- 14 hours ago
His Mistress + I Bankrupted Him
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00This man is my husband Liam. Right after his IPO, he stabbed me 20 times that night.
00:05I kill you and I win everything.
00:07Was it just a nightmare? I'm Scarlet.
00:08Liam bailed on our trip claiming he needed to care for his sick mom.
00:11But his mom passed away 3 months ago and he thinks I have no clue.
00:15Miss Thone, we've arrived.
00:16The second I pushed open the door, the champagne tower in the living room got knocked over.
00:20This is my house. A single family villa in the Hamptons.
00:23Pink balloons covered the walls.
00:25A dozen young people held glasses, cheering on a couple making out in the middle.
00:30That man was my husband, Liam.
00:32He had his arm around a girl with long blonde hair, kissing her like there was no tomorrow.
00:36I flexed my wrist and pushed through the crowd.
00:39The kiss ended.
00:40Liam brushed the girl's lip reluctantly.
00:43Then he looked up and saw me standing right in front of him.
00:46His eyes snapped.
00:47He dropped his champagne glass.
00:49I slapped him hard across the face twice.
00:52The slap lands on Liam's cheek.
00:54His head snaps to the side.
00:55Two bright red hand parks bloom on his cheek.
00:57The room went dead silent.
00:59The music cut off.
01:00The girl screamed and ducked behind Liam.
01:02Madison steps in front of Chloe instantly, her hand automatically resting on her waist
01:06to protect her.
01:07Chloe subconsciously touches the diamond ring on her finger, eyes panicking.
01:11Funny.
01:12I didn't know you got a new mom.
01:14Mine got buried in Ohio three months ago.
01:16Liam licked his lips, eyes darting around.
01:19Who the hell are you?
01:20Breaking into someone's house and hitting people?
01:22She stood in front of the girl like a rabid wolf protecting her pup.
01:25Are you insane?
01:27Apologize to Chloe's boyfriend right now.
01:29A dozen young people holding glasses, pink balloons on the walls, disco lights flashing.
01:33Yeah, you ruined her birthday party.
01:35Do you know who that is?
01:36That's Liam Carter, CEO of Carter Tech.
01:39I smiled faintly and turned to Liam.
01:42You think I shouldn't have hit him?
01:43Scarlett, what the fuck is wrong with you?
01:44It's Chloe's birthday.
01:46Liam took a deep breath, face turning purple with rage.
01:48We'll talk about this later.
01:50Stop embarrassing me and get the hell out.
01:51He was scared his mistress would lose face in front of her friends.
01:54Get out?
01:55Where am I supposed to go?
01:56Or do you two have something to hide?
01:58The next second, Chloe started sniffling.
02:00She tugged on Liam's sleeve and shook her head, eyes full of tears and a hint of guilt
02:04she couldn't hide.
02:05Chloe's eyes dart away, unable to meet mine.
02:07Oh, I get it.
02:08You're the nanny who's obsessed with Chloe's boyfriend, right?
02:10How pathetic.
02:11Trying to steal someone's man in public?
02:13I yank the Thorn family creme off my neck, the diamond glinting under the lights.
02:17Me?
02:18Your nanny?
02:18The second she finished speaking, a glass of red wine hit me square in the face.
02:23Cold wine ran down my cheeks, soaking my skirt.
02:26I can't reveal my identity.
02:27If I do, grandpa's will takes effect.
02:29I'll lose two billioners.
02:31Just hold on.
02:32Wake up, bitch.
02:32We all know who Chloe is.
02:34Her mom's a big shot.
02:35Her boyfriend's a tech CEO.
02:36This whole house is hers.
02:37And you?
02:38Look at that cheap outfit.
02:39You're only good for scrubbing floors.
02:41This dress is handmade by a Milani designer.
02:44It costs more than she makes in 10 years.
02:46Yeah, apologize to Chloe right now or you're fired.
02:49A blonde guy leaned in, sleazy.
02:51Hey, Cowgirl, you're way too old to be fighting over guys with Chloe.
02:54If you're that desperate, I can help you out.
02:56$200 a night?
02:57Sound good?
02:57Everyone burst out laughing.
02:59I wiped the wine off my face, stared dangers at Liam.
03:02Liam, I'm your legal wife.
03:03You're just gonna stand there and let them insult me?
03:05You'll regret this.
03:06Liam looked at me coldly.
03:07Chloe's my girlfriend.
03:08You brought this on yourself.
03:10His words gave Chloe all the confidence she needed.
03:12She stood up straight.
03:14Scarlet, I'm calling you that out of respect, but know your place.
03:17Liam's the CEO.
03:18He got publicly slapped.
03:19Have you ever thought about how he feels?
03:21She turned to Liam, softening her voice.
03:23I'll always have your back in public, baby.
03:25She hit Liam's ego dead on.
03:27Oh, right.
03:27I almost forgot.
03:29I only slapped him.
03:30The next second, I raised my hand to slap Chloe.
03:32Chloe squeezed her eyes shut, trembling all over.
03:35I pulled my hand back and slapped Liam twice harder.
03:38Teach your own woman.
03:39The slap lands, blood trickles from the corner of his mouth.
03:43Chloe opened her eyes, frozen.
03:46How dare you hit him?
03:48I tried to push her away, but Liam grabbed my wrist hard.
03:51He shoved me back and I crashed into the champagne tower behind me.
03:55The tower crashes down, glass shatters everywhere.
03:57Wine pools on the floor.
03:59I fell to the ground, my palm sliced open by broken glass, blood pouring out.
04:03Liam didn't even glance at me.
04:04He pulled Chloe into his arms.
04:06Scarlet, apologize to Chloe right now.
04:09While everyone was staring at Liam and Chloe, I slipped my hand into my coat pocket,
04:13found my phone by feel, and hit record.
04:16The screen lit up.
04:17A red dot blinked.
04:18Madison ran to Chloe.
04:20Chloe, are you okay?
04:21Blood dripped from my hand.
04:22My voice was ice cold.
04:24Liam, you threw a birthday party for your mistress in my house.
04:26Cheated on me in front of everyone.
04:28And now you want me to apologize to her?
04:29Are you out of your mind?
04:30I made you.
04:31I can break you just as fast.
04:33My words made Liam flinch.
04:35Scarlet, Liam built this company all by himself.
04:38He worked his ass off for it.
04:41Stop acting like you did everything.
04:43When he started the company, I gave him $1 million from my trust fund.
04:46I got him three federal IT contracts worth millions from my dad.
04:49Even the CTO, CFA, COO were all transferred from Thorn Group.
04:53Without me, he's nothing.
04:55The other students started whispering,
04:57Wait, did she say this is her house?
04:59Is Chloe actually the mistress?
05:01But Liam's so protective of her.
05:02Why would he be so bold if he was cheating?
05:04Shut up!
05:05This is Chloe's house!
05:06I've seen her sleep in the master bedroom with him!
05:11They've been sleeping in my bed.
05:13This is my house.
05:15All these people can prove it.
05:18Liam, I don't want to see her anymore.
05:20Can you make her leave?
05:22Of course, baby.
05:24This is your house.
05:25Whatever you want.
05:26Madison lunged forward.
05:27Grabbed my hair.
05:28No!
05:29Listen, hag.
05:30Have some self-respect.
05:32Stop throwing yourself at a man who doesn't want you!
05:35My pupils dilated.
05:37I want to see what's bitch covered my chest.
05:39Let's teach her a lesson for Chloe!
05:41A few guys reached for my shirt.
05:42They ripped my skirt open.
05:44I fought back, kicking and scratching wildly.
05:46Liam! Stop them!
05:47This is illegal!
05:48Liam frowned and was about to stop them.
05:50Liam, they know what they're doing.
05:52And this way, you can finally get her under control, right?
05:54The crowd cheered, flashes blinding me.
05:57Liam's face cleared.
05:58He pinched her cheek.
05:59They both stood there coldly, watching as my clothes were torn off.
06:01My dress clamped down hard on my waist.
06:03Leach and slid up my head.
06:05I couldn't breathe.
06:06My vision starting to blur.
06:07We're doing the world a favor!
06:08And you love to attention!
06:09All these guys here?
06:10You should be happy!
06:12Dozens of hands roped me everywhere.
06:14Just when I thought it was over,
06:15I spotted the drawer across the room.
06:18I kept a silver pistol there for self-defense.
06:20I rolled hard, broke free from the crowd, and sprinted to the drawer.
06:24I grabbed the gun, and aimed it at the ceiling.
06:27Bang!
06:31The giant crystal chandelier crashed down, glass shards flying everywhere.
06:35Everyone screamed and dropped to the floor, covering their head.
06:38Touch me again, and the next bullet goes through your skull.
06:41Liam turned pale as a ghost.
06:43He instinctively pushed Chloe in front of him.
06:46Chloe froze.
06:47The adoration in her eyes vanished instantly.
06:50Madison shot to her feet, stepping between Chloe and me.
06:52She stared at me with a complicated look.
06:54She walked towards me slowly, learned in, and whispered so only I could hear.
06:58I'll help you destroy Liam, on one condition.
07:01Spare Chloe.
07:02I thought I was gonna die here today.
07:04But those words?
07:06They're gonna change every single person's life in this room.
07:09I held the gun, sweeping the broken glass and trembling crowd, then pointed at the sliding doors.
07:13Everyone get out some getting dressed.
07:15Anyone stays inside?
07:16Anyone looks back?
07:17I blow their head off.
07:18A dozen people file out with hands on their heads.
07:21Liam walked last, glaring at me viciously over his shoulder.
07:24Madison supported the shaking Chloe, walking in the middle of the crowd, never glancing at me.
07:28I made sure everyone was gone, and locked the master bedroom door behind me.
07:32I grabbed extra ammo from the nightstand, and loaded the gun.
07:35I stepped through the sliding doors into the pool area.
07:38Blue hour dusk settles over the water.
07:40A dozen people huddle by the lounge chairs, too scared to breathe.
07:44I stood on the steps, aiming the gun at the crowd.
07:47Now, anyone have a problem with that?
07:50Liam suddenly runged forward, swinging fist at my face.
07:53I dodged, grabbed a champagne bottle from the table, and smashed it hard over his head.
07:58The blonde guy who hit on me lunged for the gun.
08:00Everyone, she only has one gun!
08:02I kicked him hard in the stomach.
08:03He flew backward and splashed into the pool with a loud thud.
08:08Everyone immediately scrambled back, too scared to behind her, watching the chaos warily.
08:13Just then, the side gate by the pool swung open.
08:15Martha stands in the gate in a dark green silk dress and heels, holding a fancy jewelry box,
08:20dripping in diamonds.
08:21She sees the mess and bleeding Liam, and her smile drops instantly.
08:24Ah!
08:24The hell is going on here?!
08:26Chloe's mom, Martha, walked in.
08:27Chloe threw herself into Martha's arms, crying.
08:30Mom, she's gonna kill us!
08:31When Martha saw my face, she turned pale as a ghost.
08:34Her hand automatically touched the diamond necklace around her neck, the one I lost last week.
08:38Martha snapped out of it, pulled Chloe close.
08:40You crazy bitch!
08:41I'm calling the cops right now!
08:42I scoffed and stepped back in fear, slipped on the wet tile, and her jewelry box flew
08:47out of her hand.
08:49My jewelry!
08:50They're mine!
08:51I aimed the gun at the water and yelled,
08:53Touch them, and I blow your hand off.
08:56Martha yanked her hand back instantly, lost her balance, and fell into the pool with a splash,
09:02soaking wet.
09:03She flailed and screamed in the water, her makeup running.
09:05Her fake diamond necklace floated on the surface.
09:08Yours?
09:08That sabbier brooch was my 18th birthday present for my grandpa.
09:11Only three exist in the world.
09:12The receipt and certificate are in my safe.
09:14Martha opened her mouth, but no words came out.
09:16She just trembled in the water.
09:17I turned my gaze to Liam, who was just getting up.
09:20Liam, everyone who hurt me today is gonna pay, including me.
09:23Liam clutched his bleeding forehead, glaring at me venomously, but said nothing.
09:26Chloe tried to run to Martha, but Madden grabbed her arm.
09:29Madison shook her head at Chloe, silently telling her to back off.
09:32Just then, sirens wailed in the distance, getting louder fast.
09:36Cops!
09:37Who the fuck called the cops?
09:38Everyone foes, staring at each other in shock.
09:40In the master bedroom, my back to the door, I hold the phone to my ear, voice barely a whisper.
09:4617 Oak Road, Hamptons.
09:47Breaking and entering.
09:48Assault.
09:49Attempted sexual assault.
09:51I fired a warning shot in self-defense.
09:54A mocking smile tugged at my plips.
09:56I set the gun down on a lounge chair and raised my hands.
10:00The next second, the pool gate kicked open.
10:03Four cops rushed in, battles and handcuffs in hand.
10:06Who called 911?
10:07We got reports of gunshots and assault.
10:08Her!
10:09She shot at us, and she's lying about me stealing.
10:12Yeah, it's her!
10:12She broke into my house, hit people, and shot a gun.
10:14She's insane!
10:15The cops rushed over, pinned me down, and cuffed me.
10:17Liam sighed in relief when he saw me cuffed, a smug smile on his face.
10:21Chloe wiped her tears and smirked at me.
10:23The cop glanced at the jewelry floating in the pool and spoke into his radio.
10:27Possible stolen property found.
10:29Need divers to recover.
10:30Martha turned white as a sheet and collapsed in the water, unable to stand.
10:35All of you are coming down to the stage for questioning!
10:38Two cops led me out.
10:40Madison, she glanced at me quickly and mouthed.
10:45I nodded slightly.
10:47Everyone is loaded into police cars.
10:49Sirens wail again.
10:51The fairy lights cast broken shadows on the empty pool.
10:54The floating jewelry glimming coldly in the water.
10:56Forty minutes later, Long Island Police Department lobby.
10:59Fluorescent lights blared white and harsh, metal benches glinting cold.
11:02Liam, Chloe, Madison, Martha, and a few students were let in one by one.
11:06Officer Johnson scanned the room.
11:08One at a time.
11:08You, come with me.
11:09Liam rushed over suddenly, took off his suit jacket and draped it over me, his eyes red.
11:14I ripped the jacket off and threw it on the floor.
11:17Don't touch me with the hands you used on your mistress.
11:20The man who stood by and watched them try to strip me at the party was now acting more loving
11:24than anyone.
11:25Liam's face turned pale.
11:26He reached for my arm.
11:27I stepped back and slapped him hard across the face.
11:30The lobby went dead silent.
11:32Enough!
11:33Liam held his cheek, voice shaking.
11:38Officer, my wife has bipolar disorder.
11:40She hallucinates and self-harms all the time.
11:42She stopped taking her meds tonight.
11:44I'm so sorry.
11:47Officer, he's lying.
11:48I pulled out my phone and hit play.
11:51Don't hold back.
11:53I'll take the blame.
11:54Strip her naked.
11:55This bitch deserves to be taught a lesson.
11:57That's edited!
11:58Liam turned white as a sheet and lunged for my phone.
12:01Officer Martinez slammed him against the wall, knee in his back.
12:04Don't move!
12:05Assaulting an officer is a felony.
12:06Let go of me.
12:07That recording is illegal.
12:09New York is a two-party consentent state.
12:11New York is a one-party consentent state.
12:14You gonna teach the cops the law?
12:15Send this to forensics.
12:17Johnson smirked slightly and handed the phone to Martinez.
12:20You say she's mentally ill, but on the recording you told them don't hold back?
12:24Liam had nothing to say.
12:25Your wife?
12:27Scarlett is your wife?
12:28You told Chloe you were divorced!
12:30You lied to all of us!
12:33Madison, stop!
12:34Chloe turned pale and pulled her back.
12:35Why should I stop?
12:36You think he actually loves you?
12:37Madison shook her off, eyes blazing red.
12:40Slap!
12:40Chloe slapped Madison hard across the face.
12:43Tears streamed down Chloe's face, her voice shaking.
12:45Shut up!
12:46I told you to shut up!
12:48Madison held her cheek, stunned for two seconds, then shook her head with a bitter laugh.
12:52She turned to the corner and punched the wall.
12:54Everyone split up for statements.
12:55Martha Bennett, you're under arrest for theft.
12:58Come with me.
12:58Martha screamed as she was led away.
13:00Chloe watched her go, biting her lip until it turned white.
13:03Cold white light hit the metal table, where a voice recorder, phone, and crime scene photos lay.
13:09I sat across from Johnson.
13:11Mrs. Thornt, you need to go to the hospital for that hand.
13:14But I have a few questions first.
13:16Go ahead.
13:17Your husband says you have mental health issues.
13:20Do you have any medical records?
13:21Full physical and psychiatric evaluation from New York Pristerian three months ago.
13:25All clear.
13:26Do you have a medical report for the assault?
13:28It just happened.
13:29I want one now.
13:30All right.
13:30But are you sure you want to press charges?
13:32Domestic violence and solicitation of assault?
13:34With this evidence, he's looking at least three years.
13:37I was silent for two seconds, then a small smile tugged at my lips.
13:41No.
13:42I'm not filing a civil suit.
13:43Why not?
13:44I have bigger plans than putting him in jail right now.
13:47Process the criminal charges as you see fit.
13:49I just need the conviction on his record for the divorce.
13:52I couldn't let him get locked up here.
13:53That would be too easy.
13:55I wanted him to climb as high as he could, then fall.
13:58And grandpa's will was still in play.
14:00We weren't divorced yet.
14:01If he went to prison because of me, I could lose the $2 billion trust fund.
14:06Johnson stared at me for a few seconds, then didn't ask any more questions.
14:09There was a knock on the door.
14:11Martinez walked in and whispered something.
14:13Johnson's face changed slightly.
14:14Your husband's lawyer is here, David Cohen, one of Manhattan's top criminal defense attorneys.
14:18He can afford Cohen?
14:20Interesting.
14:21In the hallway, Connan walked over in a sharp suit, eyes sharp.
14:27Officer, I'm Liam Carter's attorney.
14:29I need to see my client.
14:30All right.
14:30But he's under investigation for solicitation of assault.
14:33We have the recording.
14:34My client denies solicitation.
14:36Those words were emotional outbursts during a marital argument, no intent to act.
14:40And he had no knowledge of the other's actions.
14:42Cohen didn't flinch.
14:43He stood there and watched the whole thing.
14:45That's omission.
14:46Mrs. Thorne, legally, omission only constitutes a crime if there's a legal duty to act.
14:51There's no mandatory duty to rescue between spouses unless you can prove he actively encouraged
14:55them.
14:56But by all means, let the prosecutor decide.
14:59Mr. Cohen, you can bail your client out, but all evidence will be on file.
15:03We'll rearrest him if new charges come up.
15:07Understood.
15:08Liam was brought out, handcuffs removed.
15:10He rubbed his wrist and smirked at me.
15:12See?
15:12You can't touch me.
15:14Lawyer said your stupid recording is worthless.
15:17I don't want to take you down yet.
15:18I want to watch you climb higher, then fall harder.
15:22Liam exploded.
15:23He slammed the chair.
15:24It shattered into pieces.
15:26Who the fuck do you think you are?
15:30Two cops slammed him to the ground immediately.
15:33Destruction of property?
15:34That's another charge.
15:36Let go of me!
15:39Shut up.
15:40You'll be held in custody tonight.
15:41Liam finally calmed down, signed the bail papers,
15:45fixed his clothes like nothing had happened.
15:49Her hands shaking.
15:51The last admiration in her eyes died.
15:53Next evening, Long Island Villa.
15:55Sunset streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
15:58The broken champagne tower still lay on the floor, glass shards glinting harshly.
16:01The police station wasn't the end.
16:03The real show was here.
16:04After finishing my statement, I came back to the villa half an hour early.
16:07Papers lay on the couch.
16:09The coffee table was stacked with the deed, insurance policies, and stock certificates.
16:13The key turned.
16:14Liam pushed the door open.
16:15Chloe following behind him.
16:16Head down, pale.
16:17How did you get in?
16:18This is my house!
16:20I stood up and slammed the deed on the coffee table.
16:22A glass of water jumped.
16:24Your house?
16:258.5 million.
16:27Hamptons.
16:28Long Island.
16:29My name is on the deed.
16:31What's this about?
16:33Scarlet, you lied?
16:34You said your parents lent you the money?
16:36I lied because you couldn't even afford your Brooklyn rent back then.
16:40I didn't want to hurt your pride.
16:41And what did you do?
16:42Cheated on me and threw your mistress a birthday party in my bed.
16:44Liam lost it completely.
16:46He grabbed the glass of water, smashed it on the floor, glass flying everywhere.
16:50You set me up!
16:51You set me up from the beginning!
16:53Liam!
16:55Liam ignored her, eyes blazing red, and lunged at me.
16:58Six bodyguards in black suits burst through the door.
17:01The lead one grabbed Liam by the back of the collar and dragged him back like a rag doll.
17:05The six bodyguards lined up in front of me.
17:08Miss Thorne, are you alright?
17:09I'm fine.
17:10Hold him.
17:11Two bodyguards grabbed Liam's arms.
17:13He struggled wildly, kicking and flaining.
17:15In the chaos, Liam threw a punch to break free,
17:18missed the bodyguard,
17:19and hit Chloe hard in the arm as she ran to pull him back.
17:21Chloe grunt in pain and stumbled back.
17:24Her arm hit the corner of the coffee table.
17:26Sliced open by glass, blood dripping onto the carpet.
17:29Liam froze for a second.
17:31Then instead of caring,
17:32This is all your fault!
17:33If you hadn't caused this scene, Chloe wouldn't be hurt!
17:36What the hell were you doing?
17:38Useless bitch!
17:39Chloe held her bleeding arm, staring at Liam in shock.
17:42Her eyes went from pain to disbelief.
17:44Get the first aid kit.
17:46The bodyguard handed it to me.
17:48Fix it yourself.
17:49I don't want too much blood in my house.
17:52Chloe didn't catch it.
17:53She just stared at Liam, biting her lip until it turned white.
17:57Don't act like you care!
17:59Scarlet, you want a divorce?
18:01Fine!
18:02Good.
18:03I agree.
18:05Liam froze.
18:06Surprised I agreed so fast.
18:08He stared at the papers suspiciously.
18:10I slid the papers across the table.
18:12Liam picked them up and scanned them quickly.
18:14Chloe leaned in to look too.
18:16Liam flipped through a few pages, frowning.
18:18Wait, you're really leaving with nothing?
18:20I already signed, are you going to?
18:21Liam hesitated.
18:22He flipped through the papers over and over, looking for a catch.
18:25Scarlet?
18:26You.
18:27I have one condition.
18:28From today on, we go our separate ways.
18:31What you do with him is none of my business.
18:33Liam gritted his teeth, picked up at the pen, and signed his name quickly, his hand shaking.
18:37Chloe watched, her eyes complicated.
18:40Uneasy.
18:41Suspicious.
18:41And a hint of guilt she couldn't name.
18:43I picked up the papers, checked them, and put them in my bag.
18:46I had all my valuables packed up and sent to my parents' Upper East Side apartment.
18:52I listed the house for sale.
18:55When I got home that night, my parents were shocked.
18:58They thought I was in the Bahamas with Liam.
19:00I told them everything, and that I'd sign the divorce papers.
19:03My mom hugged me, crying, and called Liam ungrateful.
19:07My dad thought it was a good thing we were getting divorced.
19:10When we got married, the villa was always in my name.
19:12But I couldn't tell him about my family, not to spare his pride.
19:15But because of Grandpa's will, if my husband used my money or connections to succeed in
19:20business before I turned 30, I would lose my inheritance to the Thorn Trust, $2 billion.
19:25Either prove he loves you for you, or lose everything.
19:28So I hid the truth.
19:30That night, I lay in bed, unable to sleep.
19:32I thought I wouldn't be sad, but being betrayed by the man I loved for five years hurt more
19:37than I expected.
19:38I found all the cheap little gifts Liam had given me in college, threw them in the trash.
19:42He really bit the hand that fed him.
19:45That night, after being thrown out, Liam and Chloe took a taxi to the hospital.
19:49They were both admitted.
19:50I thought it was over.
19:51I just had to pull my people from his company, cut off all his contracts, and watch him go bankrupt.
19:57The next night, my assistant called.
20:00Miss Thorn, Liam and Chloe are live on TikTok.
20:02You need to see this.
20:03I opened the live stream.
20:05Chloe was crying to the camera.
20:07Liam and I made a mistake.
20:08Couldn't help ourselves.
20:09We got together while he was still married to Scarlett.
20:12I want to say sorry to Scarlett.
20:14The comments were full of hate.
20:16But something was off.
20:17She was looking at her phone, not reading comments, but something else.
20:21Sorry, guys.
20:22I'm not feeling well.
20:23I'll stream tomorrow.
20:24Chloe turned off her phone.
20:25Liam stormed over, his face dark.
20:28Happy now?
20:29Everyone's hating on us!
20:31You're dragging me down with you!
20:33Chloe pulled away, put on her headphones, and opened the anonymous voice note.
20:36Her breath caught.
20:37Her shoulders tent, fists clenched, eyes red-rimmined.
20:40Not a sound escaped her, but her shaking body said everything.
20:43Liam noticed.
20:44He ripped the headphones off her and smashed them on the floor.
20:47What the hell are you listening to?
20:50You've been lying to me this whole time.
20:54Lying to you?
20:55Then dropped his to a fake, soft tone, brushing her cheek.
20:58Baby, you're the only one I care about.
21:01Don't listen to random gossip.
21:03What about the ring?
21:04Chloe held out her hand, voice sharp.
21:06Liam's eyes flashed.
21:07He slapped her hard across the face.
21:12How dare you question me?
21:14I feed you, spoil you, give you everything.
21:17This is how you repay me?
21:18I didn't!
21:19You never told me the truth!
21:20Not once!
21:21The truth?
21:22Liam leaned in, his voice low and unhinged.
21:25Once I take everything from Scarlet, you and your mom will live like queens.
21:30Now be a good girl.
21:31Let go!
21:32It hurt!
21:33Chloe struggled in his grip, voice trembling.
21:35Don't be mad, okay?
21:37He tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at him.
21:40I can't live without you.
21:42Before she could answer, he kissed her hard, rough, forced, unwanted.
21:46His teeth bit through her lip.
21:48The taste of blood filled both their mouths.
21:50Chloe jerked her head away and shoved him hard.
21:54Get off me!
21:56You're insane!
21:57Ah!
21:59Liam snapped.
22:01Insane?
22:02You made me this way!
22:05One more wrong move, and I'll call the cops on your mom right now!
22:09She'll rot in prison!
22:10You're threatening me?
22:11I'm teaching you a lesson!
22:14Liam panted, completely deranged.
22:17Just be good.
22:18Be a good girl.
22:20I'll give you everything, baby.
22:22I'll give you everything.
22:23She laughed suddenly, tears streaming down her face.
22:26Fine.
22:27I'll be good.
22:27While his back was turned, Chloe pulled out her phone with shaking fingers and fired off
22:31a text, West Hospital Hallway, now, hurry.
22:34She said she needed air and stumbled out of the hospital room.
22:37Madison was already waiting in the West Hospital Hallway.
22:40The second she saw the slap mark on Chloe's face and the bruise on her waist, her eyes blazed
22:46with rage.
22:47I told you he was no good.
22:49Chloe doesn't answer, just cries harder.
22:52Chloe grabbed her arm.
22:53You sent the audio, didn't you?
22:55This time, I'm taking Liam down for good.
22:59Whatever you're going to do, I'm with you.
23:02Chloe hit the call button.
23:03It rang three times before connecting.
23:08Scarlett.
23:10The next day, I met Chloe at a coffee shop.
23:13She was early.
23:13No makeup, red puffy eyes, wearing a plain gray hoodie.
23:17Madison sat next to her, silent, watching me warily.
23:21She looked nothing like the glamorous party queen from the day before.
23:25I'm sorry.
23:26I sipped my coffee, saying nothing.
23:29I knew he was married.
23:30He told me they'd been separated for two years and were getting divorced, that his wife wouldn't
23:34sign the papers.
23:35I chose to believe him.
23:36I wanted the cars, the house.
23:37I lied to myself.
23:39I knew my mom was stealing from you.
23:40I didn't stop her.
23:42You want me to feel sorry for you?
23:44No.
23:44I know I was wrong.
23:46I'm not playing the victim.
23:47She pulled a phone out of her bag and slid it across the table.
23:50This is the spare phone he gave me.
23:52I went through it.
23:52There's stuff on here.
23:54I opened the phone.
23:55The gallery had screenshots of Liam's texts, from a year and a half ago, to his assistant.
24:00This idiot is getting too clingy.
24:01Need to keep her busy so she stops bothering me.
24:04Tell her to take more classes at school?
24:06Yeah.
24:06Also, did you look up her mom?
24:08Single mom, works as a nanny.
24:10No money.
24:11Ugh, fine.
24:12Keep stringing her along.
24:13She's free anyway.
24:14I put the phone down and looked at Chloe.
24:16Her nails drug into her palms.
24:18You want more?
24:19Why are you telling me this?
24:20Because I want him in prison.
24:22Not just bankrupt.
24:23I want everyone to know who he really is.
24:26He spreads private photos.
24:28He put hidden cameras in that hotel room.
24:31I saw the folder on his computer.
24:32It had your name on it.
24:33My fingers tightened around my coffee cup.
24:35You'll testify against him?
24:37I will.
24:37What do you want in return?
24:38Go easy on my mom.
24:39She's just greedy, not evil.
24:41And don't press charges against Madison.
24:42I leaned back in my chair, watching her for a long time.
24:46Your mom has to return everything she stole.
24:48I won't press charges for the sapphire ring you stole, but you owe me $800,000.
24:53Monthly payments.
24:54$5,000 a month until it's paid off.
24:57Okay.
24:59What about you?
25:00What do you want?
25:00I looked at Madison.
25:02Nothing.
25:02I just want her to be safe.
25:05Deal.
25:06But I need to tell you something.
25:08I don't forgive you.
25:10This is just business.
25:11Once this is over, I never want to see you again.
25:15I pick up a pen and sign the agreement.
25:18Chloe signs too.
25:19Madison doesn't sign, just sits there watching Chloe.
25:22We didn't shake hands, no smiles, no reconciliation.
25:24We were just three women hurt by the same man standing on the same side.
25:28For now.
25:29Two days later, my assistant called me early in the morning.
25:32Miss Thorne, the link I sent you, check it now.
25:35I opened the link.
25:37There were my private photos all over the internet.
25:39The headline blares.
25:40Carter Tech CEO's wife cheated with multiple men.
25:43I shot up in bed.
25:44I was half naked in the photos.
25:46My face and body exposed.
25:48The man's face was completely blurred.
25:49But I recognized that body instantly.
25:52It was Liam.
25:53The background was a hotel in Miami.
25:54I stared at the screen, my hands shaking.
25:57My phone clattered to the carpet.
25:59Tears welled up in my eyes.
26:01But I bit my lip and held them back.
26:03I closed my eyes, took three deep breaths.
26:07Dad, use the nuclear option.
26:11At the same time, Chloe called me.
26:14Scarlett, did you see it?
26:15He's making his move.
26:17I saw it.
26:18I told you about the folder on his computer.
26:20I copied it.
26:21It has the original photos, no blur.
26:23Madison organized everything, plus his text bribing the hotel staff.
26:27I can send it to you now.
26:29Send it.
26:30This time, I'm making sure he never gets back up.
26:34When Scarlett and I first got together, we couldn't even scrounge up $100.
26:38I built my company from nothing, because I loved her.
26:42But after we got married, she started staying out all night, always asking me for money.
26:46I have the bank records to prove it.
26:48I was too busy building my company to be with her.
26:50By the time I found out, it was too late.
26:53She cheated on me countless times.
26:54I met Chloe later.
26:56But Scarlett wouldn't leave us alone.
26:57She even hit Chloe.
26:59I'm speaking out today to protect the woman I love.
27:01The live stream hit 200,000 viewers.
27:04The comments shifted from hate to support.
27:06I watched the stream, narrowing my eyes.
27:09My dad wanted to send Thorne Consortis top lawyers to take it down immediately.
27:12If we take it down now, he gets off too easy.
27:15I want him to climb as high as he can.
27:17Then I'm going to push him off.
27:19On the day of our divorce hearing, Liam showed up at the courthouse alone.
27:22Chloe didn't come.
27:23Scarlett, you're going to be ruined.
27:24I said nothing.
27:26Three days later, the story went viral.
27:28Liam was the internet's favorite victim.
27:30That afternoon, I went live.
27:31I bought a TikTok global push and hundreds of thousands of people tuned in within minutes.
27:35When we hit 500,000 viewers, I pulled up Liam's so-called bank records and the full text messages.
27:41Liam had sent me money.
27:42But every single dollar was for his mom's medical bills.
27:45Every large transfer.
27:46I sent it to him first, then he sent it to the hospital.
27:49The chat exploded.
27:51So those transfers were for his mom, not her?
27:54This guy is a total scumbag.
27:56Then I pulled up the hotel check-in records.
27:59Those photos are mine.
28:01But the man in them?
28:02That's Liam Carter.
28:04That was our first vacation to Miami.
28:06He put hidden cameras in the room without me knowing.
28:08He planned to use these photos against me if we ever broke up.
28:11The chat was flooded with hate for Liam.
28:15Just then, Chloe appeared on screen.
28:17She wasn't in my stream.
28:19She went live on her own account and joined mine.
28:22Everyone, I'm Chloe.
28:23I have something to say.
28:24Liam lied to me for two years.
28:26He told me he was separated and getting divorced.
28:28I believed him.
28:29I was the other woman and I own that.
28:31But everything he said about Scarlet, it's all lies.
28:36These are his texts to his assistant.
28:38He called me an idiot, said I was easy to manipulate.
28:41The diamond ring he gave me was fake, $200.
28:44He also took photos of me sleeping without my permission.
28:48And he has a folder on his computer with the original photos of Scarlet.
28:52I have proof.
28:53She held up a USB drive.
28:54This has all the original files.
28:56I already gave it to the police.
28:59Liam's name popped up in Chloe's comments, spamming crazy words.
29:05I know.
29:06I'm doing the right thing.
29:07I ended the live stream.
29:09The rest was up to the lawyers.
29:12Scarlet, how did you get the hotel records?
29:14So you bribed the hotel staff to lie?
29:17Once my company goes public, you'll be begging to work for me.
29:22About that, your company isn't going public.
29:31He hung up, but another call came immediately.
29:34Then another.
29:35Scarlet, it was you?
29:36Who the hell are you?
29:37I met his gaze and smiled.
29:39New York Thorn Consortoran.
29:41Heard of it?
29:42The richest family in New York?
29:44That's my family.
29:45That's impossible.
29:46You told me your family was middle class.
29:48Oh, and that hotel in Miami?
29:50It's ours too.
29:52Liam stared at me in disbelief.
29:55Scarlet, give me another chance.
29:56I'm sorry.
29:56I'll break up with Chloe right now.
29:57Let's get back together.
29:58He had no chance.
30:00A few days later, Liam was sentenced.
30:0312 years in prison for illegal acts.
30:07Carter Tech filed for bankruptcy.
30:09All assets were transferred to me.
30:12Martha was sentenced.
30:14Two years in prison.
30:15Three years probation.
30:161,000 hours community service.
30:18Return all stolen items.
30:20Chloe was sentenced to six months of community correction for aiding in a building and thief.
30:24She was expelled from NYU and left with $800,000 in debt.
30:27Madison was sentenced to 300 hours of community service for assault.
30:31I dragged my suitcase, walking toward the gate with my parents.
30:34My phone buzzed.
30:36$5,000.
30:37Sender, Chloe Bennett.
30:41If it wasn't for you, I'd still be with him.
30:44I told you I'd protect you.
30:49I glanced at it, then deleted it.
30:52We're so proud of you.
30:54We love you.
30:55I didn't forgive anyone.
30:57But I wasn't going to let their mistakes ruin my life.
31:00The best revenge isn't death.
31:02It's living well while they have to live with what they did.
31:05And maybe, just maybe, they'll find redemption in their mistakes.
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