A powerful full drama movie filled with love, secrets, and unexpected twists.
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
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AmusantTranscription
00:00On a rainy night, a three-and-a-half-year-old little girl stood at the main gate of Thornton
00:04Manor, clutching a rabbit plush toy.
00:06She tiptoed and pressed the doorbell, then said in a voice still carrying a milky lilt,
00:11I'm looking for Lucas Thornton.
00:13The butler opened the door and looked down at her.
00:15The little girl pulled a hospital bill from her backpack and added earnestly,
00:19Mom said, Dad owes me three years worth of milk money.
00:23Lucas walked to the entrance.
00:25The little girl looked up at him, her eyes rimmed red.
00:28Are you Lucas Thornton?
00:31Mama said if I nothing to cheer, I should do for you a blonde.
00:37A half hour ago, the Thornton Manor family dinner had never really felt like a family dinner.
00:42Twelve people sat at the long table.
00:44Twenty-six dishes were laid out.
00:46From the start of the meal, the sound of a butter knife touching a porcelain plate had rung out only
00:51three times.
00:52Harold Thornton sat at the head of the table, his cane resting against his chair.
00:57In front of him lay a document.
00:59The first page read, Thornton Family Trust, beneficiary adjustment list.
01:03Marcus from the second branch, he lifted his red wine glass and swirled it gently twice.
01:08Dad, Penelope is older now.
01:11She's been working with the Charity Foundation all these years, and she has a good reputation outside.
01:15I think we should add her to the list this time.
01:18Beside him, Celeste chimed in immediately.
01:20Yes, Penelope is a Thornton.
01:23We can't keep letting outsiders laugh at us for having no one of the next generation to hold up the
01:28family name.
01:30On the other side of the long table, Penelope wore a white dress.
01:33She was seven years old.
01:35Hearing the adults mention her, she promptly set down her spoon.
01:39Grandfather, I'll work hard.
01:42Harold didn't nod right away.
01:43He looked toward the other end of the long table.
01:46Lucas sat there, his suit cuffs immaculate, his plate nearly untouched.
01:50He was reviewing a merger agreement.
01:52The family dinner was only halfway through, and he had already turned to page 9.
01:55Harold frowned.
01:56Lucas.
01:57Lucas looked up.
01:59What do you think of the list?
02:03By the bylaws.
02:04Three words.
02:05No one at the table was surprised.
02:07Lucas had always been this way.
02:09If it could be quantified with numbers, he didn't discuss feelings.
02:12Lucas, not everything in this family can go by the bylaws.
02:17Penny is still a child of the Thornton family.
02:19Lucas was about to respond when the doorbell rang.
02:23Very soft, the butler paused.
02:25Thornton Manor had tight security.
02:27No one should be coming at this hour.
02:29It was still raining outside.
02:30Raindrops pounded against the floor-to-ceiling windows.
02:32The sound urgent and dense.
02:34The butler hurried out.
02:39Before long, he returned.
02:40His expression somewhat odd.
02:44Sir, there's a child at the door.
02:46Harold looked up.
02:48Whose?
02:49She's looking for Mr. Lucas Thornton.
02:51The long table fell silent.
02:53Marcus laughed first.
02:54Lucas, you have clients that young now?
02:57A child showing up at your doorstep.
02:59Seems like a pretty urgent client.
03:02Lucas ignored them.
03:03He set down his papers and rose to walk outside.
03:06When the estate gates opened, a gust of rain-scented air rushed in.
03:10At the entrance stood a little girl.
03:11Her hair was plastered to her forehead by the rain.
03:13She wore a faded little yellow raincoat and clutched an old rabbit plushie in her arm.
03:18The little girl looked up, her eyes very round.
03:20She glanced at the butler, then at Lucas walking out.
03:23Are you Lucas Thornton?
03:25Lucas stopped on the steps.
03:26Rarely did anyone address him by his full name.
03:29I am.
03:29The little girl hugged her rabbit tighter.
03:32Daddy, you owe me three years of child support money.
03:36Lucas' hands stilled on his cup.
03:38The people at the long table heard it too.
03:41Marcus laughed.
03:42Scammers are getting younger these days?
03:44The little girl flinched slightly at the word scammer.
03:47She said in a small voice,
03:48I'm not a scammer.
03:51Mommy said that when you owe money, you need a receipt.
03:55She tucked the rabbit under her arm and bent down to rummage through her small backpack.
03:59There wasn't much inside, a pack of crush crackers and a paper bundle wrapped in several layers of plastic.
04:04She unwrapped the bundle to reveal a crumpled hospital bill.
04:07See?
04:08Mom said this can be reimbursed.
04:10Lucas didn't take it.
04:11His gaze landed on the bill.
04:13At the very bottom was a handwritten note in the remarks column.
04:16Father's name, Lucas Thornton.
04:17The handwriting was faint, but Lucas recognized those three words.
04:21Ivy had written them.
04:23What's your mother's name?
04:25Ivy.
04:25Like the ivy plant and the rose.
04:29The words struck him like a soft tap on the ear from three years away.
04:33He did not move.
04:34Rainwater dripped from the eaves, drop by drop, hitting the edge of the step.
04:38Celeste had already walked over.
04:39She glanced at the child, then at the bill.
04:41Lucas, something this obvious could easily be fake.
04:45Forging documents isn't that hard these days.
04:48It is true.
04:49Mom said daddy hurts here on the left.
04:53And when it hurts, you can't drink cold water.
04:57Lucas' eyelashes flickered.
04:59That was an old injury from a car rollover when he was 18.
05:03Apart from the family doctor, few knew about it.
05:06Ivy knew.
05:07She used to always replace his iced water with warm water.
05:10Marcus' face darkened slightly.
05:12Harold gripped his cane and rose.
05:13He walked to the foyer and looked at Mia.
05:16Child, what's your name?
05:17Mia.
05:19Mom said it means mine.
05:21And it's short.
05:22Easy to remember.
05:23Harold's gaze fell on her neck.
05:25From under the collar of her raincoat, a small, old silver locket peeked out.
05:30The locket was tiny, strung on a fine chain.
05:33One edge was broken, clearly only half of a pair.
05:36Harold's hand slowly tightened on his cane.
05:38Where did you get this?
05:40Mom gave it to me.
05:42She said I mustn't lose it.
05:44Father, an old piece of jewelry proves nothing.
05:47Lots of Thornton things get lost and picked up by anyone.
05:50It wasn't picked up!
05:51Mom sewed it into my little coat!
05:53She paused there, and then her small stomach gave a very soft rumble.
05:58The foyer was so quiet that the sound was exceptionally clear.
06:01I didn't come to eat.
06:03I came for the reimbursement.
06:05Lucas finally reached out and took the bill.
06:08When the paper touched his palm, he realized his own hand was cold.
06:12Harold looked at the child's damp shoe tips.
06:14Come inside.
06:15Mia did not move.
06:16She looked up at Lucas.
06:18Is that okay?
06:19Lucas looked down at her.
06:20He had handled countless merger cases, signed contracts worth tens of billions.
06:25But at this moment, he did not know how to answer a child.
06:29After a long moment, he stepped aside.
06:31Come in.
06:32Mia hugged the rabbit and carefully stepped over the Thornton family's threshold.
06:36She walked two steps, then turned to look back at the rain, as if checking whether she
06:41had dirtied the carpet.
06:42Lucas noticed mud on the edges of her soles.
06:44He was about to call the butler for slippers when Mia squatted down and pulled a folded little
06:49handkerchief from her pocket.
06:50She tried to wipe her soles clean.
06:52Her hands were too small.
06:53After two wipes, she only smeared rainwater onto the carpet instead.
06:57Celeste sighed lightly.
06:59This child, who taught her to be like this?
07:02Enough.
07:03His voice was not loud.
07:05Celeste's smile stiffened.
07:06Mia raised her head.
07:08She did not know what she had done wrong, and tears quickly welled up in her eyes.
07:12Lucas crouched down.
07:13Awkwardly, he took the handkerchief from her hand.
07:15You don't need to clean the carpet.
07:17But mom said, if you dirty someone else's things, you have to pay.
07:22This is the Thornton house.
07:23Mia hugged the rabbit tighter.
07:25Then do I have to leave tomorrow?
07:28The question hung in the air.
07:29Lucas did not answer.
07:31Harold turned to the butler.
07:32Get dry towels and children's slippers.
07:35Sir, there are no children's slippers in the house.
07:39Thornton Manor was large.
07:41It had a wine cellar, a library, a cigar room, an entire floor of wardrobes.
07:46But not a single pair of slippers small enough for a child.
07:49It's okay.
07:51I can walk there.
07:52Lucas stood up.
07:53Bring my slippers.
07:54Sir, they'll be far too big for her.
07:56Lucas looked at him.
07:58The butler immediately lowered his head.
08:00Right away, sir.
08:00Soon, a pair of dark gray men's slippers were brought over.
08:04When Mia put her feet in them, they only reached halfway.
08:07She took a step forward and the slipper fell off with a slap.
08:10She pressed her lips together and bent down to pick it up herself.
08:13Lucas watched her crouch down.
08:15At that moment, his gaze drifted back to the bill.
08:18The column for father's name was slightly smudged by rain, but still legible.
08:22Lucas Thornton.
08:22His name sat on that paper.
08:25It had sat there for three years.
08:27That night, no one at Thornton Manor ate dinner.
08:30The dishes on the long table were cleared away one by one.
08:33The dining room soon stood empty.
08:35Mia was taken to the small sitting room.
08:37The butler brought dry towels.
08:39She sat by herself at the very edge of the sofa, hugging the rabbit, her feet still in Lucas's
08:44oversized slippers.
08:45They were so big that her toes sank into them whenever she moved.
08:48Lucas sat across from her.
08:49Before him lay the bill, the half-locket, and an old photograph found in the child's backpack.
08:54In the photo, Ivy stood in a hospital corridor, pale-faced, holding a newborn wrapped in a
08:59pink blanket, only a small face visible.
09:01On the back of the photo, a line was written, Mia's seventh day.
09:05Lucas stared at that line for a long time without turning the photo over.
09:08Marcus stood nearby.
09:10Lucas, based on just these things, it's not enough.
09:13Celeste nodded.
09:14Indeed.
09:15The child is pitiful, yes, but the Thornton family can't just acknowledge anyone casually.
09:20I'm not being casual.
09:22Mom said, I can only find Lucas Thornton.
09:25Lucas looked at her.
09:26Where is your mom now?
09:27Mia squeezed the rabbit's ears.
09:29She looked down and picked at the stitching on the rabbit.
09:32Mom fell asleep.
09:33Where did she fall asleep?
09:35Mia thought for a moment.
09:36The White House.
09:37Mrs. Dawson said Mom was tired.
09:39She needs to sleep for a very, very long time.
09:42She did not know that was called a ward, nor did she know what a death certificate was.
09:46She only remembered that when Ivy touched her head for the last time, her hand was very cold.
09:53Mia, from now on, you have to eat by yourself.
09:57If you have no food, go to the Thornton house.
10:00Find Lucas Thornton.
10:01He owes you.
10:02Mia did not say all of that.
10:04She only hugged the rabbit tighter.
10:05Lucas's Adam's apple moved.
10:07Harold sat in the single armchair, watching the child.
10:10Arrange a Pernity test.
10:12Now.
10:13Father, it's far too late tonight.
10:16Harold tapped his cane on the floor.
10:18It's not late.
10:19Whether the Thornton family gains a child, or someone dares to use a child as a pawn,
10:26neither is a small matter.
10:27Wyatt walked over from the far end of the long table.
10:30He was the youngest Thornton's son, working in family legal affairs year-round.
10:35He spoke little, and his face was even more unreadable than Lucas's.
10:38He picked up the bill and examined it.
10:40I'll contact the testing center.
10:42Mia heard testing and grew nervous.
10:44She asked in a small voice,
10:46Do I need a shot?
10:47Just a few cells from inside your mouth.
10:50Mia looked even more confused.
10:51Wyatt rephrased it.
10:52A cotton squab.
10:54Just a gentle rub inside your mouth.
10:56Mia immediately covered her mouth.
10:58Will it scratch me?
10:59Wyatt paused.
11:00Clearly, he had never soothed a child before.
11:03No.
11:04Mia kept her hand over her mouth.
11:05Lucas watched her for a long moment.
11:07If you do it, I'll buy you milk, Peter.
11:10The words sounded odd.
11:11Mia, however, understood.
11:13She slowly lowered her hand.
11:15Just one can is enough.
11:16It's expensive.
11:18The butler brought a glass of warm milk and a half bowl of oatmeal porridge.
11:22Mia's eyes lit up at the sight of the porridge.
11:24She quickly controlled herself.
11:26Can I eat this?
11:28Lucas nodded.
11:29She picked up the spoon and ate in small mouthfuls.
11:31Very slowly.
11:33Very cleanly.
11:34Lucas watched her scrape the bottom of the bowl twice.
11:37Not a single grain left.
11:38Celeste stood by the door.
11:40Who taught such a young child to say all that?
11:42They really put some effort in.
11:43Mia looked up.
11:44A bit of porridge clung to the corner of her mouth.
11:46Mom taught me not to waste.
11:48Does that count as effort too?
11:50Celeste's smile thinned.
11:52Harold glanced at her.
11:53Celeste said no more.
11:54The paternity test personnel arrived late at night.
11:57When the cotton swab touched the inside of her cheek,
12:00Mia wrinkled her nose.
12:01Done?
12:02Yes.
12:02Mia let out a breath of relief.
12:05Does daddy have to do it too?
12:08Mia watched intently.
12:09After he finished, she asked very quietly.
12:12Did it hurt?
12:13Lucas looked at her.
12:14No.
12:14Oh.
12:15Mia nodded.
12:16Then you're braver than me.
12:17Wyatt bent to seal the sample bag.
12:19The corner of his mouth seemed to twitch.
12:21Lucas shot him a glance,
12:22and Wyatt immediately resumed his expressionless look.
12:25After the samples were sent off,
12:27Mia was placed in a guest room on the ground floor.
12:30But she was too afraid to sleep on the bed.
12:32She sat at the edge, holding her rabbit.
12:33The butler made the bed for her.
12:35Miss Maya, you can sleep now.
12:37Mia looked up.
12:37Uncle?
12:38Will I still be here tomorrow?
12:40Lucas stood at the door.
12:41He had heard.
12:42Yes.
12:43Mia turned to look at him.
12:44Do you keep your word?
12:45Lucas walked in.
12:46Yes.
12:47She thought for a moment, then asked.
12:49Then, when I wake up, I won't be outside the door, will I?
12:53This time, Lucas did not answer immediately.
12:55He walked to the bed and folded the duvet down a little.
12:58His motion was awkward.
13:00The corner was not neatly tucked.
13:01No.
13:02Mia finally climbed onto the bed.
13:04She put the rabbit on the inside of the pillow
13:06and occupied only a small edge of the mattress.
13:09Lucas watched her for a long time.
13:11Sleep in the middle.
13:12Mia shook her head.
13:13I'm afraid I'll wrinkle it.
13:15The sheets can be changed.
13:17Mia said softly.
13:18But Mama said not to touch other people's things.
13:21This is the Thornton house.
13:23It's not someone else's home.
13:25Mia blinked.
13:26She was not quite sure she could believe it.
13:28But she slowly scooted a little toward the center of the bed.
13:31Lucas stood up and headed for the door.
13:33Just as he reached the threshold, a tiny voice came from behind him.
13:36Lucas, can you buy the smallest can of milk powder tomorrow?
13:40I don't drink much.
13:42I'll buy the big one.
13:44Mia thought for a moment.
13:45But do you have money?
13:47The butler at the door coughed quietly.
13:49Lucas was silent for a moment.
13:51Yes.
13:53Then don't borrow from Lone Sharks.
13:55For the first time, Lucas did not know what expression to wear.
13:59As he closed the door and stepped out, Wyatt stood at the end of the corridor.
14:03She doesn't seem coached.
14:04Lucas looked at him.
14:06Wyatt handed over his phone.
14:07Found Ivy's death record.
14:09Last month, the 27th, Fairville General Hospital.
14:12The screen was bright.
14:14Lucas saw Ivy's name and the cause of death column.
14:17The illness had dragged on for a long time.
14:19He held the phone, unmoving, for a long while.
14:22Wyatt added,
14:23The testing center is expediting.
14:25Earliest result by tomorrow morning.
14:27Lucas handed the phone back.
14:28Recheck everything.
14:29Where Ivy lived these three years, who took care of her, who paid for the child.
14:33Wyatt nodded.
14:34He was about to leave when the guest room door suddenly creaked open a crack.
14:38Mia poked her head out, clutching the rabbit.
14:40I wasn't eavesdropping.
14:41She paused.
14:42I just wanted to ask, where's the bathroom?
14:45Lucas turned around.
14:46I'll take you.
14:47Wyatt watched him bend down to find the child's slippers.
14:50One of the big gray slippers had fallen off again.
14:53Lucas crouched and pushed the slipper back to Mia's feet.
14:56His movements were still clumsy.
14:57Mia held the doorframe and reminded him softly,
15:00It's backwards.
15:01Lucas looked down.
15:03Indeed, he had put the slipper on backwards.
15:05Wyatt turned his head away.
15:06This time, he genuinely laughed.
15:11The first round of paternity test results arrived at the Thornton house.
15:16Harold, Lucas, and Wyatt were in the study.
15:19Marcus and Celeste had also come.
15:21Mia sat on a small stool outside the study door.
15:25The butler gave her a small piece of cake.
15:27She didn't eat it.
15:28STR lysis support a biological relationship.
15:31Probability of paternity exceeds 99.99%.
15:35Lucas said nothing.
15:36He took the report, his gaze stopping on the line that read,
15:40Lucas Thornton is the biological father of Mia.
15:43Marcus' expression was sour.
15:45Celeste quickly spoke up.
15:46It's just the first preliminary result.
15:49These expedited reports, we should be cautious.
15:52Indeed, caution is warranted.
15:54Which is why I'd like to know
15:56why the rider seal on this test report
15:59matches the seal used on Thornton Medical's collaboration agreements
16:01from three years ago.
16:03This testing center changed its official seal two years ago.
16:06This report uses the old seal.
16:09Outside the study, Mia did not understand any of this.
16:12She only heard her own name.
16:14Hugging the rabbit, she crept closer to the gap in the door.
16:17It was quiet inside for a few seconds.
16:20Redo it.
16:20I've already arranged as a second institution.
16:23Celeste's smile faded.
16:24Mia looked down at her own little shoe tips.
16:27She did not know why the adult still needed to check.
16:30All she knew was that she did not seem to have been kept yet.
16:33She wrapped the little cake back into the napkin,
16:36thinking that if she was sent away later,
16:38she could take it with her to eat on the road.
16:40I wasn't stealing.
16:41The butler gave it to me.
16:45Why aren't you eating it?
16:47I'm afraid it'll be gone soon.
16:52Eat.
16:53Will I have one tomorrow too?
16:55Yes.
16:55And the day after?
16:57Yes.
16:57And the day after that?
16:59Every day.
17:00Mia stared into his eyes for a moment,
17:02as if judging whether she could trust his words.
17:04Finally, she took the cake.
17:05She took a small bite.
17:07Cream got on the tip of her nose.
17:08Lucas raised his hand.
17:13Brother, maybe you should learn how to handle a child first.
17:20Also, this afternoon,
17:22father wants to hold a small welcome banquet for her.
17:25The results aren't all in yet.
17:26Father's decision is the child stays.
17:28As for who tampered the report and Ivy's records,
17:29we investigate everything together.
17:31Will there be food at the banquet?
17:32Yes.
17:33Then I can go.
17:34You don't have to go just for the food.
17:36But food is very important.
17:38Lucas did not speak again.
17:41Lucas, people can't live on contracts alone.
17:43You have to eat too.
17:45He hadn't listened then.
17:46Now, a child stood before him, cream on her nose,
17:49her eyes full of caution.
17:51She said food was important.
17:53Go buy children's slippers and clothes,
17:56toothbrush, utensils.
17:57Yes, sir.
17:59Should I buy a credit card too?
18:01You're racing there?
18:02I'm joking.
18:03What's a credit card?
18:06Something you can use to buy milk powder.
18:09Can it buy carrots for Bunny to eat?
18:12Does it eat carrots?
18:13It used to.
18:15But then Mom didn't have money,
18:17so it stopped eating.
18:18No one spoke in the corridor.
18:21The toy rabbit was old,
18:22its fabric frayed at the edges.
18:24Lucas looked at that rabbit.
18:26For the first time,
18:27he thought that even a stuffed toy
18:28could go hungry for three years.
18:30The acknowledgement banquet was set for three days later.
18:33The hall had been redecorated.
18:35Flowers, champagne, dessert tables,
18:38everything was laid out with dignity.
18:39Mia changed into a new dress.
18:41It was pale yellow.
18:42Do I have to return this?
18:45Miss Mia,
18:46this was bought for you by Mr. Thornton.
18:49Then,
18:50if I get it dirty,
18:52do I have to pay for it?
18:54No, Miss Mia.
18:55You don't have to.
18:57Okay.
18:57Then I won't pay.
18:59She picked up the rabbit
19:00and followed the butler downstairs.
19:02Lucas was waiting for her
19:04at the bottom of the stairs.
19:05He wasn't looking at any contracts today.
19:07Lucas,
19:08is my hair messy?
19:10Hmm.
19:12Is it rude?
19:13Lucas raised his hand,
19:14trying to clip it in.
19:15He tried to clip the hairpin into her hair.
19:18Lacking experience,
19:19he fumbled it
19:20and the hairpin slipped out.
19:22Wyatt walked past below.
19:23He stopped in his track.
19:25Brother,
19:25you put it on the bunny's ear.
19:28Bunny wants to be pretty too.
19:32Lucas took the clip off.
19:33This time,
19:34he moved much more slowly.
19:35Thank you,
19:37Daddy.
19:37Lucas' fingers paused.
19:39I,
19:40I,
19:40I forgot just now.
19:41Can I owe it to you?
19:44Yes.
19:45Only then did she breathe a sigh of relief.
19:47Quite a few people
19:48had already gathered in the hall.
19:49Harold sat at the head of the table.
19:51Little sister,
19:53you look so pretty today.
19:55Thank you,
19:56big sister.
19:57You've never been to this kind of banquet before,
19:59have you?
20:00No.
20:01Then don't touch things.
20:03These glasses are very expensive.
20:05I won't touch.
20:07And don't say random things either.
20:09Everyone here is an adult.
20:11I'll be quiet.
20:12Is that child really Lucas's?
20:14I heard the DNA test isn't fully confirmed yet.
20:17Didn't Ivy take the money and leave back then?
20:19Now sending the kai back?
20:20The timing is awfully convenient.
20:22The voices were not loud,
20:24but Mia heard her own name.
20:25She also heard her mother's name.
20:27She looked up to find Lucas.
20:28Celeste happened to block her path.
20:30Mia,
20:31why aren't you at the dessert table?
20:33I'm looking for Lucas.
20:34There are so many people here today.
20:36He's very busy.
20:36You need to be understanding.
20:38But mom said when there are lots of people,
20:39you have to stay close to an adult.
20:41Your mom sure taught you a lot.
20:42The moment she finished speaking,
20:45the lights in the banquet hall
20:46suddenly dimmed for an instant.
20:47The projection screen at the front lit up.
20:52Who put this up?
20:53What are the staff doing?
20:55So your mom really did take the money.
20:59Mom didn't.
21:01It says so on the screen.
21:03Can't you read?
21:05Mia's face turned pale.
21:06She stepped back,
21:07her heel catching on her skirt,
21:09nearly tripping.
21:10Lucas reached out and steadied her.
21:11Don't be afraid.
21:13Father,
21:13I didn't want this to happen today.
21:15But since the evidence is already out there,
21:17we can't pretend we didn't see it.
21:18Ivy took the Thornton family's money and left.
21:21That's a fact.
21:22And now a child suddenly shows up.
21:24Who's to say someone didn't coach her to come here?
21:27Celeste.
21:27Father,
21:27I'm only thinking of the Thornton name.
21:29If Penelope enters the fees and list,
21:31at worst,
21:31they say we've masked the site,
21:32but just hired.
21:34Because what if people start calling her
21:35Lucas Illafini Muir?
21:36Where does that leave the Thornton family repatient?
21:39Daddy,
21:40what's an illegitimate daughter?
21:46It's not a word you need to understand.
21:48But mom doesn't have money.
21:51In her bag,
21:52there was only $8.60.
21:55And a bus pass.
21:57Of course a child wouldn't know.
21:59Would adults tell her the truth about something like this?
22:02So your mom took the money
22:04and still sent you back to ask for more?
22:07No.
22:08Mom didn't.
22:11The stuffed rabbit slipped from her arms.
22:13The rabbit fell to the floor.
22:15Bunny,
22:16I'm sorry.
22:16I didn't mean to.
22:18The old fabric was already loose.
22:20With that fall,
22:21a small seam split open on the rabbit's belly.
22:24Don't move.
22:26Mia,
22:27let me see it.
22:28Give it to him.
22:29It was an old voice recorder.
22:33The casing was heavily worn.
22:35Who gave this to you?
22:37Mom sewed it into Bunny's tummy.
22:39She said,
22:40Bunny can't be lost.
22:42An old recording pen?
22:44What could that possibly prove?
22:49Mia,
22:50if anyone at the Thornton house
22:52says your mother took money,
22:54give Bunny to Wyatt Thornton.
22:56Mommy?
22:58Remember,
23:00don't give it to anyone else.
23:02Only Wyatt.
23:04The projection screen was still bright.
23:06The $500,000 transfer receipt hung on the wall.
23:09But Ivy's voice from the recorder
23:11pressed down over the murmurs
23:12again and again.
23:14Harold struck his cane heavily against the floor.
23:17Close the doors.
23:19No one leaves today.
23:22The banquet hall doors were shut by the butler.
23:25As the heavy wooden door clicked shut,
23:27it made only a soft sound.
23:29Celeste's face went slightly pale.
23:31She quickly forced a smile.
23:32Dad,
23:33this isn't appropriate,
23:34is it?
23:34Since they're family,
23:35they should listen even more clearly.
23:37Celeste's lips moved,
23:38but she said no more.
23:40Wyatt placed the voice recorder in his palm.
23:42He did not continue playing it.
23:44Instead,
23:45he took a transparent evidence bag
23:46from the inner pocket of his suit jacket.
23:48His movements were practiced.
23:50Uncle,
23:51are you putting Mommy in there?
23:52Wyatt paused for a moment.
23:54He looked down at her.
23:55No,
23:56I'm protecting the recorder.
23:58Can Mommy still talk?
24:00Yes,
24:00but we have to listen slowly.
24:03Mia nodded.
24:04Then be gentle.
24:05Wyatt placed the recorder
24:06into the evidence bag.
24:08Lucas watched him.
24:09Play it.
24:10Wyatt shook his head.
24:12The original stays sealed.
24:14Playing it now
24:15only gives someone a chance
24:16to claim it was edited or swapped.
24:18You admit it could be edited.
24:19Then it's not evidence.
24:21I said we need to find out
24:23who did the editing.
24:24Celeste's smile faltered.
24:26Wyatt.
24:26Marcus stepped forward.
24:28You can say a lot of things
24:29at dinner,
24:29but not that.
24:31Don't worry,
24:31Marcus.
24:32I don't make claims.
24:33I investigate.
24:35He turned to the butler
24:36and spoke.
24:37Secure the banquet hall surveillance,
24:39seal the projection computer,
24:40background accounts,
24:41and audio equipment for tonight.
24:43Everyone's phone will be
24:44temporarily registered on site.
24:45Wyatt Thornton,
24:46are you treating us like criminals?
24:49If it's just a misunderstanding,
24:50registering a phone
24:51won't cost you a pound of flesh.
24:53The man was left speechless.
24:54Mia heard the word flesh
24:56and quickly checked her own hands.
24:57Lucas drew her
24:58a little closer to him.
25:00Not you.
25:01Mia gave a small O.
25:02O.
25:03Her hand was still
25:04clutching the rabbit.
25:05The rabbit's belly had split open
25:07with a bit of cotton showing.
25:08Lucas noticed.
25:09He turned to the butler.
25:12Needle and fire.
25:13The butler was startled.
25:14Sir?
25:14Lucas looked at him.
25:15The butler immediately
25:16went to find them.
25:17Before long,
25:18Lucas opened the box.
25:19Looking at the needle
25:21and thread inside,
25:22his brows furrowed slightly.
25:24Mia watched him too.
25:25Do you know how to sew?
25:27Lucas was silent.
25:28Wyatt stood to the side
25:30and said flatly,
25:31Brother,
25:31I suggest you don't let
25:33that rabbit suffer
25:33a second injury.
25:34Mia immediately hugged
25:36the rabbit back to her chest.
25:37Then,
25:39let's not sew it for now.
25:41It doesn't hurt.
25:42Lucas looked at the rabbit
25:44she was holding.
25:44He did not touch
25:45the sewing kit again.
25:46Send it for voice print analysis,
25:48editing trace detection,
25:49and storage chip reading.
25:50Yes, sir.
25:52Wait a moment.
25:54Several pairs of eyes
25:55in the hall turned to her.
25:56She managed to smile.
25:58I mean,
25:58the item was brought in
26:00by a child.
26:01Before it's sent out,
26:02we should at least
26:03confirm what's inside.
26:04What are you in a hurry for?
26:05I just think the process
26:07lacks transparency.
26:08Wyatt held up the evidence bag,
26:10its serial number
26:10clearly visible on the seal.
26:12From now on,
26:13I'm in charge for the process.
26:15If you want to review,
26:16you can bring in your lawyer.
26:19Mommy,
26:20I'm scared.
26:21It's okay.
26:23Don't be afraid.
26:25Hearing this,
26:26Mia tucked herself
26:26a little further behind Lucas.
26:28She was scared too,
26:29but no one had taught her
26:31what to say right now.
26:32Harold's gaze fell
26:33on the two children.
26:34One was held
26:34in her mother's arms.
26:35The other stood on her own,
26:37clutching a rabbit
26:38with a torn belly.
26:39His grip on his cane
26:40slowly tightened.
26:41Mia,
26:43come to grandpa.
26:44Mia looked up at Lucas.
26:45Lucas gave a slight nod.
26:47Only then did she walk over.
26:48There was no child seat
26:49beside Harold.
26:50The butler had to
26:51bring over a low stool.
26:53Mia sat on it,
26:54her feet just dangling.
26:55Harold noticed her shoes.
26:56He frowned.
26:58She was uncomfortable?
26:59Mia shook her head at once.
27:00No,
27:02they're comfortable.
27:03Buy new ones,
27:05softer.
27:06These ones are fine too.
27:08The Thorntons
27:09can afford two pairs of shoes.
27:10Then don't borrow
27:11from Lone Hawks either.
27:13Several servants nearby
27:14could not hold back
27:15and burst out laughing.
27:16He gave a light cough.
27:18No,
27:18we won't.
27:20Lucas sat on the other side.
27:21He did not laugh.
27:22Ivy had sewn the voice recorder
27:24into the rabbit's belly.
27:25She knew she might not live
27:27to see Mia grow up.
27:28She also knew
27:28that a child was too young
27:30to explain things clearly.
27:31So she had only taught
27:32Mia one thing.
27:33Give it to Wyatt.
27:35Why did she choose you?
27:36Wyatt did not answer immediately.
27:38He took out his phone
27:39and pulled up an old record.
27:42I just had someone
27:43pull Ivy's communication records
27:45from three years ago.
27:46The night before she left
27:47the Thornton house,
27:48she sent me a message.
27:49You never told me.
27:51Wyatt turned his phone
27:52toward him.
27:52On the screen
27:53was a screenshot
27:54of the carrier's record.
27:56Sent time,
27:56August 17th,
27:58three years ago,
27:591142 p.m.
28:01Recipient,
28:02Wyatt Thornton.
28:03No,
28:03Wyatt lowered his voice.
28:05I never received it.
28:06Marcus frowned.
28:07Carrier records
28:07can be wrong too,
28:08can't they?
28:10Wyatt gave him a look.
28:16That's why
28:16I pulled my phone's back up.
28:18He turned to another page.
28:212346.
28:23Someone logged
28:24into my cloud.
28:25Lucas stared
28:25at the timings.
28:27Four minutes.
28:27Ivy sent out a plea.
28:29Four minutes later,
28:312347.
28:32The message was deleted.
28:33The login address
28:35is the intranet
28:36of Thornton Manor.
28:37There are so many people
28:39in this manor.
28:40Staff,
28:40security guests,
28:41anyone could have been
28:42on network.
28:43You can't pin this
28:44on family
28:44just because of
28:45an internal IP address.
28:47He handed his phone
28:47to his assistant.
28:48Pull all device
28:49login records
28:50on the manor's
28:51internal network
28:51for the night
28:52of August 17
28:53three years ago.
28:54Focus on the second floor,
28:55the study,
28:55and the east side
28:56guest room.
28:57Harold's face
28:58turned completely grim.
28:59That was the room
29:00Ivy had stayed in
29:01at the estate.
29:02What did mommy
29:03send you?
29:03Wyatt did not
29:04answer right away.
29:05He looked at the rabbit
29:06with its torn belly.
29:11We haven't found it yet.
29:12Mia lowered her head.
29:14Oh.
29:15After a moment,
29:16she asked again.
29:17Did mommy reach out
29:18to you?
29:18Wyatt's throat
29:19tightened slightly.
29:21Yes.
29:22Mia stroked
29:23the rabbit's ear
29:24with her little hand.
29:27Then why didn't you come?
29:28The words were light,
29:30but they seemed
29:30to press down on Wyatt.
29:32He was silent
29:32for a long time.
29:33Lucas was silent too.
29:35That night,
29:36Ivy had reached out
29:36to Wyatt.
29:37She might have reached
29:38out to him too,
29:39but none of those messages
29:40ever made it
29:41to the people
29:42who were meant
29:43to receive them.
29:44Harold steadied himself
29:45on his cane
29:45and stood up.
29:48Investigate.
29:49From the day
29:50Ivy entered this house,
29:52transfers visitors,
29:53internal network staff,
29:55reassignments,
29:55everything.
29:56She still wanted to speak,
29:57but her phone
29:58suddenly buzzed.
29:59Wyatt's assistant
30:00hurried back.
30:01Mr. Wyatt,
30:01we have it.
30:02At 2346 that night,
30:03the device deleted
30:04the message connected
30:05to the manor's network.
30:06The device tag says
30:07personal for this computer.
30:09Mia sat too far away
30:10to see clearly.
30:12Wyatt raised his eyes.
30:13His gaze traveled
30:15across the room
30:15and landed on Celeste.
30:17Last registered location
30:18of the device.
30:19Second floor,
30:20West study.
30:21Celeste's lips went white.
30:22Harold's cane struck
30:23the floor with a heavy thud.
30:25The second floor,
30:25West study at Thornton Manor.
30:27Three years ago,
30:28it was the room
30:29Celeste used
30:30for temporary bookkeeping.
30:32Mommy.
30:34The West study
30:35on the second floor.
30:36Anyone could have gone
30:37in there three years ago.
30:38I was just doing
30:39temporary accounts.
30:40I wasn't the only one
30:41who used that computer.
30:42Which is why I didn't say
30:43it was you.
30:44I only said the device
30:45is registered
30:45under your name.
30:47Wyatt.
30:48Don't make this ugly
30:50in front of the family.
30:52Was Ivy family too?
30:55Marcus was struck silent.
30:57She asked softly,
30:58Could Ivy come
31:00into the Thornton house?
31:01No one answered right away.
31:03Lucas looked at her.
31:04Mia tilted her face up.
31:05Mommy used to say
31:06she didn't have a home.
31:08So,
31:10did she ever come here?
31:11Harold's grip
31:13on his cane tightened.
31:14Harold remembered it clearly.
31:16Ivy's face
31:17was very pale that day.
31:18But she stood straight.
31:20She said,
31:21I'm not here for money.
31:23No one believed her then.
31:24Harold closed his eyes briefly.
31:26When he opened them again,
31:28he looked at the old butler.
31:29Get the visitor log
31:31from August
31:31three years ago.
31:33So the paper logs
31:35are in the old archives.
31:36I'll go now.
31:36Harold said,
31:37I'll go myself.
31:39Dad, it's late.
31:40Your health.
31:41I'm not dead yet.
31:42The hall fell silent.
31:44She looked down
31:45and stroked the rabbit's ear.
31:46Lucas saw it.
31:48He walked over
31:48and crouched down.
31:51He didn't mean your mom.
31:53Mia nodded.
31:55I know,
31:56but Grandpa
31:56shouldn't say that word.
31:58Mia doesn't like it.
32:00Harold stopped
32:00in his tracks.
32:01He turned to look
32:02at the small child.
32:03After a moment,
32:04he lowered his voice.
32:07Okay.
32:09I won't say it.
32:10Your old archive room
32:11was at the rear of the manor.
32:13It was rarely opened.
32:15When the door was pushed open,
32:17dust rose into the air.
32:19The old butler
32:20put on white gloves
32:21and brought out
32:22a stack of ledgers.
32:23Harold sat at an old wooden table
32:26turning the pages
32:27one by one.
32:28Lucas stood beside him.
32:30Wyatt photographed
32:30each page
32:31with his phone as evidence.
32:33Mia had followed them in two.
32:34The butler had brought
32:35needle and thread.
32:36Lucas reached for them.
32:38Mia immediately hugged
32:39the rabbit closer
32:39to her chest
32:40and said very politely,
32:42Daddy,
32:43practice on other fabric first.
32:45Wyatt lowered his eyes,
32:46his shoulder twitching slightly.
32:48Lucas said nothing.
32:49He picked up
32:49an old rag nearby.
32:50The needle went in.
32:52Daddy,
32:53rabbit is still little.
32:55It can't afford
32:56trial and errors.
32:57Harold's hand paused
32:58mid-page turn.
32:59He didn't look up.
33:00Lucas put the needle
33:01and thread down.
33:03Let the butler do it.
33:04Mia let out
33:04a breath of relief.
33:06Thank you, Daddy.
33:07Lucas's fingers stilled.
33:08The old archive room
33:09was very quiet.
33:11Soon,
33:11the old butler
33:12pointed to one page.
33:13Sir,
33:14right here.
33:15August 17th,
33:16Ivy Winter,
33:17time of entry,
33:189.17 a.m.
33:20Time of departure,
33:2111.58 p.m.
33:23The remarks column read,
33:25Received by the second madam.
33:26Harold stared at those four words.
33:28For a long while,
33:29he said nothing.
33:30Celeste stood at the doorway.
33:32Her face was paler than before.
33:34Dad,
33:34you had me handling
33:35the accounts back then.
33:36I just followed the rules
33:38in receiving her.
33:38You received her until
33:3911.58 p.m.?
33:41She was emotional.
33:42She wouldn't leave.
33:43Why wouldn't she leave?
33:44What else could it be?
33:46She wanted to see you,
33:47but you were overseas.
33:48She couldn't reach you,
33:49so she just
33:50lingered at the manor.
33:52Mia heard the word
33:53hanging around
33:54and furrowed her little brow.
33:55Mommy wouldn't linger.
33:57You weren't even born yet.
33:58What do you know?
33:59Mommy said,
34:00Don't stay too long
34:01at other people's houses.
34:03Don't leave food on the plate.
34:05Return borrowed umbrellas.
34:07She wouldn't linger.
34:09Harold looked at her.
34:10Those eyes were too clear.
34:12So clear
34:12that he suddenly remembered Ivy
34:14three years ago,
34:15looking at him the same way.
34:17Ivy had placed
34:18a prenatal checkup report
34:19on the table.
34:20The Thorntons
34:21can't just take your word for it.
34:22Then investigate.
34:24Just don't only investigate me.
34:26Harold hadn't investigated back then.
34:29Celeste had handed over
34:30transfer records.
34:31He said Ivy was greedy.
34:33When Ivy left,
34:34she didn't even take her umbrella.
34:35Harold closed the ledger.
34:38First thing tomorrow,
34:40pull the records
34:42for that $500,000 transfer.
34:45No need to wait for morning.
34:46I already had finance
34:47pull the raw transaction logs.
34:49The money did come out
34:50of a Thornton family
34:51trust-linked account,
34:52but the receiving account
34:53was in Ivy's name only.
34:55Three minutes after
34:56the funds arrived,
34:57they were split
34:57into four transfers.
34:58Three transfers
34:59went to Marcus's
35:00affiliated companies.
35:01The last one
35:02into a shell account
35:04linked to Celeste's family.
35:05You're lying!
35:07Bank statements,
35:09tax IDs,
35:11corporate registration changes,
35:12all here.
35:13Celeste couldn't stand steady
35:15and gripped the doorframe.
35:16Mia glanced at Penelope,
35:18then pulled out
35:19the half-eaten
35:20small cake
35:21from her little backpack.
35:22The cake was wrapped
35:23in a tissue,
35:24slightly squashed.
35:25She walked over
35:26and held it out
35:27to Penelope.
35:28Don't cry.
35:30Penelope froze.
35:32Who wants your things?
35:33The cake fell to the floor
35:35and cream smeared
35:36across the old wooden planks.
35:38Mia looked down at it.
35:39She didn't cry.
35:41She crouched down,
35:42trying to wipe it up
35:43with a tissue.
35:44But Lucas picked her up first.
35:46It was the first time
35:47he had ever held a child.
35:49His movements were stiff.
35:50Mia's small body
35:52stiffened too for a moment,
35:53then she carefully
35:54tucked her dirty hand
35:55against herself.
35:57Don't wipe it.
35:58Mia said softly,
35:59But it got dirty.
36:00Lucas turned his gaze
36:01to Celeste.
36:02The one who should
36:03clean it up isn't her.
36:04Celeste's face
36:05turned ashen.
36:06Seal it.
36:07Starting tomorrow,
36:08the second branch
36:09is suspended
36:09from the family trust.
36:10Harold handed
36:11the ledger to Wyatt.
36:12Marcus jerked his head up.
36:13Dad!
36:14I said suspended,
36:16not negotiable.
36:19The manor did not
36:20grow quiet
36:21until the dead of night.
36:22Mia had been taken
36:23back to the guest room.
36:24After her bath,
36:26she changed
36:26into her little pajamas,
36:28also newly bought,
36:29with two small rabbits
36:31embroidered on the cuffs.
36:32She sat on the bed,
36:33looking at the stuffed toy
36:35the butler had sewn up.
36:36The rabbit's belly
36:37now had a new line
36:38of stitching,
36:38neater than before.
36:40She touched it.
36:41Rabbit doesn't hurt anymore.
36:43It doesn't hurt anymore.
36:45Lucas stood at the door,
36:46holding a glass of warm milk.
36:48Mia looked at him.
36:49Daddy,
36:50do you know how to sing?
36:51That's okay.
36:52Mommy had things
36:53she didn't know
36:54how to do too.
36:55What did she sing?
36:56Mia hugged the rabbit
36:57and thought for a moment.
36:59Twinkle,
37:00twinkle,
37:01little star.
37:02The screen had just lit up
37:04when a wrinkled hand
37:05reached over from the side.
37:07Just passing by.
37:09Wyatt happened to be
37:10walking past in the hallway.
37:12He saw the tablet,
37:13then looked at Harold.
37:14He said nothing.
37:15Since you're all passing by,
37:17can you sing a little bit?
37:19Harold glanced at Lucas.
37:21Lucas glanced at Wyatt.
37:22Wyatt looked away.
37:24In the end,
37:25Harold turned the tablet's volume
37:26down to the lowest setting.
37:28A children's voice came through.
37:30Twinkle,
37:30twinkle,
37:31little star.
37:32How I wonder what you are.
37:34Mia lay down
37:35with the rabbit in her arms.
37:36She told me back then,
37:38don't just investigate her.
37:41You didn't.
37:45Lucas said nothing in reply.
37:47Wyatt turned off the tablet.
37:49Keep it down.
37:50She just fell asleep.
37:52Harold shot him a look.
37:53This time,
37:54he didn't scold.
37:55Harold turned first.
37:57He was the first to turn,
37:58tapping his cane on the floor
38:00as he headed down the corridor
38:01to the right.
38:02His back was slightly hunched,
38:04making him look older than he had
38:06in the ballroom just hours before.
38:08Wyatt followed.
38:09Two seconds after Harold left,
38:11Wyatt also turned.
38:12He took the left.
38:13In the instant his back was to the camera,
38:16he could be seen letting out a faint sigh.
38:18Lucas was the last.
38:20Lucas was the last to leave the guest room doorway.
38:22He cast one final glance inside,
38:25then gently pulled the door shut.
38:26Mia turned over in her sleep,
38:28her little face shifting from one side to the other.
38:31She had kicked off a corner of the blanket.
38:33Her hand rested on the rabbit.
38:35Her right hand emerged from under the covers
38:37and lay naturally on the rabbit's stitched belly.
38:40Her fingers curled slightly
38:41as if checking that it was still there.
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