- 7 hours ago
My Husband Auctioned Me Off
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Before our wedding anniversary, I wanted to bid on the ruby brooch my husband loved most.
00:05But a mysterious woman lit the Sky Lunar and closed the auction, taking it away from everyone else.
00:10The next second, I received a payment notification from my husband's supplementary card.
00:14I froze that card on the spot and made her lose every bit of face in front of the pickup
00:18counter.
00:18When she turned back to look at me, her eyes were venomous enough to have been soaked in poison.
00:23Half a month later, my husband, Ethan Black, said he was taking me on a vacation to a private island
00:28off Vancouver
00:29to make up for our wedding anniversary.
00:31The moment I stepped onto the island, someone covered my nose and mouth from behind.
00:35When I woke again, I was locked into a high-backed restraint chair in an underground auction hall.
00:40Tonight's item is Ava, the most beautiful woman in North American high society.
00:44Highest bidder wins.
00:46On the night of our wedding anniversary, my husband put me on the auction stage of the underground Black Rose
00:51S&M exchange.
00:53The first item was my legs.
00:55A high-definition camera swept from my ankles all the way up to my thighs.
01:00Below the stage, masked tycoons and power breeders from New York, Toronto, and lotterarials held up numbered paddles.
01:06Most of them were involved in gray market business or were true psychological deviants,
01:10and they looked at me as if they were selecting an expensive work of art.
01:1430 million for those legs!
01:16Don't rush.
01:16She's the famous beauty of North American high society.
01:19There is still her chest, her face, and then the whole person.
01:23I was locked in a high-backed restraint chair, a gag stuffed into my mouth, a black leather collar was
01:27fossened around my neck,
01:28my hands and feet were locked to the metal rings on the chair legs, and my husband, Ethan Black, was
01:32sitting in the first row.
01:34He held his affair partner, Serena Val, in his arms and smiled as he watched people bid on me.
01:42Just last night, he had held me and said,
01:45Ava, for our wedding anniversary, I prepared a surprise for you.
01:49So this was his surprise?
01:50He had tricked me onto a private island off Vancouver, drugged me, kidnapped me, put a collar on me, and
01:56delivered me into this underground auction hall.
01:58All because three days ago, Serena wanted to close an auction in New York, and I froze the supplementary car
02:04card she had been using to spend my money.
02:06She lost face, so Ethan wanted me to pay for it with the rest of my life.
02:11Ava, what?
02:12The auctionist wore white gloves and brought down a silver gravel.
02:16First round, bidding for control of the legs.
02:19Opening bid, 10 million dollars.
02:22The light fell on me.
02:22I wore a torn black evening gown.
02:25The hem had been fixed above my knees, and the silver chains around my ankles had been pulled taut.
02:30The laughter below grew louder and louder.
02:32They knew who I was.
02:34Ava Hart.
02:35The youngest daughter of the Hart family.
02:37The recognized great beauty of North American high society.
02:40Cold, proud, and difficult to approach.
02:43In the past, whenever I attended charity dinners, the media loved photographing my profile, my chest, and my long legs.
02:50They said I was like a rose growing on ice.
02:52Beautiful, expensive, and one no one dared casually pick.
02:55Serena leaned in Ethan's arms and laughed sweetly.
03:01Darling, Ava is so beautiful.
03:03Do you think she'll sell for a high price tonight?
03:06The higher, the better.
03:08The higher the price, the more she will understand that without the identity of Mrs. Black,
03:13she is nothing but an object anyone can put a price on.
03:16The handcuffs had rubbed my wrists' blood eight years ago.
03:19Ethan was not yet the new darling of capital that he was now.
03:25He had no company, no network, and no investments.
03:28When his first roadshow failed, I stayed with him in a motel on the outskirts of Seattle.
03:33When his capital chain broke, I used my own trust fund to save him.
03:37When the board questioned him, I introduced him to people from the Hart family.
03:40Later, he succeeded.
03:41Black Capital became the hottest investment firm on the West Coast,
03:44and I became the irritating Mrs. Black in his mouth.
03:47The bidding continued.
03:4935 million!
03:5040 million!
03:5250 million!
03:53My whole body was cold.
03:55Ethan suddenly stood up and walked onto the stage.
03:58His long fingers hooked the collar around my neck and tugged lightly.
04:02I was forced to lift my head.
04:03Ava, if you soften now, I can bid on this round for you.
04:08Serena followed him onto the stage.
04:10She held a document in her hand and smiled with a gentleness full of malice.
04:14It's very simple.
04:15Sign the divorce agreement,
04:17give up all marital assets,
04:19give up spousal support,
04:20and give up any division of Black Capital Equity.
04:23Then kneel and apologized to me.
04:25She placed the document on my knees.
04:28Ava, weren't you so impressive when you froze-mose my supplementary card?
04:34Why aren't you saying anything now?
04:36Ethan looked down at me and removed my gag.
04:41All she wants is an apology.
04:43You owe her that.
04:45I looked at him and suddenly laughed.
04:49I owe her?
04:51She spent my money pretending to be rich at a New York auction.
04:55If she lost face,
04:57she deserved it.
04:59Ethan, did you hear that?
05:01Even now, she is insulting me.
05:03Ethan tightened his fingers around the silver chain at the front of my collar.
05:07He leaned close to my ear.
05:12Ava, do you really think you are still the high and mighty Miss Heart?
05:14Before we came to the island,
05:15I transferred all liquid assets under your name into my offshore account.
05:19The rules of the Black Rose Exchange state that one funding account combined only one bidder.
05:23Now you can't take out even one dollar.
05:25My heart sank.
05:26No wonder my phone had been taken.
05:28No wonder my accounts had been locked.
05:30No wonder he dared to be so blatant.
05:32The auctioneer raised the silver gavel.
05:37First round.
05:3960 million dollars once.
05:41The highest bidder below smiled at me.
05:43As if he were looking at something that was about to belong to him.
05:4860 million dollars twice.
05:51I still had one last chance.
05:53On the ring finger of my right hand was the wedding ring Ethan had personally put on me.
05:56Only I knew that inside the setting was an emergency chip from the Hart family.
06:00Ten years ago, I ran away from the arranged marriage my family had for me because of Ethan.
06:04My father did not stop me.
06:06He only placed this ring in my hand and said,
06:08You may choose not to take the path your family gives you.
06:11But Ava, you must leave yourself a way out.
06:14Activating the chip required three steps.
06:17Scrape open the sealed layer inside the ring setting.
06:19Touch any internet connected device.
06:22Enter my distress key.
06:23Now I was locked on the stage with no phone, no computer, not even a pen.
06:27But I had to try.
06:28I deliberately struggled violently.
06:31The ankle chain struck the chair leg with a pissing sound.
06:34The auctioneer frowned.
06:35Ethan looked at me coldly.
06:37Still trying to make trouble?
06:39I gasped.
06:40My legs are numb.
06:44Aren't you auctioning my legs?
06:46At least let me stand.
06:48People below immediately began to egg them on.
06:50Let her stand!
06:52Yes, we can't see clearly while she's sitting!
06:54Legs that beautiful should be auctioned standing up!
06:56Serena thought this was a new humiliation.
06:59So she said in a coy voice,
07:01Ethan, let her stand.
07:04When she used to attend Bannets, wasn't she best at standing in front of cameras?
07:08Ethan looked at me and gave a cold laugh.
07:11Satisfy her.
07:12One side of the handcuffs was unlocked.
07:13I was forced to stand from the restraint chair.
07:16The ankle chains limited my stride, so I could only stand at the center of the stage.
07:20A staff member fastened a long, thin, black posture rod behind my back, forcing me to keep my spine straight.
07:25The silver chain on my collar was held in the auctioneer's hand.
07:28I looked like an exhibitate whose angle had been adjusted.
07:30The lights grew brighter.
07:31I raised my hand to grip the chair back and pretended to be unsteady.
07:34The inside of my ring sprach the metal edge.
07:36The sealed layer of the ring setting was scratched open a little.
07:39Not enough up, but enough to begin.
07:40Ethan did not notice.
07:42Serena, however, saw the blood on my hand and laughed softly.
07:46Ava, you really should look at yourself right now.
07:48Even North America's most beautiful ice queen can be taught rules by chains.
07:52She leaned close to me and said,
07:54After tonight, everyone will remember you like this.
07:58You will never again be the noble Miss Heart.
08:01I looked at her.
08:02Serena, you had better pray Ethan wins forever.
08:05She froze.
08:06I said, because once he loses, the first person he throws out to take the blame will be you.
08:14Just then, the silver gavel fell.
08:16First round, sold.
08:18My legs had been sold.
08:22The second item was my chest.
08:24As soon as the auctioneer announced it, Serena personally walked onto the stage.
08:28In her hands, she held a ruby necklace.
08:30The necklace was exaggerately gorgeous, red as clotted blood.
08:32Serena smiled at me.
08:33Ava, didn't you always hate rubies?
08:35You said they were too bright and too oscillacious.
08:38But I think they suit you perfectly now.
08:41I sneered.
08:43Spending my money to buy something Ethan likes, then putting it on me.
08:49Serena, is your entire life built on picking up what belongs to me?
08:53Two female attendants pressed down on my shoulders, one on each side.
08:56Serena personally fastened the ruby necklace around my neck.
08:58The black collar had not been removed.
09:00The ruby rested beneath my collar variants, forming a glaring contrast with the collar.
09:04One cold, one vivid, one symbolized humiliation.
09:06The other symbolized a price tag.
09:08The camera on the big screen zoomed in.
09:10My neck, collarbones, chest, and the torn edge of my gown were all magnified.
09:15For an instant, the audience below went quiet.
09:17Then came even more bereavent murmurs.
09:21Now this looks like tonight's main event.
09:23Ava heart wearing rubies is worth more than the jewels themselves.
09:27Ethan, you really can bear to do this.
09:30Ethan sat there, his expression indifferent.
09:33She never liked rubies.
09:35She thought they were too showy.
09:36Serena immediately answered,
09:38I like them.
09:40Ethan smiled.
09:41Then after this round ends, they're yours.
09:44They tied me on the stage and humiliated me.
09:47Then they treated the jewelry I had worn as a love gift.
09:50The auctioner raised his gravel.
09:52Second round.
09:53Bidding for the chest begins.
09:55Opening bid.
09:5650 million dollars.
09:57The price rose all the way.
09:5955 million.
10:0170 million.
10:0290 million.
10:06100 million.
10:07Looking at the people holding up paddles below the stage,
10:10I suddenly felt a cold clarity.
10:11It was not that they did not know this was a crime.
10:13They simply believed that as long as the doors were closed as enough money,
10:17even a person could become Gershingi's.
10:19Serena walked up to me.
10:20She adjusted the ruby necklace with her hand,
10:22deliberately pressing the cold gems against my skin.
10:24Then she picked up a small silver bell from a nearby tray and hung it below my collar.
10:28Whenever I moved, the bell rang, crisp, piercing.
10:30She smiled and said,
10:31Ethan, look, how obedient she is now.
10:34The audience roared with laughter.
10:37Ethan laughed too.
10:38More pleasing than before.
10:40Serena then leaned close to me.
10:44Ava, do you know what I hate most about you?
10:47That face of yours.
10:49Every time Ethan was with me, as soon as your phone call came in, he would frown.
10:53I kept wondering, why?
10:54I lifted my eyes to her.
10:56Because I am legal.
10:58Why do you get to do nothing and still be Mrs. Black?
11:00I continued, because he knelt and begged me to marry him.
11:04Serena raised her hand to slap me, but Ethan caught her hand first.
11:10Don't mark her face.
11:11He looked at me with a tone like he was appraising goods.
11:14The face for the next round.
11:15A chill ran through me.
11:17Right.
11:17Isn't that face the thing she is most proud of?
11:21Then the next round will be the face.
11:23I forced myself to stay calm.
11:25The distress signal had not been sent yet.
11:28The sealed layer of the ring setting was only half open.
11:31I needed a second chance.
11:35Water.
11:36I suddenly spoke.
11:37Ethan frowned.
11:38What are you trying now?
11:39My voice was horsey.
11:40If you're going to auction me, don't let me faint.
11:44Someone below chimed in.
11:46Give her water.
11:49Don't damage the item.
11:50There are still rounds left.
11:53Serena laughed softly.
11:54I'll do it.
11:56She picked up a glass of ice water and walked to me.
11:59She did not hand it to me.
12:01Instead, she threw it directly in my face.
12:04The cold water ran down my cheeks, neck, and collotones,
12:07soaking the rubies and the little silver bell beneath my collar.
12:10The bell rang softly with my shivering.
12:12Laughter upped below the stage.
12:14Oops!
12:15My hand slipped.
12:16Serena blinked innocently.
12:18I closed my eyes for a moment.
12:19Water slid down my right hand and landed on the ring.
12:22In the chaos, I pressed the ring against the metal contact plate
12:25beneath the arm press of the restraint chair.
12:27It was the interface that controlled the electromagnetic locks on the handcuffs.
12:30If it was connected to the internal system, then it had a network.
12:33A faint vibration came from inside the ring.
12:35Did it work?
12:36Before I could confirm, Ethan noticed my movement.
12:39He strode forward and grabbed my wrist.
12:42What are you touching?
12:43I pulled my hand back, my palm covered in blood.
12:47It hurts.
12:49He stared at me, his eyes dark.
12:51Ava, you had better truly just be in pain.
12:54I lowered my head and said nothing.
12:56The ring stopped vibring.
12:57I did not know whether the signal had fully gone out.
13:00The auctioneerian's gavel fell.
13:02Second round, sold.
13:03My chest and the ruby were sold too.
13:05The third item was my face.
13:06When the auctioneer announced it, the audience below fell quiet for several seconds instead.
13:10Then every gaze landed on my face.
13:12In the past, this face had brought me countless compliments.
13:16At banquets, the media chased after my profile with cameras.
13:20At charity events, people said I looked like a beauty who had walked out of an old oil painting.
13:30When Ethan first pursued me, he once held my face on a rainy night and said,
13:35Ava, you are so beautiful you don't seem real.
13:39But now he sat below the stage, wanting to break this face into a price as well.
13:44The auctioneer said,
13:45Third round, bidding for the face begins.
13:48Opening bid, $80 million.
13:50The big screen switched to a close-up.
13:53I was forced to lift my head.
13:55The camera swept from my eyes to the corner of my lips.
13:58Someone said,
13:59No wonder Serena hates her.
14:01That face really can make a man remember it for ten years.
14:04But Ethan laughed.
14:06He rose and walked onto the stage.
14:09This round, I will introduce personally.
14:12He came to stand in front of me.
14:14His black-gloved hand lifted my chin.
14:17Ava Hart, the most beautiful youngest daughter of the Hart family.
14:22The famous cold rose of North American high society.
14:25In the past, even glancing at someone looked like charity from her.
14:30His thumb brushed the blood at the corner of my mouth.
14:34Now, she is nothing more than this.
14:38Low laughter came from below.
14:40Serena suddenly took out a lipstick.
14:42The red was blinding.
14:44She walked up to me and smiled.
14:47If your face is being auctioned,
14:49you should at least look prettier.
14:51I turned my head to avoid her.
14:53Ethan immediately pulled the silver chain on my collar.
14:56The bell rang once.
14:58I was forced to stop.
15:00Serena pinched my jaw and roughly smeared a line of red across my lips.
15:04The color was so vivid, it was almost a humiliation.
15:07She looked at her work and smiled in satisfaction.
15:10Now, you look like an auctioneer.
15:13I stared at her.
15:15The happier you laugh now, the uglier you will cry later.
15:19Still stubborn even now.
15:21She turned and picked up a black silk ribbon.
15:23My heart tightened.
15:30What are you doing?
15:32She smiled.
15:34Don't be afraid.
15:36I just want everyone to see whether the cold rose can stay noble when her eyes are covered.
15:40The black ribbon covered my eyes.
15:42The world went dark in an instant.
15:43My hearing became sharper.
15:45The low laughter below.
15:46The silver gamp tapping lightly on the table.
15:48Serena leaned close to my ear.
15:49Ava, you can't see now.
15:50Are you finally afraid?
15:52Afraid the distress call had failed.
15:53Afraid I would truly die here.
15:55Afraid Adrian simply would not want to care about me anymore.
15:57But I could not let her hear it.
15:59I said, I'm afraid you won't kneel fast enough later.
16:01The next second, I was slapped across the face.
16:04She did not hit very hard, but it was humiliating enough.
16:07Ethan did not stop her.
16:08He only said blandly,
16:10Don't injure anywhere obvious.
16:12Serena said aggrievedly,
16:14She keeps provoking me.
16:16Ethan smiled.
16:18Then teach her rules.
16:20Staff pressed me back into the restraint chair.
16:22A leather belt crossed my waist and abdomen,
16:25fixing me against the chair back.
16:26My wrists were locked even tighter.
16:28The chain at the front of my collar was hooked to a metal ring behind the chair,
16:31forcing me to keep my head raised.
16:32The posture had no dignity at all,
16:34but it placed the ring on my right hand close to the interface under the armrest.
16:37I moved my fingertips.
16:39The ring setting scraped over metal.
16:40The sealed layer cracked open.
16:42The ring vibrated faintly again.
16:44My heart thundered.
16:45Only the key was left.
16:47I had to touch a device capable of entering numbers.
16:51Just then, Serena walked onto the stage holding my phone.
16:55Ava?
16:56Are you still thinking about this?
17:00She deliberately held the phone near my ear.
17:03Don't worry.
17:04Location is off.
17:06The external card has been removed.
17:08And your contacts are locked.
17:11You can't contact anyone, she laughed smugly.
17:14Even if you scream until your throat breaks, no one will come save you.
17:18My eyes were covered, so I could not see where the phone was.
17:22But I could hear it.
17:23She was very close to me.
17:24I suddenly turned my head and slammed into her wrist.
17:27Serena scrounged.
17:28The phone slipped from her hand and fell beside my hand.
17:31Black rabbins drift down.
17:33Ethan shouted angrily.
17:35Ava!
17:36I lowered my right hand and pressed the inside of the ring against the edge of the phone screen.
17:40The screen lit up.
17:41By memory, I pressed three numbers with my knuckle.
17:44Three, seven, nine.
17:45The emergency key of the Hart Family Trust.
17:49What exactly did you enter?
17:50The next second, Ethan kicked the phone away.
17:53I gasped and smiled.
17:55Gasped.
17:55Ethan raised his hand, about to hit me again.
17:58But he stopped in midair, because the auctioneer reminded him.
18:00Mr. Black, the third round has not yet closed.
18:03He coldly withdraw his hand.
18:05Continue.
18:06The price had already soared to 200 million.
18:08Serena clutched her wrist.
18:10Ethan, don't drag this out.
18:11Go straight to auctioning her whole person in the next round.
18:13I want to see her completely finished.
18:15The auctioneer raised the gavel.
18:17200 million once.
18:19200 million twice.
18:20200 million three times.
18:22Sold.
18:23My face had been sold, too.
18:25The fourth item was my entire person.
18:27When the auctioneer said those words, the whole hall grew excited.
18:30The lights were brighter than in the previous rounds.
18:32Every camera aimed at me.
18:34My face, my neck, the ruby on my chest, my waist, my legs, and the bloody marks on my
18:37wrists were all magnified on the screen.
18:39Ethan stood on the stage and personally picked up the microphone.
18:42Ladies and gentlemen, the first three rounds were only appetizers.
18:46The final round, the whole person of Ava Hart is up for bid.
18:50Opening bid, 300 million dollars!
18:53The audience exploded instantly.
18:58Serena sat in the first row, smiling with triumph all over her face.
19:01She looked at me as if she were looking at an enemy who had been trampled into the mud.
19:05Ava, don't be afraid.
19:06You're so beautiful.
19:07You'll definitely sell for a lot.
19:08I did not look at her.
19:09I was waiting.
19:10Waiting for the keystring to be received by the Hart Trust.
19:13Waiting for the Protection Clause to activate.
19:15Waiting for Adrian to receive the message.
19:16But second by second, time passed.
19:18Nothing happened.
19:19The bidding had already begun.
19:21350 million!
19:22400 million!
19:24480 million!
19:24Every number was like a stone pressing down on my body.
19:27Ethan walked to my side.
19:30Ava, it is still not too late to beg me.
19:33I lifted my head.
19:35What do you want to hear?
19:37He placed the divorce agreement in front of me again.
19:40Sign it.
19:40Give up all assets.
19:42Admit you were unfaithful during the marriage.
19:44Apologize to Serena.
19:46Then I can buy you back.
19:47I laughed.
19:48Keep dreaming.
19:49Ethan's eyes went cold.
19:51Serena immediately walked onto the stage, picked up a pen and shoved it into my...
19:54Ava, don't fail to appreciate kindness.
19:56Ethan is willing to save you.
19:58She bent down and looked at me, her eyes full of malice.
20:00This is your last chance.
20:01Or do you really want to be bought by someone else?
20:03I held that pen.
20:04The tip was very thin.
20:06If I had a little more time, perhaps I could use it to open the handcuffs.
20:10But Ethan saw through my thought.
20:12He pulled the pen from my hand and snapped it casually.
20:15Stop playing clever tricks.
20:17My heart sank.
20:19500 million once.
20:21The auctioneer shed.
20:22500 million twice.
20:25Just as the silver gavel was about to fall, with just toner working to your rim.
20:31I am closing the auction with a full house bid.
20:34The entire room went quiet.
20:37Then came thunderous laughter.
20:40Ava, have you been scared insane?
20:43What are you going to use to close the auction?
20:50Ethan laughed too.
20:51He picked up his phone and cast the screen onto the big display.
20:54It was my account balance.
20:56Zero.
20:57A glaring zero.
20:58Everyone, look carefully.
21:00My wife does not have even one dollar now.
21:03The laughter below grew louder.
21:07Verify her funds.
21:10Let her verify.
21:13Still pretending at a time like this?
21:16How interesting.
21:17The auctioneer looked at Ethan.
21:19Ethan nodded.
21:19Verify.
21:20If she can't pass verification, according to Black Rose rules, send her straight to the underground
21:27discipline room.
21:29Ava, you're finished.
21:31The fund verifier came onto the stage.
21:33I stretched out my right hand.
21:35The blood on the wedding ring had dried.
21:37I gave an account name.
21:39Hart Family Tri-Regional Supervised Trust.
21:42Serena frowned.
21:43What trust?
21:44Ethan immediately sneered.
21:46That trust was frozen ago.
21:48Ten years ago.
21:50To marry me.
21:51She voluntarily gave up the right to use it.
21:54I looked at him.
21:55The right of use being frozen does not mean the protection clause is invalid.
21:59The verifier entered the information.
22:02The hall was eerily silent.
22:04One second, two seconds, three seconds.
22:07The screen displayed, verifying.
22:10Serena forced a smile.
22:11She really can act.
22:13But Ethan was no longer smiling.
22:15He stared at the screen, veins pulsing at his temple.
22:18Verification failed.
22:20Those four words appeared.
22:21The room was briefly quiet.
22:23The next second, laughter nearly lifted the roof.
22:27Serena let out a breath of relief and turned to hug Ethan.
22:30I knew it!
22:31She has no money at all!
22:32Ethan smiled again.
22:36Ava, you really disappoint me.
22:39He walked up to me.
22:41You could have kept a little dignity.
22:44I lowered my head and said nothing.
22:47Had it failed?
22:48Had the signal not gone out?
22:50Or was Adrian not coming?
22:54Serena impatiently urged the auctioneer.
22:58Announce it.
23:01She failed fund verification.
23:04The auctioneer raised the silver gavel.
23:05Ms. Hart has maliciously disrupted the transaction.
23:07According to Black Rose rules...
23:09Before he finished speaking, the big screen suddenly flashed.
23:11The four words, verification failed, disappeared.
23:13A new page popped up.
23:14Emergency protection clause activated.
23:15Callable assets, $20 billion.
23:17The hall fell dead silent.
23:18The verifier stared at the screen.
23:19The trust protection account under Ms. Ava Hart's name has been activated.
23:24Callable assets are $20 billion.
23:28The hall exploded.
23:29$20 billion?
23:30Didn't Ethan say she had no money?
23:31Black, what do you take us for?
23:32Ethan looked at me.
23:33How did you do it?
23:35I slowly lifted my head.
23:36My cheeks still hurt and my wrists were still bleeding.
23:39But I smiled.
23:41Ethan, you thought you had taken my money.
23:44But you cannot take away the escape route the Hart family left me.
23:47I looked at the auctioneer.
23:49Every item tonight, I am closing the auction and bidding on all of them.
23:53My legs, my chest and the ruby.
23:55My face, my entire person.
23:58I am buying myself back.
24:00The audience was silent.
24:01I looked at Ethan again.
24:03And this island, this Black Rose exchange.
24:07Every one of your entry records and bidding records.
24:10I want those too.
24:12Serena screamed.
24:14Impossible!
24:15How can you still have money?
24:17I looked at her coldly.
24:19You had better start thinking now.
24:20When the investigators arrive, will you put all the blame on Ethan?
24:25Or wait for Ethan to throw you out first?
24:29Serena trembled all over and subconsciously looked at Ethan.
24:32Ethan did not look at her.
24:33He only stared at me.
24:34His eyes full of shame and fury.
24:37Ava, how dare you?
24:41Before I could speak, the roar of helicopters suddenly came from outside the hall.
24:46The heavy iron doors were opened from the outside.
24:50Sea wind poured in.
24:51Everyone turned back in panic.
24:53A group of bodyguards in black rushed into the hall.
24:56The man at the front wore a black overcoat.
24:58His features were clear and refined.
25:00His expression cold and severe.
25:02Adrian crossed.
25:03After ten years, he had not changed.
25:06He was only steadier than before and more dangerous.
25:09Step by step, he walked onto the stage.
25:11His gaze fell on the collar around my neck, then swept over the bloody marks on my wrists and the
25:16ruby necklace on my chest.
25:18Ethan blocked his path.
25:20This is between me and my wife.
25:22Adrian looked at him.
25:23From the moment you put her on the auction stage, she was no longer merely your wife.
25:30She is the triggering party of the Hart Family Protection Clause and an honored guest of the Cross Family.
25:38Adrian passed him and came to stand in front of me.
25:41With his own hands, he removed the collar from my neck and unlocked my handcuffs.
25:47The black overcoat fell over my shoulders.
25:54Ava, I came late.
25:56Ten years ago, I ran away from my engagement to him for Ethan.
26:00Ten years later, he crossed the sea moss to save me.
26:04Adrian pulled me into his arms.
26:06Don't be afraid.
26:08From this moment on, no one can bid on you again.
26:11When Ethan was pinned below the auction stage, he was still struggling.
26:18Adrian Cross!
26:20What right do you have to interfere in my marriage?
26:22Holding me, Adrian did not even give him a glance.
26:24The lawyer behind him spoke directly.
26:26Miss Hart has triggered the emergency protection clause of the family trust.
26:29Mr. Black, you are suspected of Cross-40 kidnapping, unlawful detention, malicious transfer of marital assets, financial fraud, and attempted
26:35underground human trafficking.
26:39Ethan roared.
26:40She is my wife!
26:42I lifted my head from Adrian's arms.
26:45From the moment you put me on the auction stage, you no longer deserve to say those two words.
26:51Serena's previous smugness had vanished completely.
26:55Ethan, you said nothing would happen.
26:57You said this was only to teach her a lesson.
27:00You said no one could trace it.
27:03Ethan turned his head.
27:05Shut up!
27:06That shout drew everyone's eyes to them.
27:09She realized that Ethan truly would throw her out to take the blame.
27:13I looked at her.
27:14Do you understand now?
27:15If he can push me onto an auction stage, he can push you into a courtroom.
27:19Ava, I just loved him too much!
27:21I interrupted her.
27:22Did you love him too much when you submitted my photos?
27:25Did you love him too much when you provided my dress measurements?
27:29Did you love him too much when you sent my private itinerary to the Black Rose Exchange?
27:33Serena could not speak.
27:35Adrian's people began sealing the scene.
27:37The big screen, auction booklets, funding records and entry lists were all taken under control.
27:41The people who had been holding up paddles moments ago were now more panicked than the next.
27:44Some cursed Ethan.
27:45Some hurriedly called lawyers.
27:47Some tried to leave in the chaos, but were stopped by bodyguards at the door.
27:50I watched coldly.
27:51These people had known I had been kidnapped, known I was being humiliated, known this was
27:55a crime.
27:56Yet they still raised their plenchels, only because they thought that once the doors were
28:00closed, money could buy everything.
28:02Forced to kneel on the floor, Ethan suddenly looked up at me.
28:08Ava, you prepared a backup plan long ago?
28:10You were guarding against me all along?
28:12I looked at him.
28:14You taught me.
28:15A woman with no way out can be sent to an auction stage by her husband.
28:20But the next second, he suddenly lunged up and charged toward me.
28:24Adrian shielded me behind him.
28:26A bodyguard kicked Ethan in the back of the knee.
28:29Ethan fell to his knees in humiliation, his forehead striking the floor.
28:33When he lifted his head.
28:41Ava, you destroyed me.
28:43I said calmly, no.
28:46You destroyed yourself with your own hands.
28:49Adrian held my hand and led me outside.
28:51When we reached the door, Serena suddenly threw herself forward and knelt before me.
28:56Ava, I was wrong.
28:57I really was wrong.
28:59I was only jealous of you.
29:00You were so beautiful, so high above me.
29:03Ethan married you, and I could only hide in the shadows forever.
29:08Her makeup was ruined by tears.
29:11Please let me go.
29:13I lowered my eyes to her.
29:16Serena, do you know what I feared most just now?
29:22She froze.
29:24I said, I feared I would truly die here.
29:29And you were standing below the stage, laughing.
29:34I pulled back the hem of my gown that she had grabbed.
29:38So I will not let you go.
29:40When I walked out of the underground hall, the sea wind blew into my face.
29:44The sky over the waters off Vancouver was turning gray-blue.
29:49Dawn was coming.
29:51I had walked out of that auction hall alive.
29:53After returning to Seattle, I formally filed for divorce.
29:56Adrian contacted the best legal team in North America for me.
29:59Malicious transfer of marital assets.
30:00Cross-cordial kidnapping.
30:01Unaloffed underground human trafficking.
30:03Every single charge was enough to make sure Ethan would never turn over again.
30:07Black capital soon fell into a storm.
30:11Several New York funds were the first to suspend cooperation.
30:14Investors in Toronto and San Francisco withdrew capital.
30:17Technology companies Ethan had once offended also publicly sued him for commercial fraud at the same time.
30:23His scandals were everywhere on social media.
30:26President of Black Capital Auctions wife on private island affair partner involved in a legal transaction.
30:31Hart family heir triggers emergency protection clause.
30:35Ethan's lawyers tried to deny it, but the evidence was too complete.
30:38The island surveillance, the flow of funds, the entry list, the auction records, and the black collar around my neck.
30:44On the day the divorce case opened, I saw Ethan outside the courtroom for the first time.
30:49He had lost a lot of weight.
30:50His custom suit was still expensive, but it could not hide the dark circles under his eyes.
30:55He looked at me across the corridor.
30:57Ava, let's talk.
30:59Adrian stood beside me and did not move.
31:01I did not move either.
31:02Ethan strode over.
31:03That night, I acted impulsively.
31:07I only wanted you to learn a lesson.
31:10I never really wanted you to die.
31:12I lifted my eyes to him.
31:15Then what did you want to happen to me?
31:17To have my legs sold?
31:20My waist sold?
31:22My chest sold?
31:24Or my whole person turned into a gift to vent Serena's anger?
31:28Ethan swallowed.
31:30I just couldn't stand how you were always so high above me.
31:35I laughed.
31:37Ethan, when was I ever high above you?
31:39When your startup failed, I stayed with you in a motel.
31:43When your capital chain broke, I used my trust fund to save you.
31:46When the board questioned you, I introduced you to the Hart family.
31:51The only thing I did wrong was thinking you would remember.
31:57He tried to reach out and pull me.
32:00Adrian shifted to block him.
32:02Ethan looked at him.
32:05Cross, you must be proud.
32:07After ten years, you finally waited for her to turn back.
32:11Adrian's expression was calm.
32:12I never needed her to turn back.
32:16Where she wants to go is her freedom.
32:19I only make sure no one dares lock her up again.
32:25I did not look at Ethan again.
32:27I turned and walked into the courtroom.
32:31Three months later, the divorce judgment took effect.
32:34I recovered the assets that belonged to me.
32:36Because Ethan had illegally transferred marital assets and committed financial fraud, control of black capital was frozen and reorganized.
32:44As for Serena, she was confirmed to have participated in planning the private island auction and personally submitted my photos
32:50and physical information.
32:56After the divorce, Adrian proposed to me, not in a banquet hall, not in front of media cameras.
33:03It was on a rainy evening in Seattle.
33:06I had just come out of a counseling session.
33:09That day, the doctor asked whether I still dreamed about that island.
33:13I said yes.
33:15In my dreams, I was still sitting on the auction stage.
33:18People called out bids again and again.
33:20My legs, my waist, my chest, my entire person.
33:24After waking, it always took me a long time to confirm that I was already free.
33:29Adrian drove to pick me up.
33:31He did not ask what I had discussed with the doctor.
33:34He only handed me a cup of hot coffee.
33:38We sat in the car, watching rain slide down the windshield.
33:42After a long time, he said,
33:45Ava, I don't want to ask for any promise while you are vulnerable.
33:53But I still want to marry you.
33:55He took out a ring.
33:56An emerald ring.
33:57It was not extravagant, but it was so beautiful that I could not look away.
34:01You can refuse.
34:03You can also answer later.
34:04This time, I will not let any family, interest, or past decide for you.
34:08Looking at that ring, I suddenly remembered ten years ago.
34:11Back then, I had run away from him for so-called love.
34:14I thought I was running toward freedom.
34:16But the person who truly gave me freedom had always been him.
34:19I reached out my hand.
34:23Adrian, this time I choose you myself.
34:25The engagement banquet was set in an art museum on New York's Upper East Side.
34:29There was no exaggerated media presence.
34:31No deliberately showy spectacle.
34:33Only relatives and friends of the Hart and Cross families.
34:36But Ethan still came.
34:37I did not know where he had gotten an invitation.
34:39Serena followed him too.
34:41The moment Ethan saw me, he walked quickly over.
34:43Ava.
34:44I wore a deep green evening gown.
34:46The scars on my wrists had faded a great deal.
34:49But I would never forget how they came to be.
34:52Ethan grabbed my wrist.
34:53You cannot marry him.
34:54We are not over.
34:56I flung him off.
34:57We were over long ago.
34:58His eyes were red.
35:00Were you always in contact with him?
35:03During the eight years you were married to me, were you always waiting for him?
35:07I looked at him and found it absurd.
35:10Ethan, you cheated during our marriage, brought your affair, apartment honor into our home,
35:16spent my money, and finally tied me up and sent me to auction.
35:19What right do you have to question me?
35:22He gritted his teeth.
35:25I am a man.
35:27I laughed coldly.
35:30So?
35:34Because you're a man, you can betray a marriage?
35:37Because you're a man, you can treat your wife as a bargaining chip?
35:42Because you're a man, you can live off my resources while despising me for being high above you?
35:53I only made one mistake.
35:54You already destroyed my company, isn't that enough?
35:57I stared at him and spoke each word clearly.
36:00Not enough.
36:03He froze.
36:05I turned and walked to Adrian's side, placing my hand in his palm on my own initiative.
36:11Then I faced the whole room.
36:13Thank you all for attending the engagement ceremony of Adrian Cross and me.
36:16At the same time I am announcing this here.
36:18I will pursue every person who participated in the private island auction to the end.
36:22No matter their family name, where they come from, or who stands behind them.
36:26The room quiet.
36:28Many people lowered their heads.
36:31Adrian gently tightened his hold on my hand.
36:34He looked at Ethan, his tone flat, but filled with pressure.
36:38From today on, Ava is my fiancé.
36:42Her enemies are enemies of the Cross Group.
36:48Ethan stared blankly at me.
36:50But I no longer needed anything from him.
36:53Ethan began to regret.
36:55Every day, he sent me messages, called me, and sent flowers.
37:00He mailed photos of places we had once visited together to my office.
37:04One by one, he said,
37:06Ava, I was only bewitched by Serena.
37:08I have already driven her away.
37:10Come back to me.
37:11After reading them, I only felt disgust.
37:16One evening, he blocked me downstairs from my company.
37:19He was so haggard, he hardly looked human.
37:22Ava, I truly regret it.
37:24I should never have treated you that way.
37:26Please forgive me once, alright?
37:28I looked at the man in front of me.
37:31Suddenly, I could not remember why I had loved him back then.
37:36Ethan, you do not regret it.
37:38You only discovered that you are about to lose everything.
37:42I continued.
37:43You lost your company, your reputation, and all the people who revolved around you.
37:48That is why you remembered me.
37:50Not because of love.
37:52Because I was once your most stable, most expensive, and most obedient asset.
37:57The sentence cut into his face like a knife.
38:00He staggered.
38:03No, Ava.
38:05It isn't like that.
38:07I took one step back.
38:08Do not come to me again.
38:10Next time, I will apply for a restraining order.
38:13He still wanted to speak.
38:15Suddenly, Serena rushed out from the street corner and threw herself at him, beating him wildly.
38:19Ethan Black, you bastard!
38:21You said you would protect me!
38:23You said you only wanted me to cooperate in teaching her a lesson!
38:29Now you're pushing all the blame onto me?
38:33Ethan pushed her away in panic.
38:35Shut up!
38:36But Serena suddenly turned to me and knelt with a thud.
38:39Ava, I was wrong.
38:41I really was wrong.
38:43I only loved him too much.
38:45I have nothing left.
38:47I can't live without Ethan.
38:49Please, give him back to me.
38:51I lowered my head and looked at her.
38:54She had once stood below the auction stage, smiling as she watched me be locked up.
38:59Now she knelt before me, begging me to take back the man she had stolen.
39:03Suddenly, I found it all pointless.
39:05Of course.
39:06Serena froze.
39:08I said flatly,
39:10If you like garbage, keep an eye on it yourself.
39:17Don't let him pollute my life again.
39:20With that, I turned and left.
39:23Behind me came the sounds of the two of them shoving each other, accusing each other, crying and screaming.
39:28I did not look back.
39:30Ethan's case eventually entered criminal proceedings.
39:32The private island auction incident had involved too many people.
39:38Federal investigators, state police, and border enforcement departments launched a joint investigation.
39:42The Black Rose Exchange was taken down.
39:44Some of the people who had once sat below the stage holding paddles were prosecuted.
39:47Some went bankrupt, and some fled overseas.
39:49Black Capital declared bankruptcy and liquidation.
39:51Ethan lost his last bargaining stem.
39:53The last time he came to me was outside a cross-family foundation charity dinner.
39:57It was snowing that day.
39:58He wore a thin black coat and stood at the entrance.
40:00When he saw me, he rushed over.
40:02Ava, please.
40:02Don't let them keep investigating.
40:04I will go to prison.
40:06I stopped.
40:07Now you know fear?
40:08He knelt in the snow.
40:09I was wrong.
40:10I really know.
40:11I was wrong.
40:12That company also had your hard work in it.
40:14You can't just watch it be destroyed.
40:15I looked at him.
40:16Ethan, you still don't understand.
40:18I am not trying to destroy the company.
40:20I am trying to destroy you.
40:22Police sirens sounded in the distance.
40:24He turned, saw the police cars, and collapsed onto the ground.
40:29Ava, why?
40:30Because I hate you.
40:31Because you truly tried to destroy me.
40:33Because I almost died inside the wedding anniversary gift you prepared.
40:37The officers stepped forward and pulled him up from the ground.
40:40Cold handcuffs snapped around his wrists.
40:42Ava, I love you!
40:43I stood in the snow, watching him calmly.
40:46Too late.
40:47Ethan Black was sentenced to 18 years in prison for combined charges including cross-border kidnapping,
40:51unlawful detention, financial fraud, malicious transfer of marital assets, and attempted underground human trafficking.
40:58Serena Vale was sentenced to nine years for conspiracy, illegally providing private information,
41:02and assisting in the planning of a crime.
41:04I did not attend the sentences.
41:06That day, in the office of my new company in Seattle, I signed my first independent financing agreement.
41:11I did not attach myself to Adrian, nor did I return to the Hart family to become someone who only
41:15inherited.
41:16I founded my own company, specializing in investing in female founders, medical technology, and security systems.
41:21Three years later, the company went public.
41:23Five years later, it became one of the most influential emerging funds in North America.
41:26Adrian always stood beside me, but he never made mated decisions for me.
41:31He only brought me a cup of hot coffee when I worked late at night.
41:36Then, he would ask,
41:38Do you need my help?
41:41If I said no, he would simply smile.
41:45Alright.
41:46Then I'll wait for you to come home.
41:52Ten years later, I attended a legal private auction in New York as a guest.
41:57The venue was an art center converted from an old bank in Manhattan.
42:02The dome was high and spacious.
42:04The lighting was gentle.
42:06The items were jewelry, antique cars, and contemporary art.
42:11There was no dark basement, no leather collar, and no person forced to sit on the stage.
42:18I wore a black evening gown and sat in the first row.
42:22Adrian sat beside me and asked,
42:24Are you alright?
42:25I knew what he was asking.
42:27That island from ten years ago still appeared in my nightmares from time to time.
42:31But now I could sit calmly in an auction hall.
42:34I nodded lightly.
42:36Very well.
42:41Just then, an argument came from the entrance.
42:44I looked up.
42:44A cleaner was bending at the waist while the manager scolded me.
42:50His hair was gray, his back hunched,
42:51and several of his fingers bent unnaturally.
42:53The moment he lifted his head,
42:54I recognized him Ethan Black.
42:56He had been released from prison early.
42:57He had grown so old he know.
42:59Longer looked like his former self.
43:00The once proud and arrogant founder of Black Capital now wore a cleaner's uniform.
43:03Gripped a mop in his hand and had cloudy, numb eyes.
43:05Behind him followed a woman, Serena.
43:07There seemed to be something wrong with her mind.
43:08Her hair was messy, and she kept muttering,
43:10Close the auction.
43:11I want to close the auction.
43:12Ethan irritably shook her off.
43:13Shut up!
43:14Serena followed him again with a foolish laugh.
43:16Ethan, I want to close the auction too.
43:18Ethan raised his hand as if to push her,
43:19but when he turned,
43:20his gaze met mine through the gap in the door as if struck by lightning.
43:24He stood frozen in place.
43:25He seemed to want to call my name.
43:26I only looked at him and smiled faintly.
43:28No hatred.
43:28No pity.
43:29It was like seeing an old long expired thing that no longer mattered.
43:32I withdrew my gaze.
43:33The auctioner had just begun introducing the first item of the night.
43:35It was a 19th century emerald brooch.
43:37Adrian asked me,
43:38Do you like it?
43:39Looking at the light on the stage,
43:40I suddenly remembered that night ten years ago.
43:42Back then, I had sat in a restraint chair and been treated as merchants by everyone.
43:46They thought money could buy me.
43:47They thought marriage could imprison me.
43:49They thought humiliation could tame me.
43:50But in the end, I bought myself back.
43:52And I bought out all of their arrogance.
43:54I raised my numbered paddle.
43:55Every item tonight, I am closing the auction.
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