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Each movie brings exciting characters, surprising plot twists, touching relationships, and powerful stories that keep you watching until the final scene. From billionaire romances to inspiring life journeys, every film offers a unique experience.
Enjoy HD movies with English subtitles and stay tuned for regular uploads of the latest popular drama films.
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CreativityTranscript
00:00During my husband's company team-building dinner, his female assistant walked straight into the private dining suite and took a
00:06seat at the head table.
00:08She smiled brightly and spoke to me.
00:10Mrs. Hayes, you can sit over there. I'll take care of the boss tonight.
00:13A hush fell over the entire table in an instant. My husband frowned at me.
00:18Let it go. She's young and doesn't know any better.
00:20I didn't argue or make a scene. I simply picked up my bowl and moved to the kids' table.
00:25The assistant shot me a triumphant glance.
00:27Looks like you know your place, Mrs. Hayes.
00:30The next second, Mom stood up. She picked up her glass of sparkling citrus beverage and splashed it straight in
00:36the assistant's face.
00:38If anyone knows their place, it's you. Get out of that seat. That's my daughter-in-law's spot.
00:44The sparkling citrus beverage dripped down Vivian Clark's hair, soaking through her white blouse.
00:49The fabric clung to her skin, leaving her looking utterly disheveled, as if she'd just been pulled out of water.
00:56No one in the private dining suite dared to utter a word.
01:00I sat quietly at the kids' table, a piece of pork ribs still on my fork.
01:04My son, Leo Hayes, sat beside me. He looked up and whispered,
01:08Mom, Grandma's awesome.
01:10I stroked his head gently.
01:12Just eat your dinner, baby.
01:13Vivian finally snapped out of her shock, her eyes welling up with tears.
01:16Mrs. Hayes, what are you doing?
01:18I was only trying to help Mr. Hayes host the guests.
01:21My mother-in-law slammed her glass down on the table.
01:24Do you need the head table to host guests?
01:25I used to sit in that seat.
01:27Tonight, I gave it to my daughter-in-law.
01:29Who do you think you are rearranging seats for the host family?
01:32Ethan Hayes' face darkened completely.
01:34Mom, Vivian's my assistant.
01:37She's been helping me coordinate this team dinner.
01:39Don't make a huge scene out of this.
01:40Mom turned to face him, her tone icy.
01:43A scene?
01:44She let out a cold laugh.
01:46Your wife shows up, and you let your assistant take the head table.
01:50You push your wife off to a corner, and tell her to let it go.
01:55Ethan Hayes, do you even remember you're married?
01:58Ethan was left speechless.
02:00Vivian Clark covered her face, her voice trembling with feigned distress.
02:04Mr. Hayes, I should leave.
02:06This is all my fault.
02:07I never should have come tonight.
02:09She turned to walk out, moving at a glacial pace, clearly waiting to be stopped.
02:14All eyes in the room locked on Ethan.
02:16Just as everyone expected, he stood up.
02:18Vivian, wait.
02:19I set down my fork.
02:20The soft clink of ceramic against the table cut through the silence.
02:24Ethan glanced back at me, irritation in his voice.
02:27Iris, don't start with your passive-aggressive attitude.
02:31I lifted my gaze, calm and steady.
02:33I haven't said a single word.
02:35He frowned harder.
02:36That look on your face says it all.
02:38I let out a quiet laugh.
02:39I'm sitting at the kids' table, eating my meal.
02:41I haven't cried.
02:42I haven't fought.
02:43Your assistant gets splashed with a drink, and you turn your anger on me.
02:47Ethan, can you tell who your wife is?
02:49The private dining suite fell even quieter, every person holding their breath.
02:53Standing in the doorway, Vivian's tears finally spilled down her cheeks.
02:57Mrs. Hayes, I truly didn't mean anything by it.
03:00Mr. Hayes is always so busy.
03:02I'm just used to taking care of him.
03:04I nodded slowly, unimpressed.
03:06So used to it that you take the head table?
03:08She bit her lip.
03:09No reply.
03:09I pressed on.
03:10So used to it that you rearranged the host's seating?
03:13She fell completely silent.
03:14Mom walked over to my side and picked up my small bowl.
03:17Come on, honey.
03:18Go sit back at the main table.
03:19I didn't move.
03:20Mom turned to Ethan, her tone unyielding.
03:22You invited this guest.
03:24You fixed this.
03:25If she doesn't leave, I will.
03:27And don't ever invite me to another family dinner again.
03:30Ethan's face turned stormy.
03:31He fought to keep his temper in check and spoke to Vivian.
03:34Go to the restroom and clean yourself up first.
03:37Vivian's eyes lit up as if she'd won the argument.
03:40Mom cut in sharply.
03:41Not clean up.
03:42Leave.
03:42Now.
03:44Vivian's face drained of all color in an instant.
03:47Ethan finally lost his patience.
03:49Mom, are you really going to humiliate everyone just over a seat?
03:53Mom raised her hand and slapped him hard across the face.
03:56The sound echoed crisply through the room.
03:58Ethan's head snapped to the side from the force of the blow.
04:00This was never about a seat.
04:03Mom spoke every word clearly and fiercely.
04:06This is about you letting outsiders trample on your wife's dignity.
04:11I stared at her, my throat tight.
04:13For the first time in ten years of marriage, all the grievances I'd silently endured were
04:17finally seen by someone.
04:19But Vivian Clark still refused to leave.
04:22She stood in the doorway and suddenly lifted her phone.
04:25Mrs. Hayes, I've recorded every second of you assaulting me and splashing drinks on me.
04:31She wiped her wet face, her eyes no longer holding any trace of vulnerability, only cold calculation.
04:38Mr. Hayes, don't worry.
04:40I won't let you suffer this injustice for nothing.
04:43Ethan's expression shifted instantly.
04:46I set down my fork, my eyes fixed on her lit phone screen.
04:49The recording was still running.
04:51That night, Vivian posted the edited video online.
04:54It quickly climbed to the top of local trending searches with the headline,
04:58Wealthy matriarch publicly humiliates female employee, wife watches coldly.
05:03The clip only showed Vivian soaked and humiliated, Ethan getting slapped, and me sitting emotionless
05:09at the kids' table.
05:10Every detail that led to the incident was cut out entirely.
05:14The comment section exploded with vicious backlash.
05:17People accused me of bullying a working girl with my mother-in-law's backing.
05:21Others slammed Ethan's company for exploiting employees while the boss's wife threw her
05:25weight around.
05:26Many dug up Vivian's employee profile, praising her as a top-tier graduate and a talented young
05:31executive assistant, wrongfully humiliated by a wealthy family.
05:36Ethan didn't come home all night.
05:38The next morning, he stumbled in, reeking of alcohol.
05:41I was standing at the stove, frying eggs for Leo.
05:43He slammed his phone down on the dining table.
05:46Are you happy now, Iris?
05:47I didn't look up from the pan.
05:49I didn't post the video.
05:50But your mother caused this entire mess!
05:53She's your mother, too.
05:54He fell silent, stumped by my reply.
05:56Mom walked out from the guest room with her reading glasses in hand.
05:59She'd stayed the night, worried I'd be upset alone at home.
06:03She stared at Ethan, her face cold with anger.
06:06How dare you show your face here?
06:08Ethan rubbed his temples, exhausted and frustrated.
06:12Reporters are camped outside the company building, and our clients are blowing up our phones nonstop.
06:16Mom, you need to apologize and put an end to this hype.
06:19Mom let out a bitter, disbelieving laugh.
06:22Me, apologize?
06:24Ethan's head shot up.
06:25Iris Hayes, don't push this too far.
06:27I looked straight at him, unyielding.
06:29Who's the one who pushed things too far first?
06:31He gritted his teeth.
06:32Do you have any idea how much trouble the company is in right now?
06:35If you post that video, Vivian's career will be ruined.
06:39I nodded calmly.
06:41When she posted that edited video to ruin our reputations, did she stop to think if she'd destroy us?
06:47Ethan had no response.
06:49Just then his phone rang.
06:50He answered it and put it on speaker.
06:52Vivian's tearful, trembling voice filled the room.
06:55Mr. Hayes, the reporters are right outside my apartment building.
06:58I'm so scared.
07:00I think I should resign.
07:02I don't want to cause you any more trouble.
07:04Ethan's tone softened instantly.
07:06Don't be afraid.
07:07I'll fix this for you.
07:09I picked up the fork for Leo and continued feeding him unfazed.
07:13Mom stared at Ethan, her gaze icy and disapproving.
07:16Vivian spoke again through the speaker.
07:18But Mrs. Hayes clearly hates me.
07:21Will she force you to fire me?
07:23Ethan glanced at me, firm in his resolve.
07:26No one can make me fire you.
07:27I let out a quiet laugh.
07:29Miss Clark.
07:30Mom reached over and snatched his phone off the table.
07:33The line went dead silent for a second.
07:35Don't worry.
07:36Her tone sharp and unforgiving.
07:38My son could never bring himself to fire you.
07:41Ethan froze in shock.
07:43Vivian also stayed completely quiet on the line.
07:46That's why I'll call a board meeting.
07:48Mom, stop!
07:50Ethan shouted in alarm.
07:52Mom hung up the phone and tossed it back on the table.
07:54Iris, tell the legal team to release the full video.
07:57And notify finance to audit every expense report Vivian Clark has ever submitted.
08:02Ethan stared at her in disbelief.
08:04Mom, have you lost your mind?
08:06I'm perfectly sane.
08:07Mom looked at him coldly.
08:09She paused, her words heavy and final.
08:11I just remembered.
08:12This company doesn't belong to you alone.
08:15The moment the full video went public, online public opinion flipped completely.
08:20Netizens turned their anger on Vivian Clark overnight.
08:23People shared frame-by-frame screenshots of her smug, arrogant expression as she took the
08:28head table and mocked me.
08:30The company's official account only posted the complete surveillance footage with no apology
08:35attached.
08:36I didn't press Ethan for one.
08:38I knew he was still protecting her.
08:40By noon, the legal team sent a formal notice to Vivian demanding she delete the edited video
08:45and issue a public apology.
08:47In the afternoon, the finance department submitted Vivian's expense reports to me for review.
08:53Within just three months, she'd charged $180,000 in dining fees and $110,000 in hotel accommodation
09:01fees to the company account.
09:03Flowers, luxury gifts, custom jewelry, high-end business attire all were billed as company expenses.
09:10Vivian Clark was listed as the applicant and Ethan Hayes as the sole approver on every single document.
09:16Mom put on her reading glasses, her face darkening with every page she read.
09:20Business attire?
09:21A $68,000 dress?
09:23What kind of business meeting requires a dress this extravagant?
09:27The finance manager stood before us, head bowed in deference.
09:30Mrs. Hayes, all these reports were personally approved by Mr. Hayes.
09:33We didn't have the authority to reject them.
09:35Mom turned to me, but I said nothing, flipping to the final page of the file.
09:39It was a hotel invoice, guest Vivian Clark, co-guest Ethan Hayes.
09:45The date was my birthday.
09:46That day, Ethan had told me he had an urgent work engagement and couldn't come home.
09:50I'd spent my birthday eating cake with Leo.
09:53My little son had asked me softly,
09:56Did Daddy forget your birthday?
09:58I'd forced a smile and told him,
10:01Daddy's just busy with work.
10:03Now the invoice lay before me, cold and irrefutable proof.
10:07Mom saw it too, pressing a hand to her chest in shock and anger.
10:11Iris!
10:12I pulled the invoice out and tucked it into a folder, my voice steady.
10:15It's fine, Mom.
10:16Her voice cracked with emotion.
10:17How can you say it's fine?
10:19I've long prepared myself for the truth.
10:21I just never thought he'd ruin my birthday like this too.
10:24Ethan came home that night.
10:25He'd clearly found out about the expense audit, walking in with a stormy expression.
10:30Iris, are you auditing the company's finances behind my back?
10:33I sat on the living room sofa, the folder resting on the coffee table.
10:37I lifted my gaze to meet his eyes.
10:39Am I not allowed to check the company accounts?
10:42You're not a company employee.
10:43I let out a faint laugh.
10:45Mom's expression turned completely cold.
10:47She's not part of the company?
10:49Ethan turned to Mom, exasperated.
10:51Mom, stay out of company business.
10:53Mom stood up, walked to the study, and returned with a brown craft document bag.
10:57She tossed the bag hard onto the floor in front of Ethan.
11:00Open it and read it carefully.
11:02Ethan opened the bag, his face draining of color as he read the contents.
11:06The company's original founding shareholder agreement.
11:09Iris Hayes, 35% equity stake.
11:12Martha Hayes, 20% equity stake.
11:14Ethan Hayes, 30% equity stake.
11:16The remaining 15% was reserved for the management option pool.
11:20This agreement was supposed to be voided years ago.
11:24Ethan stammered.
11:25Mom cut him off sharply.
11:26Supposed to be voided or just conveniently forgotten by you?
11:31I stared at him calmly.
11:33When the company was founded, the $8 million startup capital came from selling the house
11:37my grandfather left me, my personal premarital property.
11:41Ethan gripped the agreement tightly, his knuckles white with tension.
11:44That was marital joint investment.
11:46I shook my head.
11:47The prenoptal property notification, bank transfer records, and official equity registration documents
11:52to prove otherwise.
11:53Your wife chose not to fight for what's hers, but that doesn't mean she has nothing.
11:59Ethan's eyes locked on mine, wary and furious.
12:02What exactly are you trying to do?
12:04I pushed the hotel invoice across the table toward him.
12:07Explain this.
12:09Ethan glanced at the paper, his expression quickly hardening into defensiveness.
12:13It was a business trip.
12:14On my birthday?
12:16It was a last-minute work arrangement.
12:18Why only one hotel room?
12:20He fell silent for a brief moment before replying stiffly.
12:23The hotel was fully booked.
12:25I picked up my phone and opened an audio recording.
12:29Let's hear what Vivian has to say about that day.
12:32Ethan's face turned deathly pale.
12:36You recorded us?
12:38I pressed play.
12:39Vivian's soft, coquettish voice filled the room clearly.
12:43Mr. Hayes, we never would have ended up staying together that night if you hadn't said
12:48Mrs. Hayes' birthday was boring and not worth celebrating.
12:54Ethan Hayes reached out to snatch the phone.
12:57Mom moved faster, swatting his hand away in an instant.
13:00What do you think you're doing?
13:01The audio recording kept playing.
13:03Vivian Clark let out a soft laugh.
13:05Mrs. Hayes is such a pitiful woman.
13:09Stuck at home raising kids.
13:11It's actually deluding herself into thinking she's the real Mrs. Hayes.
13:16Another male voice murmured lowly.
13:18It was Ethan Hayes.
13:20Drop it.
13:21Vivian Clark asked,
13:22What about me?
13:23What do I mean to you?
13:25Ethan Hayes fell silent for a few seconds.
13:28Once this project wraps up, I'll give you a proper answer.
13:31The recording cut off right there.
13:33Only the ticking of the clock echoed through the living room.
13:36Ethan Hayes' face drained of all color.
13:38Mom stared at him like she was seeing her son for the very first time.
13:42I set the phone down on the table.
13:44What kind of answer exactly?
13:46Ethan Hayes' Adam's apple bobbed nervously.
13:49Iris, it was just drunken nonsense.
13:52Sharing a hotel room with her was also drunken nonsense?
13:55I didn't touch her!
13:57That's not what I'm asking about.
13:59He froze in place, caught off guard.
14:01I held his gaze steadily.
14:03I'm asking why you used my money to fund her lavish lifestyle.
14:07Why you took the trust I gave you and promised her a future?
14:12And now you want my mother and me to apologize to her?
14:16Ethan Hayes tugged at his tie irritably, his patience fraying.
14:19Do you really have to make this so ugly?
14:22Mom cut in sharply.
14:23Ugly?
14:24Isn't what you've done far uglier?
14:26Ethan Hayes lowered his voice defensive.
14:29Mom, you don't know Vivian.
14:30She stayed late, attended those dinners, drank those rounds, and put in so much work for us.
14:36Mom let out a cold scoff.
14:38So all that hard work landed her in your bed?
14:40Can you stop being so vulgar?
14:43Mom trembled with rage.
14:45I stood up and steadied her gently.
14:47Mom, sit down and calm yourself.
14:49I then turned back to Ethan Hayes.
14:51I'm calling an emergency shareholder meeting tomorrow morning at nine.
14:54Ethan Hayes stared at me warily.
14:56What are you planning to do?
14:58Audit the company accounts.
15:00Suspend you from your position.
15:02And terminate Vivian Clark's employment.
15:04He refused immediately.
15:06That's impossible.
15:08I nodded firmly.
15:09Then I'll call the police.
15:10Ethan Hayes stiffened in shock.
15:13I opened the folder and spread out the expense reimbursement forms one by one.
15:17Fraudulous expense claims.
15:19Misappropriation of company funds.
15:21Totaling over $300,000.
15:23As the approving officer, you're equally culpable Ethan Hayes.
15:27His arrogance finally faded a little.
15:29Iris, we're husband and wife.
15:31I looked him dead in the eyes.
15:33The moment you let her take the main seat beside you, you stop treating me like your wife.
15:39He fell silent at a loss for words.
15:41Tears welled up in mom's eyes, but she wiped them away quickly, her turning icy cold.
15:47Iris, don't waste another word on him.
15:50Do what needs to be done.
15:51Ethan Hayes stared at mom, utterly disbelieving.
15:54Mom, I'm your son.
15:55Mom lifted her head, her gaze sharp and cold.
15:58That's exactly why I'm so ashamed of you.
16:02The words landed like a harsh slap, far more stinging than any physical blow.
16:08Ethan Hayes stood rooted to the spot.
16:10His chest heaving with suppressed anger and embarrassment.
16:13His phone rang suddenly.
16:15He glanced at the screen.
16:16Vivian Clark.
16:17He ignored the call.
16:18The phone rang again, persistent.
16:20Mom glanced at him.
16:21Answer it.
16:22Ethan Hayes didn't move.
16:23I reached over and pressed the answer button for him.
16:26Vivian Clark's broken, sobbing voice poured through the speaker.
16:29Mr. Hayes, I'm pregnant.
16:32Ethan Hayes froze completely rigid.
16:34Mom's head shot up in shock.
16:36I remained perfectly calm, unshaken.
16:38On the other end of the line, Vivian Clark continued through her tears.
16:42The baby's yours.
16:44If you fire me, I'll post my pregnancy test results all over the internet.
16:49She paused for a moment.
16:50Also, you promised me company shares.
16:53It's time you keep that promise.
16:54At nine o'clock the next morning, the conference room was packed full of staff and shareholders.
17:00Ethan Hayes hadn't slept a wink all night, dark circles heavy under his eyes.
17:04Vivian Clark showed up as well.
17:06She wore a plain, light-colored dress with no heavy makeup, clutching a pregnancy test report in her hand.
17:13The second she walked in, she locked eyes with Mom.
17:16Mrs. Hayes, I'm so sorry for my behavior yesterday.
17:18I was just terrified.
17:20Mom completely ignored her.
17:21Vivian Clark then turned to me.
17:23Mrs. Hayes, I know you hate me, but the baby is innocent.
17:27Low murmurs rippled through the conference room.
17:29I sat beside the main seat and opened my documents.
17:32Ethan Hayes sat in the main executive chair.
17:35His face etched with misery.
17:37He tried to speak first, but I cut him off.
17:39We have three items on the agenda for this emergency shareholder meeting.
17:43I lifted my gaze, sweeping the room.
17:45First, we will review Vivian Clark's fraudulent expense claims.
17:49Vivian Clark's face paled instantly.
17:52All of those expenses were approved by Mr. Hayes.
17:55I nodded calmly.
17:57Which brings us to the second item.
17:59Reviewing Ethan Hayes.
18:00Ethan Hayes' head snapped toward me in shock.
18:02I continued unhurriedly.
18:04Third, we will suspend Vivian Clark from her position as chief assistant and freeze all
18:09her work accounts.
18:10Vivian Clark grew frantic, raising her voice.
18:13Iris Hayes, you have no right to do this!
18:15I slid the shareholder equity documents across the table.
18:19I have every right as a company shareholder.
18:21She stared at the documents, her eyes widening in shock.
18:24Clearly, she had no idea.
18:26Ethan Hayes had never told her that the wife he'd dismissed as a stay-at-home mother, useless
18:31and dependent on him, was actually the company's original founding investor.
18:35Vivian Clark gritted her teeth angrily.
18:38Even if you're a scooter, this is personal retaliation!
18:42I turned on the projector.
18:44The fraudulent expense claims flashed up on the screen one after another.
18:48Hotel stays, luxury jewelry, high-end designer dresses, private beauty treatments, and even
18:53maternity nutrition supplements charged to the company account.
18:57Gasps echoed around the conference room.
18:59The finance manager stood up immediately.
19:02None of these expenses have corresponding project contracts or client sign-off records.
19:07They are all unsuffathevated personal expenditures.
19:09Vivian Clark's face turned deathly pale.
19:12She turned to Ethan Hayes, pleading desperately.
19:15Mr. Hayes, say something!
19:16Ethan Hayes clenched his fists tightly, his jaw tight.
19:19I approved all of these expenses.
19:21I stared at him coldly.
19:23On what grounds?
19:24He ground out the words through his teeth.
19:26Business purposes.
19:27Are hotel room balkings also business purposes?
19:31A dead silence fell over the entire room.
19:33Tears streamed down Vivian Clark's face as she slammed her pregnancy test report on the table.
19:38Mrs. Hayes, do you have to humiliate me like this?
19:43The baby is Mr. Hayes!
19:45Keep pushing me and I'll expose all of you!
19:48Mom finally lifted her head.
19:50She took off her reading glasses and set them down slowly on the table.
19:54Ms. Clark, are you absolutely certain this baby is Ethan's?
19:58Vivian Clark straightened her back defiantly.
20:00Of course I'm sure.
20:01Mom nodded faintly.
20:03Very well.
20:03She glanced back at her assistant.
20:05Ask Dr. Zhao to come in.
20:06The conference room door opened and a middle-aged female doctor in a white coat walked inside.
20:12Vivian Clark froze in confusion.
20:15Mom explained calmly,
20:16This is Director Zhao from the Territional Maternity and Child Health Hospital.
20:20She's the doctor who issued your pregnancy test report.
20:22Half the color drained from Vivian Clark's face.
20:25Mom continued,
20:26Director Zhao has already confirmed that your test report is genuine.
20:30Vivian Clark let out a shaky breath of relief, but Mom's next words shattered her hope.
20:35But the report states you're 13 weeks pregnant.
20:39She turned to Ethan Hayes.
20:40Where were you 13 weeks ago?
20:42Ethan Hayes' face turned ashen.
20:44I answered for him flat.
20:45He was on a business trip in Singapore for a full two weeks.
20:48An uproar erupted in the conference room.
20:51Vivian Clark shot to her feet in rage.
20:53You've been investigating me!
20:55You should have expected that the second you tried to threaten me with an unborn child.
20:59Ms. Clark, do you still insist this baby is my son's?
21:02Vivian Clark's lips trembled violently, unable to utter a single word.
21:06Ethan Hayes stared at her, his expression shifting from shock to utter mortification and disgust.
21:12I closed my documents.
21:14Let's vote on the resolution.
21:16The suspension resolution passed unanimously.
21:19Ethan Hayes abstained from the vote.
21:21As security escorted Vivian Clark out of the room, she suddenly twisted around, staring daggers at me.
21:27Iris Hayes, do you think you've won?
21:29Your son gets out of school this afternoon, doesn't he?
21:33I stood up abruptly, my chair scraping sharply against the floor.
21:36Ethan Hayes' face dropped in alarm.
21:39Vivian Clark, what the hell are you talking about?
21:41Vivian Clark said nothing.
21:42She was dragged toward the door, but not before throwing one last menacing glance at me.
21:47That look turned my stomach cold with dread.
21:49I grabbed my phone and immediately dialed Leo Hayes' homeroom teacher.
21:53No answer.
21:54I dialed again.
21:55Still no answer.
21:56Mom stood up at once.
21:57Let's go to the school.
21:58Ethan Hayes hurried to follow us.
22:00I stopped and turned to him.
22:01You're not coming.
22:02Leo is my son too.
22:04Then remember this.
22:05You're the one who brought this danger to our son.
22:07Ethan Hayes' face blanched white.
22:09I didn't spare him another glance.
22:11We arrived at the school gate just as school let out.
22:14Children streamed out in orderly lines.
22:17I spotted Leo Hayes instantly in the crowd.
22:20He stood at the end of his class line while a strange woman bent down to talk to him,
22:24holding a bag of snacks in her hand.
22:26Leo stepped backward.
22:28Weary.
22:29The woman reached out to grab his arm.
22:31I rushed over and clamped down hard on her wrist.
22:34What are you doing?
22:35The woman jumped in fright.
22:36Who are you?
22:37Leo's eyes welled up with tears the second he saw me.
22:40Mommy.
22:40I pulled him firmly behind me for protection.
22:43She said daddy sent her to pick me up.
22:45The woman quickly forced a smile.
22:47It's just a misunderstanding.
22:48I'm Vivian Clark's cousin.
22:50She's close with Mr. Hayes, so I just offered to help pick the kid up.
22:53Mom arrived right behind me, her face turning livid at the woman's words.
22:57I pulled out my phone and dialed the police directly.
23:00The woman panicked instantly.
23:02Why are you calling the police?
23:03I didn't even take the kid anywhere.
23:05You approached a minor, without guardian permission,
23:08posed as a family member, and attempted to take him away.
23:11She raised her voice shrilly, defensive.
23:13Mr. Hayes knows about this.
23:15I held my phone up to her face.
23:17Explain that to the police.
23:19A crowd of surrounding parents gathered around us.
23:22The woman tried to flee, but the school security guard blocked her path.
23:25The homeroom teacher rushed over, looking utterly distraught.
23:29Mrs. Hayes, I'm so sorry.
23:31It was total chaos during dismissal.
23:33I cut her off sharply.
23:34Pull the surveillance footage and notify the principal immediately.
23:37The teacher nodded repeatedly in panic.
23:39Leo clung tightly to the hem of my shirt, his palms soaked with sweat.
23:43I knelt down to his level and looked him in the eyes gently.
23:46Were you scared, baby?
23:48He nodded, then shook his head quickly.
23:50She said mommy didn't want me anymore and told me to go with her to see daddy.
23:54Tears spilled down mom's face.
23:56The second she heard that, I pulled Leo into a tight embrace.
23:59Mommy will never leave you.
24:01I will always want you.
24:02I turned back to the woman, my tone unwavering.
24:05I will be pursuing this matter to the fottest extent of the law.
24:09The woman still tried to talk her way out of it.
24:11You're just bullying people.
24:13Vivian Clark is carrying Mr. Hayes' child.
24:15Once she's part of the Hayes family, what will your son even be?
24:18The second the words left her mouth, mom stepped forward and slapped her heart across the face.
24:22Say that again.
24:24The woman screamed, clutching her cheek.
24:25The police arrived shortly after.
24:27The surveillance footage captured everything clearly.
24:30The woman loitering at the school gate, using snacks to lure Leo and attempting to abduct him.
24:35As officers escorted her away.
24:37I was just helping my cousin get even.
24:40Bystander parents recorded the entire outburst on their phones.
24:44That night, Vivian Clark trended again on local TikTok and Instagram.
24:48This time, the headlines read,
24:50Female assistant allegedly sends relative to harass CEO's young son.
24:56Ethan Hayes came to the school to pick us up.
24:59He stood at the gate, his eyes red and bloodshot.
25:02Iris, I had no idea this would happen.
25:04I held Leo's hand and walked straight past him.
25:08He reached out to block my path.
25:09Let me talk to Leo.
25:11Leo shrank back and hid behind me.
25:13The gesture froze Ethan Hayes in place.
25:15Mom spoke coldly.
25:16Get out of our way.
25:17Ethan Hayes looked at her desperately.
25:19Mom, I truly didn't know.
25:22Mom replied flatly.
25:23There's far too much you don't know.
25:26Back at home, I called my lawyer.
25:27Attorney pay, is the divorce petition ready?
25:30The lawyer replied through the phone.
25:32All documents are complete.
25:33We can file any time.
25:35I stared out the dark window.
25:37File it tomorrow.
25:39Ethan Hayes stood in the doorway, having overheard every word.
25:42The last traces of color drained completely from his face.
25:46After I filed the divorce petition, Mr. Hayes began to panic.
25:50He called me more than a dozen times each day.
25:53I never picked up.
25:54Then he flooded my inbox with messages.
25:57Iris Hayes, I'm sorry.
25:58Let's talk this through.
25:59I'll sort things out with Vivian Clark.
26:01Leo Hayes can't grow up without his father.
26:04I stared at that last line for a long time.
26:06Then I handed my phone to mom.
26:08She read it and swore outright.
26:10Now he suddenly remembers he's a father.
26:13Leo Hayes had been sleeping restlessly these days.
26:16He jolted awake at every small noise in the night.
26:19I took time off work to stay home with him.
26:21Mom moved in too.
26:22She no longer mentioned Mr. Hayes.
26:24She only cooked for Leo and sat with him building blocks.
26:28On the third day Mr. Pierce arrived, he spread all the documents across the table.
26:32Mrs. Hayes, our demands are dissolution of marriage, sole legal custody of the child,
26:36division of marital assets, and submission of evidence proving Mr. Hayes committed severe
26:40marital misconflict during the marriage.
26:42Separately, matters involving the company can be pursued via shareholder rights proceedings.
26:46We proceed.
26:47The doorbell rang right then.
26:48Mr. Hayes stood outside holding toys Leo loved.
26:52Exhaustion etched across his face.
26:54I wouldn't let him step inside.
26:56Say whatever you need to out here.
26:58His voice lowered.
26:59Iris Hayes, let's not drag this into court.
27:01The proceedings have already been filed.
27:04I told him,
27:05Do you really have to be this ruthless?
27:06Did you think about ruthlessness when you checked into that hotel with Vivian Clark?
27:10I met his gaze.
27:12He squeezed his eyes shut.
27:14I've told you, nothing happened between us.
27:17Mom walked out from the house.
27:18Whether anything happened or not doesn't change the fact that you've tainted yourself.
27:23Mr. Hayes' face darkened.
27:25He turned toward Mom.
27:27Mother, do you have to side with her?
27:28Mom let out a cold laugh.
27:30I side with what's right.
27:32What about me?
27:33I'm your son!
27:34If you'd acted like a proper son, I wouldn't need to take her side.
27:37Mom stared straight at him.
27:39Mr. Hayes fell silent.
27:41After a few seconds, he pulled a document out of his bag.
27:44Iris Hayes, I'm willing to sign a divorce agreement.
27:48Leo stays with you.
27:49I'll pay monthly child support.
27:51You can keep living in the house.
27:52I did not take it.
27:53I asked.
27:54What are your terms?
27:56He went on.
27:56Drop the police report against Vivian Clark and stop auditing the company's accounts.
28:00He lifted his eyes.
28:02Mom laughed sharply out of anger.
28:04I looked at Mr. Hayes.
28:06So you came here to reconcile for her sake.
28:08He grew flustered.
28:09It's not about her.
28:10It's about the company.
28:12If this keeps escalating, the business will collapse.
28:14I nodded.
28:16The company is at risk because you sifled corporate funds to support your assistant.
28:21Not because I'm reviewing the books.
28:23Mr. Hayes gritted his teeth.
28:24Iris Hayes, are you determined to ruin me?
28:28I said nothing.
28:29I simply took the agreement from his hand and skimmed it.
28:32It granted me the right to reside in the house, not ownership.
28:36Child support was set at $8,000 each month.
28:39As for company equity, he demanded I retain my shares but abstain from operational involvement.
28:45The final clause stated neither party could pursue any claims relating to marital wrongdoing.
28:51I handed the document back to him.
28:53Mr. Pierce.
28:54Mr. Pierce stepped forward.
28:56Show Mr. Hayes our draft.
28:57Mr. Pierce pulled out another agreement.
29:00Mr. Hayes scanned it and his face drained of color.
29:03Legal custody of Leo Hayes awarded solely to me.
29:07The marital home transferred to my name.
29:09Two investment properties registered under Mr. Hayes to be divided proportionally.
29:14Recovery of assets he transferred and squandered during the marriage.
29:17A shareholder vote to restructure company management authority.
29:21All financial records linked to Vivian Clark to be handed over for forensic audit.
29:27Mr. Hayes looked up.
29:28Mr. Hayes looked up.
29:28His gaze hardened.
29:31You've had this prepared all along.
29:32I watched him.
29:33I started preparing the day you told me to turn a blind eye.
29:36He crumpled the agreement in his grip then suddenly laughed.
29:40Fine.
29:40He tossed the papers onto the floor.
29:43Iris Hayes will see each other in court.
29:46He spun around and left.
29:48Right before the elevator doors closed, he glanced back at me.
29:52Do you truly believe the judge will definitely award custody of Leo to you?
29:56Mr. Hayes launched his fight for legal custody.
29:59His legal submissions were eloquently framed.
30:02He claimed I held no formal full-time employment and lacked sufficient financial means.
30:07He served as the company's general manager with stable income.
30:11He argued the boy needed a complete paternal presence.
30:15I nearly laughed reading those lines.
30:17Mr. Pierce smiled too.
30:19He seems to have forgotten you own equity and real estate,
30:21plus five years of documented freelance income.
30:24I closed the file.
30:26He hasn't forgotten.
30:28I glanced toward the window.
30:30He's just always believed that staying home meant I had no value.
30:34He heard that line constantly from his father when he was young.
30:37I turned to her.
30:38Mom fell quiet for a moment.
30:41Arthur Hayes thought the same way when he was younger.
30:44He believed it was only natural for women to run the household,
30:47and that men's mistakes outside the home were trivial.
30:50She gave a bitter smile.
30:52I endured it my whole life,
30:53and raised a son who turned out so short-sighted.
30:56I squeezed her hand.
30:59Mom, that was never your fault.
31:01Mom's eyes glistened.
31:03That's why I won't let you endure it, too.
31:07One week before the court hearing,
31:09Mr. Hayes requested a meeting.
31:10We agreed to meet at a cafe downstairs from his company.
31:14I showed up.
31:15Mr. Pierce took a seat at the neighboring table.
31:18When Mr. Hayes saw me, his first words were,
31:20I barely recognize who you've become.
31:23I sat down.
31:24Let's get to the point.
31:26You weren't like this before.
31:28He kept staring at me.
31:30You weren't like this before, either.
31:32He had no reply.
31:34A server brought our coffee.
31:36Mr. Hayes did not touch his cup.
31:38Iris Hayes,
31:39Leo would get into better schools
31:41and see a wider world living with me.
31:43Don't use our son to get revenge on me.
31:45I looked at him.
31:46Do you know the name of Leo Hayes' homeroom teacher?
31:49He froze.
31:51I pressed on.
31:52He has a peanut allergy.
31:54Are you aware of that?
31:55These trivial daily matters.
31:57What is he most afraid of?
31:59I cut him off.
32:00Mr. Hayes stayed silent.
32:02I answered for him.
32:03He's afraid of you and me fighting.
32:06He's also terrified you'll bring strange women to the school.
32:09Vivian Clark's cousin told him one day
32:11that his mother was going to abandon him.
32:13I slid a psychological evaluation report across the table.
32:17This assessment is written by a child psychologist.
32:21Leo Hayes clearly states he does not want to live alone with you.
32:23His fingers trembling slightly.
32:26You took him for a psychological evaluation?
32:29I did.
32:30You're cruel.
32:31I let out a quiet laugh.
32:33I'm cruel for letting our child speak about his fears?
32:36What do you call making a child live in fear?
32:39He had no rebuttal.
32:40At that moment, Vivian Clark walked in.
32:43She wore a mask and cap and looked drastically thinner.
32:47She walked straight over to our table.
32:49Mr. Hayes.
32:50Mr. Hayes' face shifted.
32:52What are you doing here?
32:54Vivian Clark pulled down her mask, her eyes bloodshot.
32:57You won't answer my calls.
32:59I had no choice but to come find you.
33:02She turned toward me.
33:03Mrs. Hayes, please leave me alone.
33:05I've been suspended.
33:07Everyone online is attacking me and my cousin's in custody.
33:10What more do you want?
33:11I looked at her.
33:12A public video apology, full replacement of the company funds,
33:16and full cooperation with the investigation.
33:18I don't have the money!
33:20She raised her voice sharply.
33:22I nodded.
33:22Then we wait for the verdict.
33:24Vivian Clark suddenly laughed.
33:26She pulled a stack of photographs out of her bag and flung them onto the table.
33:30The pictures captured Mr. Hayes carrying her into a hotel and shots of them kissing inside a car.
33:36Mr. Hayes' face turned ashen.
33:38Vivian Clark!
33:40She fixed her eyes on him.
33:41If you won't help me, we'll all go down together.
33:44Several patrons in the cafe lifted their phones to record.
33:49I stared at the photographs and slowly picked up the one on top.
33:54Vivian Clark stared in shock.
33:55I passed the photos to Mr. Pierce.
33:58We now have additional evidence of marital disconduct.
34:02On the day of the hearing, Mr. Hayes hired an expensive legal team.
34:06His lawyer opened by painting me as an emotionally unstable controlling wife
34:10using public opinion to harass her husband.
34:13He argued I lacked permanent employment and had long relied on marital life,
34:19making me unfit to raise the child independently.
34:22He said Mr. Hayes, despite his busy schedule,
34:25possessed greater financial capacity and extensive family resources.
34:30I sat at the plaintiff's table, motionless.
34:33Mom sat in the front row of the public gallery.
34:36Mr. Hayes could not bring himself to look at her.
34:39Mr. Pierce rose to his feet.
34:41First, he submitted proof of my income.
34:44Over the past five years, I had worked as a brand consultant for three companies with steady annual earnings.
34:50He presented my equity certificate, confirming I held a 35% stake in Mr. Hayes' firm.
34:56He submitted comprehensive records of Leo's daily life, hospital visits, school communications,
35:01counseling appointments, counseling appointments.
35:04My signature appeared on nearly every document.
35:07Then came Mr. Hayes' travel logs, hotel invoices, expense reimbursement forms, photographs and audio recordings.
35:15A hush fell over the courtroom.
35:18Seated at the defendant's table, Mr. Hayes' complexion faded bit by bit.
35:23This only demonstrates poor marital conduct by Mr. Hayes.
35:27It does not prove he is an unfit father.
35:30In that case, we have further evidence.
35:33He turned, retrieving school surveillance footage and police records from his case file.
35:37On screen, Vivian Clark's cousin was seen approaching Leo at the school gate.
35:41Her voice echoed clearly in the audio.
35:44Vivian Clark is carrying Mr. Hayes' baby.
35:47Mr. Hayes closed his eyes.
35:49I heard mom behind me struggling to steady her breathing.
35:52The defendant's tangled extramarital relationships has directly under-mated the minor child's sense of security.
35:59The plaintiff maintains steady income, has been the primary caregiver,
36:03and the child has explicitly expressed a wish to reside with his mother.
36:08Defendant, do you wish to make any supplemental statements?
36:12For a split second, remorse flickered in his eyes, but it was far too late.
36:17I admit I made mistakes, yet I love my son.
36:22I ask this court to grant me a chance.
36:24Do you know the boy suffers from a peanut allergy?
36:27Mr. Hayes froze.
36:29His lawyer whispered a hurried reminder, but it was too late.
36:33I'm not entirely sure.
36:35Mom shut her eyes.
36:36I glanced down at the wedding ring in my hand.
36:38I had already taken it off and placed it beside the exhibit bag.
36:42No verdict was handed down that day, but after we exited the courtroom, Mr. Pierce told me,
36:48We hold a strong advantage on the legal custody matter.
36:51Mom squeezed my hand.
36:54You've endured so much for Leo.
36:56I shook my head.
36:57It's not over yet.
36:59Right after I spoke, Mr. Hayes' assistant hurried over.
37:03Mr. Hayes, it's bad news.
37:06Mr. Hayes looked up.
37:08The forensic audit team has entered the company.
37:11Vivian Clark handed a USB drive to the Financial Crimes Unit.
37:14She claims it contains evidence of your fund transfers.
37:17He turned toward me and genuine fear flashed across his face for the very first time.
37:22The USB drive Vivian Clark handed over was far more damaging than I expected.
37:28It wasn't just records of Ethan Hayes buying her gifts, booking hotel rooms, or submitting expense claims.
37:34It also contained detailed statements of funds he had funneled through affiliated companies.
37:40Several of the receiving accounts were provided by Vivian Clark.
37:44One, however, was one Ethan Hayes had hidden himself.
37:48The amounts were substantial.
37:50I poured her a glass of water.
37:51She took it, her hand trembling slightly.
37:54How dare he?
37:55I knew she wasn't asking about the money.
37:57She was asking about the betrayal.
37:59How could the son she had helped build up gamble away the trust of the entire family?
38:04Ethan Hayes was taken in for questioning that same day.
38:08The company group chat exploded.
38:11Management held an emergency meeting that night.
38:13Mr. Hayes has worked hard all these years.
38:16The company can't just change leadership overnight.
38:19It's not about whether he's worked hard.
38:20It's about whether he's qualified.
38:23Effective today, Ethan Hayes is suspended as general manager.
38:27A professional interim manager will take over operations.
38:31Mrs. Hayes and I will jointly oversee finances.
38:33Mrs. Hayes, are you going to run things yourself?
38:37I'm not here to take anyone's place.
38:40I'm here to fill the hole that's been hollowed out.
38:43No one said another word.
38:45The meeting ended at 10 that night.
38:48As I walked out of the office building, I saw Ethan Hayes standing by the curb.
38:53Iris!
38:54Vivian Clark is insane.
38:56She's trying to drag me down.
38:58Some of those transfers were made at her request.
39:00You signed off on the approvals.
39:02I know.
39:03He rubbed his face.
39:04I only now realize she's been keeping evidence all along.
39:07She was scheming against me from the start.
39:10And you were scheming against me.
39:12He froze.
39:13You treated me like a fixture at home.
39:15The company is your private property.
39:17And you took the money and trust I gave you and used them to buy her favors.
39:20Iris, I regret it.
39:21Can we start over?
39:22I'll hand over the company and give you the assets.
39:25Just withdraw the lawsuit.
39:26In the past, one word from him about overtime, and I'd leave the light on until late.
39:32One word about being tired, and I wouldn't ask, and I'd swallow all my grievances.
39:36Now he stood in front of me saying he regretted everything, but I felt nothing.
39:41No.
39:42For our son's sake, not even that?
39:44Exactly because of him.
39:46No.
39:46He seemed to deflate.
39:48Just then my phone rang.
39:50It was Mr. Pierce, my lawyer.
39:53Mrs. Hayes, the court has issued the ruling.
39:55Divorce granted.
39:56Legal custody of the child is awarded to you.
39:59Mr. Hayes will pay monthly child support and cover a portion of the psychological counseling fees.
40:04Regarding property, we are permitted to continue pursuing recovery of marial assets that were transferred.
40:10Ethan Hayes stood rooted to the spot, motionless.
40:13The wind blew and his face turned as pale as paper.
40:17I hung up.
40:18Ethan.
40:20From now on, visit our son according to the judgment.
40:24Then I turned and walked toward the car.
40:26Mom was waiting for me inside.
40:28I heard Ethan Hayes call out behind me.
40:30Iris!
40:31I didn't look back.
40:32The day Vivian Clark posted her public video apology, I was at Leo Hayes' parent-teacher conference.
40:39In the video, she wore a plain jacket, went makeup-free, and looked much more haggard.
40:44I admit to editing the video to mislead public opinion.
40:49I admit to fraudulent expense claims.
40:53I admit to sending my cousin to Leo Hayes' school.
40:57But she shifted most of the blame onto Ethan Hayes.
41:00I was just a young girl deceived by my boss.
41:04Netizens weren't buying it.
41:06Because our side quickly released a police statement and a company announcement, the fraudulent expense claims, the evidence was conclusive.
41:15Instigating a relative to contact a minor had been dealt with according to law.
41:20As for the baby in her belly, she never mentioned it again.
41:23Later, I heard that her ex-boyfriend showed up and caused a scene at the hospital.
41:29You think you can just hide in here and play the victim again?
41:32By then, who the child's father was no longer mattered.
41:35What mattered was that she would never again have the chance to sit in any seat that wasn't hers.
41:41Ethan Hayes' investigation dragged on for a long time.
41:45After he was suspended, the company went through a swift restructuring.
41:49A professional manager took over operations.
41:52I was put in charge of overseeing finances and the brand lines.
41:56The first time I attended a public meeting as a shareholder, a reporter asked me,
42:02Iris Hayes, what are your thoughts on going from a homemaker to a company executive?
42:06I looked into the camera.
42:08I was never anyone's accessory.
42:10The reporter tried to follow up.
42:12I smiled.
42:13It's just that no one asked me before.
42:16That line trended on local TikTok and Instagram.
42:19Many people said it was more satisfying than any counterattack.
42:23I didn't read the comments.
42:24I had too much else to do.
42:26Leo Hayes' condition slowly improved.
42:29He stopped waking up in the middle of the night.
42:32He would tell his classmates,
42:34My mom is busy, but she picks me up every day.
42:37When mom heard that, she quietly wiped her tears.
42:40That evening, she made a whole table of food.
42:43At dinner, she picked up a piece of fish and put it on my plate.
42:47Iris.
42:48Iris.
42:48I looked up.
42:49Mom said,
42:50I saw all the grievances in this house over the years, but I didn't do enough about them.
42:55I set down my utensils.
42:57I always thought you young people should work things out on your own.
43:01Ethan was foolish, and I'd scold him a bit and let it go.
43:05But I never imagined he could be this foolish.
43:09I took her hand.
43:10Mom, it's all in the past.
43:12We can't just say it's in the past and let it go.
43:15She pulled a document out of her bag.
43:17This is a management proxy agreement for the 20% of scares in my name.
43:22I'm too old to manage them anymore.
43:23From now on, the voting rights are yours.
43:26Mom, this is too much.
43:27It's not too much.
43:29You deserve it.
43:30Mom looked at me.
43:31Her voice was steady.
43:32Leo Hayes piped up from the side.
43:34Mommy is the best.
43:37Mom laughed.
43:38I laughed too.
43:41Just then the doorbell rang.
43:42I thought it was some mischievous kids from the neighborhood.
43:45I opened the door and Ethan Hayes was standing outside.
43:49He had lost a lot of weight and his stubble was unkempt.
43:52In his hand, he carried an old wooden box.
43:55It was the box he had made himself on our wedding day.
43:58It'll hold all our memories for a lifetime.
44:01Then we'll fill it with good ones.
44:03I looked at him.
44:05Visitation isn't today.
44:07I'm not here to see our son.
44:08He held out the box.
44:10Inside are the original transfer records from when you sold your house to fund the company
44:14along with a written statement from me.
44:16I'm willing to cooperate with you in recovering everything that should be recovered.
44:20I didn't take the box.
44:23Iris, I'm not asking for your forgiveness.
44:25Ethan Hayes' voice trembled.
44:27I just want to do one last right thing.
44:29He looked up at me.
44:31I ended up taking the box.
44:33Not because I softened, but because the evidence was useful.
44:38When Ethan Hayes saw me take it, a flicker of light appeared in his eyes.
44:42I quickly closed the door.
44:44That light was shut out.
44:46After that, Ethan Hayes visited Leo Hayes according to the court order.
44:51At first, Leo didn't want to see him.
44:53I didn't force it.
44:54The therapist said children need a sense of security, not adult moral lectures.
45:00Three months later, Leo agreed to see him once.
45:04The meeting was at a children's center.
45:06Ethan Hayes brought him a toy model.
45:09Leo accepted it and said,
45:13On the way home, he asked me,
45:16Mom, can I decide slowly whether I want to see Dad?
45:18I said, yes.
45:20Would you be upset?
45:21No.
45:22He thought for a moment.
45:24Then I won't do things that scare me just to make other people happy.
45:28That's right.
45:28After the company restructured, business actually stabilized.
45:33The projects that used to rely on Ethan Hayes' personal connections were replaced by cleaner contracts.
45:40Once the financial holes were patched, the management team slimmed down.
45:44Those who stayed worked more quietly and more properly than before.
45:48Mom came to the office occasionally.
45:50She no longer sat at the head of the table.
45:52She said,
45:54That seat is yours.
45:55The first time I sat in that chair, I remembered the team building dinner that day.
46:00Vivian Clark had sat there smiling, telling me to move aside.
46:04Iris, you can sit over there.
46:06Don't make a fuss.
46:07I had taken my bowl and gone to the kids' table.
46:10I didn't argue back then, not because I was surrendering.
46:13It was because some relationships are so rotten at the root that arguing can't save them.
46:18Ethan Hayes' case ended with restitution, fines, and a ban from holding executive positions.
46:25He lost his company role, and more importantly, the dignity he valued most.
46:33Hey.
46:34I heard he later took a consulting job at a small firm.
46:38No one called him Mr. Hayes with any respect anymore.
46:43Vivian Clark left the city.
46:45Before she left, she sent me a message.
46:47Mrs. Hayes, I was wrong.
46:50I deleted it.
46:52If you're wrong, you own it.
46:54You don't need to tell me.
46:55A year later, the company held its annual dinner.
46:58It was at the same hotel.
47:00I didn't really want to go.
47:02Mom said,
47:03Go.
47:03Why wouldn't you?
47:04We have nothing to be ashamed of.
47:06I brought Leo Hayes along.
47:08It was the same private dining room.
47:10The head seat was empty.
47:12When everyone saw me, they all stood up.
47:14Someone said,
47:15Mrs. Hayes, please sit here.
47:16Before I could respond, Mom had already taken my arm and led me over.
47:21Sit.
47:23This is your seat.
47:24I sat down.
47:26Leo Hayes sat next to me, holding his sparkling citrus beverage, and whispered,
47:31Mom, is anyone going to try to take the seat today?
47:33I patted his head.
47:35No.
47:35Mom heard him and raised her own sparkling citrus beverage.
47:39Who would dare?
47:40The whole table laughed.
47:42This time, there was no awkwardness, no silence, and no one mistook my patience for weakness.
47:49Halfway through the meal, the hotel manager personally came to deliver a dish.
47:54He said,
47:55Mrs. Hayes, someone outside would like to see you.
47:57I looked up.
47:58The manager lowered his voice.
48:00It's Ethan Hayes.
48:02The room went quiet for a moment.
48:05Mom looked at me.
48:06Leo Hayes looked at me, too.
48:08I set down my utensils.
48:09Tell him it's not convenient.
48:10The manager nodded and left.
48:13A few minutes later, he returned with an envelope in his hand.
48:17He said to give this to you, and then he'd leave.
48:20I took it.
48:21Inside was an old photograph.
48:23It was from the company's very first day.
48:26I stood at the entrance, holding a bouquet of flowers.
48:29Ethan Hayes stood beside me, smiling with youthful confidence.
48:33On the back was a line of handwriting.
48:35Iris, I'm sorry.
48:37I looked at it for a long time.
48:39Then I put the photo back in the envelope.
48:41Mom asked,
48:44Are you going to keep it?
48:45I shook my head.
48:46There was a trash can at the end of the hallway.
48:49I dropped the envelope in.
48:51When I returned to the private room,
48:53Leo Hayes ran over and took my hand.
48:55Mom, the food's getting cold.
48:58Let's go eat.
48:59I sat back down and raised my sparkling citrus beverage.
49:03This time, it wasn't for splashing anyone.
49:06It was a toast to myself.
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