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00:00:00I had never worn anything that made me feel so exposed before.
00:00:07Stop covering your tits.
00:00:09The members don't buy wine.
00:00:12They buy the fantasy of fucking a girl like you.
00:00:16Smile.
00:00:17Let them stare at your ass.
00:00:19And think about Chris's surgery.
00:00:22I touched the little silver bead on my wrist, the one engraved with Kreese's name.
00:00:26For Chris.
00:00:27That's all this is.
00:00:28Before I could answer, a young attendant rushed in from the glass hallway, almost dropping a tray of cocktails.
00:00:34Oh my god, Audrey Vance is coming tonight!
00:00:36Two servers froze mid-count of their tips.
00:00:38A hostess by the bar blotted her lipstick and fluffed her hair.
00:00:41Even the general manager smoothed his tie and stood up straighter.
00:00:44The Audrey Vance.
00:00:45Vance Group CEO.
00:00:47The woman on every finance cover this year.
00:00:49I heard she bought three hotel chains before 30.
00:00:52One ring on her hand could pay for a child's heart surgery.
00:00:56Heart surgery.
00:00:57Chris needed it.
00:00:59If she so much as nods at you, you smile and you say yes.
00:01:04A woman like Audrey won't ask twice.
00:01:06Audrey Vance had asked me once, 12 years ago, if I would run away with her after graduation.
00:01:10I had said yes.
00:01:12Then I'd stood in front of half the school and told her I never wanted to see her.
00:01:15Again.
00:01:29Private area, no filming.
00:01:32Anyone who have sex can leave before Ms. Vancell has security escort them out.
00:01:50Audrey Vance, my first love, the girl.
00:01:52I'd shattered in front of everyone we knew, our eyes met.
00:01:55Her gaze landed on my bunny ears.
00:01:57Slid down to my uniform and froze on my face.
00:02:00Iris Hale.
00:02:01Her mouth curved, but there was no warmth in it.
00:02:06Her assistant signaled you, go.
00:02:11Find someone else.
00:02:13Brooke stared at me like I had lost my mind.
00:02:16That woman can tip more than you earn in six months.
00:02:19You need money, Iris.
00:02:25This is not about money.
00:02:27Across the pool, Audrey sat behind a curtain of gauze.
00:02:31One leg crossed over the other, Rachel bent beside her with a tablet.
00:02:36The server is 29, two years here, a six-year-old son in cardiac care.
00:02:43Audrey's fingers stopped against her glass.
00:02:46She has a son?
00:02:48Legal dependent, Chris Hale.
00:02:50Audrey looked at me again, slower this time as if the years between us had sharpened into a blade.
00:02:56Bring her in.
00:02:58Rachel came to me with a black VIP wristband.
00:03:00Miss Vance requests your service.
00:03:03Can she request someone else?
00:03:05Brooke pushed me forward before I could refuse again.
00:03:09Inside the private booth, I lowered the tray and kept my eyes down.
00:03:12Your wine, Miss Vance.
00:03:14Audrey did not take the glass.
00:03:16Her heel touched my knee.
00:03:17Look at me.
00:03:18When I raised my head, her mouth curved.
00:03:20So you work here now?
00:03:21I'm a bottle service attendant.
00:03:24Bottle service attendant.
00:03:25Or a bunny girl who sells drinks and lets people look at that body while they pay.
00:03:30I sell drinks, Miss Vance.
00:03:32Nothing more.
00:03:33She flicked a black card across the table with one finger, sliding it right to the edge in front of
00:03:37me.
00:03:39Open the wine.
00:03:42My finger shook as I peeled the foil from the bottleneck.
00:03:46She watched every single movement.
00:03:48You know what I remember?
00:03:50Senior year.
00:03:50You told me good girls like us deserve better than this.
00:03:55Better than hiding.
00:03:56Better than letting rich people stare at us like we're toys.
00:03:59Now here you are.
00:04:02Dressed like a whore for anyone who can pay the tab.
00:04:05Is this what a good girl like you deserves?
00:04:15People change.
00:04:17Audrey leaned closer and for one second I thought she would touch my face instead.
00:04:22She brushed a drop of champagne off my jaw with her thumb, slow and deliberate.
00:04:31I bit down so hard on my lip I tasted blood.
00:04:35Audrey picked up the glass I'd just poured, swirling the golden liquid slowly.
00:04:41Audrey.
00:04:42You think this is bad?
00:04:44You haven't seen what I'm really here for.
00:04:49Audrey ordered another bottle, then another.
00:04:52Each one more expensive than the last.
00:04:56His meaning clear.
00:04:57Make her happy.
00:04:58Make her spend.
00:04:59Do not ruin this.
00:05:01Audrey lifted her empty glass and held it out.
00:05:04Pour.
00:05:05Pour.
00:05:08Pour.
00:05:09Pour.
00:05:09Too slow.
00:05:11Did Adrian teach you to be this clumsy?
00:05:13His name hit me like a fist to the chest.
00:05:15My hand jerked and champagne sloshed over the rim, spilling onto her white suit pants.
00:05:19Don't bring him into this.
00:05:22Protecting him already?
00:05:2412 years and you still choose men when it matters.
00:05:27The words dragged me back to the hallway 12 years ago.
00:05:30Adrian's hand had been locked around my wrist.
00:05:32His phone had been pressed against my spine, full of photos that could destroy Audrey if I said no.
00:05:37Tell her you choose me.
00:05:38And so, looking at Audrey's hopeful face, I said with utter coldness and heartlessness.
00:05:45Two girls have no future.
00:05:47I choose Adrian.
00:05:48Back in the booth, Audrey took the half-full glass from my hand, tilted it, and slowly poured the remaining
00:05:53champagne over my head.
00:05:55Cold liquid ran down my chest.
00:05:57Slid over my thighs and soaked into my fishnet stockings.
00:06:00The guests gasped.
00:06:03Then teach me.
00:06:04How much does it cost now, to hear you tell the truth?
00:06:07How much to buy one honest set-in from Iris Hall?
00:06:10I looked up at her, and something in me snapped.
00:06:13The shame, the fear, the 12 years of quiet grief all boiled over.
00:06:18More than you can afford.
00:06:22Her smile disappeared.
00:06:25More than I can afford.
00:06:36This body used to be mine.
00:06:39Now you let strangers stare at these tits and this ass?
00:06:44Open your mouth.
00:06:52Then she opened her eyes and smiled.
00:06:57You are still the only woman brave enough to do that.
00:07:02The manager rushed in, bowing so fast his tie swung against his chest.
00:07:07Miss Vance, I am so sorry.
00:07:10I will fire her immediately.
00:07:15Fire her?
00:07:17Too easy.
00:07:18Her eyes were back on me.
00:07:20Rachel placed two bottles of vodka on the table.
00:07:23Audrey tapped the first glass.
00:07:26Drink.
00:07:29No.
00:07:30Then I will make sure no club in this city hires you.
00:07:34And hospitals can be very strict when bills are overdue.
00:07:38My phone buzzed in my pocket.
00:07:40Another hospital notice.
00:07:42Another number I could not pay.
00:07:4510,000 per glass.
00:07:51Done.
00:07:53The first glass burned all the way down.
00:07:55The second blurred the lights.
00:07:57By the third, my hands shook.
00:07:59Audrey laid a check beside the last drink.
00:08:02Finished the bottle.
00:08:04100,000.
00:08:05I thought of Kreese asleep with wires on his chest.
00:08:09Then I drank.
00:08:13I stumbled into the restroom, dizzy.
00:08:17Dizzy.
00:08:41You think Vance will protect you after tonight?
00:08:44Little bunny whore like you.
00:08:46Always acting innocent but dressed like you're begging to be fucked.
00:08:50Spread your legs.
00:08:51Let me check how wet that expensive champagne made you.
00:08:54A few minutes in the stall and I'll make sure you're in your keep properly.
00:09:04A few minutes in the stall and I'll make sure you're in your hands.
00:09:06Audrey stood there.
00:09:10Suspend his access, send the acquisition term sheet to the owner.
00:09:14Effective immediately, no staff member touches Iris Hall without Mrs. Vance's approval.
00:09:20Take your hands off what is mine.
00:09:22She stepped forward, he'll grinding down on his wrist as he groaned on the floor.
00:09:27If you ever look at her again, I'll make sure the only thing you can touch for the rest of
00:09:33your life is a hospital bed.
00:09:36Your manager touched my guest.
00:09:38Handle him before I do.
00:09:41The manager crawled out, white-faced.
00:09:45Do not misunderstand.
00:09:46I am not saving you.
00:09:48Then what are you doing?
00:09:51My prey does not get touched by anyone else.
00:09:55I hated the way relief moved through me before anger could stop it.
00:09:59Rachel brought me upstairs, as if I were part of the bottle service Audrey had purchased.
00:10:03In the top floor suite, Audrey opened my employee file, but her eyes kept returning to the robe, barely covering
00:10:09my bunny costume.
00:10:10The silk kept slipping off one shoulder, exposing the top of my breast.
00:10:16Iris Hale, 29, emergency contact, none.
00:10:20Debt advance requested three times.
00:10:22That file is private.
00:10:24So is my heart.
00:10:26You didn't mind breaking into that?
00:10:28Or letting me fuck you with my eyes back then?
00:10:30I looked away, but my body remembered every secret kiss from those empty classrooms.
00:10:35Where is Adrian?
00:10:36Did he get bored and left you here?
00:10:42Adrian and I were never what you thought.
00:10:47I saw you holding his hand.
00:10:50I heard you say two girls had no future.
00:10:53I remember every word.
00:10:57Audrey placed the black card on the table.
00:10:59Your night, and your night, and your body, belong to me now.
00:11:04Warm water filled the marble tub, steam curling thick around us.
00:11:07Audrey poured the deep red wine deliberately over my collarbone, letting it cascade down the valley between my breasts.
00:11:12Over my hardened nipples.
00:11:13And drip into the water where our bodies were already pressed close.
00:11:16The silk robe clung transparently to my skin, outlining every curve.
00:11:20Humiliation finished?
00:11:21I need to go.
00:11:23Audrey pressed a checkbook against my wet shoulder.
00:11:26Two million.
00:11:28One night.
00:11:29I stared at the number.
00:11:30Chris's surgery deposit.
00:11:32His medication.
00:11:33A chance.
00:11:34Audrey turned away as if she already owned my answer.
00:11:36My hand closed around her wrist.
00:11:42You want to buy me?
00:11:45No.
00:11:46I pulled her into the tub with me.
00:11:47Our mouths crashed together, tongues thrusting deep, teeth nipping.
00:11:51Breaths ragged.
00:11:55Audrey shoved me back against the slick marble, her hand sliding possessively under the soaked fabric to cut my breast.
00:12:01Thumb circling the stiff peak before pinching hard enough to make me gasp into her mouth.
00:12:09Her other hand dragged down my stomach, fingers pressing between my thighs through the thin, wet cloth, stroking the slick
00:12:16heat there with deliberate pressure.
00:12:19My first love chose Adrienne Cole.
00:12:22Tonight, I want her to remember exactly who she belonged to first.
00:12:29How wet you get from me.
00:12:31How your cunt clenches when I touch you.
00:12:47Did he ever fuck you like this?
00:12:49Did Adrienne ever make your pussy this soaked?
00:12:52This greedy?
00:12:54Do not say his name.
00:12:57Then say mine.
00:13:02Did he ever make your legs shake like I do?
00:13:05Audrey.
00:13:10Look at me.
00:13:11I bought you tonight.
00:13:13I want you to watch what you still do to me.
00:13:16The night blurred at the edges kisses arguments.
00:13:19Her teeth on my throat, my hands in her hair.
00:13:22My body answering every cruel thing she said with a heat I hated and wanted.
00:13:30Morning found me curled against Audrey's bare shoulder for a second.
00:13:34I forgot to hate myself for staying, then my phone lit with another hospital message.
00:13:57Morning?
00:13:58Running already?
00:14:00Last night was a mistake.
00:14:02We are even.
00:14:05our mouths brushed by accident and my whole body betrayed me audrey smiled even your body disagrees
00:14:14let me go the doorbell rang i tore myself free and grabbed the check audrey touched her own lip
00:14:21amused and breathless you can run iris you cannot pretend you felt nothing
00:14:31audrey sat up and her bathrobe slid down to her waist since we are so compatible name a monthly price
00:14:40in your dreams i opened the door and nearly collided with rachel who stood there holding
00:14:45a stack of contracts rachel looked from my bare feet to audrey's shirt on my body to the wrecked
00:14:50bed behind me boss i ducked my head and ran past her
00:15:02you bought the club's bunny girl brought her home and now she is wearing your shirt that is not a
00:15:08revenge strategy it is not strategy it is entertainment that is worse i did not hear
00:15:14the rest by the time i reached my apartment building my legs still ached and my heart felt raw
00:15:19creases scream cut through the stairwell to deck collectors had him by the arms his little
00:15:26dinosaur backpack hung crooked from one shoulder let him go your payment is late we had a hard time
00:15:33getting him out of the hospital i slapped audrey's check against his chest take it then get away from
00:15:42my son rich friends now good kids with heart problems get expensive i pulled crease into my
00:15:50arms as they left dot crease touched my neck innocent and worried mom did someone hurt you
00:15:56no sweetheart a mosquito bite but my hands would not stop shaking
00:16:02after the collectors left i checked every inch of crease's arms did they touch your chest did they
00:16:08scare you crease tried to smile for me even though his lips were pale i was brave like the dinosaur
00:16:15i held him tighter crease had been my sister emily's son first after she died i signed every adoption
00:16:22paper myself because letting him enter the foster system would have killed what was left of our family
00:16:28my phone rang before i could breathe mrs hale the new cardiac procedure you asked about has opened a
00:16:35candidate slot it is suitable for chris really yes but the cost is significantly higher the deposit
00:16:42must be secured soon i will find the money after i hung up crease touched the silver bead on my
00:16:48wrist
00:16:48are you going back to the club maybe tonight the phone rang again the club manager's name flashed
00:16:57i can work extra shifts no need you are fired my stomach dropped because of andre vance because
00:17:07someone bought out your contract from the club five times your salary don't act offended people like
00:17:13us do not get rescued iris we get transferred the call ended i stared at the blank screen audrey had
00:17:20not saved me from the club she had moved the cage brooke met me outside a private training center with
00:17:27a
00:17:27look that said she already knew more than i did do not glare at me the new client requested you
00:17:33by name
00:17:33who
00:17:37she opened the glass door audrey stood beside the bright blue pool wearing a skimpy black bikini that
00:17:43barely contained her high breasts and left most of her toned body exposed her short dark hair was
00:17:48slicked back from a recent swim water still dripping down her collarbone a fired instructor hurried past
00:17:55us in tears your shoulders collapsed on the turn useless rachel replace her luxor requires the deep
00:18:04water campaign 200 meters penalty for breach is severe audrey's face tightened for half a second then she saw me
00:18:11i stepped backward
00:18:16no absolutely not
00:18:21running again your son's hospital does not accept pride as payment you bought my job i upgraded it
00:18:28private swimming coach recovery massage 10 times your club income you can hire olympic trainers why me
00:18:39because anyone can teach technique only you make me angry enough to move
00:18:49there will be a private service contract swimming instruction recovery massage medical deposit escrow
00:18:55confidentiality term and a penalty clause for either side leaking client information audrey leaned closer
00:19:04sign it iris i can clear chris's deposit before dinner
00:19:08and triple your income by morning
00:19:11or you can keep pretending pride is a payment plan
00:19:16i yanked my wrist free
00:19:18this is not a job
00:19:20it is revenge with a salary
00:19:22call it whatever helps you sleep
00:19:25you are still angry about adrian after 12 years
00:19:29that is pathetic audrey's eyes changed do not say his name like you did not choose him you never asked
00:19:36why
00:19:36i watched you hold his hand then keep watching the memory you like i am not playing your game
00:19:42i turned and walked out before my courage failed behind me rachel spoke carefully
00:19:47you always said you were over her
00:19:50i am
00:19:51you bought her contract
00:19:53built a private job around her
00:19:55and nearly broke a glass when she said adrian's name
00:19:58she will come back
00:20:01because she needs money
00:20:02or because you need her to
00:20:05audrey did not answer
00:20:07in the elevator my own reflection looked like a stranger
00:20:1012 years ago audrey had met me in the west hallway after class
00:20:14holding to coffees and a ridiculous hopeful smile
00:20:17after graduation we leave
00:20:20new city
00:20:21new names if we have to
00:20:25i had wanted that future so badly i could taste it
00:20:28then adrian's message had lit my phone
00:20:30a photo
00:20:31audrey changing near the pool
00:20:33a threat and a command
00:20:34make her hate you or i publish everything
00:20:39adrian found me outside the locker room before i could reach audrey
00:20:42he held up his old phone
00:20:43on the screen was audrey half dressed near the school pool
00:20:46unaware anyone had followed her
00:20:53delete it
00:20:53i will
00:20:55after you help me
00:20:57help you with what
00:20:58end this disgusting little romance
00:21:03publicly
00:21:03take my hand
00:21:05let her see
00:21:06tell her you chose a man because you are not stupid enough to ruin your future over a girl
00:21:12no
00:21:12his smile vanished
00:21:14and the whole school sees these pictures
00:21:17so does her father
00:21:18so does the board that already watches every van's scandal
00:21:24the bell rang
00:21:26students poured into the hallway audrey appeared at the far end
00:21:29holding to coffees searching for me
00:21:31adrian grabbed my wrist and lifted it like a trophy
00:21:34smile
00:21:37i wanted to scream
00:21:38instead i let him pull me forward
00:21:42audrey we were kids i cannot do this anymore
00:21:48iris
00:21:48two girls have no future i choose adrian
00:21:51adrian leaned in and kissed the corner of my mouth before i could move away
00:21:55audrey's coffee slipped from her hand and burst across the floor
00:21:58her face went empty and away
00:21:59i had never seen before i wanted to tell her everything adrian's phone pressed against my spine
00:22:04think about her future
00:22:07don't you love her very much
00:22:12so i said nothing
00:22:13after audrey walked away i followed adrian into an empty storage room and slapped him as hard as i could
00:22:20you got what you wanted
00:22:21you got what you wanted
00:22:22delete them
00:22:22adrian wiped blood from his lip and laughed
00:22:26not yet
00:22:26you are too useful when you are scared
00:22:30he scrolled through more files photos messages a draft email addressed to school administrators and audrey's father
00:22:37if you speak
00:22:39i release everything
00:22:41if she comes near you again
00:22:43i release everything
00:22:45if you ever tell anyone i made you do this
00:22:47i release everything
00:22:48she did nothing to you
00:22:52she looked at you like i was invisible
00:22:54adrian's eyes hardened
00:22:56i swallowed the truth and buried it where no one could reach
00:22:58in the present rachel stood in audrey's office with the old school archive open
00:23:04adrian cole transferred three weeks after the breakup
00:23:06no public reason family covered it
00:23:10audrey stared at a yearbook photo
00:23:12in it i stood beside adrian but my hand was clenched so tightly my knuckles were white
00:23:19there were rumors about a phone scandal that vanished overnight
00:23:25why did no one tell me
00:23:26your father's office suppressed most school gossip involving you
00:23:30audrey looked toward the pool
00:23:31where i had refused her contract and walked out for the first time
00:23:34her anger looked uncertain
00:23:37find out what adrian cole kept
00:23:40and iris
00:23:41audrey closed the yearbook
00:23:44she comes back tomorrow
00:23:46she needs the job
00:23:48her voice was cold but not as certain as before
00:23:53i thought the check would buy us time
00:23:55it bought us one morning when i came back from the pharmacy
00:23:58a debt collector stood outside my apartment with a folder in his hand
00:24:03you paid part of the principal congratulations
00:24:07he opened the new contract and tapped the number
00:24:10interest remains
00:24:12this is double
00:24:14high-risk lending is expensive
00:24:16so is a sick kid
00:24:18from inside the apartment
00:24:19crease coughed
00:24:20i stepped between the door and the man before he could look in
00:24:24leave him out of this
00:24:28then find a richer buyer
00:24:30the word buyer made my face burn
00:24:35after he left
00:24:36i sat beside crease's bed and watched him sleep with one hand on his dinosaur toy
00:24:40the surgery brochure lay on the table
00:24:42the deposit deadline was circled in red
00:24:45my phone buzzed
00:24:46unknown number i already knew who it was
00:24:49ill proud
00:24:50did you send them
00:24:51no if i wanted you cornered
00:24:54you would know
00:24:54then why call
00:24:55because my offer is still open
00:24:57private coach
00:24:58private massage
00:25:00private term
00:25:00no touching chris's hospital
00:25:02sign the contract
00:25:03and his hospital stays untouched
00:25:05you are cruel
00:25:08you taught me
00:25:12send the address
00:25:14the next day i signed audrey's contract with a pen that felt heavier than a knife
00:25:19rachel reviewed the clauses
00:25:21no sexual service
00:25:23medical confidentiality
00:25:24salary deposited weekly
00:25:26termination requires 30 days notice
00:25:28unless miss hall endangers the client
00:25:30audrey leaned against the pool rail
00:25:38satisfied
00:25:43not even close
00:25:46training began in the shallow end
00:25:48audrey was strong precise and furious whenever i corrected her posture
00:25:53your breathing is too shallow
00:25:55my breathing is not your business
00:25:57it is if you plan to go 200 meters down
00:26:02she glared
00:26:02then pushed into the deep lane for the first few strokes she moved like the water obeyed her
00:26:07then her face changed
00:26:08her body locked one hand struck the surface not swimming anymore just searching for air
00:26:15rachel
00:26:16rachel shot up from the bench
00:26:18audrey
00:26:20i dove before she finished the word underwater audrey's eyes were wide and unfocused
00:26:25i wrapped an arm around her waist and hauled her upward
00:26:30when we broke the surface she gasped against my shoulder
00:26:34you are safe hold on to me
00:26:37audrey clung for one second to long then shoved me away
00:26:43i slipped
00:26:44you panicked massage room
00:26:47now
00:26:50rachel looked at me like she wanted to warn me and thank me at the same time audrey walked ahead
00:26:54but i saw her hands shaking
00:27:09i poured oil into my palm and tried to think like a professional
00:27:15your shoulder is locked breathe
00:27:19you sound like you care
00:27:21i care about the job
00:27:24liar
00:27:25i pressed my thumb into the knot below her shoulder blade
00:27:28she hissed then let out a breath that sounded too close to a moan my hands faltered
00:27:36careful iris you used to know exactly where to touch me
00:27:41a memory hit me without mercy audrey in an empty music room
00:27:45her blazer on the floor my mouth against her wrist because we were too afraid to kiss where anyone could
00:27:50see
00:27:52do not do that
00:27:57do what remember
00:28:04use what we were to punish me audrey sat up suddenly
00:28:07catching my wrist before i could step back
00:28:10what we were
00:28:12her grip was not hard but my pulse jumped anyway
00:28:15you threw that away you think i wanted to
00:28:19for a second the room froze audrey's eyes narrowed then say it tell me why
00:28:26my throat closed around adrian's threat old and alive i cannot
00:28:32audrey released me like my silence had burned her
00:28:38you left me for adrian then he left you with a child and debt
00:28:50was it worth it chris is not adrian's
00:28:56no then who's my jaw tightened crease's history belonged to him not to audrey's jealousy
00:29:03that is none of your business everything about you became my business when i started paying your bills
00:29:08you pay for my work
00:29:10not my life
00:29:12audrey glanced at the silver bead on my wrist
00:29:16you wear his name like a vow he is six
00:29:20and adrian still circles you
00:29:22the name made my skin go cold
00:29:24what do you know about adrian
00:29:27enough to know you flinch when i say his name
00:29:29then stop saying it
00:29:31why
00:29:32does he still own some part of you
00:29:35i pushed past her but she caught my elbow
00:29:40iris
00:29:42for the first time that day her voice was not cruel it was almost concerned that almost broke me
00:29:49do not look at me like that
00:29:52i survived 12 years by not talking audrey let go
00:29:57then i will find the truth without asking you behind her anger something uncertain moved
00:30:07vivian reed asked to meet me in a quiet bar near the medical district i almost refused until she
00:30:11mentioned crease's case in the school pool she looked different from the frightened girl i remembered
00:30:16but her eyes were the same soft green
00:30:20iris hale i have wanted to thank you for years i sat down slowly for what for pulling me out
00:30:27of the
00:30:36that was a long time ago not to me
00:30:40not after adrian twisted the story before i could answer she slid a folder across the table
00:30:47i run a medical charity now chris may qualify for support and if you need stable work
00:30:54i can use someone who understands families in crisis vivian i cannot accept charity because
00:31:00of an old debt vivian reached across the table and took my hand it is not charity
00:31:06it is gratitude the door opened audrey stood there rachel behind her her face carved from ice
00:31:16eyes
00:31:17touching reunion this is not what you think
00:31:23with you iris it never is
00:31:28vivian stood calm but firm
00:31:33audrey she saved your life audrey's eyes flickered then pride shut them again
00:31:44Stay out of this
00:31:49Audrey ordered a private line of whiskey before anyone could stop her, Rachel's expression tightened
00:31:57Audrey, do not
00:31:59Audrey ignored her and looked at Vivian
00:32:00If you want to hire my coach, make an offer better than mine
00:32:05I am not buying her
00:32:07How noble
00:32:11Stop talking about me like I am not here
00:32:13Audrey lifted a glass
00:32:16Then choose, my contract or her gratitude
00:32:21Vivian's voice stayed even
00:32:23Iris does not owe either of us her life
00:32:25That should have ended it
00:32:26Instead, Audrey smiled
00:32:29One round
00:32:31If I win, you stop interfering
00:32:32Rachel stepped in
00:32:36This is absurd
00:32:38Then it suits the night
00:32:42Glass after glass disappeared
00:32:43Vivian drank carefully, slowly
00:32:46Audrey drank like she wanted the burn to erase every image of my hand in Vivian's
00:32:50I stood beside the bar, furious and scared
00:32:54Audrey, enough
00:32:56Audrey turned to me, eyes bright and unfocused
00:33:02Worried about me?
00:33:04Worried you will embarrass yourself?
00:33:06She laughed
00:33:06But her hand trembled when she set the glass down
00:33:09Vivian finally pushed her drink away
00:33:19Audrey stood to fast and nearly swayed
00:33:21I caught her by instinct
00:33:22She leaned into me, breath warm against my neck
00:33:29You always catch me after I fall
00:33:32The words hit too close to the truth
00:33:36Audrey collapsed into the passenger seat, eyes half closed
00:33:40Her collar open and sweat shining along her throat
00:33:42I gripped the steering wheel until my knuckles hurt
00:33:45Audrey turned her head, gaze unfocused but sharp enough to burn
00:33:50You're looking at me
00:33:52You're drunk
00:33:54And you're still pretending you don't want me
00:33:57I swallowed
00:33:59Stop
00:34:01Audrey laughed softly
00:34:02Then leaned closer
00:34:03Her breath brushed my ear
00:34:06Did Vivian touch your hand like she had the right?
00:34:10Did Adrian?
00:34:12Did anyone ever learn what makes you tremble?
00:34:16Audrey, don't do this in the car
00:34:20Her hand closed around my wrist
00:34:22Not forcing but keeping me there
00:34:27Then take me home
00:34:30I should have left her at the door
00:34:32Instead I helped her into the bedroom
00:34:34The moment I turned to go
00:34:35She caught the hem of my dress
00:34:40Don't leave again
00:34:43The words were too broken to be a command
00:34:46I looked back
00:34:47Her eyes were red
00:34:52You left me with everyone watching
00:34:54You made me feel disgusting for loving you
00:34:57I never thought you were disgusting
00:35:02Audrey pulled me down
00:35:04And this kiss was not polished
00:35:05Not calculated
00:35:06It was messy, hungry, furious
00:35:08Full of everything we had swallowed for 12 years
00:35:12Her hands slid up my thighs under my dress
00:35:15Mine went to her shoulders
00:35:16Then her hair
00:35:17Then the open collar of her shirt
00:35:20Say you don't want this
00:35:24I can't
00:35:30Feel how much I still want you
00:35:32Feel how much I still want you
00:35:34She was dripping
00:35:35Grinding against my fingers
00:35:37As I pushed inside her
00:35:38Fucking her while she rode my hand
00:35:40Until she came hard
00:35:41Moaning my name
00:35:46That was all the permission
00:35:47She needed to kiss me harder
00:35:48Rolling us onto the bed
00:35:50Until the room narrowed to her mouth
00:35:52Her breath
00:35:52And the heat between us
00:36:01Audrey kissed down my neck
00:36:02Then lower
00:36:03Slow enough to make my hands twist in the sheets
00:36:05My back arched before I could stop it
00:36:08Audrey
00:36:10Audrey's breathing was rough against my skin
00:36:13Say it again
00:36:15Audrey
00:36:17Her mouth curved against my chest
00:36:20Better
00:36:21For a few minutes
00:36:22There was no Adrian
00:36:23No debt
00:36:24No hospital
00:36:25No 12 years of silence
00:36:26There was only her hand on my waist
00:36:28My thigh hooked around her hip
00:36:29And the terrible truth
00:36:31That my body had never forgotten hers
00:36:32Then the doorbell rang
00:36:34I shoved her shoulder
00:36:36Someone's here
00:36:37Audrey did not move
00:36:44Let them wait
00:36:48The doorbell rang again
00:36:49Sharper this time
00:36:50Followed by Rachel's tense voice
00:36:52From the hallway
00:36:52Audrey
00:36:53It is Lucia Grant
00:36:55Audrey went still
00:36:56I sat up
00:36:58Clutching her shirt to my chest
00:36:59Zia
00:37:01Audrey's face hardened
00:37:04Business arrangement
00:37:06You mean your fiancé
00:37:07Before she could answer
00:37:08Lucia's voice floated in from the living room
00:37:13Audrey
00:37:14Darling
00:37:15Your assistant said you were resting
00:37:17I brought the engagement revisions
00:37:21I stepped into the living room barefoot
00:37:23Wearing Audrey's white shirt
00:37:25My hair tangled and my lips still swollen
00:37:27Lucia's eyes swept over me
00:37:29Then the open bedroom door
00:37:31Lucia smiled like a knife
00:37:33So this is the charity case
00:37:38Audrey stepped behind me
00:37:40Still in yesterday's shirt
00:37:41And Lucia's smile twitched
00:37:46How much did she cost for the night
00:37:49Audrey's hand settled at my waist
00:37:50Careful Lucia
00:37:52You are talking about someone under my roof
00:37:57Lucia placed the engagement papers on the coffee table as if she owned the room
00:38:04Your father has reserved the venue
00:38:06The announcement goes out after the Luxonar campaign
00:38:08Audrey's jaw tightened
00:38:12Nothing has been signed
00:38:14Because Felix Vance still hoped you would behave without being forced
00:38:18I tried to leave through the kitchen
00:38:20But Lucia's voice stopped me
00:38:25Mrs. Hall
00:38:27Do not worry
00:38:28Rich women get bored
00:38:30They always return expensive mistakes
00:38:33Audrey moved so quickly I barely saw it
00:38:36One second Lucia was smiling
00:38:38The next Audrey stood in front of me
00:38:44Do not speak to her like that
00:38:47Lucia blinked
00:38:48You cannot be serious
00:38:50I am
00:38:51She is a club girl with a sick child and debt
00:38:54She is under my protection
00:38:56Audrey
00:38:57No
00:38:57She is not a transaction for you to insult
00:39:00Lucia's face hardened
00:39:02Your father will ruin her
00:39:07He can try
00:39:08And the marriage?
00:39:11Audrey's shoulders squared
00:39:14There will be no marriage
00:39:15For one reckless second
00:39:17Hope stabbed through me
00:39:18Then fear followed
00:39:19Felix Vance did not lose control quietly
00:39:21Rachel appeared in the doorway
00:39:23Phone in hand
00:39:25Audrey
00:39:25Your father is calling
00:39:27He saw the security fleed
00:39:29Audrey took the phone
00:39:31Eyes still on Lucia
00:39:34Good
00:39:35Then he already knows my answer
00:39:38After Lucia left
00:39:40The apartment stayed to quiet
00:39:41I retreated to the kitchen
00:39:42And filled a glass of water
00:39:44Just to have something to
00:39:45Hold Audrey stood in the living room
00:39:47Phone silent in her hand
00:39:49My father will not stop
00:39:50Neither will Lucia
00:39:55Audrey looked at me
00:39:56And for a second
00:39:57I saw the girl from school
00:39:58That memory found us both
00:40:02Twelve years ago
00:40:03I had waited near the vending machines
00:40:05With two cans of cola
00:40:06Because
00:40:07Audrey used to pretend
00:40:08She hated sweet drinks
00:40:09And then steal mine
00:40:12She came around the corner
00:40:13Eyes red
00:40:14Face cold
00:40:22Were you laughing at me
00:40:24The whole time
00:40:26Audrey please
00:40:27Audrey stepped closer
00:40:30You played best friend
00:40:31Then ran to a Adrian
00:40:32Was I a joke
00:40:33I wanted to tell her
00:40:35I had no choice
00:40:36Adrian stood at the end of the hall
00:40:38Phone raised
00:40:38Watching
00:40:40I am sorry
00:40:41Audrey's mouth twisted
00:40:43Do not
00:40:45I do not want apologies
00:40:46From someone who sells herself
00:40:48To whatever future looks safer
00:40:50The can slipped in my hand
00:40:52I could never love a coward
00:40:55I threw the cola in her face
00:40:57Because if I did not move
00:40:58I would fall apart
00:40:59Then I ran
00:41:02In the present
00:41:03Audrey touched her own lips
00:41:05As if she could still taste sugar
00:41:06And shame
00:41:07I said unforgivable things
00:41:10We both did
00:41:13No
00:41:14You look terrified
00:41:16I called it guilt
00:41:17Rachel knocked softly
00:41:21Felix wants you at the office tonight
00:41:24Audrey closed her eyes
00:41:26Then he can wait
00:41:30About what I said in school
00:41:34Her phone rang again
00:41:35Felix Vance filled the screen
00:41:37She ignored it
00:41:40You should answer
00:41:41He can shout into voicemail
00:41:44The phone stopped
00:41:45Rachel's rang immediately
00:41:47Rachel listened for three seconds
00:41:48Then went pale
00:41:52He is threatening an emergency board review
00:41:55Audrey took the phone
00:41:58Father
00:41:59Felix's voice was low
00:42:01But I could hear every word
00:42:05You humiliated
00:42:06Lucia Grant
00:42:07In your own home
00:42:08Over a woman
00:42:09With debt collectors
00:42:10At her door
00:42:12I refused a marriage
00:42:13I never accepted
00:42:14You are a Vance
00:42:15Before you are anything else
00:42:18I am a person
00:42:19Before I am an asset
00:42:21Careful
00:42:22Audrey's fingers
00:42:23Tightened around the phone
00:42:24End this
00:42:26Send the Hale woman away
00:42:28Or I will remove every protection
00:42:31You think you can give her
00:42:33And this
00:42:33Send the Hale woman away
00:42:34Or I will remove every protection
00:42:36You think you can give her
00:42:37Audrey saw my face
00:42:39Do not threaten her child
00:42:41Then do not make him relevant
00:42:45The call ended
00:42:46This is why I left
00:42:48Audrey looked wounded
00:42:50Not because I wanted Adrian
00:42:52Because men like him
00:42:54And men like your father
00:42:55Could destroy you
00:42:56With one scandal
00:42:57Audrey whispered
00:42:58Almost too quiet to hear
00:43:01Then let me destroy them first
00:43:04Audrey whispered
00:43:05Almost too quiet to hear
00:43:09Adrian did not invite me directly
00:43:10He had an old classmate
00:43:12Send the message
00:43:13Pretending it was a small reunion
00:43:15By the time I realized
00:43:16The table was for two
00:43:17He was already standing
00:43:21Iris
00:43:23You look tired
00:43:24I stayed on my feet
00:43:25Say what you want
00:43:26Chris needs a specialist
00:43:28I know one attending
00:43:29The Evans charity dinner tomorrow
00:43:30You checked my son's file
00:43:33I care
00:43:34You threaten
00:43:42Adrian noticed my glance
00:43:46Still orbiting Abri Vance
00:43:49Dangerous habit
00:43:50You do not get to say her name
00:43:52His smile thinned
00:43:54I still have the originals
00:43:57Photos
00:43:57Time stanks
00:43:58Drafts
00:44:00And now I have access
00:44:01To people who can make
00:44:02Hospital schedules difficult
00:44:03My hands turned cold
00:44:05Adrian leaned forward
00:44:06Come to the dinner
00:44:07Smile beside me
00:44:08Where I send those old photos
00:44:10To every hospital board member
00:44:11Along with a nice video edit
00:44:12Showing exactly what a good little slut
00:44:14You were for me in those pictures
00:44:15Chris' surgery list
00:44:17One phone call
00:44:18And it disappears
00:44:18You are sick
00:44:21No
00:44:21I am patient
00:44:23When I left the table
00:44:25Audrey was already waiting near the hallway
00:44:27Fury barely contained
00:44:29Was one rich enemy not enough?
00:44:31Move
00:44:31Did he touch you?
00:44:35Audrey caught my arm outside the restaurant
00:44:37Answer me
00:44:41You do not own every conversation I have
00:44:44With Adrian I might have to
00:44:46You think this is jealousy?
00:44:47You think I dressed up to flirt with him over wine?
00:44:50Audrey's face tightened
00:44:52Did you?
00:44:54I stared at her
00:44:55Suddenly too tired
00:44:56To defend myself
00:44:56Against the same accusation
00:44:58For the thousandth time
00:45:01Believe whatever hurts you most
00:45:03You always do
00:45:05She stepped closer
00:45:06Voice low
00:45:07He had his hand near yours
00:45:09He also has something over me
00:45:11But you were too busy
00:45:12Being angry to ask
00:45:15That struck her
00:45:16I saw it land for a moment
00:45:18Audrey looked like she might soften
00:45:20Then Adrian appeared at the door
00:45:21Iris are you coming?
00:45:23He appeared at the door
00:45:25Old fear moved before thought
00:45:26I pulled my arm from Audrey
00:45:28And walked toward him
00:45:29Because if Adrian thought I was slipping
00:45:31He would punish Kreese first
00:45:34Yes
00:45:36Audrey watched me leave with him
00:45:38I did not look back until we reached the corner
00:45:40When I did she was still standing there
00:45:42One hand pressed to her mouth
00:45:44As if she had been punched
00:45:47Audrey whispered
00:45:48Not to me but to herself
00:45:51Damn it
00:45:53Her laugh was broken
00:45:58This is not weakness
00:45:59This is unfinished business
00:46:03I do not lose people twice
00:46:05Not to Adrian Cole
00:46:07Not to my father
00:46:08Not to anyone
00:46:09Then her expression hardened
00:46:13And I am done losing to Adrian Cole
00:46:19Water streamed down my neck
00:46:20And under the collar of my training top
00:46:22Audrey
00:46:22Took a towel from the bench
00:46:24And pressed it to my chest
00:46:25Before I could reach for it
00:46:26I can do it myself
00:46:29Audrey did not let go
00:46:31The towel moved slowly
00:46:33Too slowly over my collarbone
00:46:35Then lower
00:46:35Brushing across my breast
00:46:37Through the soaked fabric
00:46:38My breath caught
00:46:39Audrey saw it
00:46:40Still pretending?
00:46:41I grabbed her wrist
00:46:43You said this was training
00:46:45Audrey leaned close
00:46:46Her mouth nearly touching my ear
00:46:48Audrey
00:46:49It is
00:46:50I am learning exactly how fast you react to me
00:46:55It is
00:46:56I am learning exactly how fast you react to me
00:47:01Her other hand slid to my lower stomach
00:47:03Palm warm through the wet fabric
00:47:05Fingers stopping just above the line
00:47:07Where professionalism ended and danger began
00:47:09My knees almost gave
00:47:13Audrey
00:47:14Tell me about Adrian
00:47:18The name cut through the heat
00:47:20I shoved her hand away
00:47:21Do not use my body to drag out answers
00:47:24Then stop letting him control
00:47:26Every answer you refuse to give me
00:47:30You know nothing
00:47:33Audrey stepped back
00:47:34Jaw tight
00:47:38Rachel does
00:47:39Her phone lit up with Rachel's name
00:47:41I found the old phone records
00:47:43Adrian Cole had access to a private school server
00:47:46A hospital donor list
00:47:48And a cloud account that still picks every 30 days
00:47:50Audrey's face went cold
00:47:53Send me everything
00:47:55And freeze every donor privilege
00:47:57Tied to Cole Medical
00:47:58Until I know which doctor is helping him
00:48:00That may start a war with his family
00:48:03Good
00:48:04Put it on my calendar
00:48:06I stood there wet, shaking
00:48:08And suddenly the towel felt like
00:48:09The least dangerous thing in the room
00:48:14At the hospital service exit
00:48:15Kreese disappeared between the lobby
00:48:17And the transport desk
00:48:19One nurse swore a staff member
00:48:20Had signed him out for a cardiac scan
00:48:22The transport order looked real
00:48:24The signature did not
00:48:25I ran into the street
00:48:27Without knowing where to go
00:48:29Chris!
00:48:30My phone rang Adrian
00:48:34This is what happens
00:48:35When you make new friends, Iris
00:48:39Where is he?
00:48:41Stand where I tell you
00:48:43Maybe the boy comes home scared
00:48:46Instead of missing
00:48:52The line died
00:48:55I called Audrey because terror was stronger than pride
00:48:58When she arrived
00:48:59I hit her chest with both fists
00:49:02If you had not pushed
00:49:04If Rachel had not investigated
00:49:06He would still be safe
00:49:09Look at me
00:49:09I will find him
00:49:12She turned to Rachel
00:49:14Lock down traffic cameras
00:49:16Hospital exits
00:49:17Private ambulances
00:49:18Search any warehouse
00:49:20Within 15 minutes of the hospital
00:49:22Now
00:49:23Put van security on every service lane
00:49:25Flag every coal-owned vehicle
00:49:27And get police ready
00:49:28Without tipping Adrian off
00:49:29If Lucia's office touched this
00:49:31I want her phone slim and ready
00:49:35Rachel was already moving
00:49:3830 minutes later
00:49:39We found the fake transport van
00:49:41Outside an abandoned storage site
00:49:43Near the hospital service road
00:49:44Dot Kreese
00:49:45Was inside with a terrified
00:49:46Temporary driver
00:49:47Who claimed Lucia's office
00:49:48Sent the order
00:49:50Kreese stumbled toward me
00:49:52Clutching his dinosaur
00:49:57He sobbed into my coat
00:49:59Beyond the service lane
00:50:00A truck horn screamed
00:50:01From the road
00:50:04Kreese's toy slipped
00:50:05From his hands
00:50:06And rolled past the curb
00:50:07Toward the traffic
00:50:08Lane
00:50:09He ran after it
00:50:10Audrey moved
00:50:10Before anyone else could breathe
00:50:13The truck missed Kreese by inches
00:50:15Audrey hit the pavement
00:50:16With him locked against her chest
00:50:17Her shoulder scraped
00:50:18Across the curb
00:50:19Tearing through her sleeve
00:50:20Blood ran down her forearm
00:50:21For a moment
00:50:22All I could hear
00:50:23Was my own scream
00:50:24Kreese blinked up at her
00:50:26Are you a superhero?
00:50:29Audrey tried to smile
00:50:31Through the pain
00:50:34Only when dinosaurs
00:50:35Run into traffic
00:50:37I fell beside them
00:50:39And pulled Kreese
00:50:39Into one arm
00:50:40Audrey into the other
00:50:41Before I remembered
00:50:42We were not that kind of family
00:50:45You are bleeding
00:50:47He is not
00:50:48That answer ruined me
00:50:50That night
00:50:51I wrapped her arm
00:50:51In her apartment
00:50:52While Kreese slept on the couch
00:50:53Under Rachel's watch
00:50:55Why did you jump like that?
00:50:57Audrey looked at Kreese
00:51:01Because you would not have survived
00:51:03Losing him
00:51:03My throat closed
00:51:07Before I could answer
00:51:08My phone rang
00:51:09Adrian again
00:51:14Charity dinner tomorrow
00:51:16Dr. Evans will be there
00:51:17Bring gratitude
00:51:18Leave Audrey at home
00:51:20He is using the doctor
00:51:23Chris needs that introduction
00:51:24Then I am going with you
00:51:27You are injured
00:51:30And Adrian is breathing
00:51:33I can handle
00:51:34One of those problems tomorrow
00:51:37The charity dinner
00:51:38Looked like a world
00:51:39That would never let Kreese inside
00:51:41Unless someone rich
00:51:41Opened the door
00:51:51You should be resting
00:51:54And let Adrian play savior?
00:51:56No
00:51:56Adrian appeared with Dr. Evans
00:51:58Smiling like the night
00:51:59Belonged to him
00:52:05Dr. Evans
00:52:06This is Iris Hale
00:52:09Her son's case
00:52:10Is the one I mentioned
00:52:11Dr. Evans shook my hand warmly
00:52:14I have reviewed the summary
00:52:16There may be a surgical path
00:52:19Hope struck so hard
00:52:20I nearly cried
00:52:23Thank you
00:52:24Adrian leaned close
00:52:29A little gratitude
00:52:30Goes a long way
00:52:36Audrey's hand
00:52:37Tightened at her side
00:52:38Before she could speak
00:52:39Vivian Reed joined us
00:52:41With a medical folder
00:52:47Dr. Evans
00:52:48I also sent Chris's file
00:52:49Through the Foundation channel
00:52:50Iris does not need
00:52:52Personal favors
00:52:53To get reviewed
00:52:53Adrian's smile slipped
00:52:55Audrey looked
00:52:55Between Vivian and me
00:52:57Jealousy and confusion
00:52:58Warring in her eyes
00:52:59Dr. Evans brightened
00:53:02You two know each other?
00:53:04She saved my life in school
00:53:06Aubrey heard it
00:53:07I saw her hear it
00:53:08A staff member approached
00:53:11The private staff
00:53:12Consultation room is ready
00:53:13Dr. Evans gestured
00:53:14To me and Vivian
00:53:16Let's talk where it is quiet
00:53:20Audrey stepped forward
00:53:21But the door closed
00:53:22Before she could enter
00:53:23For once
00:53:23She was the one left outside
00:53:29Inside the consultation room
00:53:30Dr. Evans reviewed
00:53:31Chris's scans
00:53:32While Vivian sat beside me
00:53:36He is fragile
00:53:37But not hopeless
00:53:39If the foundation clears
00:53:41Emergency funding
00:53:42I can assemble a team
00:53:44I gripped the edge
00:53:45Of the chair
00:53:45How soon
00:53:47Sooner if
00:53:47Adrian stops interfering
00:53:49I turned to her
00:53:50Dot Vivian lowered
00:53:51Her voice
00:53:52I found an old drive
00:53:54From school
00:53:55Pool footage
00:53:56Partial security logs
00:53:57And Adrian near the locker room
00:53:59Before she could say more
00:54:00The door burst open
00:54:00Audrey stood there
00:54:01Eyes fixed on Vivian's hand
00:54:02Covering mine
00:54:03Private meeting
00:54:06Vivian withdrew calmly
00:54:09Medical meeting
00:54:10Adrian appeared behind Audrey
00:54:12Enjoying the chaos
00:54:14Careful Aubrey
00:54:17Jealousy looks common on you
00:54:22The announcement bell saved us from a fight
00:54:24In the auction hall
00:54:26The final item was placed beneath a spotlight
00:54:28A vintage white moon brooch
00:54:30Bright as a frozen piece of midnight
00:54:32The host smiled
00:54:34A one of a kind piece
00:54:36Opening bid
00:54:37800,000
00:54:41Adrian lifted his paddle first
00:54:42A performance for me
00:54:44Vivian followed
00:54:44Not for romance
00:54:46But to keep it away from him
00:54:47Then Audrey raised hers
00:54:51Audrey
00:54:52What are you doing?
00:54:55Winning
00:54:56Adrian's bid climbed
00:54:58Vivian's followed
00:54:59Audrey's voice cut cleanly
00:55:01Through both
00:55:05Whatever they offer
00:55:06I double it
00:55:10The hall fell silent
00:55:14The final price
00:55:15Made the entire hall
00:55:16Gasped
00:55:17Adrian lowered his paddle first
00:55:18Vivian lowered hers
00:55:20After watching Audrey
00:55:21With something like approval
00:55:23Sold to Audrey Van
00:55:28I thought she had bought it
00:55:29To prove Adrian could not win
00:55:30Or to give it to someone
00:55:32Important enough
00:55:32To stand beside her publicly
00:55:34I stood to leave
00:55:35Before the disappointment showed
00:55:38Iris
00:55:39Hands
00:55:40No
00:55:42Open it
00:55:43She pressed the velvet box
00:55:44Into my hands
00:55:46Inside
00:55:46The white moon brooch
00:55:47Caught the light
00:55:50This is insane
00:55:52Chris said mothers
00:55:53Should have pretty things too
00:55:54Consider it from him
00:55:58Consider it from him
00:55:59I almost smiled
00:56:01Almost then my phone buzzed
00:56:03We need to talk
00:56:04Alone
00:56:05Audrey saw the name
00:56:06Before I could hide it
00:56:07The coffee shop Lucia chose
00:56:09Was nearly empty
00:56:10She sat by the window
00:56:11In cream silk
00:56:12An unsigned check
00:56:13In front of her
00:56:14Fill in any amount
00:56:16Then leave Adriel
00:56:18I slid it back
00:56:20This is not about money
00:56:22Lucia's polite mask cracked
00:56:24Everything is about money
00:56:26You of all people
00:56:27Should know that
00:56:27I know what love costs
00:56:29That is different
00:56:31Lucia stood so quickly
00:56:33Her cup rattled
00:56:33You think she will choose you?
00:56:35A club girl
00:56:36With a hospital bill?
00:56:37Lucia slid a check
00:56:38Across the table
00:56:39Take it
00:56:40Pay for the boy's surgery
00:56:42Then disappear before
00:56:43Aubrey ruins herself for you
00:56:45I looked at the number
00:56:46It was more money
00:56:47Than I had ever seen
00:56:48You think love is something
00:56:50You can buy off
00:56:51Because that is how you were raised
00:56:52Lucia's smile broke
00:56:53Love?
00:56:55You were a bunny girl
00:56:56In a club
00:56:57A temporary addiction
00:56:58A shadow fell across the table
00:57:00If you have something to say
00:57:02Say it to me
00:57:05Lucia stood up
00:57:06Looking furious
00:57:07I'm doing this for your own good
00:57:10She's just a prostitute
00:57:11Who sells drinks at a club
00:57:13Not only is she not good enough for you
00:57:15But she'll also ruin you
00:57:17Say that again
00:57:19And I will freeze every deal
00:57:21Tied to your signature
00:57:23Rachel
00:57:24Notify legal
00:57:25Grant projects are frozen
00:57:27Until Lucia learns
00:57:28Where my name ends
00:57:29And hers begins
00:57:30Lucia turned pale
00:57:32Audrey walked to my side
00:57:34And took my hand
00:57:34Before I could pull away
00:57:37You cannot be serious
00:57:38This woman left you
00:57:40For Adrienne Cole
00:57:41Maybe she did
00:57:42Maybe she broke me
00:57:44That still does not give you
00:57:45Permission to touch her
00:57:47Price her
00:57:48Shame her
00:57:49Or speak her name
00:57:50Like she belongs below you
00:57:53Lucia stepped toward me
00:57:54What did you do to her?
00:57:56Audrey's gaze dropped to my mouth
00:57:58And I understood too late
00:57:59That she had chosen
00:58:00A louder answer
00:58:02Audrey grabbed my chin
00:58:03And kissed me hard
00:58:04In front of everyone tongue
00:58:05Pushing into my mouth
00:58:06Claiming
00:58:06Biting my lower lip
00:58:07Until I moaned
00:58:08Her other hand
00:58:09Gripped my ass
00:58:10Through the dress
00:58:11Pulling me against her thigh
00:58:14When she pulled back
00:58:15My lips were swollen
00:58:16Lipsticks smeared
00:58:17And a string of saliva
00:58:18Connected us
00:58:19She's mine
00:58:21Her mouth
00:58:22Her cunt
00:58:23Her everything
00:58:23The words should have
00:58:25Humiliated me
00:58:26Instead they ripped
00:58:27Through the last bit of distance
00:58:28I had tried to keep
00:58:29Between us
00:58:29Lucia's face twisted
00:58:32You'll regret humiliating me
00:58:34I did not see her phone
00:58:36Under the table
00:58:36The screen still showed
00:58:38A message to an unknown contact
00:58:39Find out where the sea chute
00:58:41Happens
00:58:41No delays
00:58:44No
00:58:45I regret waiting this long
00:58:47That night at the Vance estate
00:58:48Felix threw a check
00:58:49Onto the table
00:58:50In front of me
00:58:51Leave my daughter
00:58:53Before you cost her
00:58:54The company
00:58:54Audrey stood between us
00:58:56Shoulders rigid
00:58:59She is not leaving
00:59:00Because you are afraid
00:59:01Of a scandal
00:59:02Then you will learn
00:59:03What defiance costs
00:59:04The guards moved
00:59:06Audrey did not step back
00:59:07For the first time
00:59:08I understood that the cage
00:59:09Around her had always been
00:59:10Prettier than mine
00:59:11But no less real
00:59:13I was led out of the study
00:59:15By the bodyguards
00:59:16When the study door
00:59:17Opened again
00:59:17Audrey stepped out
00:59:18The back of her shirt
00:59:20Was stained black
00:59:21With blood
00:59:21I covered my mouth
00:59:25What did he do?
00:59:26Audrey tried to smile
00:59:29A family discussion
00:59:30Felix followed
00:59:31Cold and controlled
00:59:32The Luxon deep sea campaign
00:59:35Secures a ten year contract
00:59:37Fail it
00:59:38And the board
00:59:38Will question your judgment
00:59:41She is injured
00:59:42Felix looked at me
00:59:43As if my concern
00:59:44Were dirt on his floor
00:59:45Then she should have chosen
00:59:47A less expensive rebellion
00:59:49Felix looked at me
00:59:50As if my concern
00:59:51Were dirt on his floor
00:59:52Audrey lifted her head
00:59:54Then put it in writing
00:59:55Excuse me?
00:59:59I complete Luxon
00:59:59Sign the ten year contract
01:00:01And the board signs
01:00:02My independent control clause
01:00:04You stop using my private life
01:00:06As company leverage
01:00:07And if you fail
01:00:11Then bring the vote
01:00:12Of no continence
01:00:13You have been polishing
01:00:14For years
01:00:16Audrey no
01:00:17Audrey touched my face
01:00:19With the hand
01:00:19That was not shaking
01:00:22I am not asking for permission
01:00:24I am setting terms
01:00:27I promised I would build a place
01:00:28Where no one could force us apart
01:00:31Let me keep one promise
01:00:33The next day
01:00:34The coast was grey and windy
01:00:36Cameras, divers and safety boats
01:00:37Lined the shore
01:00:38Audrey wore a black wetsuit
01:00:39The wounds across her back
01:00:41Taped beneath it
01:00:42I stood waist deep beside her
01:00:44Guiding breathing drills
01:00:45A black SUV idled
01:00:47Behind the equipment trucks
01:00:48Rachel frowned at it
01:00:49But a production coordinator
01:00:51Pulled her toward
01:00:51A contract dispute
01:00:52Before she could check the plate
01:00:56Focus on me
01:00:57Not the depth
01:01:02Audrey's smile was pale
01:01:05That has always been the problem
01:01:07I walked toward a small stand
01:01:09To buy water
01:01:09After a break
01:01:10Behind the rocks
01:01:11Something moved
01:01:12I turned to late
01:01:13A hard blow struck
01:01:14The back of my head
01:01:15The sky tilted
01:01:16And the last thing I saw
01:01:18Was Lucia's white coat
01:01:19Against the grey sea
01:01:24The emergency procedure
01:01:25Lasted through the night
01:01:26I sat outside the operating room
01:01:28With Audrey's
01:01:28Blood dried under my nails
01:01:30And crease asleep
01:01:31Against Rachel's coat
01:01:34When the doctor finally came out
01:01:36His face was grave
01:01:37Doctor
01:01:42The bullet passed
01:01:43Through the upper shoulder
01:01:44No lung damage
01:01:46No major vessel hit
01:01:47But the next 24 hours
01:01:49Still matter
01:01:49In the recovery room
01:01:51Audrey looked smaller
01:01:52Than any woman
01:01:52That powerful should look
01:01:54Tubes ran from her arm
01:01:55Her breathing was shallow
01:01:57I held her hand
01:01:57To my cheek
01:01:58Iris
01:02:00I loved you
01:02:01From the first day
01:02:02You stole my cola
01:02:03And pretended you hated it
01:02:04Her fingers moved
01:02:06I froze
01:02:06Audrey opened her eyes
01:02:07Barely Audrey
01:02:08Say that again
01:02:10When I am less drugged
01:02:11I laughed and sobbed
01:02:12At once Iris
01:02:14I love you
01:02:15Audrey's mouth curved Audrey
01:02:17Then marry me someday
01:02:18Wake up properly first
01:02:20Outside the room
01:02:20Two nurses whispered
01:02:22Over a phone
01:02:22Dot nurse one
01:02:23Is that the woman
01:02:24From the kidnapping rumor?
01:02:25The club girl?
01:02:26People online are saying
01:02:28Awful things
01:02:31My body went cold
01:02:33Rachel showed Audrey
01:02:34The trending tags
01:02:35Because hiding them
01:02:36Would only make it worse
01:02:37Lucia's side
01:02:37Had planted rumors
01:02:38That I had been assaulted
01:02:39That Audrey had ruined herself
01:02:41For trash
01:02:41That Kreese was a pawn
01:02:43Audrey's eyes turned deadly
01:02:44At Audrey
01:02:45Press conference
01:02:46Today
01:02:48You were shot
01:02:49Then they can photograph
01:02:51The bandage
01:02:52While I bury them
01:02:53She turned to me
01:02:54Audrey
01:02:56No one shames you
01:02:57For surviving
01:03:01Audrey walked into
01:03:02The press conference
01:03:03In a hospital robe
01:03:04Under a black coat
01:03:05Every camera in the room
01:03:06Flashed her hand
01:03:07Held mine so tightly
01:03:08I could feel her pulse
01:03:11Miss Vance
01:03:12Is it true
01:03:13Your relationship
01:03:13With Lucia Grant
01:03:14Ended because of
01:03:15Miss Hale?
01:03:17My relationship
01:03:18With Lucia Grant
01:03:19Never began
01:03:19The proposed alliance
01:03:21Is cancelled
01:03:22Audrey looked straight
01:03:23Into the cameras
01:03:25Audrey raised one hand
01:03:28Iris is the woman
01:03:29The woman I love
01:03:33My breath caught
01:03:36Lucia's crime
01:03:37Was not passion
01:03:38It was violence
01:03:39Adrian Cole's
01:03:41Black rail
01:03:41Was not romance
01:03:42It was abuse
01:03:44And anyone
01:03:46Using rumors
01:03:46About a victim
01:03:47To entertain themselves
01:03:48Should be ashamed
01:03:50Vance Group Legal
01:03:52Has filed criminal
01:03:53And civil actions
01:03:54Against Adrian Cole
01:03:55Lucia Grant
01:03:57And every institution
01:03:59That helped them
01:04:00Weaponize a child's
01:04:02Medical care
01:04:03The police
01:04:04And medical reports
01:04:05Confirm
01:04:06Iris was rescued
01:04:07Before Lucia's
01:04:09Staged video
01:04:09Could be made
01:04:11But even if
01:04:12The worst had happened
01:04:14Iris would not
01:04:15Be dirty
01:04:16The criminals
01:04:17Would be
01:04:18Audrey turn to me
01:04:20Audrey
01:04:20I will spend
01:04:21The rest of my life
01:04:22Protecting her right
01:04:23To stand in the sun
01:04:25Applause began
01:04:26In the back
01:04:26And spread
01:04:29Applause
01:04:31For the first time
01:04:32In years
01:04:33I did not lower
01:04:34My head later
01:04:34At the hospital
01:04:37The doctor reviewed
01:04:38Audrey's wound
01:04:39And shook his head
01:04:40Doctor
01:04:42Your shoulder
01:04:43Can recover
01:04:43Deep water shooting
01:04:44With fresh stitches
01:04:45Is medically reckless
01:04:47Then cancel Luxon
01:04:49Rachel closed her eyes
01:04:50Rachel
01:04:51Audrey looked at me
01:04:53No
01:04:53I made a promise
01:04:56Your life is not
01:04:57A bargaining chart
01:04:58It is the board's language
01:04:59I will answer it
01:05:01In numbers
01:05:05Five days of recovery
01:05:06Antibiotics
01:05:07And arguments
01:05:08Bought Audrey
01:05:08Enough strength to stand
01:05:09It did not buy her
01:05:10Anyone's approval
01:05:12Luxon can be
01:05:13Renegotiated
01:05:14Pressure
01:05:15Cold
01:05:15And panic
01:05:16Can reopen
01:05:17Those stitches
01:05:18Rachel argued
01:05:19First
01:05:19Then the doctor
01:05:20Then me
01:05:21None of us
01:05:21Moved Audrey
01:05:22Doctor
01:05:24I do not need
01:05:25Your family's permission
01:05:26If it costs your life
01:05:27Audrey sat on the edge
01:05:29Of the hospital bed
01:05:29Pale but stubborn
01:05:30Audrey
01:05:31You should not have
01:05:32To live under threats
01:05:33Because loving me
01:05:33Is inconvenient
01:05:34For my father
01:05:35I would rather
01:05:35Fight him broke
01:05:36Than bury you rich
01:05:37Her face softened
01:05:39I know
01:05:41But she still stood
01:05:42At the coast
01:05:43Vivian waited
01:05:44Near the safety tent
01:05:45With an old
01:05:46Waterproof storage
01:05:46Drive in her hand
01:05:47Vivian
01:05:49Audrey
01:05:51The pool accident
01:05:52Is why you panic
01:05:53Underwater
01:05:54Audrey's expression
01:05:55Closed Vivian
01:05:58You nearly drowned
01:05:59Iris pulled you out
01:06:02Adrian and the others
01:06:03Rewrote what happened after
01:06:04Audrey looked at me
01:06:06I looked away
01:06:06Why did you never tell me
01:06:09I looked away
01:06:10Because the photos
01:06:12Came after
01:06:13Because every truth
01:06:15Had a threat attached
01:06:16Vivian's voice
01:06:17Was gentle
01:06:17Dot Vivian
01:06:19Do not go down
01:06:20To prove Felix wrong
01:06:22Go down only
01:06:24If you want
01:06:24Your own fierce
01:06:25Was gentle
01:06:27For 12 years
01:06:28Fear owned that memory
01:06:29Today
01:06:30I take it back
01:06:33She stepped into
01:06:34The wetsuit
01:06:34I knew I would
01:06:35Follow her
01:06:39Audrey entered the water
01:06:40Without looking back
01:06:41Because if she looked
01:06:42At me she might stop
01:06:43I stood on the platform
01:06:44With my nails
01:06:45Digging into my palms
01:06:47The first marker
01:06:48Went smoothly
01:06:49Her body was controlled
01:06:50Her kicks steady
01:06:51The photographer
01:06:52Signaled approval
01:06:53At the second marker
01:06:54Her breathing
01:06:55Changed over the cum
01:06:56At the final lit platform
01:06:57Her hand twitched
01:07:01I can do this
01:07:03Her voice sounded like
01:07:04She was trying to
01:07:05Convince the water
01:07:06Then the current shifted
01:07:07A shadow crossed the lens
01:07:08Audrey froze
01:07:09Through the monitor
01:07:11I saw her eyes widen
01:07:12Behind the mask
01:07:13Vivian reached for my arm
01:07:14Dot Vivian
01:07:18She is flashing back
01:07:20Flashing back
01:07:21I was already moving
01:07:24I hit the water hard
01:07:25And followed the safety line down
01:07:27The cold stole my breath
01:07:29But I forced myself lower
01:07:30Until Audrey's shape
01:07:31Appeared in the dark
01:07:35Audrey will get me
01:07:36She did not move
01:07:38I swam in front of her
01:07:39And pressed both hands
01:07:40To her helmet
01:07:40Iris
01:07:43You are not in that school pool
01:07:46Adrian is not here
01:07:47Your father is not here
01:07:48I am
01:07:49I put my forehead to hers
01:07:50Through the gear
01:07:51You once asked me
01:07:52To run away with you
01:07:53I could not then
01:07:55I am here now
01:07:57Audrey's gloved hands
01:07:58Gripped my arms
01:07:58Through the masks
01:07:59Our mouths touched
01:08:00Not perfect
01:08:01Not easy
01:08:01But enough
01:08:03Her eyes cleared
01:08:04Audrey
01:08:05Stay with me
01:08:08Always
01:08:12She turned toward the camera
01:08:16Audrey moved again
01:08:17The first pose was stiff
01:08:19Then cleaner
01:08:20The second required her
01:08:21To release the safety rail
01:08:23And turn into the open dark
01:08:24I saw the fear strike her
01:08:25But this time she looked at me
01:08:27Instead of the depth
01:08:31Breathe
01:08:35Audrey breathed
01:08:36The photographer's voice
01:08:37Crackled through the cum
01:08:38Final sequence
01:08:39In three
01:08:40Two
01:08:41One
01:08:43Audrey pushed downward
01:08:45Spun through the silver beam
01:08:46And reached toward the light
01:08:48With a grace
01:08:48That made the whole ocean
01:08:49Seem to pause
01:08:51The crew on the surface
01:08:52Erupted through the radio
01:08:57Perfect
01:08:58We got it
01:08:59Audrey looked at me
01:09:00And the triumph in her eyes
01:09:01Was so naked
01:09:02I nearly cried underwater
01:09:04When we surfaced
01:09:05Rachel was shouting
01:09:05At everyone
01:09:06And crying
01:09:07At the same time
01:09:10Get in
01:09:12Get her medical team
01:09:14And no one tells the press
01:09:16She smiled underwater
01:09:17I will deny everything
01:09:18Audrey laughed
01:09:20Then winced from the wound
01:09:21I climbed onto the platform
01:09:22Beside her
01:09:22And wrapped a towel
01:09:23Around her shoulders
01:09:24Never scare me like that again
01:09:26I won
01:09:27You survived
01:09:28That matters more
01:09:30Vivian approached
01:09:31With her phone in hand
01:09:32Dr. Evans
01:09:34Confirmed
01:09:35Chris's emergency funding
01:09:36Surgery can be moved to dawn
01:09:38My knees almost gave out
01:09:39Audrey caught me
01:09:40Even while injured
01:09:42See
01:09:43We are very good
01:09:44At impossible things
01:09:46I pressed my face
01:09:47Into her shoulder
01:09:48And finally let myself
01:09:49Believe her
01:09:53Chris woke after surgery
01:09:54With a tiny bandage
01:09:55Under his gown
01:09:56And his dinosaur toy
01:09:57Tucked beneath one arm
01:09:58Dot Chris
01:10:01Mom
01:10:03I burst into tears
01:10:05Before I could answer
01:10:07I am here
01:10:08Audrey stood behind me
01:10:09One hand in a sling
01:10:10Eyes suspiciously bright
01:10:12Chris looked at her
01:10:13Dot Chris
01:10:18Superhero lady stayed?
01:10:21Superhero lady is hard
01:10:22To get rid of
01:10:23A few days later
01:10:24Vivian met us
01:10:25By the same coast
01:10:26Where Audrey had completed
01:10:27The shoot
01:10:27She carried the old drive
01:10:29In a clear evidence bag
01:10:32The restored footage
01:10:33Is enough
01:10:34It shows Iris
01:10:35Pulling Audrey
01:10:36From the school pool
01:10:37It also shows
01:10:38Adrian near the locker room
01:10:40Before the photos
01:10:40Were taken
01:10:41Audrey watched the video
01:10:42In silence
01:10:43Young me
01:10:44Soaked and terrified
01:10:45Dragging her unconscious
01:10:46Body toward the tiles
01:10:47Young Adrian
01:10:48Stepping into frame after
01:10:49Too late to be a hero
01:10:51Early enough to steal the story
01:10:52Audrey covered her mouth
01:10:57It was you
01:10:58It was always me
01:11:00Audrey's tears fell
01:11:02Before she could hide them
01:11:03And I hated you
01:11:04For saving me
01:11:05You did not know
01:11:07Rachel's evidence package
01:11:08Finished what the video
01:11:09Began Adrian's encrypted files
01:11:10Blackmail messages
01:11:12And hospital interference
01:11:13Went to prosecutors
01:11:14Lucia's staged
01:11:15Kidnapping order
01:11:16And weapon charge
01:11:17Destroyed the grant alliance
01:11:19Felix lost the board vote
01:11:20He tried to use against Audrey
01:11:21At the public follow-up
01:11:23Audrey pinned the white moon brooch
01:11:25To my dress
01:11:25I cannot give you back 12 years
01:11:30And give me tomorrow
01:11:33She kissed me in front of every camera
01:11:35This time
01:11:36I did not hide
01:11:37She kissed me in front of every camera
01:11:38She kissed me in front of every camera
01:11:38She kissed me in front of every camera
01:11:38She kissed me in front of every camera
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