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Don't miss a single moment of this captivating short drama. We bring you the best billionaire romance, intense revenge stories, and high-quality web series tailored for you.
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Disclaimer: All content is properly licensed and distributed.
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Short filmTranscript
00:00childhood. You are ugly. The housekeeper's daughter crushed me my entire childhood.
00:05You are ugly. Designer clothes are wasted on a girl like you. Your parents travel constantly
00:13because they can't stand to look at you. I believed her. I spent my past life shrinking,
00:19never wearing anything nice, never telling anyone who I was. Meanwhile, Chloe Miller wore the clothes
00:24my parents sent me. She spent my allowance. She led the whole school against me. The night before my
00:30last SET, she slipped sleeping pills into my milk. I missed the exam. When I finally woke, it was
00:38already afternoon. I ran. I took out the phone trying to call my boyfriend Jason, but Chloe picked
00:44up the phone and- Gosh, you taste tense. I strongly you. Bill Miller hit me with the Rolls-Royce
00:52in the
00:52middle of the room. When I woke up again, I realized I have come back. Anyone who runs their mouth
00:59at me
01:00this time gets that mouth torn apart. Avery, Chloe's bored. Bark like a dog. Now. Barking isn't enough.
01:09Crawl two. The humiliation was so loud. Hurry up. I'm already hitting record. Unreal, I could barely
01:15process it. Then a familiar, sugary, sweet voice cut through. Avery, this wasn't my idea. Everyone just
01:21wants a little show. Jason, the boy who took my first time, now hugged Chloe in his arms with a
01:28devilish smile on his face. Come on, don't be a buzzkill. Yeah. You don't want to make people hate
01:34you more, right? I stared at Chloe Miller's pretty face. Then it hit me. I was back in junior year.
01:41Rage
01:41detonated behind my eyes.
01:48I stared at Chloe Miller's pretty face. Then it hit me. I was back in junior year. Rage detonated behind
01:54my eyes.
01:57My parents were always traveling when I was little. The company kept them overseas almost
02:02every month. So they hired a full-time live-in housekeeper. That housekeeper was Chloe Miller's
02:09mother, Mrs. Miller. At first, Mrs. Miller was kind. Until she figured out I had no one watching over me.
02:15Then she made herself the lady of the house. She moved Chloe in to enjoy the same life I had.
02:21She even gave her husband a job as our chauffeur. The three of them were a crazy little family. I
02:28became
02:28the extra. Your parents stayed away because you embarrassed them. You're too ugly and too dumb to be
02:34the heir of a billionaire. I bought every word. You're a liability. I spent my past life hiding,
02:44never revealing who I was, never dressing like I belonged to my own family. Meanwhile,
02:49Chloe wore the designer clothes and jewelry my parents shipped to me. She spent my card. She played rich girl
02:56in front of the whole school. On top of that, she orchestrated every act of bullying against me. The
03:01night before the SAT slipped sleeping pills into my milk. So I'd missed the exam. But I didn't expect
03:07to hear my boyfriend Jason doing her over the phone as the only one who ever talked to me in
03:11school.
03:12Nor that I was standing in the middle of the way. My future is ruined. My life gone. Given a
03:18second
03:18chance, I will watch Chloe Miller fall into hell. One step at a time. I walked straight up to her.
03:25Cracked my knuckles. Grabbed a fistful of her hair and slapped her across the face.
03:37Chloe screams at the hallway. My stare must have been central, because not one of her usual puppies
03:43stepped forward to stop me. When her cheek finally swelled up like a bruise, I lowered my hand and
03:49smiled at the circle of onlookers. Getting me to bark was a big ask. But I hate killing the mood,
03:56so I'll give you all a different show. Watch me slap a snake. Avery Sterling, you hit Chloe? Do you
04:01know who her father is? He's the richest man in the city! Check the obituaries this week. Start writing
04:08your own. Keep your pathetic pride. It's just barking. Why the drama? Avery, you have crossed the line!
04:14Apologize to Chloe right now! Jason grabbed me by the collar. Someone on must have snitched.
04:20The teacher appeared. Chloe pointed at me, barely able to speak through her swollen face.
04:25That's her! She did this! Punish her! The teacher looked at Chloe's face and inhaled sharply.
04:30Avery Sterling, I cannot believe you would attack sweet, kind Chloe for no reason. This is completely
04:36unacceptable. Call your parents right now. We are discussing compensation. If you can't pay,
04:44you will face legal consequences. Call your parents right now. Perfect. I'll call them now.
04:52I have a few things to catch them up on anyway. Chloe went white. Her entire family's comfortable
04:56life depended on my parents. And none of them had actual talents. If they fell out of favor,
05:01they would never find another job that paid this well. She lunged forward and played it gracious.
05:06We're all classmates. No reason to make this ugly. And honestly, Avery's family doesn't have much
05:13money. I'm sure she can't afford damages anyway. I forgive her.
05:19Put the phone away, Avery. No need to bother your parents. The teacher practically melted.
05:25Chloe, you are too good for this world. Your kindness is your only weakness.
05:31The class piled on up. You're literally a princess, Chloe. We will protect you always.
05:37Avery, drop to your knees and thank her. We laughed cold and quiet. Then I pocketed the phone like they
05:44asked. Chloe exhaled. Her whole body softened. She had no idea she was being played. Every move I made
05:52now pulled her on a string. Did you think this was over, Chloe? This is only the opening move.
06:01After school I stood by the gate. Usually I would go to take the subway while Chloe got into my
06:07family's
06:07fancy car driven by her dad. But today I waited just like her. As I caught the sight of Rose
06:13Royce in
06:13the distance, I was to walk toward it when I heard footsteps drawing near. Avery. I didn't turn around
06:18immediately. I already knew the voice. Jason, with his usual arrogant smile. I looked at him once, then kept
06:31walking. Can you slow down for a second? I just want to talk. So talk. Look, what happened today
06:37was a lot. Chloe's still upset and the teacher, the whole class, you've made enemies out of everyone
06:42in one morning. Are you here to give me advice, Jason, or to deliver a message? I'm here because I'm
06:46worried about you. He laughed a little stiff. I turned and looked at him the way you look at
06:51something that used to fool you and doesn't anymore. He was wearing a new watch, not his
06:56usual brand. Patek Philippe, rose gold. The kind that cost more than most people's first car. I knew
07:02that watch. I'd seen it in the delivery slip that came to my house three months ago. A gift from
07:07my
07:07father's business partner, addressed to me. I'd gone to look for it and found it was gone. Now I knew
07:13where it had gone. Nice watch. He looked down. A beat too long. Birthday gift. From who?
07:22A friend. I smiled pleasantly. Beautiful. My dad actually has the same one. Exact same model. Funny
07:27coincidence. I know. Avery, I'm serious. Chloe's dad has connections. Bill Miller knows people.
07:33If you keep pushing... Bill what? He stopped. Jason! You took my first time. I trusted you more than
07:41anyone. And the whole time, you were with her. I'm not angry anymore. That's the honest truth. I just
07:47need you to understand one thing. What? You're not a friend. You're not an ex. You're not someone who
07:51gets to warn me about anything. You are a loose end. Avery. Go back to Chloe. Tell her whatever you
07:59want.
07:59But I'd keep that watch somewhere safe if I were you. It would be a shame if someone traced where
08:03it came from. Just then, I watched Chloe glide into a Rolls. Royce under a shower of envious stares.
08:09The driver was her biological father, Bill Miller. My parents bought that car to drive me to school.
08:15Somehow, it became Chloe's private ride. She had a luxury car for every errand and a crowd of admirers
08:21cheering her on. I woke up an hour early every morning to take the subway. Toaday was no different
08:26until I stepped directly in front of the Rolls. Bill Miller slammed the brakes so hard the car
08:34rocked. He was out in seconds, finger in my face. Are you insane? You want to die? Do it somewhere
08:39else. Don't hold up Chloe's ride. My parents bought this car for me. When exactly did it become
08:44Chloe Miller's personal vehicle? Keeper's daughter really deserve a Ross?
08:53And the servants' quarters, do you call that home?
08:56Chloe hadn't seen it coming.
08:58Aubrey, I know you're jealous of the car, but you can't slander me in public like this.
09:03The face drained, but she recovered fast, flipping to the victim's script. It was a weak excuse.
09:09The crowd believed it anyway. Suddenly, I was the villain.
09:13Avery Steerling is delusional. If that's her car, I'll eat the pavement.
09:16Chloe's wardrobe alone costs more than a sugar makes. Use your brain. I only know you as poor.
09:21I didn't know you were a liar, too.
09:23You see? Even the truth sounds insane coming out of your mouth.
09:27I looked down at her, then I laughed.
09:29You think I stopped the car to expose you? No. I stopped it to tell you I found a buyer.
09:33This car is sold. I never use it anyway. I'd rather have the cash.
09:38Bill, I'll text you an address. Drop it off there.
09:40The truth was I needed that car gone. Every time I saw it, I saw myself getting hit.
09:45But the crowd went feral.
09:47Did she just say she's selling Chloe's car for pocket money? A Rolls Royce? For pocket money?
09:52Big talk. Let's see if that car is still there tomorrow. Can't wait for the embarrassment.
09:56Chloe's too nice. I'd have already knocked Avery flat.
09:59Who do you think you are? Nobody is touching that car without my say-sof. I dare any buyer to
10:03try.
10:04Back off, Avery. Sell that car and you're done at this school.
10:07Some people forget their staff. They stay comfortable so long they start acting like owners.
10:13I dialed my dad and held out the phone to Bill Miller.
10:16My dad already approved the sale. If you have problems, take them up with him.
10:23Bill Miller had no nerve to argue with my father.
10:26He went from loudmouth to nodding lapdog the second the call connected.
10:30When he hung up, all the color was gone from his face.
10:32He muttered something under his breath.
10:34Chloe finally understood I wasn't bluffing.
10:36Panic cracked through her expression.
10:38She reached for my hand and pressed out a smile.
10:41Avery, we can work something out.
10:44You hate the subway. At least let my dad give you a ride when he picks me up.
10:48I pulled my hand away like she was something unclean.
10:51Who exactly do you think you are?
10:53Negotiating with me.
10:54We are employer and employee.
10:56You do what I say.
10:57Where is all this extra commentary coming from?
10:59I walked away without looking back.
11:01I didn't take the subway home that day.
11:02I went to eat first.
11:04A long, good meal.
11:05Mrs. Miller only cooked for her own family anyway.
11:08Going home meant going hungry.
11:10By the time I got back, it was dark.
11:13I stepped inside and found Chloe sobbing into her mother's chest.
11:17Mrs. Miller looked up at me, face full of fury.
11:21Avery Sterling, you have the nerve to come back here?
11:26Why did you hit my daughter today?
11:28Why did you humiliate her in front of the whole school over some car?
11:31If you can't give me a good reason, you sleep on the street tonight.
11:35She said it like she owned the place.
11:37She seemed to have forgotten she was the housekeeper.
11:40Mom, she's just jealous.
11:41She's always been jealous of me.
11:43Destroy her!
11:44No wonder your parents can't stand being home.
11:47If I had a daughter as rotten as you, I'd send her back!
11:53Since your parents can't handle you, I'll do it for them.
11:56Something ignited inside me.
11:57In my past life, those words broke me.
12:00I believed them.
12:01I thought my parents hated me.
12:03I was too scared to even call them.
12:05This life, I refuse to break.
12:07And anyone who talks that filth gets hit.
12:09Before Mrs. Miller's hand could connect, I tackled her to the ground and sat on top of her
12:14and slapped her until my palm went in.
12:18Chloe and Bill Miller froze in shock.
12:20Both of them moved to intervene.
12:22Get off my mom!
12:23Hang on, I'm coming!
12:27Turned and looked at them with one flat, absolute stare.
12:30Try it.
12:31If I get even one scratch, I tell my parents everything you've done.
12:35Termination will be the least of your problems.
12:37My stare must have landed because Chloe and Bill Miller both stumbled backward and exchanged
12:41a look.
12:42Honey, why'd you go and provoke her?
12:44We live under that roof.
12:46Just take it.
12:48Chloe stared at the floor.
12:49Too guilty to look up, with no one stopping me.
12:52Who gave you the right to discipline me?
12:54You eat my family's food.
12:56You sleep under my family's roof.
12:58And you think you've run this house?
13:01You had one inch of kindness and decided you were the master?
13:05Chloe and Bill Miller seethed but said nothing.
13:08They were terrified of the call I could make.
13:11When I was done, I walked into Chloe's room and threw everything onto the floor.
13:16My Chanel cushion compact!
13:17My designer lipsticks?
13:19Avery, do you know what those cost?
13:21Stop!
13:21I did not stop.
13:23I threw harder.
13:24When her room was done, I walked into Mrs. Miller's room and started there.
13:29Bill Miller's face was dark.
13:31Avery Sterling, are you done?
13:33You want to burn this whole house down?
13:35This is my house.
13:37You don't belong in it.
13:38Get to the servants' quarters.
13:40Now!
13:41Finally, Bill Miller broke first with a forced, toothy smile.
13:45Sterling, we overstepped.
13:46We're sorry.
13:47We'll move to the servants' quarter right now.
13:50Mrs. Miller and Chloe looked furious and opened their mouths.
13:53Bill Miller silenced them with a look.
13:55I had no interest in reading their schemes.
13:58I went to bed feeling lighter than I had in years.
14:02The next morning, Chloe took the subway and nearly missed first period at lunch.
14:08Chloe, how come your dad didn't pick you up in the rolls this morning?
14:11The question landed like a grenade.
14:13Everyone remembered what I'd said yesterday.
14:16Simona whispered.
14:18Wait, is that car actually Avery's?
14:21So does that make Chloe a fake hero?
14:25Chloe shot up in her seat.
14:29I am not a fake hero.
14:31She met my eyes, then looked away, flustered.
14:33I just didn't want to show off.
14:35Some people get so jealous they spread disgusting rumors.
14:37Every own nodded left without it.
14:39But to kill the doubt completely.
14:41Enough of this.
14:44Junior year is brutal and everyone is stressed.
14:47Tonight, I'm taking the entire class out.
14:50The bar downtown.
14:51My treat.
14:54When they turned and started piling on me, saying the ugliest things they could think
14:58of, I ignored them.
15:00I texted my dad quietly.
15:03Dad, my card got lost.
15:04Freeze it immediately.
15:06Done.
15:07I watched Chloe across the room with amusement.
15:09This girl was about to spend my parents' volume of money on people who sat for the second.
15:14It ran out.
15:14Let's see how loyal and proud is with an empty card.
15:17That night, we showed up at the best bar in the city.
15:19Chloe booked a private room.
15:20She waved her hand with flair.
15:23Order anything.
15:24Don't hold back.
15:25Oh my god, Chloe.
15:26We are so lucky to know you.
15:28Can I order a bottle that's 20,000?
15:30I want to see what it tastes like.
15:33Of course.
15:34Money is replaceable.
15:35A good mood isn't.
15:37Jason sat closest to Chloe.
15:38One arm draped across the back of her chair like he'd earned that seat.
15:41That's what separates real money from fake money.
15:44Real money doesn't hesitate.
15:46Some people show up to other people's parties and don't order a thing.
15:49I'm too proud to admit they can't afford it.
15:52A wave of laughter went for the room.
15:54Chloe leaned into him, pleased.
15:57Jason, be nice.
16:02With Chloe's blessing, all classmates went absolutely wild with Chloe.
16:06The empty bottles alone took out the entire table.
16:08Within an hour, the room was closed.
16:10I watched them pour out thousands of dollars worth of wine on the floor and felt something
16:14like anticipation.
16:15How are you going to get out of this room, Chloe?
16:18I didn't belong to this scene, Chloe noticed.
16:22Avery, why aren't you eating?
16:24Am I not being a good enough host?
16:26Right on cue, the whole room became her attack dog.
16:28Ignore her, Chloe.
16:29She's just bitter she can't afford any of this.
16:32A broke girl with that much attitude.
16:34Chloe's practically a saint for tolerating it.
16:36Chloe can buy a $20,000 bottle of wine.
16:38Can you, Avery?
16:41I stayed silent.
16:42They got bored and moved on.
16:44At last, the night ended.
16:45The total is $850,000.
16:48Who will be settling the bill?
16:50Chloe extended her card with perfect composure.
16:54Just run it.
16:55The class erupted in awe.
16:57She's so rich and so beautiful.
16:59I want that life.
17:00A woman who pays is the most attractive thing alive.
17:03Then the server frowned.
17:05Miss, this card has been frozen.
17:08The words hit Chloe like a slap.
17:10What?
17:12Frozen?
17:12Run it again.
17:13You must have done something wrong.
17:14I am certain this card cannot be used.
17:17You'll need another payment method.
17:25Chloe's composure collapsed entirely.
17:27She had no way out.
17:28Then her eyes found me.
17:30Her jaw locked.
17:31Avery Sturley!
17:32You did this!
17:34Fix it!
17:35Right now!
17:36Or I will make your life miserable!
17:38I blinked at her innocently.
17:39I don't have the power to freeze someone else's card,
17:42but hey, you could just call your rich dad.
17:44It's one dinner.
17:45Or are you saying your whole family went broke in the last hour?
17:48The class still hadn't grasped the situation fully.
17:50Chloe, just call your dad and close out the tab.
17:53It's late.
17:53We have school tomorrow.
17:58$850,000?
17:59That's pocket change for you, Chloe.
18:02I just asked my dad for $100,000 a few days ago.
18:05If I ask again now, he'll think I'm reckless.
18:08What if everyone just chips in?
18:10It's less than $20,000 per person.
18:12Chloe, you promised.
18:13You can't go back on that now.
18:14$20,000 could literally kill me.
18:16I'm from a normal family.
18:17The complaints got loaded.
18:20I don't have the money right now.
18:25If you can't cover it, nobody's leaving.
18:26And honestly, you ordered all of this for good wine on the floor.
18:29You deserve to sit here and think about that.
18:37Fury detonated across the room.
18:43The manager appeared.
18:46He heard the situation and called the police.
18:50911, what's the nature of your emergency?
18:52Yes.
18:53Panic swept through 45 juniors who had sats in less than a year.
18:59They started pooling money.
19:01Sick about it, but terrified.
19:03I watched Jason during all of it.
19:05Now he sat very still,
19:06doing a quiet calculation behind his eyes.
19:09When the others came to him with their share of the bill,
19:12he spread his hands apologetically.
19:14I honestly didn't bring enough cash tonight.
19:16I thought Chloe had it covered.
19:18He said it smoothly.
19:19Jason, you have a car.
19:20It's maxed out.
19:23Been meaning to sort that out.
19:24No embarrassment.
19:25Just someone neatly stepping off a sinking ship.
19:28When it came to me,
19:29I looked at the wreckage on the table and laughed.
19:31I didn't order a single thing.
19:33I didn't eat anything.
19:34Why am I being asked to pay?
19:35You are all using me as your personal piggy bank.
19:39Avery Sterling,
19:41nobody knows what you did or didn't eat.
19:44You were here.
19:45You pay.
19:56I turned calmly to the manager
19:59and pulled out a black card.
20:01Sir,
20:03I believe this is your VIP card.
20:07My parents were business people.
20:09They had a lot of client dinners.
20:11They'd spend enough here that their account had quietly upgraded to VIP tier without anyone noticing.
20:17I never expected to use it myself.
20:20The manager took the card,
20:22studied it carefully,
20:23and straightened up immediately.
20:26For a valued guest of this level,
20:29we would never trouble you with a tab like this.
20:31Please,
20:32don't give it another thought.
20:34The room went silent.
20:37Wait,
20:38I thought Avery Sterling was broke.
20:40How does she have a black card at this place?
20:44Has Chloe Miller been lying this whole time?
20:47Is Avery the actual rich girl?
20:49Chloe shattered.
20:50She pointed at me,
20:51screaming.
20:51Avery,
20:52if you had a black card,
20:54why didn't you say something earlier?
20:56You just sat there watching us panic on purpose.
21:01Here's your chance to redeem yourself.
21:03Use that card to cover everyone's bill.
21:06Otherwise,
21:07you will regret every day at this school.
21:09That last line did its job.
21:12The class dropped their anger at Chloe
21:14and pivoted at me.
21:16I looked at them all,
21:17bored.
21:18What exactly does any of this have to do with me?
21:21If you want to make my life difficult going forward,
21:24be my guest.
21:25I'll be ready.
21:28On my way out,
21:29Jason caught up to me near the exit.
21:32He wasn't sneering now.
21:33Hey,
21:34can we just talk for a second?
21:37Without all the noise?
21:38I kept walking.
21:40Avery.
21:41Not aggressive.
21:42Just there.
21:43Taking up space the way he always had.
21:45I think I've been an idiot
21:46about a lot of things.
21:48You didn't deserve the way I treated you.
21:50Is this the part where I forgive you?
21:53I looked at him for a long moment.
21:55No,
21:56I just,
21:56I want you to know,
21:57I see it now.
21:58The card,
21:59the card,
22:00her parents being your staff.
22:02I had no idea how much she'd lie to everyone.
22:06Including me.
22:06He ran a hand through his hair.
22:08It was a practiced gesture.
22:10He'd always known it looked good.
22:12Avery,
22:14I chose the wrong person.
22:16I think you know what I mean.
22:18I understood exactly what he meant.
22:21He'd watched the power shift in that room,
22:23done the arithmetic,
22:24and arrived at a new conclusion.
22:26I almost admired the speed of it.
22:29Jason,
22:30you are exactly the same person you were an hour ago.
22:34The only thing that changed is the card I'm holding.
22:39I'll see you in school.
22:45I walked out,
22:47passing a reflective window.
22:48I stopped for a moment,
22:49and actually looked at myself.
22:51The sweater I was wearing had been through three years of washes.
22:55The sneakers on my feet were Chloe's cast-offs.
22:57You are ugly.
22:58The moment Chloe told me nice clothes looked cheap on me.
23:01Designer clothes are wasted on a girl.
23:02I basically stopped buying them entirely.
23:04I decided I was done with that.
23:06I hailed a car and went to the mall and spent with intent.
23:12By the time I got home, it was late.
23:14But I still heard Bill Miller's voice booming from the living room.
23:18I told you,
23:20Avery Sternley switched up on us.
23:21She's not the soft target she used to be.
23:23Don't provoke her.
23:25You ignored me!
23:27Someone says a few words,
23:29and you go blow 60 people's dinner money.
23:31Now, we're the laughing stock!
23:34Chloe,
23:34we need to be patient.
23:36Find the right moment,
23:38hit her once,
23:39and make it count.
23:40I wasn't scared of them.
23:41These people always thought they were the smartest ones in the room.
23:44I walked inside without slowing down.
23:49Chloe saw all my shopping bags,
23:51and her eyes went rigid.
23:56Avery Sterling,
23:57you are vicious!
23:58You had money the entire time
24:00and let us scramble for nothing?
24:02You just made an enemy
24:03of every single person in that class.
24:06Enjoy it.
24:07I tilted my head at her.
24:08My relationship with that class was never good.
24:10So what's actually different?
24:12Worry about yourself, Chloe.
24:14You're the one who has to face 43 angry people tomorrow morning.
24:18Chloe swayed like something knocked her out of balance.
24:20And sure enough,
24:22the next morning,
24:22the class buried her.
24:24I knew she had enough
24:25and slapped the loudest one clean across the face.
24:27You are all beneath me!
24:29After everything I've done for you people!
24:31And the money,
24:3285,000,
24:33is nothing to me!
24:34I said I'd pay you back next month!
24:36So!
24:36What is your problem?
24:38If any of you come at me again,
24:39not one of you sees a cent!
24:41That shut them up.
24:42This crowd only responded to threats.
24:44After final bell,
24:45Chloe grabbed her bag
24:46and headed for the subway.
24:47And I fell in step behind her.
24:49At the school gate,
24:50I saw a Maybach parked outside.
24:52Half the students were openly staring.
24:57I watched Chloe drift toward the Maybach
24:59like something pulled her.
25:00She reached out and touched it.
25:02She wasn't claiming it.
25:03But the crowd read it differently.
25:05Look!
25:05Chloe's touching the Maybach!
25:06Is that hers?
25:07Who else at this school
25:08has that kind of money?
25:10Now nobody can say she's a fake!
25:14I was already about to leave
25:15when the car door opened.
25:16I looked once,
25:18just once,
25:19and nearly fell over.
25:20The person stepping out was my dad.
25:22And right behind him,
25:24poised and put together,
25:26was my mother.
25:27No wonder Chloe's so beautiful!
25:29Look at her parents!
25:30Princess from a fairy tale?
25:31Well, lucky forever!
25:33The crowd reacted instantly.
25:35But then the crowd noticed something was off.
25:38Because those two adults
25:39didn't even glance at Chloe,
25:41they were already running toward me.
25:45Avery.
25:48My baby girl.
25:49Mom missed you so much.
25:51Mom pulled me in and held on.
25:53I felt her warmth and my throat closed.
25:55Mom.
25:56Dad, I thought you were buried in work.
25:58What happened?
26:00This was the question I carried my whole past life.
26:03I never got to ask it before I died.
26:06Dad looked at me with guilt all over his face.
26:09Averyn, you started texting us.
26:11Sharing things.
26:12Small things.
26:15And your mom and I realized
26:16we'd been treating you
26:17like you didn't need us.
26:19Your SETs are coming.
26:21We cleared everything.
26:22We wanted to surprise you.
26:23We want to be here for the final stretch.
26:25I cried.
26:26Ugly.
26:27Open.
26:28Completely undone.
26:29Then I stepped into their car
26:31and left.
26:32Right in front of everyone.
26:33We got home to find
26:34Mrs. Miller horizontal on the sofa,
26:36watching videos on her phone.
26:38Mom took one look at the state of the house
26:39and her voice went cold.
26:41Mrs. Miller,
26:42would you like to explain what you're doing?
26:44The house is a mess
26:45and you're scrolling.
26:46Right now.
26:48If I see this a second time,
26:50you're done.
26:53Mrs. Miller scrambled upright.
26:56Ma'am, I had no idea you were coming back.
26:58If you'd warned me...
27:00Mom cut her off.
27:02Mrs. Miller,
27:03why exactly would I need to warn you?
27:06Cleaning is in your job description.
27:08That is why I pay you what I pay you.
27:10Now go make Avery dinner.
27:12She just got home from school.
27:14Mrs. Miller went to the kitchen
27:16without another word.
27:17With my parents home,
27:19the Miller family barely breathed too loud.
27:22Dinner came out dish by dish.
27:25Chloe instinctively moved toward a chair at the table.
27:28Bill Miller grabbed her elbow.
27:31Don't embarrass us.
27:32We're staff.
27:33We don't sit at their table.
27:35Chloe pulled away red-eyed like she'd been punished.
27:38Mom and Dad frowned at the whole thing.
27:41Then Mom spotted something new.
27:42Her voice shifted to something sharp.
27:45Mrs. Miller,
27:46come here.
27:47Mrs. Miller appeared immediately.
27:48Is the food not to your taste, ma'am?
27:50Mom pointed at a dish of peanuts.
27:53Before I left the country,
27:55I specifically told you three times
27:57that Avery is allergic to peanuts.
27:59Why is this on the table?
28:04Mrs. Miller snatched the dish up.
28:07I'll replace it right now, ma'am.
28:10Give me a minute.
28:16Mom waved her hand.
28:17Don't bother.
28:22After everything I've seen today,
28:24I'm starting to wonder if you've been neglecting Avery for years.
28:28Effective immediately, you don't need to come back.
28:32Ma'am, please.
28:34Our whole family lives under your roof.
28:37You can't fire us.
28:39Please.
28:41Bill Miller had been hiding in the hallway.
28:43He couldn't hold it any longer.
28:45She stormed out and slapped Mrs. Miller across the face three times.
28:50Then turned to my mother with a grin.
28:52Ma'am, if my wife did anything wrong, just hit her.
28:56Just please.
28:58Just don't let us go.
29:00Dad's eye twitched.
29:02I knew that look.
29:03He despised men who hit women.
29:05But I couldn't let them get fired.
29:08Not yet.
29:09I stepped in.
29:10Mom, let it go for now.
29:12I'm used to Mrs. Miller.
29:13It would be weird not having her around.
29:17Mom looked at me and relented.
29:18Though barely.
29:19Maybe give her one more chance.
29:22Keep an eye on her and see.
29:26Mrs. Miller.
29:27If Avery comes to me with one more complaint,
29:29I don't care what either of us says.
29:30You are gone.
29:31Mrs. Miller nodded furiously.
29:33And retreated like a dog that had been kicked.
29:40The next morning, Dad drove me to school in the live hour.
29:44I don't care what I can do, but I don't want to try to know.
29:47It's like a way to speak your love.
29:51Just take my love.
29:53Just take my love.
29:56I don't care what I can do, but I don't want to try to know.
30:04The whole class looked at me differently when I walked in.
30:11Finally, someone cracked.
30:12Avery Sterling.
30:14Is that Maybach actually yours?
30:16I didn't answer directly.
30:18I looked at Chloe instead.
30:19Ask her.
30:20She'd know better than anyone.
30:27Since the bar incident.
30:28I am certain this card cannot be used.
30:32You'll need another payment method.
30:34Chloe had been trying to make herself invisible.
30:37My sudden spotlight on her hit like a dart.
30:40Why are you asking me, Avery?
30:49I stripped the lie bare without softening it.
30:51Because your parents work for my family.
30:54That makes you the most credible witness.
30:57The class went off.
31:04Summonone raised a hand.
31:06But Chloe's wardrobe doesn't exactly scream housekeeper's kid.
31:10I smiled.
31:13It shouldn't.
31:14She's been wearing my clothes.
31:17And spending from my card.
31:19Without those resources, she couldn't afford any of it.
31:22Chloe cracked completely.
31:25Avery Sterling.
31:27Just because you have money, doesn't give you the right to humiliate me.
31:33So what if I wore your clothes and used your card?
31:37You never said anything.
31:39You let it happen.
31:41The room turned on her the moment she said it out loud.
31:45Chloe's been pretending to be rich.
31:47I actually envied her.
31:51Honestly, something felt off at the bar.
31:54A real IRS doesn't flinch at 85,000.
31:58Chloe's humiliation was total.
32:00She buried her face on her desk.
32:02But under the desk, both fists were clenched white.
32:08Jason had been quiet through all of it.
32:10That was unlike him.
32:12He was usually the first one to lead the room.
32:15When class ended and the crowd dispersed, he stayed in his seat until it was nearly empty.
32:21Then he walked over to my desk.
32:23I was already packing my bag.
32:26That was brutal.
32:27He said.
32:28Was it?
32:29You didn't have to do it in front of everyone.
32:32I looked up at him.
32:33Jason, when you filmed me in this hallway and made me perform for the class,
32:38did you do that privately?
32:40Or in front of everyone?
32:43He had the grace to be quiet.
32:46That...
32:47That was different.
32:48You're right, I said.
32:49It was much worse.
32:51I slung my bag over one shoulder.
32:53I noticed you've been putting some distance between yourself and Chloe this week.
32:58He said nothing.
33:00Smart.
33:00I said.
33:02Rats always know when to leave.
33:04Something moved behind his eyes.
33:06Not anger.
33:07Something more complicated than that.
33:09Avery.
33:10I genuinely...
33:11You genuinely nothing, I said.
33:13You are someone who made calculations and landed on the wrong side.
33:18And now you're trying to make new calculations?
33:21I'm just telling you.
33:22Whatever you think I owe you, I'll pay it.
33:26Whatever it takes.
33:28I paused.
33:29That was interesting.
33:31Whatever it takes.
33:33I repeated.
33:34Yes.
33:35Okay, I'll let you know.
33:36I said.
33:37I walked out.
33:38I could feel his eyes still on my back.
33:42After Chloe's real identity came out, every day became a punishment.
33:46Every person she'd ever wronged, and everyone who'd once flattered her, came back for payback.
33:51Each morning Chloe checked her chair for glue before sitting.
33:55She never let her water bottle out of sight.
33:58She was terrified something had been slipped into it.
34:01Between classes she had to absorb the cruelty in the hallways.
34:04Her parents weren't doing better.
34:07With mom and dad back home, Mrs. Miller got dressed down daily.
34:12She'd gotten too comfortable in the easy life.
34:15Coming back to actual labor wrecked her.
34:18Her performance was sloppy and slow.
34:21That alone made mom furious.
34:23The only reason Mrs. Miller still had a job was because I'd publicly vouched for her.
34:28Bill Miller, meanwhile, had been reassigned by my dad to security duty.
34:32On the surface, the three of them were obedient.
34:36Compliant.
34:38But I knew better.
34:40They were vipers waiting for the exact right moment to sink their teeth in.
34:46Jason, to his credit, was smarter than the Millers.
34:50He didn't wait.
34:51He started making moves.
34:54That week, he found reasons to appear wherever I was.
34:58Outside my next class.
35:01Near the vending machines.
35:03At the library.
35:05He carried himself differently around me now.
35:08Quieter.
35:08Less performance.
35:10He did my homework once, slipping a folder onto my desk without a word.
35:13He had someone deliver coffee to me during a free period.
35:18He walked up to the boy who made a comment about me in the corridor and told him, flatly, to
35:23stop.
35:24On the surface, it looked like penance.
35:26Underneath it was a campaign.
35:28He wanted to get close enough that when I moved against the Millers, he'd already be standing on the right
35:32side.
35:33He had underestimated one thing.
35:35I had already decided what I wanted from him.
35:37And it wasn't proximity.
35:39The days passed.
35:40The sats were closing in.
35:41Then, the night before the exam, my parents got a call.
35:45They looked frightened.
35:46They booked a late night flight overseas.
35:53Mom looked apologetic at the door.
35:55I'm so sorry, Avery.
35:56I want to be here for your exam.
35:58But this deal can't wait.
35:59I said I understood.
36:01I understood.
36:03But in the car to the airport, I cried the whole drive anyway.
36:06When I got home, Chloe came to comfort me.
36:08She played the role beautifully.
36:10Then Mrs. Miller appeared with two glasses of milk.
36:12She sighed warmly.
36:13Don't be sad, Avery.
36:14Big exam tomorrow.
36:15You need a full night's sleep.
36:17I made both of you a glass.
36:18Drink up before bed.
36:20I drank mine right there in front of them.
36:24Then I pushed them out of my room.
36:26The door was almost shut when I saw it.
36:28A flash of excitement in Mrs. Miller's eyes and Chloe's.
36:32I smiled to myself, alone in the dark.
36:35Last time around, they used this exact trick to make me miss the sats.
36:40This time, I'd make sure the punishment came back to them on exam morning.
36:44I walked out refreshed and ready.
36:46Bill Miller screamed when he saw me.
36:48Avery, why are you awake?
36:50I smiled pleasantly.
36:53I have the SATs today.
36:55Naturally, I can't be late.
36:57Mrs. Miller's face changed.
36:59She sprinted to Chloe's room.
37:01Too late.
37:09By the end of the first day of testing, I swung by to enjoy what was left of Chloe's morning.
37:13Mrs. Miller had managed to drag her to the exam hall, but the dose had been too heavy.
37:18Chloe slept through every section.
37:20Chloe was barely functioning.
37:21She refused to sit for the remaining days.
37:25Wow, Chloe.
37:26Sleeping in during the SATs?
37:28Really bold choice.
37:29Shut your mouth!
37:30Mrs. Miller's eyes were red.
37:33You did this!
37:34You switched the drink!
37:35She was supposed to be the one sleeping!
37:37You ruined my daughter's future!
37:39I want to see you try to make me pay for that.
37:42Then a voice I recognized cut through the hall.
37:45My parents, who should have been overseas, walked in.
37:48Three police officers followed them.
37:49You left.
37:51You both left.
37:52Why are you here?
37:53If I hadn't left, how else would you feel safe enough to make you meet?
37:56Mrs. Miller, you are exactly the kind of person who belongs behind bars.
38:00I installed a camera in the kitchen weeks ago.
38:02I added, helpfully.
38:05I've seen everything.
38:06An officer stepped forward.
38:08You've been reported for deliberate poisoning.
38:10You'll need to come with us.
38:15Mrs. Miller collapsed to the floor.
38:18Her eyes were hollow.
38:19The sentencing came down the same day my Ivy League acceptance letter arrived.
38:26Mrs. Miller was convicted of intentional bodily harm.
38:29Six years.
38:30Bill Miller had been involved in the dosing plan.
38:33He received three years.
38:35Chloe had already been removed from the house weeks earlier.
38:37The last time I saw her was outside the courthouse.
38:40The girl who once owned every hallway looked crumpled.
38:42Sunken eyes.
38:43Zero energy.
38:44Something had clearly gone very wrong for her recently.
38:47When she saw me, she started crying.
38:50Avery, please.
38:51I swear the sleep we grew up in this had nothing to do with me.
38:55Take me back in.
38:56I have no degree.
38:57I have no work history.
38:58Nobody will hire me.
39:00My parents are both in prison.
39:02She kept going, cataloging every miserable detail of her current existence.
39:06I listened to all of it like it was a story someone else told.
39:09The wicked get what they deserve.
39:10All I did was make sure I was there to watch the ending.
39:13Then I heard footsteps behind me.
39:15I turned.
39:16Jason, he looked like he hadn't been sleeping well.
39:18His eyes had lost their old ease.
39:20Avery.
39:21I waited.
39:22I heard about Mrs. Miller and Bill and I know about the SAT thing.
39:28He stopped and started twice.
39:30Last year, she mentioned she had a plan.
39:34To make you miss the exam.
39:36I didn't ask details.
39:38I told myself it wasn't my problem.
39:42I should have said something.
39:43I know that.
39:44Yes.
39:45You should have.
39:47Is that what you're going to use?
39:50Against me?
39:51What makes you think I need to use anything?
39:55He looked at me for a long moment.
39:58Because you've been waiting.
40:01I've been watching you work through every single person.
40:04The Millers are done.
40:06Chloe's done.
40:07I'm the only one left.
40:09He was more perceptive than I'd given him credit for.
40:12I did what you said.
40:14When you told me that day, whatever it takes, I meant it.
40:17I've been waiting for you to name it.
40:18And you thought if you waited long enough, I'd soften?
40:21He didn't answer.
40:23I reached into my bag and took out a folder.
40:26Pedic Philippe.
40:27Rose gold.
40:29Model 5227.
40:30Reported missing from the sterling homehold 14 months ago.
40:34There's a receipt somewhere in there.
40:36Also a record of your bank deposits from that same period.
40:40Chloe made five transfers to you over six months.
40:44Petty cash from my card.
40:46You had this the whole time?
40:50Since our first conversation after the slap.
40:54Then why didn't you...
40:55Because destroying you in October would have been efficient.
40:59But watching you spend months trying to win me over,
41:03knowing this was in a drawer somewhere,
41:06that was more interesting.
41:09What happens now?
41:14You're going to give a full written statement to my family's lawyer.
41:17Everything you know about the sleeping pills plan.
41:19Everything Chloe told you.
41:21Every transfer.
41:22Every instruction.
41:23And if I do that?
41:25Then the watch stays between us.
41:27And the transfer.
41:28He nodded slowly.
41:30That's it?
41:31That's it.
41:32He looked at me for a long time.
41:34You're not going to make me beg.
41:36I don't want anything from you, Jason.
41:38I don't want your apology, and I don't want your suffering.
41:40I just need your signature on a document.
41:43You are nothing to me.
41:45That's not cruelty.
41:46It's just the truth.
41:47I picked up my bag.
41:48The lawyer's office is on 7th.
41:50He's expecting you Thursday morning.
41:52I walked away from him the way I'd walked away from all of them.
41:55Without looking back.
41:56Without anger.
41:56Or without anything left to prove.
41:58The file was already in motion.
42:00Jason's statement would seal the millers' additional charges.
42:04And confirm the premeditated nature of the poisoning.
42:11He had made his calculation, and he had been wrong about the outcome.
42:14Just like all the others.
42:16The only difference was that his punishment was quieter.
42:19More private.
42:19He would spend the next several years explaining himself to the police.
42:23To the courts.
42:24To every school and job application.
42:26That asked about his junior year.
42:28He would never be charged.
42:29But he would never be clean either.
42:31Some people destroy you loudly.
42:33Some people just stand nearby and let it happen.
42:36They all get what they deserve eventually.
42:38The only thing that changes is the shape of the ending.
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