Watch Ruin Me, Ruin Your Clan, a gripping short drama about revenge, power struggles, betrayal, and dangerous elite romance. A woman surrounded by powerful men and rival factions becomes the center of a destructive game where love and vengeance collide. As hidden agendas surface and alliances break, she realizes that every move she makes can either destroy her enemies—or herself. In a world ruled by wealth, influence, and family clans, no one is truly safe from betrayal. This cinematic short drama delivers dark emotional tension, luxury aesthetics, and addictive storytelling full of twists and psychological conflict. Perfect for fans of revenge dramas, elite romance stories, and power-struggle narratives.
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#RuinMeRuinYourClan #ShortDrama #ShortMovie #ShortFilm #ViralDrama #RevengeStory #EliteDrama #DarkRomance #PowerGame #BillionaireStory #ClanWar #RomanceDrama #MiniDrama #TrendingDrama #ReelsDrama #BetrayalStory #LuxuryDrama #LoveAndRevenge #PsychologicalDrama #PowerStruggle
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Short filmTranscript
00:00At my husband's product launch, he played a video of me being raped on a 40-foot screen, in front
00:07of hundreds of people, reporters, clients, my colleagues.
00:13When I tried to stop him, Dominic's... Santiago smiled and raised the remote higher.
00:23Emi, since you know how painful it is to have your privacy exposed...
00:29My screams and the sound of fabric tearing echoed through the hall.
00:35Cameras swung towards me from every direction, but Dominic carried his mistress, Aunt Rosilla, in his arms and walked away.
00:48The man who once saved me from those debt brokers, who held me while I cried after the assault, had
00:53become the monster who would use my trauma as entertainment.
00:56But what Dominic doesn't know is that my brother, Zayn Lopez, has been waiting 13 years for this moment, and
01:01I've already texted him two words, come back home.
01:04Tiago Group's newest product launch, I froze in.
01:09On the massive screen behind my husband, naked photos of me.
01:25Photos taken the year I first joined the company.
01:28The year I was assaulted by a client at a private VIP event.
01:33Images I thought had been destroyed eight years ago.
01:38Hundreds of guests filled the hall.
01:40Champagne glasses froze mid-clink.
01:43Flash builds popped from every corner.
01:49But I couldn't move.
01:50Couldn't speak.
01:52Couldn't breathe.
02:02Because the man standing at the podium, remote in hand, was Dominic Santiago.
02:10I snapped back to my senses, while everyone laughed.
02:14Panicking as I tried to look for the remote, only to be stopped by at Dominic Santiago.
02:29The man's hands trembled as I pulled out my phone and opened the post from the night before.
02:33Holding it up in front of him.
02:38In the bottom right corner of the photo was a patch no bigger than a fingernail.
02:41Just the faint edge whip of a bathrobe.
02:43If no one pointed it out, anyone would have assumed it was a towel thrown on the floor.
02:49You call this underwear, Dominic?
02:51Does this count as privacy?
02:55He glanced at the photo, frowned slightly, and replied in an icy tone.
02:59Whether it counts is beside the point.
03:03Your intent alone is unforgivable.
03:06With that, he raised the remote.
03:08The next second, the big screen started playing the surveillance video of me being violated in a private room eight
03:16years ago.
03:17My shrill screams and the sound of fabric tearing echoed through the vast exhibition hall.
03:27Cameras swung toward me from every direction.
03:33The painful memories made me shrink into a corner fearfully.
03:43Dominic's assistant stepped forward, voice urgent.
03:48Mrs. Santiago's mental health barely improved this year.
03:51If this continues, something could really go wrong.
03:54Shut up.
03:56Dominic didn't even look at him.
04:00She's hard to kill.
04:03Those words hit me like a physical blow.
04:07Hard to kill.
04:08That's what he thought of me.
04:18He scooped at Rosalie Mava to his arms.
04:21The woman he'd chosen over my Dignatius.
04:29And sivery out dad to his pocket.
04:33Then he walked away without looking back.
04:39Rosalie glanced back over his shoulder.
04:43A smile played on her lips.
04:47Victorious.
04:49Satisfied.
04:53I knew in that moment.
04:55I knew in that moment.
04:57This time.
04:59I truly had to leave.
05:05The hall was automated.
05:07Only the remote controlled the screen.
05:09And Dominic had taken it.
05:10No one could stop it.
05:12All eyes fixed on footage from the VIP lounder.
05:16My torn suit.
05:17Marked shoulders.
05:18The drunken man's hands sliding along my waist as I curled, curled on the floor, trembling.
05:24Eight years of nightmare.
05:27Be playing for hundreds of people.
05:37I reporters swarmed.
05:43One who'd nearly been fired before wore a greasy smile.
05:48Grabbed my shoulder.
05:50Let his hand slide down.
05:52Haven't you always acted like some pure goddess, Mrs. Santiago?
05:55Slept your way to the top?
05:59How do you keep him satisfied?
06:03Think I'll ever get a turn?
06:05I shoved him away.
06:08Dozens of cameras shoved into my face.
06:13Mrs. Santiago, does your husband despise you?
06:16Is that why you've never gotten pregnant?
06:18They marry you for your sex appear.
06:19How many deals did you secure by sleeping your way to the top?
06:23The crowd blurred into beasts with gaping mouths, all wearing the same leaking face, reaching for my body.
06:31I lost it completely.
06:32Eyes bloodshot.
06:33I screamed.
06:35Yeah, I'm dirty!
06:37I'm worthless!
06:38Get away from me!
06:41I fled through the crowd and out of the hall.
06:46Then my phone bugged.
06:50Emeline, the surprise isn't over yet.
06:54Look up.
06:57On every giant screen along the street, the same video.
07:03The violation, the screaming, my naked body, broadcast across the entire city.
07:11Another message.
07:13Check your phone.
07:15I open social media.
07:19My photo.
07:21Messy clothes.
07:23Hickeys on my neck.
07:24Already trending.
07:27The ringtone made me tremble.
07:29Her, I picked up without a word.
07:31A soft laugh.
07:33Her voice shifted.
07:35Emeline, you are still my defeated opponent.
07:38Know your place.
07:39Try anything again, and it only gets worse.
07:43In restrained laughter.
07:45In silence.
07:46How many times?
07:47When my cat scratched Rosili's leg, he threw me into the reptile in Clintusier.
07:52He knew my fear of snakes.
07:54And watched through the glass as I screamed.
07:56When I spilled wine on her gown, poured a dozen bottles over me in public.
08:00His walking wine scandal.
08:03Too many times to count.
08:06If not for thirteen years ago, or eight years ago,
08:10I would have left long ago.
08:13The man who had shielded me had torn that protection apart,
08:16but into the blade that cut deepest.
08:21Nothing left to cle-
08:35I tried to make it home, but dizziestness hit like a wave.
08:39The world spun.
08:41I collapsed on the street, amid honking bars and stares.
08:44Darkness swallowed me.
08:46I woke.
08:46I was in the hospital.
08:48And I woke.
08:49It stung my nose.
08:51Kept my eyes closed.
08:54Outside the ward.
08:55I heard the doctor's worried voice.
08:58Mr. Santiago, you promised not to aggravate Mrs. Santiago.
09:02Why did you-
09:02She was finally improving.
09:06Now we're back to square one.
09:08Will she die from it?
09:11Dominic's cold voice cut in.
09:18Not right now.
09:20But if-
09:26Then stop talking.
09:28Dominic was losing patience.
09:31You don't tell me how to treat my wife.
09:34I know what I'm doing.
09:37Get out!
09:39The doctor left.
09:41The ward door opened from outside.
09:50Emi, it's me.
09:51Soft, gentle.
09:53Nothing like the monster at the launch.
09:54Lean down.
09:55Kiss my forehead.
09:56Wake up.
09:57You've been sleeping for a long time.
10:03His arms wrapped around me.
10:05Stubble rough against my neck.
10:12Emi, don't mind what others say.
10:14I never cared about what happened eight years ago.
10:17The only one I eyed.
10:18His breath on my ear.
10:19Once my strength.
10:21Now it disgusted me.
10:22But I couldn't push him away.
10:24He thought I was still obedient.
10:25Mood brightened.
10:26He ruffled my hair like a child and brought oatmeal.
10:29The doctor says you need to eat.
10:31Warm oatmeal on my lips.
10:33I hesitated.
10:34Took a bite.
10:36I needed to survive.
10:39Feeling better?
10:42After a few spoonfuls, Dominic spoke casually.
10:45But his tone allowed no refusal.
10:48Since you feel better, go apologize to Rosa.
10:51Why should I?
10:53His eyes showed nothing.
10:57She tried to kill herself because of your photo.
11:01If I hadn't gotten there in time, she'd be dead.
11:04You must go.
11:05What about me?
11:06She leaked my neck!
11:09Emi.
11:09He slammed the bowl down.
11:10Voice cold.
11:12No time for this.
11:14The hospital called about your mother.
11:16You've oversees medical team.
11:18The words hung in the air.
11:21My mother.
11:22Her treatment.
11:22Her life all controlled by him.
11:28I'll go.
11:30Flat.
11:30Hollow.
11:32He kissed me and left.
11:35Calm tone.
11:37But I heard the threat.
11:39Eight years he'd paid for her treatment.
11:41Never asked credit.
11:44Today, he used her against me.
11:46For Rosalie.
11:51Bitterness exploded in my chest.
11:55I searched my phone for that familiar number.
11:58The one I had not dialed in years.
12:01And typed the words.
12:06Come back home, Zan.
12:08I need you.
12:19Come back home, Zan.
12:21I need you.
12:23Zane Lopez.
12:24My brother.
12:25My only family.
12:26The Lopez name had fallen.
12:27But Zane himself had never been broken.
12:29He had cut ties with our family long ago.
12:31To pursue his dream of becoming a film director.
12:34We had not spoken in months.
12:35But for what I needed to do next.
12:37For the performance of my lifetime.
12:38He was the only one who could pull it off.
12:45I pressed send.
12:46Stared at the screen.
12:47And waited for the three dots.
12:49That would change everything.
12:51Minutes passed.
12:52Then my phone buzzed.
13:04Minutes passed.
13:05Then my phone buzzed.
13:13Okay.
13:14I'll be in New York within three days.
13:22Zane.
13:24Coming home for me?
13:28Almost at the same moment.
13:30Another message popped up.
13:32From Dominic.
13:34Emmy.
13:34I'm taking Rosa on a trip to relax.
13:36We'll be back in three days.
13:38Make come apologize once we return.
13:41I'm into this plot a little ready.
13:47Two messages.
13:50Two men.
13:53Three days.
13:58Zane's message was a promise.
14:02Dominic's was a threat.
14:09I clutched my phone tight.
14:11Crying on the hospital bed.
14:14And then.
14:15Suddenly.
14:16I laughed like a mad woman.
14:21Three days later.
14:23Dominic's driver knocked on my door before dawn.
14:26When he saw me.
14:27His expression flickered.
14:29Like he wanted to say something.
14:31But couldn't.
14:33Mrs. Santiago.
14:39I know.
14:40Let's go.
14:43I'd prepared myself for the worst.
14:46Three days of waiting.
14:48Three days of rehearsing.
14:50What I'd say.
14:51How I'd act.
14:52Which expression to wear.
14:56The drive felt endless.
14:59Each block brought me closer to the Santiago group building.
15:03To Dominic's office.
15:06To whatever punishment he'd devised.
15:15When we arrived and I stepped out of the car.
15:17I froze.
15:21Because sitting in Dominic's office.
15:23Visible through the glass walls.
15:25Was someone I never expected to see again.
15:34Austin Watford.
15:35The name alone made bile rise in my throat.
15:38Eight years ago.
15:39This man had violated me in the Santiago group's private lounge.
15:42He'd torn my clothes.
15:43Left marks on my body that took months to fade.
15:46Destroyed something inside me that never fully healed.
15:49Dominic had told me he'd personally sent Austin to prison.
15:52That justice had been served.
15:53That I was safe.
15:57And now Austin Watford was sitting in my husband's office.
16:00Laughing.
16:03Chatting.
16:07Like he belonged there.
16:11Like Dominic had invited him.
16:16Dominic had invited him.
16:23Rosalie walked out of Dominic's office.
16:26Her voice sweet and cheerful.
16:27Oh, Emelyn.
16:28You're really punctual.
16:30She reached out and pulled me straight inside.
16:37Austin, who was already balding at the top.
16:43Stretched his hand toward me.
16:47I quickly stepped back, bumping into the wine cabinet behind me.
16:53A large splash of red wine soaked through my jacket.
16:58Seeing the way he looked at me, I started gabbing.
17:03I looked toward at Dominic Santiago.
17:06He covered his nose with both hands and avoided my gaze.
17:09Seemed like he wanted to say something, but Rosalie Mavos spoke first.
17:14Come on, Emmeline.
17:16Since you two are old acquaintances, no need to be so tense.
17:20Rosalie grabbed my wrist and pulled me forward.
17:24Dom said the public scene was a bit much.
17:27So we'll handle your apology prightly.
17:29She pointed at Austin.
17:30He's an important client.
17:32Make him happy today.
17:34And I won't hold anything beguined you.
17:37Before I could respond, Austin dragged me to his side.
17:40His thick arm wrapped around me.
17:42You were too young to satisfy me back then.
17:44But Mr. Santiago has trained you well.
17:47Your skills have improved.
17:49Today, let's...
17:50Wine soaked through my jacket.
17:52Austin's gaze dropped.
17:53His hand followed.
17:54I bit my lip hard enough to taste blood.
17:56Across the room, Dominic lowered his head and said nothing.
18:01A huge wave of humiliation welled up within me, and I used all my strength to shove Austin away.
18:06Before Rosalie's smile faded, I slapped her across the face.
18:09Then, I grabbed her wrist and shoved her straight into Austin's arms.
18:14Since you're such good friends, you should be the one to keep Mr. Watford company.
18:20Austin clearly feared nothing.
18:25After a disgusting laugh, he tore Rosalie's thin dress apart, pulled her into his arms, and pressed his mouth onto
18:31her pale chest.
18:36Watching that scene made a wave of twisted satisfaction rush through me, and my whole body trembled with it.
18:46Suddenly, someone strangled my neck from behind.
18:51I was flung away, crashing into the shattered wine bottles on the ground.
18:55Countless glass shards stabbed into my flesh, and blood mixed with red wine on my clothes, blooming into scarlet patches.
19:01Amid the stabbing pain, Dominic rushed toward the screaming Rosalie.
19:06He punched Austin in the face and gathered Rosalie into his arms.
19:13Then, he turned back and grabbed me by my throat.
19:16Emmeline, I never knew you could be this heartless.
19:19Rosa even tried to make the apology easier for you.
19:21Yet you're still not satisfied.
19:23You slept with him eight years ago, so why can't you do it again?
19:25Since you don't care about the consequences.
19:28I won't either.
19:29Today I'll make sure you learn your lesson.
19:35Dragging my blood-covered body, Dominic pulled me away.
19:40It wasn't until I saw the hospital from inside the car that I finally understood what sort of punishment he
19:45meant.
19:48In the VIP ward on the top floor, my mother lay in a deep sleep.
19:55Juliana Horton.
19:56The only person who'd ever truly loved me.
20:03If not for the tubes and machines surrounding her bed, she might have been taking a nap.
20:10But that nap had lasted eight years.
20:12Ever since my accident, the same accident that had broken our family, she'd never opened her eyes.
20:20I stumbled forward and reached for her hand, cold thin.
20:28Fragile under my fingers.
20:34But before I could feel any warmth,
20:39Dominic's grip closed around my arm and yanked me backward.
20:49Dominic's grip closed around my arm and yanked me backward.
20:50Emeline.
20:51Dominic's voice was low and calm.
20:53We already talked about this last time.
20:55As long as you behave,
20:57I'll let your mother stay in this VIP board peacefully.
21:02One day,
21:03she might even wake up and hear you speak again.
21:13But since you've been so naughty lately...
21:15He reached out and decisively pulled out the power from one of the machines.
21:26In an instant,
21:28all the indicator lights turned red,
21:29and sharp alarms rang in my ears.
21:34My mother's breathing grew more and more rapid.
21:39I panicked,
21:40stumbled forward,
21:41and grabbed Dominic's wrist that was holding the power plug.
21:44Dominic!
21:46I didn't mean it!
21:47I was just too scared!
21:50You know how much that incident eight years ago scarred me?
21:53Considering how my mother treated you as family,
21:56the least you could do is not make her suffer like this!
21:59The alarm rang urgently,
22:01and my mother's face was turning purple from the lack of oxygen.
22:04I let go of Dominic's wrist,
22:06dropping to my knees with a thud as my legs gave out.
22:09Dom,
22:10I'm begging you!
22:11You know my mother is all I have!
22:14Please,
22:15let her go!
22:21A strange emotion flashed through Dominic's dark eyes.
22:24He glanced at my mother behind me and lifted his hand to plug the power back in.
22:28But just as he was about to do so,
22:30the window behind us suddenly opened.
22:34Rosalie sat on the windowsill with tears streaming down her face.
22:42Rosalie looked at Dominic in utter despair.
22:47Tom!
22:49You know,
22:51I value my purity more than my life.
22:54Given how that man violated me earlier,
22:57I feel dirty to the core.
23:08Forgive me,
23:09for I can't spend the rest of my life with you anymore.
23:12Even though I'm carrying our baby,
23:15I still can't.
23:23She tilted backward.
23:25Before Rosalie finished speaking,
23:27she fell back into Dominic's arms.
23:32At that moment,
23:33I could only see my mother's face turning purple from suffocation.
23:38I forced myself forward and plugged the power back in.
23:42The alarms finally stopped,
23:44but almost immediately,
23:45Dominic rushed over.
23:47He shoved me aside and pulled out all the power cords to my mother's medical equipment.
23:53Instantly,
23:53dozens of piercing red lights flashed in the ward,
23:56and the deafening alarms rang in my ears.
24:00Dominic.
24:00Dominic.
24:08My mother is...
24:10dying.
24:12Please don't...
24:16He kicked me aside,
24:18cradling Rosalie tightly,
24:19and spoke through clenched teeth.
24:25You almost killed Rosa and our child
24:29I can't finish you off just yet
24:32So I'll sacrifice your mother instead
24:36Beep
24:41The heart monitor flatlined
24:44One long, unbroken tone filled the silence
24:48I held my mother's hand as it slowly turned cold beneath my fingers
24:57Eight years of machines, of hope
25:03Of praying she'd wake just one more time all ending here
25:09Dominic walked out with Rosalie in his arms
25:11He didn't look back once
25:15Dominic returned to the hospital an hour later
25:20In one hand a bag of tacos
25:22My favorites from across town
25:24The ones we'd eaten on our first date
25:27In the other hand a bouquet of white roses
25:31He'd driven all the way to upstate New York to buy them
25:33He looked anxious eager
25:35Like a child bringing home a good report card
25:42But the moment he stepped through the hospital doors
25:44A doctor rushed toward him and dropped to his knees
25:52Bad news Mr. Santiago
25:54Right after you left your wife jumped from window window and died
25:58We have lost two lives now
26:04Dominic refused to believe it
26:09The doctor didn't move
26:10Slowly he lifted his head
26:16I told you to hold my tacos
26:18Are you deaf?
26:22Asada tacos
26:23You red tacos
26:24You deaf bro here
26:26You knew him here
26:27That you chastened if it's wobble
26:30He kicked the doctor lightly
26:34Dominic threw away the flowers
26:38List of looks and some outtory tracks
26:40Because Roel Neychelles looked
26:43Grabbed the doctor by the collar
26:44And dragged him toward my mother's old ward
26:48The VIP ward on the top floor was empty
26:51The windows were wide open
26:53Cold wind swept through
26:57My mother's bed was gone
26:58Her body already removed for funeral arrangements
27:03And the spot where I'd knelt on the floor empty
27:08Dominic stood in the doorway
27:10Tacos in hand
27:11Flowers crushed against his chest
27:15Where is my wife?
27:23His voice came out strange
27:24High thin
27:28The doctor fell to his knees again
27:30Mr. Santiago
27:32Your wife is already dead
27:33She jumped from this merry window
27:37Impossible
27:44Dominic shouted
27:45Dominic shouted
27:47Emi loves her mother dearly
27:49How could she leave just like this?
27:53The doctor dragged Dominic toward the window
27:55Below a group of janitors
27:57Was scrubbing blood from the ground
28:01What a pity
28:02Mrs. Santiago was such a strong person
28:07If I had told her about the pregnancy earlier
28:10Perhaps she wouldn't have jumped
28:13The doctor muttered
28:14Dominic rushed downstairs
28:22He grabbed an elderly cleaner by the wrist
28:28The old man looked at the bloodstain
28:30Then at Dominic
28:38Your wife fell to her death right here
28:41When she jumped
28:50I saw your mistress standing by
28:54By that window with a smile
28:59No
28:59That's impossible
29:04Dominic staggered backward and collapsed
29:06That couldn't have happened
29:14The old man pointed his broom at him
29:18It had dried blood on the bristles
29:22She trusted the wrong person
29:28Dominic found his way to the morgue
29:32And there
29:33Blocking the entrance
29:34Stood a man he hadn't seen in years
29:39Slim
29:39Refined
29:40Dressed entirely in black
29:42Zane Lopez
29:45The moment their eyes met
29:46Zane's fist connected with Dominic's face
29:49Before anyone could blink
29:50The crack of bone echoed through the empty hallway
29:57You bastard
30:00Zane's voice was ice
30:01Pure ice
30:07Dominic staggered backward
30:08Blood spraying from his split lip
30:10He was riled up but he didn't dare fight back
30:12Zane was a madman
30:14That's what I'd always called my older brother
30:18And now
30:19Face to face with those cold bottomless eyes
30:24Dominic Santiago was terrified for the first time in his life
30:32The Lopez family used to be prominent in New York
30:35And Zane was the only male heir
30:38But he'd refused every path laid out for him
30:41To break free
30:42He'd burned every bridge leaked his family's secrets online
30:45Watched the empire crumble
30:47Banished himself to the North Pole when they begged him to return
30:54From then on
30:55He cut ties with everyone
30:57Everyone except me
30:58When I married Dominic
31:00Zane sent us a wedding gift
31:02A knife
31:10Along with it
31:11A letter I'd hidden from Dominic
31:17Dominic had thought Zane was a psycho
31:19A joke he was wrong
31:31Dominic wiped blood from his mouth
31:33His hand shook
31:37Call me whatever you want
31:38Move
31:39This is the Santiago family's hospital
31:42And I am going in
31:43To see my wife
31:46Zane did not blink
31:50That will not be possible
31:52Flat
31:53Final
31:54No room for argument
31:55Dominic took a step forward
31:57Zane did not block him
31:59Did not need to
32:01Because something in Dominic's chest
32:03Some instinct older than reason
32:05Screamed at him not to take another step
32:08Please
32:08His voice cracked broke
32:11I just need to see her one time
32:14Tell her I am sorry
32:17Tell her I will fix everything
32:25Zane refused to let Dominic enter
32:27His tone devoid of emotion
32:35Dominic
32:36You will pay a huge price
32:39For your ignorance
32:40Before Dominic could respond
32:42Zane had already disappeared
32:44Around the corner
32:50Dominic
32:51Dominic forced down his uneasiness
32:52And entered the morgue alone
32:59Not only was I gone
33:01Even my mother's body
33:02Was nowhere to be found
33:07The old man in charge
33:09Slowly stood up
33:14Don't ask
33:14We can't afford to offend
33:16The young man from earlier
33:18Several mercenaries
33:19Came to take the bodies away
33:29That particular knife from your wedding
33:31Is a restricted aviation weapon
33:33Mr. Santiago
33:34Do you understand what that means?
33:36Dominic's scalp tingled
33:38Private jets
33:38Restricted weapons
33:40Mercenaries
33:45Any one of those owners
33:47Could crush the Santiago group
33:48Like an ant
33:54Before Dominic could ponder any further
33:57His phone rang
33:58His assistant was panicking
34:04Bad news, Mr. Santiago
34:07Mrs. Mavris killed herself in your office
34:09Dominic rushed back to the company
34:11His assistant shoved a piece of paper into his hands
34:15Mr. Santiago
34:17This is Mrs. Mavris' suicide note
34:20According to this
34:21You've been wanting to kill her for the longest time
34:23When Dominic saw the familiar handwriting
34:26His vision went dark
34:28Even the biggest idiot could tell it was all a trap
34:34He grabbed the suicide note
34:40Lidded on fire
34:43And rushed downstairs
34:49But before he could escape
34:51There was a knock on the door
34:53Mr. Santiago
34:55We're from the criminal investigation department
34:57Please cooperate with us
35:00Half a month later
35:02I saw the news of Dominic's death on Zane's tablet
35:06Rosalie had not only left a suicide note
35:09But also emailed a final message to the police
35:13While investigations were still ongoing
35:15Dominic jumped from the Santiago group building
35:19The day he jumped
35:21Many people gathered below
35:24He kneeled like a madman
35:30Bowing desperately toward nothing
35:32As he mumbled to himself
35:33I'm sorry, Emmy
35:37It's all my fault
35:38I've wronged you terribly
35:41I deserve to die
35:43I'll do it now
35:45Hang on, I'm coming
35:49Over and over
35:50Like a prayer
35:51Like a curse
35:56What a pity
35:57I didn't expect him to be that we hit him
36:01Zane's voice came from behind me
36:03I turned to find him settling onto the couch
36:06Handing me a glass of red wine with casual ease
36:11On his tablet
36:13The footage still played
36:14Dominic on his knees
36:16Bowing at nothing
36:17Mumbling apologies to empty air
36:22I hired someone to pretend to be you
36:24Zane said
36:26Swirling his own glass
36:30Had them appear outside his window a few nights
36:33Wore your clothes
36:37Walked like you
36:40He scared himself into this state
36:43All on his own
36:47Paranoia
36:48Paranoia, guilt, sleep deprivation
36:49A dangerous combination that breaks any man
36:53And Rosalie?
36:57I had to ask
36:58I needed to know how it ended
37:00Zane's expression did not flicker
37:02Do not get me started on her
37:04Before I even said
37:06A word
37:07Before I made a single move
37:09She grabbed a knife
37:11She grabbed a knife and sliced her own artery open
37:16What a coward
37:19He said it like it meant nothing
37:23Like her life had been worth nothing
37:27Like the woman who had tormented me for eight years had simply erased herself
37:34I waited for satisfaction
37:36For relief
37:37For some sense of justice
37:39It did not come
37:41I felt nothing
37:42Not joy
37:44Not grief
37:45Just emptiness
37:46Well it did not matter anymore
37:53The Santiago group collapsed within three months
38:01Dominic's death triggered investigations that unraveled everything fraud
38:06Embezzlement, tax evasion, evidence buried four years
38:10All exposed to daylight
38:13Rosalie's suicide note, though forged
38:15Contained enough truth to ignite the fire
38:23The board resigned en masse
38:25Assets liquidated at pennies on the dollar
38:28The Santiago name became poison
38:34Anyone associated with it distanced themselves overnight
38:39From empire to ruins in 90 days
38:43Everything he built erased
38:47I watched it all from far away from a villa in the south of France that Zane insisted I use
38:57White stucco walls
39:02Lavender fields stretching to the horizon
39:07The distant sound of waves
39:15Sunglasses on my face
39:20A wide-brimmed hat covering my still-healing scars
39:28To the world, I was just another anonymous woman enjoying the French Riviera
39:34The headlines called me
39:36Hate Mrs. Santiago
39:39Gossip blogs called me
39:44The mystery woman spotted in nice
39:50Nobody called me Emmeline Lopez
39:53And that was exactly how I wanted it
39:57The mystery woman
39:57No doubt
39:57A wild-bimmed hat
39:58For me, my truth
39:58The mystery woman leben
39:58The mystery woman yet
39:58A beautiful man
39:58you If she
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