back at me. Would you believe it?
35:14My heart skipped a beat. That year, he had attended as a guest, completely indifferent and aloof.
35:20I only remembered that he had refused the drink I offered, saying that young girls shouldn't be
35:24drinking. So all these years, you've been. His lips brushed against my ear, his voice soft but
35:31determined. Waiting for a chance. Waiting for the moment when you needed me.
35:34The rain began to fall outside the car window again, but this time, someone was holding an
35:39umbrella for me, shielding me from all the wind and rain. Victor drank glass after glass until the
35:44butler brought Isabella's phone, and that's when he realized that the scandal between him and Isabella
35:50had already been exposed. The butler also retrieved the surveillance video from the community
35:54hospital. Emily lying on the floor, covered in blood, being shoved, splashed with water,
35:59and insulted. While at that very moment, he was in the Maldives, vacationing with Isabella.
36:05The doctor said, Ms. Hunter had no money on her at the time, she had to lie on the bench
36:11in the
36:11hallway. Victor had never realized so clearly just how laughable and foolish he was.He always thought
36:17he was pampering Emily. That he was the one bringing her happiness. But what was the reality?
36:22He had pushed her to the brink of despair. Endless regret and hatred overwhelmed him as he gritted his
36:27teeth and ordered. Bring Isabella here. When Isabella was escorted into the study by the bodyguards,
36:33she had no idea what had happened, and whined. Victor, they hurt me. But when she saw the footage
36:39on the screen, her face changed instantly, and she immediately squeezed out tears. Victor, I love you.
36:46From the first time I saw you at 16, I fell in love with you. Emily has everything, and I'm
36:52also my
36:52father's daughter. Why do I have to get nothing? Victor didn't want to waste any more words with
36:57her. His gaze fell on her protruding belly. This bastard. Get rid of it immediately.
37:03Isabella was struck like lightning, and without a second thought, she lunged forward, grabbing
37:08Victor's pant leg. When her pleas failed, she suddenly laughed manically, her tears mixing with
37:13despair. Victor, wasn't it you who froze her bank cards? Wasn't it you who signed the fake
37:19marriage contract with her? You are just a scumbag who wants it all. Stop pretending to be sentimental.
37:25Victor was stung, and he sharply brushed her hand away. Isabella slammed heavily into the coffee table,
37:31blood flowing down her thigh. Victor. Save our child. Victor looked coldly at the scene and turned
37:37to walk away. Isabella hastily dialed her father's number, but she received a more hopeless answer.
37:43Isabella, I just sent Ashford to the psychiatric hospital. Richard's voice carried an eerie
37:49cheer. You better go apologize to Emily. I'll be able to become Thorne's father-in-law soon.
37:53When the police burst into the guest room, Isabella was already on the verge of death.
37:58Before her pupils faded, she weakly whispered her final words.
38:02Karma, it's all karma. Three months later, my daughter was born with a loud cry.
38:07Kay called a Thorne family meeting, and all the members gathered. He signed the property transfer
38:13agreement in public, transferring 50% of Thorne Group's assets to me, and the other 50% to our
38:19daughter, with him holding it in trust until she turns 18.
38:22From now on, I am your, and your daughter's personal servant.
38:26Kay said with a smile, his eyes full of affection.
38:29The family members were surprised, but they were already used to his commanding style,
38:34and they all stood up to congratulate us.
38:36An LED screen displayed the latest news.
38:39Hunter Group's bankruptcy liquidation.
38:42Former President Victor Young leaves behind a confession letter,
38:45suspected to have fallen to his death.
38:47Foreign National Richard Hunter deported for economic crimes,
38:51sent back to Australia this morning.
38:53Lawyer Marcus hurried in holding a letter.
38:56Madam, this is Victor Young's suicide note.
38:59Would you like to read it?
39:01The entire room fell silent, all eyes on me.
39:04Kay frowned but didn't stop him.
39:06He simply held my hand, silently supporting any decision I made.
39:10I gently shook my head, my tone calm and steady.
39:13No need.
39:14Marcus nodded and silently retreated.
39:17Kay reached out to turn off the TV, a flicker of sympathy and pride in his eyes.
39:22He gently kissed my forehead.
39:24It's all over.
39:25I leaned against him, watching our daughter sleep peacefully,
39:28a small smile spreading across my face.
39:31No, it's a new beginning.
39:32I was no longer anyone's pet canary.
39:35I could be my daughter's mother, Kay's wife.
39:37But more importantly, I was the master of my own fate.
39:41This life had only just begun.