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After Rebirth, I Made My Bestie Pay for Ruining My Wedding - Complete #drama #englishsub 🔥🔥
Transcript
00:00On Oak Ridge Estates manicured lawn, the sun blazed over my wedding gown.
00:05In front of me, Chloe, my maid of honor and so-called best friend, smirked into the microphone during her
00:10toast.
00:11I'm so happy for Nina. I mean, after her little private procedure at the abortion clinic last month.
00:18I honestly didn't think she'd make it down the aisle today.
00:21Oh gosh, I'm just kidding. Don't jump to any weird conclusions.
00:24In my previous life, I had scrambled to explain it was just a minor cyst removal.
00:29But Chloe cut me off with a condescending cackle.
00:32Sure, a cyst! Because regular cysts totally require a wealthy sugar daddy to sign off on your consent forms, right?
00:40Nina, come on. It's just a joke. Why are you getting so defensive?
00:44That vicious lie enraged Gavin's family.
00:47Gavin slapped me across the face, called off the wedding, and left me so broken that I finally took my
00:53own life.
00:54But now, fate hit rewind. Chloe was putting on her fake, panicked show.
00:59While Gavin boiled over with rage. I stepped up calmly, snatched the microphone, and shoved it against her glossy lips.
01:08Keep going. Tell them everything.
01:11Chloe staggered back a step, her eyes widening in utter shock.
01:14She never imagined me. Her usual quiet doormat would call her out in front of all these Hamptons socialites.
01:21She tilted her head back quickly, instantly slipping into the act of a shaken, fragile victim.
01:26Oh my gosh, Nina, you scared me.
01:28I just blurt stuff out without thinking. You know how I am.
01:31It's your wedding day. You don't have to make a sense to ruin your own wedding.
01:34If it's a joke, finish it. Tell everyone exactly what you saw at the abortion clinic.
01:39Every detail. Let's all laugh together.
01:42Excitement flickered in her eyes. She thought I was bluffing.
01:45Nina, don't push me. Everyone's watching.
01:48She scanned the crowd to make sure all eyes were glued to her before speaking again.
01:52I'm just saying. I would never intentionally bring up that older guy covering your entire surgical bill.
01:58Shocked whispers rippled through the crowd as guests exchanged knowing looks.
02:03Chloe clapped both hands over her mouth, eyes wide with theatrical horror.
02:06Oh God, see? This is exactly what I mean. I can't help myself.
02:10Gavin, Mrs. Vant, please. That man was probably just a distant uncle of Nina's.
02:14I'm sure there's nothing between them. Don't read anything into it.
02:19Seconds later, the hundreds of guests erupted all at once.
02:23Oh my God. So she cheated on her fiancé, go got pregnant by some sugar daddy,
02:27and had a secret abortion. She seemed so nice, but she's a total fraud.
02:33The Vanders are never going to live this down.
02:35Gavin glared at me like a feral animal. His fists clenched tight enough to whiten his knuckles.
02:40Nina! What the hell is this supposed to mean?
02:43Over at the head table, his mother, Eleanor Vance, snapped completely.
02:47She slammed her palm hard against the white marble tabletop.
02:49Explain yourself now, or the wedding is off!
02:54I watched them scream and spiral with cold detachment.
02:56I slowly turned toward my seething fiancé and asked one quiet, cutting question.
03:01Gavin, just because Chloe ran her mouth with a few so-called jokes, you're taking her word over mine?
03:06Gavin froze for a split second, a flicker of hesitation crossing his bloodshot eyes.
03:11But right then, Chloe let out a loud, mocking cackle.
03:15Spare me the act, Nina. How about you swear to God right now that you weren't at St. Luke's private
03:20clinic for a procedure last month on the 15th?
03:23If you swear it, I'll get down on my knees and apologize to you right here in front of everyone.
03:30Hundreds of judging eyes burned into me.
03:33All hesitation vanished from Gavin's gaze, washed away by searing embarrassment and fiery anger.
03:39Nina, answer her!
03:42Were you at St. Luke's on the 15th or not?
03:44I held his stare, my tone cold and unshakable as ice.
03:48Yes, I was.
03:49Chaos exploded across the lawn all over again.
03:51Back among the guest seats, my parents were beside themselves with panic.
03:55My mom's eyes filled with tears, and she tried to bolt toward the altar, only to be blocked by several
04:00nosy, catty guests.
04:02Only went to have an ovarian cyst removed!
04:04It's nothing like what all of you are insinuating!
04:06At my mom's desperate plea, Chloe smirked even wider, her whole body shaking with smug victory.
04:11She turned to the crowd, putting on a fake, wide-eyed innocent routine to taunt everyone.
04:16Okay, an ovarian cyst. Let's go with that.
04:19But Mrs. Chambers, since when does a routine cyst removal require some random older man to sign your consent forms?
04:28Let's be real, we all know what that looks like.
04:31Eleanor stormed down the aisle and jabbed a finger straight in my face.
04:34Shameless trap! How dare you stand there lying about some cyst!
04:38Gavin had fully lost it by now.
04:40He tore the white rose boudinette off his custom lapel and hurled it straight at my face.
04:44You actually cheated on me? With some old guy? And had an abortion? I'm done with you!
04:49I'd rather die alone than marry a slut like you!
04:54I stared down at the crushed flower on the lawn, and every last trace of feeling I held for him
04:59vanished for good.
05:00I reached up to my hair, ripped my long tool veil clean off,
05:04This ends now!
05:05and tossed it onto the grass.
05:07Fine. If you're all so hung up on her stupid remarks.
05:10This wedding's off for good.
05:12Eleanor planted her hands on her hips and sneered loudly.
05:16Good riddent! Don't think you're getting off scut-free!
05:19Hand back the $50,000 all-or wedding budget my son gave you this instant!
05:24And you're covering every cent of this venue bill!
05:28I didn't even hesitate.
05:29I pulled out my phone, pulled up my banking app, and sent an instant wire transfer right there in front
05:34of the front row guests.
05:36The $50,000 back in Gavin's account.
05:38From this moment on, we are completely done.
05:42I turned to leave, but Chloe suddenly snatched my arm to stop me.
05:45Nina!
05:46You can't just walk off like that!
05:48Storming out right now basically proves you're guilty!
05:51She spun around and locked eyes with another girl in the bridesmaid line.
05:54She was Gavin's cousin, a shy nursing intern at St. Luke's.
05:58Chloe yanked her out of the crowd.
06:03Chloe's eyes lit up with cruel, giddy malice.
06:05Amy, you're the most honest person I know.
06:07Tell Gavin. Tell everyone.
06:10What did you see?
06:11You saw Nina that day, right?
06:13In her signature tan French coat, a hat, and a face mask, clinging to a heavyside older man walking into
06:18the private surgical wing?
06:20Amy started stammering, eyes darting anxiously across the crowd.
06:24Hundreds of wealthy guests locked their eyes on her, waiting for the final knockout blow.
06:29She swallowed thickly, avoiding my eyes entirely.
06:33Her hands twisted together at her waist.
06:35I was at the admissions desk that day.
06:38I did see someone who looked a lot like Nina.
06:43There was a heavy-faced older man right beside her.
06:46That testimony sealed my fate.
06:48The entire outdoor venue erupted into shouts and jeers.
06:52Wow! Chloe wasn't just starting drama!
06:55She actually brought receipts!
06:58She's got some nerves showing up after that!
07:01Get her the hell out of here!
07:02Eleanor's manicured hand trembled violently as she pointed straight at me.
07:06Amy has no reason to lie.
07:09What do you have to say for yourself now, you shameless liar?
07:15Gavin shook with blinding rage, lifting his hand to strike me, before freezing at the last second, dropping his arm
07:22with a low snarl.
07:23I must have been out of my mind to fall for someone as disgusting as you!
07:31Chloe could barely hide her triumphant grin.
07:33She let out an overdramatic...
07:35Gavin, don't take this too hard.
07:37You know I'm a straight shooter.
07:39If I hadn't stepped up and risked our friendship to expose the truth today, you'd have been played for a
07:44fool and cheated on for the rest of your life.
07:46She turned back toward me, her eyes oozing unfiltered mockery.
07:50Nina, out of every guy in New York City, why pick some out-of-shape older man?
07:55What did you even see in him?
07:58His receding hairline or his liver spots?
08:03Amy, tell everyone the rest of what you told me.
08:06Wasn't that woman that rare limited edition designer perfume gave and imported from Europe last month?
08:11Yes. It was that exact fragrance. It's one of a kind. I'd never mix it up with any other scent.
08:17Did everyone hear that? The perfume matches perfectly, too.
08:20Nina, don't tell me this is just another wild coincidence.
08:23I stood calm and quiet, watching Chloe dig her own grave with every lie.
08:28I didn't waste my breath arguing, just wearing a faint, icy smile.
08:31The perfume is a nice touch, I'll give you that.
08:35But Chloe, is that really all you've got?
08:40Chloe rolled her eyes.
08:42I didn't want to drag your name through the mud like this, Nina.
08:48But you're utterly shameless!
08:51Before anyone could react, she scooped my white satin bridle clutch off the table.
08:56She spun back to the crowd, holding my clutch high above her head like a victory trophy.
09:06Don't hate me for prying, everyone.
09:09I was helping Nina organize her wedding cards earlier.
09:13And I felt something hard at the bottom of her bag by accident.
09:17She ripped the clutch zipper open, flipped it upside down, and shook it hard.
09:22A lipstick, pressed powder compact and tissue spilled across the lawn.
09:26Alongside them fell a sealed pillbox, a crumpled document, and a gold hotel keycard.
09:31Chloe snatched the paper instantly and held it up for the whole crowd to see.
09:35Look at this, everyone.
09:36A positive seven-week ultrasound.
09:39Then she flicked the pillbox with the toe of her heel, sending it skittering away.
09:43And this!
09:44My for priston!
09:46Abortion pills!
09:47She clapped a hand over her mouth, putting on a devastated fake act.
09:51Didn't you claim it was just an ovarian, sis?
09:54Oh, God, what am I saying?
09:57Everyone, just forget it!
09:59I'm sure there's a perfectly logical explanation for why our innocent bride has abortion pills in her bag.
10:08Right?
10:10The crowd erupted into chaotic gasps and outraged whispers.
10:15Gavin lost every last shred of control, smashing the nearby champagne tower to pieces.
10:21He grabbed a sharp broken glass stem and lunged straight at me.
10:25Go to hell, you lying bitch!
10:29I threw myself back just in time.
10:31Gavin lunged past me, the broken glass in his hand brushing inches from my face.
10:36Chloe let out a fake shriek and threw her arms around Gavin to hold him back.
10:40Gavin, calm down!
10:41She's not worth ruining your entire life and ending up in jail!
10:46She glanced back at me, dripping with smug triumph.
10:49Nina, look at the mess you've landed yourself in.
10:51Why even bother putting on a brave face?
10:54Get on your knees and beg Gavin and Mrs. Vance for forgiveness right now!
10:58And maybe they'll cut you some slack.
11:00The surrounding guests piled on, pointing and shouting accusations my way.
11:04I stepped straight up to Chloe and glanced down at the abortion pills scattered on the grass.
11:09You're telling everyone all these items fell out of my bridal clutch?
11:12Obviously they did! It happened right in front of everyone!
11:16Are you gonna claim I planted this stuff?
11:18You're 100% certain about that?
11:20I swear on my life, every last thing came out of your purse.
11:25I nodded, a sharp, cold smile spreading across my face.
11:28Perfect. That's exactly what I needed to hear.
11:31Since you've sworn on your life, let's show everyone something far more revealing.
11:37Chloe's smirk faltered instantly.
11:40I pulled out my phone and fired off a quick text, then lifted my gaze straight to her.
11:45I've got a little surprise for you. Hope you love it.
11:50Before Chloe could hurl another insult, the estate's heavy iron front gates crashed wide open after being rammed hard.
11:57A huge, polished black Cadillac Escalade tore onto the perfectly trimmed lawn, tires squealing as it skidded to a sharp
12:04stop.
12:06The crowd's rowdy shouts died instantly.
12:09All eyes locked on the massive black SUV parked atop the immaculate luxury lawn.
12:13The car door clicked open.
12:15First to emerge was a middle-aged woman in a bold, custom red designer coat and 4-inch black stiletto
12:20heels.
12:20She wore oversized, tinted sunglasses, exuding a cold, commanding aura.
12:24Or huge, dragging a bloodied man across the grass like a ragdoll.
12:28His luxury tailored suit was ripped to tatters.
12:30His face was beaten so swollen and bruised he was un-
12:40Oh my god, is that Harold Miller?
12:44Apex Capital's managing partner?
12:46Jesus Christ, who beat Harold Miller to a punk?
12:49Gavin froze stiff.
12:50The broken glass slipped from his hand and shattered on the grass.
12:53His knees buckled completely, sending him crashing straight to the ground.
12:57Mrs. Davenport.
12:58His teeth chattered uncontrollably.
13:00Everyone in New York High Society knew Harold was nothing but a low-status trophy husband.
13:05The real tycoon funding Gavin's company, the sole backer of their multi-million dollar core investment,
13:11was the woman standing right before them, Victoria Davenport.
13:14Victoria shot a disgusted glance at Harold, slipped off her sunglasses, and tossed them to a nearby bodyguard.
13:20Which one of you is that home-retting slit, Chloe Jenkins?
13:26Chloe flinched hard, her knees buckled, and she nearly crumpled onto the lawn, scrambling backward to try and blend into
13:32the crowd and disappear.
13:33No, that's not me! You've got the wrong person!
13:35She shook so hard she could barely string a sentence together, throwing both hands up to cover her face.
13:41Victoria let out a cold, sneering laugh.
13:43Her stiletto stepped sharply across the lawn as she strode toward the crowd.
13:47She halted directly in front of Chloe, drew her arm wide, and landed a brutal, stinging slap.
13:53The crack rang out across the whole lawn.
13:55The sheer impact twisted Chloe's whole body.
13:58Her lip split open right away, her left cheek puffing up fast.
14:01Did you really believe hiding in a crowd could cover up how desperate and rotten you are?
14:06Chloe cupped her bleeding cheek, still clinging to her manipulative act.
14:11She lifted her head, jabbing a shaking, manic finger straight at me.
14:16Miss Davenport, you've got the wrong girl!
14:19It's her, Nina Chambers!
14:21She's the one who seduced your husband!
14:24Those abortion pills and that ultrant child on the grass are all hers!
14:28She's the one carrying Harold's child!
14:31I stared down at her, completely unfazed.
14:36Hearing Chloe's frantic accusations, Victoria's face contorted with unbridled disgust.
14:41She reached into her luxury Hermes Birkin and pulled out a thick, sealed manila folder.
14:46With a sharp flick of her wrist, she hurled the folder straight at Chloe's swollen cheek.
14:50Open those lying eyes and look closely!
14:53I hired the state's top private investigators to tail this sorry excuse for a husband for a whole month!
15:00Did you really think stealing Nina's coat, hat, and mask would let you get away scully-free?
15:05The folder split open and packed dozens of glossy, high-res photos scattering across the lawn like a monster.
15:11Retro guests are great to see, and a collective.
15:13The first photo showed a woman in a trench coat, hat, and face mask, walking arm-in-arm with Harold
15:18into St. Luke's Hospital.
15:20But the next photos told the full crew.
15:22The woman had stripped off her mask and hat, her face fully exposed.
15:25Even blown up ten times, the face was undeniably that of the sobbing woman on the grass, Chloe Jenkins.
15:31The crowd erupted into a raging uproar, screams crashing like a storm.
15:36Oh! Oh my God! It was Chloe all along!
15:41Jesus Christ!
15:43She slept with a married billionaire!
15:47Stole her best friend's outfit to hide her identity!
15:50Then framed her on her wedding day!
15:53She's pure evil!
15:54Victoria stepped forward, grinding her stiletto heel hard down onto the back of Chloe's hand.
16:00Chloe let out a gut-wrenching scream, tears and ruined mascara streaking down her face.
16:05Victoria leaned down, grabbed Chloe by the hair, and forced her head upward ruthlessly.
16:10You not only dragged my husband along to get an abortion for that bastard child,
16:14but you also blackmailed him for half a million dollars in hush money!
16:19For a broke, low-class social climber, you've got some serious nerve.
16:26A half-million-dollar payout, an abortion, a married billionaire's bastard.
16:30Every truth bomb slammed into the kneeling Gavin like an explosion, shattering his sanity entirely.
16:36He stared hollowly at the high-res photos strewn across the lawn, watching Chloe clinging to the wealthy older man.
16:41His whole body seized up violently.
16:51Chloe sobbed and trembled in agony under Victoria's heel, yet she gasped out one last desperate lie.
16:59I didn't have a choice!
17:00Harold assaulted me!
17:02I'm the victim here!
17:04He forced me into getting the abortion!
17:07I stepped forward slowly, bent down, and picked up the Mife Pristone box Chloe had kicked across the grass triumphantly
17:13minutes prior.
17:15Chloe, you swore on your life to every guest here minutes ago.
17:21These abortion pills were mine, correct?
17:25Chloe locked wide, petrified eyes on me, shaking her head frantically like a broken marionette.
17:30Here's your proof.
17:33Look closely, everyone.
17:34There's an official pharma-vac-Rx label, patient name of Chloe Jenkins, age 24.
17:39Prescription date, the 15th of last month.
17:41Time, 10.35 a.m.
17:44Your full names printed there plain as day lined up with the exact date and time you tried to destroy
17:49my life.
17:50Is this just another silly little joke to you, Chloe?
17:53Chloe crumpled fully onto the lawn, gasping through racking, broken sobs.
17:57She couldn't get a single word out.
17:59Over to the side, Eleanor Vance, who'd spent the past 10 minutes screaming I was a tainted liar who didn't
18:04deserve a wedding, stood rigid and frozen.
18:07Her jaw hung slack, all color draining from her face as she shook like a leaf.
18:11Gavin's face turned an ugly, bruised purple.
18:14The full weight of his public humiliation pushed him over the edge entirely, just as all his anger was about
18:19to burst out into action.
18:22Hold it right there, Gavin.
18:25Don't act like you're some poor victim just yet.
18:29This whole spectacle's only halfway done.
18:32I bent down amid the scattered cosmetics and tissues strewn across the grass, picking up a thick gold hotel keycard.
18:41Stamped with the bold Ritz carton VIP eblom.
18:44I turned toward Victoria, my features calm and unshaken.
18:49Ms. Davenport, you said Chloe doused herself in my rare limited edition perfume, which is why your P.I.s
18:56initially mistook her for me from behind, right?
19:00Victoria narrowed her piercing eyes and gave a cold, sharp nod.
19:05That fragrance is a custom European blend.
19:09It's not sold anywhere stateside.
19:11I nodded slowly, shifting my gaze back to Gavin and fixing my stare on his shaking frame.
19:18Gavin, when you got back from your European business trip last month and gave me this perfume, you told me
19:25it was ultra-exclusive.
19:26A one-of-a-kind bottle.
19:28You said you pulled every single string you had just to track one down for me.
19:34So how did Chloe end up reeking of the exact same scent?
19:39Gavin froze stiff all over, as if a powerful electric current had shot straight through him.
19:43Thick beads of cold sweat rolled down his forehead, and his gaze darted wildly in blind panic, too ashamed to
19:49meet my eyes at all.
20:01This Ritz Canton VIP keycard belongs to room 8012, the same one Chloe triumphantly dumped out of my clutch earlier.
20:09But I, Nina Chambers, have never once stepped foot inside that hotel in my life.
20:17I watched Gavin's features warp into a hideous, terrified grimace.
20:21I pulled a neatly folded printout from my wedding clutch.
20:24You should have read the fine print.
20:26I shoved the paper straight into Gavin's sweatpants base.
20:28To cover every base, I reached out to a close friend who manages this exact Ritz-Carlton location yesterday and
20:33had them pull the full access logs tied to this keycard.
20:35This card has consistent weekend ends every single Friday night for the last six months,
20:38and the name listed as the main guest on all billing and room registrations is none other than Gavin Vance
20:43himself.
20:43Seconds later, the crowd erupted into shocked shouts and mocking laughs, roaring far louder than before.
20:49Holy shit! The groom and the maid of honor were hooking up this whole time?
20:54This is pure chaos! She was sleeping with the groom while cheating on him with his top billionaire investor?
21:00Oh my god, this is unreal!
21:02Victoria's icy demeanor contorted into unbridled, murderous fury.
21:06She slowly turned toward her heavyset husband, who was still groaning on the lawn.
21:10She lifted her stiletto heel and slammed a brutal kick straight into his stomach.
21:15You sad, useless waste of space!
21:18You wasted half a million of my cash on that gold digger's abortion!
21:22And every Friday, she's been sleeping with that loser groom I fund right behind your back!
21:28You got played by her!
21:32Harold curled over in agony, coughing up bile.
21:35But once he heard Chloe had been sleeping with Gavin too, his bloodied, swollen eyes blazed red with fury.
21:41He scrambled off the lawn like a rabid man and lunged straight at Gavin.
21:45You bastard!
21:46You slept with my woman!
21:48Gavin was already drowning in crippling humiliation, and Harold's attack snapped his last thread of sanity.
22:05The two men, polished in luxury suits mere minutes ago, dropped their high society formal act entirely.
22:15They threw reckless, brutal punches, rolling wildly across the lawn in front of hundreds of elite wedding guests.
22:21Eleanor screamed in terror at the sight of her son getting pummeled, rushing straight into the brawl.
22:26Get off my son, you old crap!
22:27But the second she dove in, Harold threw a wild, lined fist that landed square on her jaw.
22:32She let out a shrill yelp, stumbling backward onto the grass.
22:35She spat out two bloody teeth, wailing in searing pain.
22:40As the two men tore into one another, Chloe tried slipping away through the chaos, scrambling toward the far edge
22:46of the manicured lawn.
22:47She scuttled on hands and knees like vermin, desperate to sneak off unnoticed.
23:01Seize her, and drag her back here at once.
23:05Two huge, soup-clad bodyguards surged forward and snatched Chloe by her long hair.
23:09Ow! Let go of me!
23:12Leave me alone!
23:15The guards showed no mercy, hauling her across the grass like a worthless sack and dumping her roughly back onto
23:21the ground.
23:22Victoria stepped over, driving her stiletto heel hard into Chloe's cheek, grinding her face down into the turf.
23:28She let out a cold, icy laugh.
23:32My legal team filed an official criminal complaint with the local PD first thing this morning.
23:37Over the half million dollars you stole using my husband's black card.
23:42You pay every penny back today, or I'll make certain you rot away in a maximum security prison for decades
23:49to come.
23:50Chloe completely lost it, shrieking at the top of her lungs and clutching tight to Victoria's ankle.
23:55I'll return every last thing! Please don't lock me up!
24:01Victoria kicked her off in revulsion, then turned her gaze to the two bloodied men her guards had separated.
24:09She stared down at Gavin like he was worthless garbage.
24:13Gavin Valtz, my firm pumped five million dollars into your sinking company, and this is how you occupy your time?
24:24Stunning.
24:26Effective tomorrow morning, Apex Capital pulls all of our investment funding.
24:31Start preparing your company, Rackune, for full liquidation.
24:36I'm sending our lead forensic audit team to trace every dollar you've spent, and you'll spend the rest of your
24:45life scrambling to pay back your multi-million dollar debt.
24:51Gavin looked as though he'd been hit by a freight train.
24:54His eyes rolled back, he coughed up a mouthful of bloodline, then crashed face-first onto the lawn.
24:59Knocked fully unconscious bankruptcy, crushing debt, total public humiliation, exactly what he deserved for his betrayal.
25:07Eleanor, blood trickling from her split jaw, crawled over to my feet like a battered mess.
25:12Nina! Nina, please!
25:16Live correctly, you're still, you're part of our family!
25:19Wailing uncontrollably, I stared down at her pitiful, begging face, minutes earlier.
25:25The Vance family's blatant hypocrisy turned my stomach.
25:31I stepped sharply backward, yanking my legs free from Eleanor's frantic grip.
25:36Mrs. Vance, didn't you stand up and shout to every guest that your family would never take in garbage like
25:41me?
25:41So this toxic mess, you can clean it up yourselves.
25:45I turned to walk away, fully ready to leave this poisonous scene for good.
25:49But Chloe suddenly broke loose from the guard, screeching like a wounded as she lunged at my back.
25:55Nina, I'll kill you!
25:57You set every single part of this up!
25:59I'm dragging you down with me!
26:02That glow held every ounce of pain, grief, and trauma from my past life.
26:06The life where she drove me to my death.
26:08Chloe let out a shrill cry of agony, flying sideways onto a pile of shattered champagne flutes.
26:13Unable to push herself back up, I shook out my stinging palm slowly, staring down at her crumpled form.
26:19I ruined your life?
26:21Your own greedy choices wrecked everything.
26:24If you hadn't hijacked my wedding to trash my name and cover your snolly-ed secrets,
26:29your fragile house of cards might have lasted a little longer.
26:32I pulled a silk tissue from my clutch, wiped the mud off my fingertips slowly,
26:36then dropped the soiled tissue right onto her face.
26:39One last thing.
26:40That trench coat, designer handbag, and jewelry you stole from my bedroom?
26:45They were custom commissioned for Milan.
26:47Their total worth tops 30 grand.
26:50The police are already on their way.
26:53Right on schedule, the shrill, blaring sound of police sirens began to echo up the estate driveway.
27:01Sirens drowned out the crowd as four uniformed officers marched onto the wedding lawn.
27:06We have a grand larceny complaint.
27:09Which one of you is Chloe Jenkins?
27:12Chloe's eyes widened.
27:14Hi, no!
27:15I didn't steal anything!
27:17I only borrowed them!
27:18She scrambled backward through the mud, screaming hysterically at me.
27:22Nina, please tell them!
27:23We've been best friends for 10 years!
27:25It was just a dumb break!
27:26Officer, she broke into my home and stole luxury goods worth over $30,000.
27:32I've already submitted the security camera footage.
27:35The officers seized her arms and snapped handcuffs around her wrists.
27:38Take her into custody.
27:40Let go of me!
27:42Gavin, help!
27:43I can't go to prison!
27:46She was dragged away, unraveling completely.
27:49Gavin still lay sprawled in the muck,
27:51his company on the verge of total collapse, powerless to save himself.
27:54My parents rushed down the aisle, pulling me into a tight embrace.
28:00Nina, let's head home.
28:04We're not staying another minute in this horrid place.
28:09Yeah.
28:12Let's get out of here.
28:14Walking toward the exit, I reached up, plucked the million-dollar diamond tiara from my hair,
28:19and tossed it carelessly into a waste bin.
28:21I tugged the zipper down sharply, ditching the suffocating silk wedding dress and letting it crumple into the mud.
28:27Barefoot, I stepped into the bright sunlight.
28:29The nightmare of my past life was broken for good.
28:32Gavin and Chloe would spend theirs drowning in debt and prison sentences.
28:36As for me, I was finally walking toward a brand new, blank future.
28:42Two weeks later, I stepped into the grand ballroom of the Manhattan Jewelry Gala,
28:47turning heads instantly.
28:48My black silk, backless gown hugged my curves perfectly, radiating power and sophistication.
28:54I was no longer the fragile girl whose wedding had been ruined by toxic lies.
28:58I was the queen of my own destiny.
29:02Suddenly, a harsh grip caught my wrist.
29:04I turned to find Gavin, his tuxedo wrinkled and his eyes bloodshot with desperation.
29:09Nina, look at you, throwing yourself at every billionaire in New York,
29:14just to climb the social ladder.
29:17You ruined my life.
29:20And now you're acting like a saint?
29:23Guests began to whisper, pointing at the chaotic scene.
29:26But I didn't flinch.
29:28I coldly pried his fingers off my wrist and grabbed a nearby microphone.
29:32Gavin, you were banned from this gala after your company went under.
29:37Did you sneak in through the kitchen just to embarrass yourself again?
29:42Security, please remove this trespasser.
29:45Two massive security guards immediately tackled Gavin,
29:48pinning his arms behind his back as the crowd erupted in mocking laughter.
29:52Gavin screamed hysterically as he was dragged across the marble floor.
29:56You'll pay for this, Nina.
29:57You haven't seen the last of me!
30:00From the presenter's podium.
30:02As Gavin was thrown through the glass entrance doors,
30:05a sleek, midnight black Rolls Royce pulled up to the curb.
30:08The door clicked open, and Ethan Sterling,
30:11the city's most powerful and elusive tech billionaire, stepped out.
30:14His piercing gray eyes locked onto me through the crowd,
30:17a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
30:22Ethan Sterling strode into the VIP lounge,
30:25his commanding presence instantly making the spacious room feel small.
30:28So, you're the infamous Nina Chambers,
30:32the woman who dismantled the Vance family in a single afternoon.
30:36I must admit I'm impressed.
30:38Before I could answer,
30:39Ethan's glamorous blonde assistant, Chad,
30:41stepped forward with a condescending sneer.
30:47Mr. Sterling, don't waste your time.
30:50She's just another gold digger,
30:53trying to secure a new benefactor.
30:56Now that her fiancé is broke.
30:59I didn't show a hint of anger.
31:01Instead, I took a slow sip of my champagne
31:03and looked Ethan dead in the eye.
31:07Mr. Sterling,
31:08if your assistant spends as little time researching investments
31:13as he does researching me,
31:15it's no wonder your new fashion tech division
31:19lost $15 million last quarter.
31:23Your supply chain algorithm is
31:27completely outdated.
31:28Ethan froze,
31:29his eyes widening in genuine shock.
31:32He waved his hand,
31:33dismissing a stunned Chad instantly.
31:35You're sharp, Nina.
31:36Very sharp.
31:37What's your proposal?
31:38A partnership.
31:39Chambers Luxury designs the product
31:41and Sterling Tech handles global distribution.
31:44We split the profits 50-50.
31:45Ethan pulled a sleek fountain pen from his pocket,
31:48a fascinated smirk on his face.
31:50You've got yourself a deal.
31:51Just as he signed the contract,
31:53a piercing scream shattered the quiet lounge.
31:55Chloe Jenkins,
31:56looking disheveled and wild-eyed,
31:58rushed past the guards
31:59with a heavy glass bottle in her hand.
32:06Nina, you miserable bitch!
32:08You put me in a cell!
32:11You took my money!
32:13Now you're life!
32:15And now you're taking my life!
32:18If I'm going down,
32:20I'm taking your beautiful face with me!
32:25Chloe unstrewed the cap,
32:27revealing a smoking, pungent liquid.
32:29It was industrial acid.
32:30The elite guests in the hallway shrieked in terror,
32:33scrambling backward as Chloe lunged like a rabid animal.
32:36As Chloe swung the bottle forward,
32:38I sidestepped with fluid grace,
32:40sticking my high-heeled foot out.
32:42Chloe lost her balance completely.
32:44The acid bottle flew from her hand,
32:46shattering harmlessly against a stone pillar.
32:48Ethan's elite bodyguards swarmed the area instantly,
32:51slamming Chloe into the ground and cuffing her wrists.
32:54Call the commissioner immediately.
32:56Revoke her bail.
32:57Add attempted assault.
32:58Hunt with a deadly weapon.
33:00And ensure she never sees the light of day.
33:05Chloe thrashed against the guards,
33:06her face smeared with dirt and tears as they dragged her away.
33:10She locked eyes with me,
33:11letting out a chilling, hysterical laugh.
33:16Go ahead and lock me up.
33:18It's already too late,
33:19Nina.
33:20Gavin already broke into your family's vault.
33:23He has your core high-fashion blueprints.
33:25Your big launch next week is going to destroy your family forever.
33:30My heart sank as the gravity of Chloe's words hit me.
33:33Gavin had stolen the blueprints.
33:36The atmosphere inside the Chambers Group boardroom was suffocating.
33:40The morning headlines were disastrous.
33:42Gavin's newly formed shell company had just leaked my entire high-fashion line online,
33:47claiming the designs as his own.
33:49This is a total catastrophe.
33:52Our entire autumn collection is ruined before it even hit the runway.
33:56Nina, your personal drama has brought ruin to this company.
33:59We demand your immediate resignation.
34:02I stood at the head of the table,
34:04my knuckles whitening against the wood.
34:06I knew there was a mole in my company who had helped Gavin,
34:09but I needed time to prove it.
34:10Suddenly, the heavy oak doors banged open.
34:13Ethan Sterling walked in,
34:14flanked by a team of lawyers carrying thick leather briefcases.
34:17Nobody is voting anyone out.
34:19Sterling Group has just cleared a $10 billion credit line for Chambers Group.
34:23From this moment on,
34:25I am personally backing Nina's launch.
34:27The directors gasped,
34:29their arguments dying in their throats.
34:31Nobody dared to cross Ethan Sterling.
34:33I looked at Ethan,
34:34a wave of profound relief washing over me.
34:36He walked to my side,
34:37gently placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
34:40Don't worry.
34:42Production is already taken care of.
34:46We run the show now.
34:49I smiled,
34:50but my eyes remained sharp.
34:52I leaned close to Ethan,
34:53whispering into his ear.
34:55Gavin thinks he won.
34:57Let's let him celebrate.
35:00I want him to show up
35:02at the runway show.
35:04That's where
35:05we bury him.
35:09The night of the Chambers Luxury Gala arrived,
35:11and the venue was packed with international media
35:14and high society elites.
35:15Flashbulbs blinded the entrance
35:17as models prepped backstage.
35:19Sitting prominently in the very front row
35:21was Gavin,
35:21wearing a smug,
35:22triumphant grin.
35:24Hey, Nina!
35:25Thanks for hosting a launch party.
35:28The press is going to crucify you
35:31the second those models step out.
35:34I walked out onto the center stage.
35:36Welcome, everyone,
35:38to the future of Chambers Luxury.
35:40I know there have been rumors
35:41regarding copyright issues this week.
35:43Let's clear the air before the runway begins.
35:46I signaled the tech booth.
35:47Let's roll the footage.
35:49The giant LED screen behind me
35:51flashed to life.
35:52Gavin leaned forward,
35:54expecting to see his leaked blueprints.
35:55Instead, the screen played a crystal clear,
35:58high-definition security video.
36:00The footage showed Gavin
36:01sneaking into my private office at midnight,
36:04using a keycard provided by my head secretary.
36:06The video clearly captured Gavin
36:08copying files onto a flash drive and laughing.
36:11Oh my god!
36:12Gavin didn't design anything!
36:14He broke in and stole it!
36:16This is corporate espiachage!
36:17He's a thief!
36:18Gavin's face turned from smug satisfaction
36:20to a sickly, pale white.
36:22He jumped to his feet,
36:23trembling with rage
36:24as hundreds of cameras
36:25turned to face him.
36:28This is fake!
36:31It's an AI-generated deep-ed!
36:37He to me, Nina
36:39is framing me
36:40because she's bitter
36:41that I dumped her at the altar!
36:44Is that so?
36:49Let's hear what your accomplice has to say.
36:51I snapped my fingers.
36:53My head secretary, Sarah,
36:55walked onto the stage,
36:56tears streaming down her face.
36:58She held up her phone,
36:59plugging it directly into the audio system.
37:01I'm so sorry, Nina!
37:04Gavin threatened to threaten
37:07ruin my family if I didn't help him!
37:10He paid me $50,000
37:12to steal the access keycard!
37:14An audio recording played next.
37:16Gavin's distinct voice echoed through the speakers.
37:19Once I leak Nina's designs,
37:23the Chambers family will go bankrupt,
37:27and I'll buy their assets for pennies.
37:31The crowd erupted into curious shouts.
37:34Gavin stumbled backward,
37:36completely humiliated
37:37in front of the entire global fashion industry.
37:42Suddenly,
37:43four uniformed police officers
37:45marched down the main runway,
37:46bypassing the models.
37:47What the hell is this supposed to mean?
37:48They grabbed Gavin,
37:49forcefully throwing him against a display pillar
37:51and snapping handcuffs onto his wrists.
37:53Gavin Vance,
37:54you are under arrest for grand larceny,
37:57corporate theft,
37:57and fraud.
37:59No!
37:59Let go of me!
38:01Nina, you bitch!
38:02I'll kill you!
38:03As the crowd cheered for me,
38:04the venue's lights suddenly cut out completely.
38:06Total darkness engulfed the room.
38:08Before I could react,
38:10a powerful arm wrapped around my waist,
38:12pulling me into a warm, muscular chest.
38:14It was Ethan.
38:19Stay down, Nina.
38:20Don't move.
38:22In the pitch black,
38:23I could hear the rapid thumping
38:24of Ethan's heart against my back.
38:26The air felt heavy,
38:27charged with danger
38:28and an unexpected,
38:29intense intimacy.
38:30Suddenly,
38:31a blade hissed through the darkness.
38:32A masked figure lunged from the side,
38:34aiming straight for my throat.
38:36Ethan reacted instantly,
38:37throwing his body in front of mine
38:39to shield me.
38:40Flash!
38:40Ethan groaned in pain
38:41as the knife sliced across his forearm.
38:43Ethan!
38:45Fueled by pure adrenaline,
38:46I drove the sharp heel of my stiletto
38:48directly into the attacker's foot.
38:50The assassin yelled,
38:51stumbling back.
38:52Ethan followed up with a brutal,
38:54lined right hook
38:54that knocked the attacker out cold.
38:56The emergency lights flickered back on,
38:58bathing the room in a dim red glow.
39:00Ethan was bleeding,
39:01but he ignored his injury entirely.
39:03He grabbed my face with his hands,
39:05his eyes burning with intense emotion,
39:07without warning.
39:08Are you okay?
39:10Tell me you're not hurt.
39:12I'm fine.
39:13But you're bleeding.
39:15Ethan leaned down
39:16and pressed his lips firmly
39:17against my forehead.
39:18It was a fierce,
39:19protective kiss
39:20that sent a sudden ripple
39:21through my heart.
39:22Before I could process it,
39:23security guards rushed over,
39:25unmasking the unconscious
39:26attacker on the floor.
39:27It was a notorious hitman.
39:29My phone buzzed in my hand.
39:31It was a text from an unknown number.
39:33Message.
39:33Asterisk.
39:34Chloe escaped her transport vehicle.
39:36Your next asterisk.
39:40I gently wrapped a clean white bandage
39:42around Ethan's muscular forearm,
39:44my fingers lightly brushing
39:46against his skin.
39:48You shouldn't have taken that hit
39:49for me, Ethan.
39:51You could have been killed.
39:52I do it a thousand times over,
39:54Nina.
39:55You mean more to me
39:56than a tech empire.
39:57Bianca Sterling,
39:58Ethan's wealthy,
39:59arrogant childhood friend,
40:01stormed in,
40:01just as Ethan reached out
40:03to cut my cheek.
40:04Ethan!
40:06Oh my God!
40:07Look at what this low-class woman
40:09did to you!
40:10She's baggage, Ethan!
40:11Her ex-fiancé is a criminal
40:14and her best friend
40:15is a lunatic!
40:16Get away from him,
40:18you trashy divorcee!
40:20Bianca shoved me back,
40:21trying to position herself
40:22between us.
40:23Ethan's face darkened instantly,
40:26his voice turning cold as ice.
40:28Bianca, watch your mouth.
40:32Nina is my business partner.
40:35And she is the woman
40:36I am going to marry.
40:37If you ever insult her again,
40:40I will personally ruin
40:42your family's estate.
40:45Bianca gasped,
40:46her face twisting
40:47in pure jealousy and shock.
40:48She glared at me
40:49with murderous hatred
40:50before storming out.
40:52My phone vibrated again.
40:53A new photo popped up.
40:55It was a stealth picture
40:56of my parents' house,
40:57taken from a car window.
41:01TikTok, Nina.
41:06The Sterling Annual Charity Gala
41:08was the most exclusive
41:09event of the season.
41:10I entered the ballroom
41:11on Ethan's arm,
41:12wearing an emerald green gown
41:14that made me look like royalty.
41:15But the piece didn't last long.
41:21Bianca was waiting
41:22near the champagne tower,
41:23surrounded by a group
41:24of catty high society women.
41:26Look, everyone.
41:27The charity case has arrived.
41:29Nina, tell us,
41:30how does it feel
41:31to trick a real billionaire
41:33after failing to keep
41:34a bottom-level loser
41:35like Gavin?
41:36The women snickered,
41:37exchanging mocking glances.
41:39Bianca intentionally
41:40extended her foot,
41:42trying to trip me
41:42as I walked past
41:43with a full glass
41:44of red wine.
41:45I noticed the movement instantly.
41:47Instead of falling,
41:48I pivoted gracefully,
41:50losing my balance
41:51just enough
41:51to tilt my hand forward.
41:53Splash!
41:54The dark red wine
41:55poured perfectly
41:56over Bianca's custom-made
41:57white designer gown,
41:58soaking her
41:59from the chest down.
42:00My dress!
42:01You did that on purpose,
42:03you psycho!
42:03Oh, I'm so sorry,
42:06Bianca.
42:07I guess I got distracted
42:09by your lack of manners.
42:11You should really watch
42:12where you put your feet.
42:13Ethan stepped up
42:14to the center podium,
42:15grabbing the microphone.
42:17Ladies and gentlemen,
42:18tonight,
42:18I want to make
42:19a special announcement.
42:21I am officially proposing
42:22to Nina Chambers,
42:24and as a wedding gift,
42:25I am transferring
42:2630% of Sterling Group shares
42:28to her name.
42:32In a damp,
42:33dimly-lit abandoned warehouse
42:34on the outskirts of New Jersey,
42:36the air smelled
42:37of rust and decay.
42:38Chloe Jenkins sat
42:39on a wooden crate,
42:40her expensive makeup
42:41smeared and ruined.
42:43The door creaked open,
42:44and Gavin stumbled in.
42:45His face was covered
42:47in bruises
42:47from his recent
42:48police interrogation,
42:49having just been released
42:50on a massive bail
42:51paid by a mysterious donor.
42:53This is all your fault,
42:55Chloe!
42:56If you hadn't opened
42:57your mouth at the wedding,
42:58we'd be rich right now!
43:00Shut up, Gavin!
43:02You're the idiot
43:03who got caught on camera
43:05like an amateur thief!
43:07Don't act like
43:08you're better than me.
43:16What the hell?
43:18Tell everyone!
43:21Enough.
43:22Both of you look
43:23absolutely pathetic.
43:25The heavy metal doors
43:27swung open completely.
43:28And Bianca Sterling
43:30stepped into the filthy warehouse,
43:31her high heels
43:32clicking loudly
43:33against the concrete.
43:36You both want
43:37Nina destroyed,
43:37and I want her
43:39out of Ethan's life.
43:40Forever.
43:41I just deposited
43:43ten million dollars
43:44into a secure
43:45offshore account
43:46for you two.
43:47There's a private jet
43:49waiting at the hangar.
43:50Chloe wiped the blood
43:51from her lip,
43:52a sinister...
43:53What's the plan?
43:54simple.
43:55We kidnap her tomorrow
43:57and we ensure
43:58she never wakes up.
44:03The private beach
44:04behind Ethan's
44:05oceanfront mansion
44:06was quiet,
44:07the sound of crashing waves
44:08filling the night air.
44:10Thousands of fairy lights
44:11illuminated the sand
44:12where Ethan stood
44:13on one knee,
44:14holding open a velvet box
44:15containing a flawless
44:1620-carat pink diamond ring.
44:19Nina,
44:19from the moment
44:20you shattered that
44:21wedding glass,
44:22you stole my heart.
44:22Let me protect you
44:24for the rest of your life.
44:25Will you marry me?
44:26I looked down at him,
44:27my heart racing.
44:28Tears blurred my vision
44:30as I leaned down
44:30and kissed him passionately.
44:32Yes, Ethan.
44:33A million times yes.
44:36He slipped the massive
44:37diamond onto my finger,
44:39lifting me up
44:39and spinning me around
44:40on the shore.
44:41But as I rested my head
44:43against his shoulder,
44:44a sudden wave of dread
44:45washed over me.
44:46The ghost of my past life
44:47still lingered.
44:48I couldn't shake the feeling
44:50that the storm
44:50wasn't over yet.
44:51Ethan noticed
44:52my tightening grip,
44:53pulling back slightly
44:54to cut my face.
44:55Hey, look at me.
44:57No matter what Chloe
44:58or Gavin tries to do,
45:00they can't touch you anymore.
45:01I'm right here.
45:04I smiled,
45:05trying to force
45:06the anxiety down.
45:08The next morning,
45:09I got into my sedan
45:10to drive to the
45:11corporate headquarters.
45:12As I navigated
45:13through a busy intersection,
45:15a massive,
45:16roaring semi-truck
45:17suddenly ignored
45:17a red light,
45:18speeding straight
45:19toward my driver's side door
45:20with terrifying velocity.
45:25Metal groaned
45:26and glass shattered
45:27into a million pieces
45:28as the heavy semi-truck
45:30slammed directly
45:31into my sedan.
45:32The force of the impact
45:33flipped my car twice
45:34before it skidded
45:35upside down
45:36across the asphalt.
45:37Inside,
45:38the white safety airbags
45:39deployed,
45:40covered in bright red blood.
45:42I hung upside down
45:43by my seatbelt,
45:44my vision fading fast
45:45as blood trickled
45:46down my forehead.
45:47Through the cracked windshield,
45:49the driver of the semi-truck
45:50put the vehicle
45:51into reverse.
45:52The driver wore
45:53a baseball cap
45:54pulled low,
45:55but his furious,
45:56bruised face
45:56was unmistakable.
45:57It was Gavin.
46:04Die, you bitch!
46:06Just die!
46:08You asked for this.
46:10Gavin hit the gas,
46:11intending to run over
46:13my crushed sedan
46:13and finish the job.
46:15But before his tires
46:16could reach my car,
46:18three heavy,
46:18black armor-plated
46:19Sterling Group SUVs
46:21tore into the intersection,
46:22deliberately ramming
46:23into the side
46:24of the semi-truck.
46:25Crash!
46:26The semi-truck tilted
46:27and crashed onto its side,
46:29completely pinned down.
46:35Five heavily armed
46:36security guards
46:37jumped out,
46:38smashing Gavin's window
46:39and dragging him out
46:40onto the pavement.
46:41An hour later,
46:42Ethan arrived
46:43at the hospital,
46:44his suit stained
46:45with dirt and sweat.
46:46His face was a mask
46:47of pure,
46:48unadulterated fury
46:49as the lead doctor
46:50stepped out
46:51of the emergency room.
46:52If she doesn't make it,
46:53I will tear this city apart.
46:55Find Chloe,
46:56find Bionica
46:57and bring them to me.
47:01Inside a freezing,
47:03concrete basement
47:04beneath a Sterling
47:05shipping warehouse,
47:06Gavin was chained
47:07to a heavy steel pipe,
47:08his face swollen
47:09and bleeding
47:10from a brutal interrogation.
47:11The heavy metal door
47:12groaned open
47:13and Ethan walked in.
47:14He didn't say a word.
47:16He simply sat down
47:17on a leather chair
47:18in the center of the room,
47:19his eyes dark,
47:20cold and dead.
47:21It was a brake failure!
47:23I swear you can't
47:25prove anything, Sterling!
47:27Let me go
47:28or my mother will sue you!
47:30Ethan let out a low,
47:31chilling chuckle.
47:33He reached into his pocket
47:34and tossed a stack
47:35of printed financial documents
47:36right onto Gavin's
47:38bleeding face.
47:39Your mother,
47:39Eleanor,
47:40was denied bail
47:40an hour ago
47:41for hiring a hitman.
47:43And this document
47:44shows a $10 million
47:45wire transfer
47:46from Bionica Sterling's
47:48offshore account
47:49directly to you.
47:51You're done, Gavin.
47:53Gavin's eyes widened
47:54in raw terror
47:55as his last defense
47:56completely crumbled.
47:59Wait!
47:59Don't kill me!
48:00It was Chloe!
48:02Chloe and Bianca
48:03planned the whole thing!
48:04They're at the private
48:05hangar right now!
48:06At that exact moment,
48:08Ethan's phone buzzed.
48:09The hospital called.
48:10I had miraculously
48:11regained consciousness.
48:13Ethan,
48:14don't go to the hangar.
48:16It's a trap.
48:17Chloe's real target
48:18is your tech headquarters.
48:23I refused to stay
48:24in the hospital bed.
48:25With a white bandage
48:26wrapped tightly
48:27around my forehead,
48:28I stood next to Ethan
48:29inside the high-tech
48:30command center
48:31of the Sterling Group
48:32headquarters.
48:35Chloe knows
48:36we would track her
48:37to the hangar.
48:40She used Bionna's
48:42clearance codes
48:42to leak a false
48:44flight plan,
48:45but she's actually
48:47inside this building.
48:48right now.
48:49Then let's give her
48:51exactly what she wants.
48:53Within minutes,
48:55the Sterling Group
48:56communications team
48:57leaked a breaking news
48:58alert to every
48:59major network.
49:00Billionaire Ethan Sterling
49:01in critical condition
49:02following assassin attack.
49:04Sterling Group
49:05in leadership chaos,
49:06believing the distraction
49:07was perfect.
49:15Two figures dressed
49:16in black security uniforms
49:18slipped past the lower-level
49:19checkpoints,
49:20riding the private elevator
49:22straight to the top-floor vault.
49:23It was Bianca and Chloe.
49:25Bianca used her
49:26biometric backup
49:27thumbprint to bypass
49:28the heavy titanium vault doors.
49:30Hurry up, Chloe!
49:31Once we download
49:32the global asset
49:33encryption keys,
49:34the Sterling Empire
49:35belongs to us.
49:36Chloe cackled,
49:37plugging a specialized
49:38hacking drive
49:39into the main terminal.
49:40I told you,
49:41Nina is nothing
49:42compared to us.
49:43We won!
49:44Suddenly,
49:44a deafening alarm
49:45blared through the vault.
49:46The massive,
49:48three-ton reinforced
49:49steel security doors
49:50slammed shut behind them
49:51with a heavy thud,
49:52locking them inside
49:53a secure,
49:54airtight glass cage.
49:58The lights inside
49:59the sealed vault
50:00flickered,
50:01turning into bright,
50:02blinding white
50:03stadium bulbs.
50:04What is happening?
50:05Access denied?
50:06This is my father's
50:08override code!
50:09Your father revoked
50:10your security clearance
50:1120 minutes ago,
50:13Bianca.
50:14The wall of the vault
50:14shifted,
50:15revealing a hidden
50:16observation deck.
50:17I stood behind
50:18the bulletproof glass,
50:19my arm linked tightly
50:21with Ethan,
50:21who looked perfectly
50:22healthy and completely
50:23unharmed.
50:24I do it a thousand
50:25times over.
50:26You mean more to me
50:27than any of this.
50:29You...
50:29You were supposed
50:30to be dying
50:31in the ICU!
50:33You set us up!
50:36You stupid idiot!
50:38You said your plan
50:40was foolproof!
50:41You ruined my life!
50:43I'm a sterling,
50:45you filthy parasite!
50:47You dragged me
50:49into this!
50:49Chloe screamed,
50:50grabbing Bianca
50:51by her hair
50:52and slamming her
50:53against the metal
50:53terminal.
50:54The two women
50:55tore into each other
50:56like feral cats,
50:57scratching,
50:58biting,
50:58and screaming insults
51:00while the security
51:00cameras broadcasted
51:02the entire embarrassing
51:03brawl live
51:03to the executive board.
51:05The door behind
51:06the observation deck
51:07opened,
51:07and Bianca's
51:08billionaire father
51:09walked in,
51:10looking older
51:10and deeply ashamed.
51:12He didn't even
51:12look at his daughter.
51:14Take her away.
51:16I have no daughter.
51:18Let the law
51:19deal with these terrorists.
51:24Inside the glass cage,
51:25Chloe suddenly
51:26stopped fighting Bianca.
51:28She wiped the blood
51:29from her nose
51:29and let out a manic,
51:30terrifying laugh
51:31that echoed
51:32through the intercom system.
51:33You think you won,
51:34Nina?
51:35You think a piece
51:36of glass can save
51:37you from me?
51:37Chloe reached inside
51:39her heavy tactical vest
51:40and pulled out a small,
51:41blinking device
51:42with a digital countdown timer.
51:44It was a military-grade
51:45micro-explosive.
51:47Bianca shrieked,
51:48scrambling away
51:49into the corner
51:49of the vault.
51:50Open the door!
51:51Help me out!
51:53She's gonna blow
51:54us all up!
51:55Ethan grabbed my waist,
51:56trying to pull me
51:57toward the emergency
51:58exit hallway.
51:59I remained
52:00completely calm.
52:01I stepped right up
52:02to the glass,
52:03looking directly
52:04into Chloe's crazed eyes
52:05through the speaker system.
52:07You always were
52:07the best of us,
52:08Chloe.
52:09Too bad it had
52:09to end this way.
52:12Chloe, look at the wire
52:13color on that decanator.
52:15It's a standard
52:16Phoenix 5 model,
52:17right?
52:19The same model
52:20you made Gavin by
52:21from the docks
52:22last month?
52:22Chloe froze,
52:24her thumb trembling
52:25over the trigger.
52:25I didn't just
52:27change the security
52:28codes, Chloe.
52:29I had my tech
52:30coon replace
52:31your explosive device
52:32with a dummy unit
52:34an hour ago.
52:35Go ahead.
52:36Press it.
52:37Chloe screamed,
52:38plunging her thumb
52:39down onto the button.
52:40Nothing happened.
52:42The timer clicked
52:42off harmlessly.
52:44The glass doors
52:45slid open,
52:45and 10 SWAT officers
52:47rushed in,
52:48slamming Chloe
52:48into the ground.
52:52Three weeks later,
52:53the steps of the
52:54New York Supreme Court
52:55were packed
52:55with hundreds
52:56of reporters.
52:57The final verdicts
52:58were delivered.
52:59Gavin Vance
53:00and Chloe Jenkins
53:00were sentenced
53:01to life in prison
53:02without parole.
53:03Bianca Sterling
53:04was stripped
53:05of her inheritance
53:06and set to a
53:07maximum security
53:08federal facility.
53:09The news caused
53:10Chambers Group
53:11and Sterling Group
53:11stocked to skyrocket
53:13to historic highs,
53:14solidifying them
53:15as the most powerful
53:16business alliance
53:16in the country.
53:17Inside the
53:18Chambers Mansion,
53:19my parents were
53:20happily reviewing
53:21floral arrangements
53:22for the upcoming
53:22wedding.
53:23But as I looked
53:24at the white lace samples,
53:25my chest tightened.
53:27I felt a sudden wave
53:28of post-traumatic stress.
53:29The word wedding
53:30still felt like a nightmare.
53:32Ethan walked
53:33into the room,
53:34instantly sensing
53:35my distress.
53:36He gently took
53:37the fabric from my hands
53:38and pulled me
53:38into a warm embrace.
53:43We don't have to do this
53:44here, Nina.
53:45We don't need
53:46a traditional
53:46New York crowd.
53:47What do you mean?
53:48I bought a private
53:49island in Iceland.
53:50Just the aurora,
53:52the ocean,
53:52and the people
53:53who actually love us.
53:54No uninvited guests.
53:55No drama.
53:56I smiled,
53:57a deep sense of peace
53:58finally settling
53:59over me.
54:02That evening,
54:03while packing
54:04my old belongings,
54:05I found a dusty
54:06lockbox belonging
54:07to my late grandfather.
54:08Inside was a forgotten
54:10deed to a massive
54:10plot of land
54:11in upstate New York,
54:13land that was
54:13recently valued
54:14at a staggering
54:15$12 billion.
54:20The sky above
54:21the private
54:22Icelandic island
54:23was a breathtaking
54:23canvas of green
54:24and purple
54:25northern lights.
54:26A beautiful,
54:27transparent crystal
54:28chapel stood
54:29on the snow-covered
54:30cliff,
54:30overlooking the
54:31roaring dark ocean.
54:33I stood in the
54:34dressing room,
54:35staring at my
54:35reflection.
54:36I wore a custom
54:37star-lit gown,
54:38embroidered with
54:3910,000 micro-diamonds
54:40that shimmered
54:41with every movement.
54:42I looked like
54:42an absolute goddess.
54:45It's
54:47perfect.
54:48Suddenly,
54:49my assistant
54:49rushed into the
54:50room,
54:51looking pale.
54:52Mrs. Chambers,
54:53we have a situation.
54:54Three of the
54:55remaining Vance
54:55family creditors
54:56managed to bypass
54:57the coastal security
54:58line.
54:59They're demanding
55:00a meeting,
55:01claiming they have
55:02a legal right
55:03to your grandfather's
55:04land deed.
55:05My eyes narrowed,
55:06but before I could
55:07even step toward
55:08the door,
55:09Ethan walked in,
55:10wearing a sleek
55:10black tuxedo.
55:11He looked completely
55:12unbothered.
55:13Waiting for me?
55:15Relax, sweetheart.
55:17The situation is
55:18already handled.
55:19What did you do?
55:22I bought out their
55:23entire debt portfolio
55:24five minutes ago.
55:27As of right now,
55:28I own their companies,
55:30their mortgages,
55:32and their assets.
55:34My legal team
55:35is stripping
55:36them of their licenses
55:39as we speak.
55:40They're currently being
55:42escorted off my island
55:44by local authorities.
55:46I let out a soft
55:48laugh, amazed
55:49by his fierce,
55:50protective efficiency.
55:53He extended his
55:54hand to me,
55:55his gray eyes
55:56filled with
55:56endless warmth.
55:57The priest is waiting.
56:02Let's get married.
56:06The crystal doors
56:07of the chapel
56:08slid open,
56:09and I walked
56:09down the aisle,
56:10my long diamond
56:11train gliding
56:12smoothly over the
56:13glass floor.
56:13My parents sat
56:15in the front row,
56:15tears of pure joy
56:17streaming down
56:17their faces,
56:18completely erasing
56:19the painful memories
56:20of my past life.
56:22Ethan stood at the
56:22altar,
56:23his gaze locked
56:24onto mine as if I
56:25were the only person
56:26in the universe.
56:27Do you,
56:27Ethan Sterling,
56:29take Nina Chambers
56:30to be your
56:31lawfully wedded wife?
56:33I do.
56:35Through every
56:35lifetime,
56:36I do.
56:38And do you,
56:39Nina Chambers,
56:40take Ethan
56:41Sterling to be
56:42your lawfully
56:43wedded husband?
56:44I looked into
56:45his eyes,
56:46my voice clear,
56:47confident,
56:47and ringing
56:48with absolute
56:49certainty.
56:49I do.
56:51With all my
56:52heart,
56:52I do.
56:54The crowd
56:55erupted into
56:55enthusiastic applause
56:56as Ethan pulled
56:57me into his arms,
56:58sealing our vows
56:59with a deep,
57:00passionate kiss.
57:01At that exact
57:02moment,
57:03Chambers Luxury
57:04announced its
57:04official merger
57:05with Sterling Global,
57:06instantly becoming
57:07the top luxury
57:08conglomerate in the
57:09world.
57:09That night,
57:10inside our glass-roofed
57:11honeymoon suite
57:12beneath the glowing
57:13aurora,
57:14Ethan gently lifted
57:15me onto the bed,
57:16his voice a low,
57:17sensual whisper
57:18against my ear.
57:19The revenge is over,
57:20Mrs. Sterling.
57:20Now it's time to
57:21focus our new
57:22beginning.
57:23How do you feel
57:24about starting our
57:25family tonight?
57:28Three years later,
57:30the giant digital
57:30billboards in
57:31Times Square
57:32flashed with a
57:33massive announcement.
57:34I was officially
57:35named the most
57:35influential woman
57:36in global business,
57:38my face radiating
57:39power on the cover
57:40of Time magazine
57:40under my name,
57:42Nina Chambers-Sterling.
57:43Standing right beside
57:44me on the red carpet
57:45was Ethan,
57:46his arm wrapped
57:47securely around my
57:48waist,
57:48while a beautiful,
57:49two-year-old boy
57:50with Ethan's
57:51signature gray eyes
57:52giggled in his arms.
57:53A nearby television
57:54screen in the media
57:55lounge played a
57:56documentary about
57:57prison rehabilitation.
57:58The camera briefly
58:00panned across a bleak,
58:01gray laundry room
58:02where a hollow-eyed
58:03woman with graying
58:03hair was scrubbing
58:04sheets.
58:05It was Chloe,
58:06looking completely
58:07broken and
58:08unrecognizable.
58:09Sitting in the
58:10corner,
58:10cleaning shoes with
58:11trembling hands,
58:12was Gavin.
58:13I didn't even pause
58:14to look at the
58:15screen.
58:15I simply clicked the
58:16remote, changing the
58:18channel to a cartoon
58:19for my son.
58:19The ultimate revenge
58:21wasn't just putting my
58:22enemies behind bars,
58:23it was completely
58:24erasing them from my
58:25mind and living a life
58:26of absolute luxury
58:27and happiness.
58:28Ethan leaned down,
58:30pressing a soft kiss
58:31to my temple as our
58:32son reached out to
58:33hug them both.
58:33I looked out at the
58:35beautiful New York
58:36skyline, a soft,
58:37triumphant smile on
58:38my lips.
58:39The nightmare of my
58:40rebirth was over.
58:41I was finally the
58:42true queen of my
58:43own empire.
58:44vampire.
58:44You can see the
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