- 6 minutes 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.
00:19When 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.
02:12Ava, 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.
02:22The light fell on me.
02:23I 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.
02:33They 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.
02:56Serena 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 bloody.
03:18Eight years ago, Ethan 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,
03:45and I became the irritating Mrs. Black in his mouth.
03:47The bidding continued.
03:4935 million!
03:5140 million!
03:5250 million!
03:54My 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, give up all marital assets, give up spousal support,
04:20and give up any division of Black Capital Equity.
04:23Then kneel and apologize to me.
04:25She placed the document on my knees.
04:28Ava, weren't you so impressive when you froze Moe's 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, I 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.
06:20Touch 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.
06:29I deliberately struggled violently.
06:31The ankle chain struck the chair leg with a pissing sound.
06:34The auctioneer frowned.
06:36Ethan 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.
06:51Let 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.
07:14I 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
07:24my 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 rings crossed 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 Hart.
08:01I looked at her.
08:02Serena, you had better pray Ethan wins forever.
08:05She froze.
08:07I 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.
08:19My 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.
08:33Serena smiled at me.
08:34Ava, 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?
08:52Two 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 variance, 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 Hart 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.
09:42Then after this round ends, they're yours.
09:45They 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.
10:12It was not that they did not know this was a crime.
10:14They 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,
10:32Ethan, look, how obedient she is now.
10:34The audience roared with laughter.
10:37Ethan laughed too.
10:38More pleasing than before.
10:40Serena Lenn lent 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.
11:07But 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.
11:16A 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.
11:41If 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 colitones,
12:07soaking the rubies and the little silver bell beneath my collar.
12:10The bell rang softly with my shivering.
12:13Laughter upped below the stage.
12:15Oops!
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.
12:36Did it work?
12:36Before I could confirm, Ethan noticed my movement.
12:40He strode forward and grabbed my wrist.
12:42What are you touching?
12:44I 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 vibraning.
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.
13:07When 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.
13:51The big screen switched to a close-up.
13:53I was forced to lift my head.
13:54The 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.
14:18The 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.
14:46If your face is being auctioned, you 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.
15:11Now, you look like an auctioneer.
15:13I stared at her.
15:15The happier you laugh now, the uglier you will cry later.
15:19I'm still stubborn even now.
15:21She turned and picked up a black silk ribbon.
15:24My 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.
15:41The 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.
15:47Serena leaned close to my ear.
15:49Ava, you can't see now.
15:50Are you finally afraid?
15:52Afraid the distress call had failed.
15:54Afraid I would truly die here.
15:55Afraid Adrian simply would not want to care about me anymore.
15:58But I could not let her hear it.
15:59I said, I'm afraid you won't kneel fast enough later.
16:02The 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.
16:41The 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, are you still thinking about this?
17:00She deliberately held the phone near my ear.
17:03Don't worry.
17:05Location is off.
17:06The external card has been removed,
17:08and your contacts are locked.
17:12You can't contact anyone,
17:13she laughed smugly.
17:14Even if you scream until your throat breaks,
17:17no one will come save you.
17:19My eyes were covered,
17:20so I could not see where the phone was,
17:22but I could hear it.
17:23She was very close to me.
17:25I suddenly turned my head and slammed into her wrist.
17:27Serena scrounged.
17:29The 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
17:39against 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.
17:46The emergency key of the Hart Family Trust.
17:49What exactly did you enter?
17:50The next second,
17:51Ethan kicked the phone away.
17:53I gasped and smiled.
17:55Gasped.
17:55Ethan raised his hand,
17:57about to hit me again,
17:58but he stopped in midair,
17:59because the auctioneer reminded him,
18:00Mr. Black,
18:01the 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.
18:23Sold.
18:23My face had been sold too.
18:25The fourth item was my entire person.
18:27When the auctioneer said those words,
18:29the 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,
18:35the ruby on my chest,
18:36my waist, my legs,
18:37and the bloody marks on my wrists
18:38were all magnified on the screen.
18:39Ethan stood on the stage
18:40and personally picked up the microphone.
18:42Ladies and gentlemen,
18:44the first three rounds were only appetizers.
18:46The final round,
18:48the whole person of Ava Hart is up for bid.
18:50Opening bid,
18:52300 million dollars!
18:54The audience exploded instantly.
18:58Serena sat in the first row,
19:00smiling with triumph all over her face.
19:01She looked at me as if she were looking at an enemy
19:03who 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.
19:17But second by second, time passed.
19:18Nothing happened.
19:19The bidding had already begun.
19:21350 million!
19:22400 million!
19:24480 million!
19:25Every number was like a stone pressing down on my body.
19:27Ethan walked to my side.
19:30Ava,
19:31it 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,
19:52picked up a pen,
19:53and shoved it into my-
19:54Ava,
19:54don't fail to appreciate kindness.
19:56Ethan is willing to save you.
19:58She bent down and looked at me,
19:59her eyes full of malice.
20:00This is your last chance.
20:01Or do you really want to be bought by someone else?
20:04I held that pen.
20:05The tip was very thin.
20:06If I had a little more time,
20:08perhaps 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.
20:19Five hundred million once.
20:21The auctioneer shed.
20:23Five hundred million twice.
20:25Just as the silver gavel was about to fall,
20:27with just toner working to a rim.
20:31I am closing the auction with a full house bid.
20:34The entire room went quiet.
20:37Then came thunderous laughter.
20:41Ava, 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.
21:20Verify.
21:20If she can't pass verification,
21:22according to Black Rose rules,
21:25send her straight to the underground discipline room.
21:29Ava, you're finished.
21:31The fund verifier came onto the stage.
21:34I 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.
21:47That 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
21:57does 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,
22:16veins 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
22:28and turned to hug Ethan.
22:30I knew it!
22:31She has no money at all!
22:33Ethan 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!
23:02She failed fund verification.
23:04The auctioneer raised the silver gavel.
23:05Ms. Hart has maliciously disrupted the transaction.
23:08According to Black Rose rules,
23:09Before he finished speaking,
23:10the big screen suddenly flashed.
23:11The four words,
23:12verification failed,
23:12disappeared.
23:13A new page popped up.
23:14Emergency protection clause activated.
23:15Callable assets,
23:16$20 billion.
23:17The hall fell dead silent.
23:18The verifier stared at the screen.
23:20The trust protection account under Ms. Ava Hart's name
23:22has been activated.
23:24Callable assets are
23:26$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.
23:34How did you do it?
23:35I slowly lifted my head.
23:36My cheeks still hurt,
23:38and my wrists were still bleeding.
23:39But I smiled.
23:41Ethan,
23:42you thought you had taken my money.
23:44But you cannot take away the escape route
23:46the Hart family left me.
23:48I looked at the auctioneer.
23:49Every item tonight,
23:50I am closing the auction
23:51and bidding on all of them.
23:53My legs,
23:54my chest,
23:55and the ruby.
23:56My face,
23:56my entire person.
23:58I am buying myself back.
24:00The audience was silent.
24:02I looked at Ethan again.
24:03And this island,
24:04this Black Rose exchange,
24:07every one of your entry records
24:08and bidding records,
24:10I want those too.
24:13Serena screamed,
24:15How can you still have money?
24:17I looked at her coldly.
24:19You had better start thinking now.
24:21When the investigators arrive,
24:23will you put all the blame on Ethan?
24:25Or wait for Ethan to throw you out first?
24:29Serena trembled all over
24:30and subconsciously looked at Ethan.
24:32Ethan did not look at her.
24:33He only stared at me,
24:35his eyes full of shame and fury.
24:37Ava, how dare you?
24:41Before I could speak,
24:42the roar of helicopters
24:44suddenly came from outside the hall.
24:46The heavy iron doors
24:48were opened from the outside.
24:50Sea wind poured in.
24:51Everyone turned back in panic.
24:53A group of bodyguards in black
24:55rushed into the hall.
24:56The man at the front
24:57wore a black overcoat.
24:58His features were clear and refined.
25:00His expression cold and severe.
25:02Adrian Cross.
25:03After ten years,
25:05he had not changed.
25:06He was only steadier than before
25:07and more dangerous.
25:09Step by step,
25:10he walked onto the stage.
25:11His gaze fell on the collar around my neck,
25:14then swept over the bloody marks on my wrists
25:16and the ruby necklace on my chest.
25:19Ethan 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,
25:28she was no longer merely your wife.
25:30She is the triggering party
25:32of the Hart Family Protection Clause
25:34and an honored guest of the Cross Family.
25:38Adrian passed him
25:39and came to stand in front of me.
25:41With his own hands,
25:43he removed the collar from my neck
25:44and unlocked my handcuffs.
25:47The black overcoat fell over my shoulders.
25:54Ava, I came late.
25:56Ten years ago,
25:57I ran away from my engagement to him for Ethan.
26:00Ten years later,
26:01he crossed the sea moss to save me.
26:04Adrian pulled me into his arms.
26:07Don't be afraid.
26:08From this moment on,
26:10no one can bid on you again.
26:11When Ethan was pinned below the auction stage,
26:14he was still struggling.
26:18Adrian Cross!
26:20What right do you have to interfere in my marriage?
26:22Holding me,
26:23Adrian did not even give him a glance.
26:24The lawyer behind him spoke directly.
26:26Miss Hart has triggered
26:27the Emergency Protection Clause
26:28of the Family Trust.
26:29Mr. Black,
26:30you are suspected of cross-coordy kidnapping,
26:32unlawful detention,
26:33malicious transfer of marital assets,
26:34financial fraud,
26:35and attempted underground 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,
26:48you no longer deserve to say those two words.
26:51Serena's previous smugness
26:53had 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
27:11to take the blame.
27:13I looked at her.
27:14Do you understand now?
27:15If he can push me onto an auction stage,
27:18he 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
27:23when you submitted my photos?
27:25Did you love him too much
27:27when you provided my dress measurements?
27:29Did you love him too much
27:30when you sent my private itinerary
27:32to the Black Rose Exchange?
27:34Serena could not speak.
27:35Adrian's people began sealing the scene.
27:37The big screen, auction booklets,
27:38funding records, and entry lists
27:40were all taken under control.
27:41The people who had been holding up paddles moments ago
27:43were now more panicked than the next.
27:45Some cursed Ethan,
27:46some hurriedly called lawyers,
27:47some tried to leave in the chaos,
27:48but were stopped by bodyguards at the door.
27:50I watched coldly.
27:51These people had known I had been kidnapped,
27:53known I was being humiliated,
27:55known this was a crime.
27:56Yet they still raised their plenchels,
27:58only because they thought
27:59that once the doors were closed,
28:00money could buy everything.
28:02Forced to kneel on the floor,
28:03Ethan suddenly looked up at me.
28:08Ava, you prepared a backup plan long ago?
28:11You were guarding against me all along?
28:12I looked at him.
28:14You taught me.
28:15A woman with no way out
28:17can be sent to an auction stage
28:18by her husband.
28:20But the next second,
28:22he suddenly lunged up
28:23and charged toward me.
28:24Adrian shielded me behind him.
28:26A bodyguard kicked Ethan
28:27in the back of the knee.
28:29Ethan fell to his knees in humiliation,
28:32his forehead striking the floor.
28:34When he lifted his head,
28:40Ava,
28:41you destroyed me.
28:43I said calmly,
28:44no.
28:46You destroyed yourself
28:47with your own hands.
28:49Adrian held my hand
28:50and led me outside.
28:51When we reached the door,
28:53Serena suddenly threw herself forward
28:54and knelt before me.
28:56Ava, I was wrong.
28:57I really was wrong.
28:59I was only jealous of you.
29:01You were so beautiful,
29:02so high above me.
29:03Ethan married you,
29:04and I could only hide
29:05in 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
29:17what I feared most just now?
29:22She froze.
29:24I said,
29:26I feared I would truly die here.
29:29And you were standing below the stage,
29:31laughing.
29:34I pulled back the hem of my gown
29:36that she had grabbed.
29:38So I will not let you go.
29:40When I walked out
29:41of the underground hall,
29:42the sea wind blew into my face.
29:45The sky over the waters
29:46off Vancouver
29:47was turning gray-blue.
29:49Dawn was coming.
29:51I had walked out
29:52of that auction hall alive.
29:54After returning to Seattle,
29:55I formally filed for divorce.
29:56Adrian contacted
29:57the best legal team
29:58in North America for me.
29:59Malicious transfer
29:59of marital assets.
30:00Cross-cordial kidnapping.
30:02Unaloffit underground
30:02human trapping.
30:03Every single charge
30:04was enough to make sure
30:05Ethan would never turn over again.
30:07Black Capital soon fell into a storm.
30:11Several New York funds
30:12were the first
30:13to suspend cooperation.
30:14Investors in Toronto
30:15and San Francisco
30:16withdrew capital.
30:18Technology companies
30:19Ethan had once offended
30:20also publicly sued him
30:21for commercial fraud
30:22at the same time.
30:23His scandals were everywhere
30:25on social media.
30:26President of Black Capital
30:27Auctions' wife
30:27on private island,
30:28a fair partner,
30:29involved in illegal transaction.
30:32Hart Family Air
30:33triggers emergency protection clause.
30:35Ethan's lawyers tried to deny it,
30:37but the evidence was too complete.
30:38The island surveillance,
30:39the flow of funds,
30:40the entry list,
30:41the auction records,
30:42and the black collar
30:43around my neck.
30:44On the day the divorce case opened,
30:46I saw Ethan outside the courtroom
30:48for the first time.
30:49He had lost a lot of weight.
30:51His custom suit
30:52was still expensive,
30:53but it could not hide
30:53the dark circles under his eyes.
30:55He looked at me
30:56across the corridor.
30:57Ava, let's talk.
30:59Adrian stood beside me
31:00and did not move.
31:01I did not move either.
31:02Ethan strode over.
31:03That night,
31:04I acted impulsively.
31:07I only wanted you
31:08to learn a lesson.
31:10I never really wanted you to die.
31:12I lifted my eyes to him.
31:15Then what did you want
31:15to happen to me?
31:17To have my legs sold?
31:20My waist sold?
31:22My chest sold?
31:24Or my whole person
31:25turned into a gift
31:26to vent Serena's anger?
31:28Ethan swallowed.
31:30I just couldn't stand
31:31how you were always
31:32so high above me.
31:35I laughed.
31:37Ethan, when was I ever
31:38high above you?
31:39When your startup failed,
31:41I stayed with you in a motel.
31:43When your capital chain broke,
31:44I used my trust fund
31:46to save you.
31:46When the board questioned you,
31:48I introduced you
31:48to the Hart family.
31:51The only thing I did wrong
31:55was thinking you would remember.
31:57He tried to reach out
31:58and pull me.
32:00Adrian shifted to block him.
32:02Ethan looked at him.
32:05Cross, you must be proud.
32:07After ten years,
32:08you finally waited
32:09for her to turn back.
32:11Adrian's expression was calm.
32:12I never needed her to turn back.
32:16Where she wants to go
32:18is her freedom.
32:19I only make sure
32:20no one dares lock her up again.
32:25I did not look at Ethan again.
32:27I turned and walked
32:29into the courtroom.
32:31Three months later,
32:32the divorce judgment
32:33took effect.
32:34I recovered the assets
32:35that belonged to me.
32:36Because Ethan had
32:37illegally transferred
32:38marital assets
32:39and committed financial fraud,
32:41control of black capital
32:42was frozen and reorganized.
32:44As for Serena,
32:45she was confirmed
32:46to have participated
32:47in planning the private island auction
32:48and personally submitted
32:50my photos
32:50and physical information.
32:52She cried and said
32:53she had only been jealous.
32:54But jealousy
32:55is not an excuse
32:55for a crime.
32:56After the divorce,
32:58Adrian proposed to me,
32:59not in a banquet hall,
33:01not in front of media cameras.
33:03It was on a rainy evening
33:04in Seattle.
33:06I had just come out
33:08of a counseling session.
33:09That day,
33:10the doctor asked
33:11whether I still dreamed
33:12about that island.
33:13I said yes.
33:15In my dreams,
33:16I was still sitting
33:17on the auction stage.
33:18People called out bids
33:19again and again.
33:20My legs,
33:21my waist,
33:22my chest,
33:23my entire person.
33:24After waking,
33:25it always took me
33:26a long time
33:27to confirm
33:27that I was already free.
33:29Adrian drove
33:30to pick me up.
33:31He did not ask
33:32what I had discussed
33:33with the doctor.
33:35He only handed me
33:36a cup of hot coffee.
33:38We sat in the car,
33:40watching rain slide
33:40down the windshield.
33:42After a long time,
33:44he said,
33:45Ava,
33:47I don't want to ask
33:48for any promise
33:49while you are
33:50vulnerable.
33:53But I still want
33:54to marry you.
33:55He took out a ring,
33:56an emerald ring.
33:57It was not extravagant,
33:59but it was so beautiful
34:00that I could not
34:00look away.
34:01You can refuse.
34:03You can also answer later.
34:04This time,
34:05I will not let
34:06any family,
34:06interest,
34:07or past decide
34:08for you.
34:08Looking at that ring,
34:09I suddenly remembered
34:10ten years ago.
34:11Back then,
34:12I had run away
34:13from him
34:13for so-called love.
34:14I thought I was
34:15running toward freedom,
34:16but the person
34:17who truly
34:17gave me freedom
34:18had always been him.
34:19I reached out my hand.
34:22Adrian,
34:23this time,
34:24I choose you myself.
34:26The engagement banquet
34:27was set in an art museum
34:28on New York's
34:28Upper East Side.
34:29There was no
34:30exaggerated media presence,
34:31no deliberately
34:32showy spectacle,
34:33only relatives and friends
34:34of the Hart
34:35and Cross families.
34:36But Ethan still came.
34:37I did not know
34:38where he had gotten
34:39an invitation.
34:40Serena followed him too.
34:41The moment Ethan saw me,
34:42he walked quickly over.
34:44Ava.
34:44I wore a deep green
34:45evening gown.
34:46The scars on my wrists
34:48had faded a great deal,
34:49but I would never forget
34:50how 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.
34:59His eyes were red.
35:00Were you always
35:01in contact with him?
35:04During the eight years
35:05you were married to me,
35:06were you always waiting for him?
35:07I looked at him
35:08and found it absurd.
35:09Ethan,
35:11you cheated during
35:12our marriage,
35:13brought your affair,
35:14apartment honor
35:14into our home,
35:16spent my money,
35:17and finally tied me up
35:18and sent me to auction.
35:19What right do you have
35:21to question me?
35:22He gritted his teeth.
35:25I am a man.
35:27I laughed coldly.
35:30So?
35:34Because you're a man,
35:35you can betray a marriage.
35:37Because you're a man,
35:39you can treat your wife
35:40as a bargaining chip.
35:42Because you're a man,
35:44you can live off my resources
35:45while despising me
35:46for being high above you?
35:53I only made one mistake.
35:54You already destroyed my company.
35:56Isn't that enough?
35:57I stared at him
35:58and spoke each word clearly.
36:00Not enough.
36:03He froze.
36:05I turned and walked
36:06to Adrian's side,
36:07placing my hand in his palm
36:09on my own initiative.
36:11Then I faced the whole room.
36:13Thank you all
36:13for attending the engagement ceremony
36:15of Adrian Cross and me.
36:16At the same time,
36:17I am announcing this here.
36:18I will pursue every person
36:20who participated
36:20in the private island auction
36:22to the end.
36:22No matter their family name,
36:24where they come from,
36:25or who stands behind them.
36:27The room quiet.
36:28Many people lowered their heads.
36:31Adrian gently tightened
36:32his hold on my hand.
36:34He looked at Ethan,
36:35his tone flat,
36:37but filled with pressure.
36:38From today on,
36:40Ava is my fiancée.
36:42Her enemies
36:43are enemies
36:45of the cross group.
36:48Ethan stared blankly at me,
36:50but I no longer needed
36:52anything from him.
36:53Ethan began to regret.
36:55Every day,
36:56he sent me messages,
36:58called me,
36:59and sent flowers.
37:00He mailed photos
37:01of places
37:02we had once visited together
37:03to my office.
37:04One by one,
37:05he said,
37:06Ava,
37:07I was only bewitched
37:08by Serena.
37:08I have already driven her away.
37:10Come back to me.
37:11After reading them,
37:12I only felt disgust.
37:16One evening,
37:17he blocked me downstairs
37:18from my company.
37:19He was so haggard,
37:20he hardly looked human.
37:22Ava,
37:23I truly regret it.
37:25I should never have
37:25treated you that way.
37:26Please forgive me once,
37:27all right?
37:28I looked at the man
37:29in front of me.
37:31Suddenly,
37:32I could not remember
37:33why I had loved him back then.
37:36Ethan,
37:37you do not regret it.
37:38You only discovered
37:40that you are about
37:40to lose everything.
37:42I continued.
37:43You lost your company,
37:45your reputation,
37:46and all the people
37:47who revolved around you.
37:48That is why you remembered me.
37:50Not because of love.
37:52Because I was once
37:53your most stable,
37:54most expensive,
37:55and most obedient asset.
37:57The sentence cut into his face
37:59like a knife.
38:00He staggered.
38:03No, Ava.
38:05It isn't like that.
38:06I took one step back.
38:08Do not come to me again.
38:10Next time,
38:11I will apply for a restraining order.
38:13He still wanted to speak.
38:15Suddenly,
38:15Serena rushed out
38:16from the street corner
38:17and threw herself at him,
38:18beating him wildly.
38:19Ethan Black,
38:20you bastard!
38:21You said you would protect me!
38:23You said you only wanted me
38:25to cooperate
38:26in teaching her a lesson!
38:29Now you're pushing
38:30all the blame onto me?
38:33Ethan pushed her away
38:34in panic.
38:35Shut up!
38:36But Serena suddenly turned to me
38:38and 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,
38:50give him back to me.
38:51I lowered my head
38:52and looked at her.
38:55She had once stood
38:56below the auction stage,
38:57smiling as she watched me
38:58be locked up.
38:59Now she knelt before me,
39:01begging me to take back
39:01the man she had stolen.
39:03Suddenly,
39:03I found it all pointless.
39:05Of course.
39:06Serena froze.
39:08I said flatly,
39:10if you like garbage,
39:12keep an eye on it yourself.
39:17Don't let him pollute
39:18my life again.
39:20With that,
39:21I turned and left.
39:23Behind me came the sounds
39:24of the two of them
39:25shoving each other,
39:26accusing each other,
39:27crying and screaming.
39:28I did not look back.
39:30Ethan's case eventually
39:31entered criminal proceedings.
39:32The private island auction
39:34incident had involved
39:35too many people.
39:38Federal investigators,
39:39state police,
39:39and border enforcement
39:40departments launched
39:41a joint investigation.
39:42The Black Rose Exchange
39:43was taken down.
39:44Some of the people
39:44who had once sat below
39:45the stage holding paddles
39:46were prosecuted.
39:47Some went bankrupt
39:48and some fled overseas.
39:49Black Capital declared
39:50bankruptcy and liquidation.
39:51Ethan lost his last
39:52bargaining stint.
39:53The last time he came to me
39:54was outside a Cross Family
39:55Foundation charity dinner.
39:57It was snowing that day.
39:58He wore a thin black coat
39:59and stood at the entrance.
40:00When he saw me,
40:01he rushed over.
40:02Ava, please,
40:03don't let them
40:03keep 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
40:13had your hard work in it.
40:14You can't just watch
40:14it be destroyed.
40:15I looked at him.
40:16Ethan, you still
40:17don't understand.
40:18I am not trying
40:19to destroy the company.
40:20I am trying to destroy you.
40:22Police sirens sounded
40:23in the distance.
40:24He turned,
40:25saw the police cars,
40:26and collapsed onto the ground.
40:29Ava, why?
40:30Because I hate you.
40:31Because you truly
40:32tried to destroy me.
40:33Because I almost died
40:35inside the wedding
40:35anniversary gift
40:36you prepared.
40:37The officers stepped forward
40:38and pulled him up
40:39from the ground.
40:40Cold handcuffs
40:41snapped around his wrists.
40:42Ava, I love you!
40:43I stood in the snow,
40:45watching him calmly.
40:46Too late.
40:47Ethan Black was sentenced
40:48to 18 years in prison
40:49for combined charges
40:50including cross-border kidnapping,
40:51unlawful detention,
40:52financial fraud,
40:52malicious transfer
40:53of marital assets,
40:54and attempted underground
40:55human trafficking.
40:58Serena Vale was sentenced
40:59to nine years
41:00for conspiracy,
41:01illegally providing
41:01private information
41:02and assisting
41:03in the planning
41:03of a crime.
41:04I did not attend
41:05the sentences.
41:06That day,
41:07in the office
41:07of my new company
41:08in Seattle,
41:09I signed my first
41:09independent financing agreement.
41:11I did not attach myself
41:12to Adrian,
41:13nor did I return
41:13to the Hart family
41:14to become someone
41:15who only inherited.
41:16I founded my own company
41:17specializing in investing
41:18in female founders,
41:19medical technology,
41:20and security systems.
41:21Three years later,
41:22the company went public.
41:23Five years later,
41:23it became one of the most
41:24influential emerging funds
41:25in North America.
41:26Adrian always stood beside me,
41:28but he never made
41:29mated decisions for me.
41:32He only brought me
41:33a cup of hot coffee
41:34when I worked late at night.
41:36Then, he would ask,
41:38Do you need my help?
41:41If I said no,
41:43he would simply smile.
41:45All right.
41:46Then I'll wait for you
41:47to come home.
41:52Ten years later,
41:54I attended a legal private auction
41:56in New York as a guest.
41:58The venue was an art center
41:59converted from an old bank
42:01in Manhattan.
42:02The dome was high and spacious.
42:04The lighting was gentle.
42:06The items were jewelry,
42:08antique cars,
42:08and contemporary art.
42:11There was no dark basement,
42:13no leather collar,
42:15and no person forced
42:17to sit on the stage.
42:18I wore a black evening gown
42:20and sat in the first row.
42:22Adrian sat beside me
42:23and asked,
42:24Are you all right?
42:25I knew what he was asking.
42:27That island from ten years ago
42:29still appeared in my nightmares
42:30from time to time.
42:31But now I could sit calmly
42:33in an auction hall.
42:34I nodded lightly.
42:37Very well.
42:41Just then,
42:42an argument came from the entrance.
42:43I looked up.
42:44A cleaner was bending at the waist
42:46while the manager scolded me.
42:49His hair was gray,
42:51his back hunched,
42:51and several of his fingers
42:52bent unnaturally.
42:53The moment he lifted his head.
42:55I recognized him,
42:55Ethan Black.
42:56He had been released
42:57from prison early.
42:57He had grown so old,
42:58he know.
42:59Longer looked like his former self.
43:00The once proud and arrogant
43:01founder of Black Capital
43:02now wore a cleaner's uniform,
43:03gripped a mop in his hand,
43:04and had cloudy,
43:05numb eyes.
43:05Behind him followed a woman,
43:06Serena.
43:07There seemed to be
43:07something wrong with her mind.
43:08Her hair was messy,
43:09and 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
43:15with a foolish laugh.
43:16Ethan,
43:16I want to close the auction too.
43:18Ethan raised his hand
43:19as if to push her,
43:19but when he turned,
43:20his gaze met mine
43:21through the gap in the door
43:22as if struck by lightning.
43:23He stood frozen in place.
43:25He seemed to want to call my name.
43:26I only looked at him
43:27and smiled faintly.
43:28No hatred,
43:29no pity.
43:29It was like seeing
43:30an old long expired thing
43:31that no longer mattered.
43:32I withdrew my gaze.
43:33The auctioner had just begun
43:34introducing the first item
43:35of the night.
43:35It was a 19th century
43:36emerald brooch.
43:37Adrian asked me,
43:38Do you like it?
43:39Looking at the light
43:39on the stage,
43:40I suddenly remembered
43:41that night ten years ago.
43:42Back then,
43:43I had sat in a restraint chair
43:44and been treated as merchants
43:45by everyone.
43:46They thought money could buy me.
43:47They thought marriage
43:48could imprison me.
43:49They thought humiliation
43:50could tame me.
43:50But in the end,
43:51I bought myself back
43:52and I bought out
43:53all of their arrogance.
43:54I raised my numbered paddle.
43:56Every item tonight,
43:57I am closing the auction.
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