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00:00a protective menace. To experience a normal college life, I hid the fact that I was the
00:04daughter of a mafia family and enrolled without drawing any attention. It was finals week. My
00:09third brother, Dante, worried I was staying up too late, so he showed up at the library
00:13seven nights in a row with late night snacks. Every time he came, this senior girl, Celeste,
00:19would blush and find an excuse to talk to him. She was gentle and sophisticated. I thought Dante,
00:24the workaholic, had finally found someone. Until the last day before exams, she cornered me in
00:29the library storage room and dumped a bucket of ice cream over my head. You really think
00:34Dante broke nobody with a look at a broke nobody like you? He's taking over the Marchetti family
00:38next week, and he's already agreed to marry me. So you'd better get out of this school
00:43on your own, or I've got a hundred ways to make sure you don't last here. I wiped the
00:49water off my face and almost laughed. So you really want to marry him? Then let's see if
00:54you'll ever set foot through the Marchetti family's door without my consent. The freezing
00:58water dripped down my hair. My thin sweater was soaked through in seconds, and my fingertips
01:03went numb. I wiped my face and looked up at Celeste. Celeste, dumping ice water on someone
01:08in the middle of winter? That's not just bad manners. That's bullying. Celeste laughed like
01:11she'd just heard the funniest joke. Bad manners? You're a broke charity case, and you think
01:15you get to lecture me on manners? I warned you to stay away from Dante. This is the most elite
01:18school in the country. I don't care how you snuck in here, but a pheasant will never become
01:22a phoenix. She smirked, her eyes full of contempt. You think pretending to study hard every night
01:27is going to get Dante's attention? He's just being kind. I feel sorry for trash like you
01:30who can't even afford a meal. I don't know about kind, but I do know you look like a
01:33clown right now. Celeste's face twisted. She raised her hand to slap me. I caught her wrist.
01:40What's wrong? Can't win an argument, so you resort to violence? I squeezed a little, and Celeste's
01:45face scrunched up in pain. Let go, you bitch! You're hurting me! Her two sidekits rushed forward
01:50to help. I shoved Celeste off. She stumbled back and hit the wall. I suggest you don't
01:54touch me, or you won't like what happens next. I straightened my wet collar, my voice calm.
01:59Celeste steadied herself against the wall and pointed at me, furious. Won't like what happens
02:03next? I'll tell you, there's nothing in this world I can't handle! She pulled out her phone
02:07and dialed a number. Hey Dean Cole, that student Vivian Marcheko just seduced my fiancé and hit
02:11me. I want her out of this school. Now!
02:16After hanging up, Celeste looked at me with a smug smile. Vivian, you're done. I've already
02:22put pressure on the school through the Ashford family. Not only will you be expelled, you'll
02:26also have to pay me for emotional damages. I smirked. The Ashford family? Should I be impressed?
02:32Celeste looked at me like I was an idiot. Broke people are all the same. You've never even
02:37heard the Ashford family. My family donates millions in lab equipment to this school every
02:40year. Getting a nobody with no connections expelled is just one phone call from my dad.
02:46A crowd of students had gathered outside the door. Oh my god, isn't that Celeste, the campus
02:51queen? Yeah, who's that soaked girl? How did she piss her off? I heard she's a scholarship
02:54student trying to seduce Celeste's fiancé. How shameless. No wonder Celeste is so pissed.
02:59Hearing the whispers outside, Celeste's smile grew wider. You hear that? If you kneel down
03:03and apologize right now and promise to never go near Dante again, I might consider letting
03:08you leave the school with some dignity. I looked at that smug face of hers and felt
03:12nothing but disgust. Neil, do you really think you deserve that? Celeste, trust me, the one
03:17who ends up leaving this school will be you. Celeste sneered. Still talking tough. Fine, let's
03:23see what a broke nobody like you can do against me.
03:29Just then, hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway. Dean Cole walked in with a few security
03:33guards pushing through the crowd. He didn't even glance at me. He went straight to Celeste. Paul
03:37smiles. Miss Celeste, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere? Celeste immediately put on a pitiful
03:42look. Dean Cole, thank god you're here. Vivian stole my things. When I caught her, she got angry
03:48and hit me. Look at my wrist. She squeezed it so hard, it's red. She held out the wrist
03:53I'd grabbed. There was indeed a faint red mark. Dean Cole's face turned furious. He spun
03:57around and pointed at me, screaming. Vivian Marcelli, you're out of control. Instead of focusing
04:03on your studies, you resort to theft and violence. You've dragged this school's name through the
04:06mud. I watched them play their little game coldly. Dean Cole, you say I stole something.
04:12Got any proof? Or are you just taking Celeste's word for it?
04:17Who is Miss Celeste? Why would she lie about a scholarship student like you? Besides, the
04:22watch she lost is worth millions. Who else would steal it but a broke nobody like you?
04:27Dean Cole, investigations require evidence. Before jumping to conclusions, shouldn't you
04:32at least check the security footage? There's a camera right outside the storage room. Pull
04:36it up and see who started this. Cole's eyes flickered for a second, then he raised his voice.
04:40The camera broke yesterday. We have witnesses and evidence. What else do you have to say?
04:44He pulled a document out of his briefcase and slammed it on the table.
04:47This is your expulsion letter. I've already signed it. Now pack your things and get out
04:51of this school.
04:56I stared at Dean Cole, my voice calm.
04:59Dean Cole, the camera just happened to break now? An expulsion letter that only you signed?
05:03That's all it takes?
05:03He looked a little guilty under my stare but quickly straightened up.
05:06For a student with behavior as bad as yours, I have full authority to expel you.
05:10Stop wasting my time. Sign it and get out.
05:13Celeste crossed her arms and sneered.
05:14Vivian, you really think the school is going to investigate it for someone like you?
05:17In this world, money and power are the truth.
05:19That's right. We saw you lurking around Celeste's desk yesterday.
05:23You obviously stole the watch when no one was looking.
05:25I looked at these people, twisting everything around and felt sick.
05:28If you're so sure I stole it, then call the police.
05:30I pulled out my phone.
05:33Let the cops investigate. If I stole it, I'll not only drop out, I'll go to jail. But if
05:38I didn't...
05:39I looked coldly at Celeste and Dean Cole.
05:42Then you'll be the ones facing charges for defamation.
05:45Seeing that I was actually calling the police, Dean Cole's face changed. He lunged forward,
05:49snatched my phone and slammed it on the ground.
05:55What the hell are you doing?
05:58Isn't this mess big enough for you?
06:00If the school's reputation is damaged, can you afford to take responsibility?
06:03He gave the security guards a look.
06:05Hold her down and drag her out!
06:09Two burly security guards stepped forward and pinned my shoulders down. Celeste walked up to me with a vicious smile.
06:15What?
06:18Vivian, your family sent you to this school hoping you'd use your face to marry rich and pull them out
06:23of poverty, right?
06:26Well, I'm telling you, as long as I'm here, that's never happening!
06:30Drag her out!
06:31The students outside parted to let us through, pointing and whispering.
06:35So embarrassing, getting dragged out by security.
06:38Celeste's too kind.
06:39She didn't even make her pay for the watch, like that broke girl could ever afford a million dollar watch.
06:44The guards dragged me all the way to the dorm building and shoved me to the ground.
06:48The dean said you've got ten minutes to pack.
06:50Ten minutes!
06:51If you're not out by then, we're throwing all your stuff!
06:54I got up and brushed the dirt off.
06:55The crowd had already gathered to watch.
06:57I ignored them and walked straight upstairs.
06:59I pushed open the dorm door.
07:01My roommates were sitting around eating snacks.
07:03When they saw me, they stopped talking immediately and looked away.
07:05My bed had been trashed.
07:07The blanket was thrown on the floor, books scattered everywhere.
07:09My suitcase was wide open in the middle of the room.
07:11The few clothes inside were covered in footprints.
07:14Who did this?
07:15I held back my anger and asked coldly.
07:17My roommate, Brooke, curled her lip and said with a sneer.
07:19Who else?
07:20Celeste people.
07:21They came looking for the watch you stole.
07:23We weren't going to stop them.
07:24Besides, if you hadn't sticky fingered it, none of us would be embarrassed right now.
07:31My other roommate, Madison, chimed in.
07:33Yeah, just pack your stuff and go.
07:35We don't want to live with a thief.
07:37I walked over to my desk.
07:38The drawer had been pried open.
07:40Inside was the fake financial aid paperwork I'd made to cover my identity.
07:44And a photo of me and Dante at an amusement park.
07:47Now it was torn in half and thrown in the trash.
07:53Well, well.
07:55Still dolling?
07:56The dorm door swung open again.
07:58Celeste walked in with her little entourage.
08:00She went straight to my desk, her eyes landing on my laptop.
08:03That laptop had the encrypted system I used to remotely access the Marchetti family's core
08:09financial data.
08:10Celeste picked up a half-finished coffee and poured it right onto the keyboard.
08:14Whoops.
08:15My hand slipped.
08:16The screen flickered a few times, then went black.
08:18I stared at the dead screen and rage swallowed me whole.
08:22That laptop held not just the Marchetti family's strategic plans for the next six months,
08:27but also the blueprints for a birthday gift I'd designed for my eldest brother, Luca.
08:31Celeste, you're dead.
08:33I spun around, grabbed her by the collar, and slammed her into the wardrobe door.
08:37Are you crazy?
08:38Let go of me!
08:41I warned you.
08:42Don't touch my stuff.
08:43You think smashing my laptop and ripping up my photo is going to get me kicked out?
08:46You think hiding behind your father makes you untouchable?
08:52Celeste was scared by the look in my eyes.
08:54Her voice trembled.
08:55What are you doing?
08:56I'm the daughter of the Ashford family.
08:58If you touch me, my dad will destroy you!
09:00I smirked and slapped her across the face.
09:03Everyone gasped.
09:04Celeste held her quickly swelling cheek, eyes wide in disbelief.
09:07You hit me?
09:08I hit you.
09:09Did you think I needed to check my calendar first?
09:12I grabbed a tissue, wiped my hand, and tossed it on the floor.
09:14Celeste completely lost it.
09:16She screamed and lunged at me.
09:17You bitch!
09:18I'm gonna kill you!
09:20I stepped aside.
09:21She missed.
09:21She flew past me and hit the ground, her chin slamming into the bed frame and splitting open.
09:25Her sidekicks finally snapped out of it and rushed to help her up.
09:28Celeste held her bleeding chin, staring at me with pure venom.
09:31Vivian, you're dead today.
09:32I'm not just getting you kicked out of school.
09:34I'm gonna make sure you can't survive in this city!
09:37She pulled out her phone, fingers shaking as she dialed.
09:39The second the call connected, her whole attitude changed.
09:42She sounded pitiful.
09:43Dante, please come save me!
09:45This scholarship student stole my stuff and hit me!
09:48She even said she'd hit you too if you showed up!
09:51I don't know what he said, but Celeste's eyes lit up.
09:54Really?
09:55You're coming right now?
09:56Perfect!
09:56You have to stand up for me!
09:57She hung up and went right back to looking down on me.
10:00Dante's nearby.
10:00He's coming with his people.
10:02You think you're tough?
10:02Let's see if you're still tough when he gets here.
10:08Let's turn to my roommates.
10:09You two, keep an eye on her.
10:11Don't let her run.
10:13Brooke and Madison immediately scrambled to block the door.
10:16Vivian, you pissed off Celeste and Dante?
10:17You're not going anywhere.
10:18I pulled up a chair and sat down, completely at ease.
10:22Why would I run?
10:23I want to see how this all-powerful Dante of yours is going to stand up for you.
10:27Time ticked by.
10:28More and more people gathered outside the dorm.
10:30Everyone was buzzing, wondering how the legendary cold-blooded heir
10:33of the Marchetti family would deal with a nobody like me.
10:35Did you hear?
10:36Dante's coming here himself.
10:38To back up Celeste.
10:39Oh my god, Dante?
10:40He must really spoil her.
10:42That Vivian is screwed.
10:43Dante's known for being ruthless and protecting his own.
10:46Hearing the whispers, Celeste lifted her chin smugly.
10:48Vivian, it's too late to beg now.
10:51I'm going to make you regret ever crossing me.
10:54I leaned back in the chair, eyes closed, not even bothering to look at her.
10:58Just then, a commotion broke out downstairs.
11:00He's here!
11:01Dante's car is here!
11:02Oh my god, there are so many cars behind him!
11:04Footsteps echoed down the hall.
11:05Brooke and Madison scrambled out of the way.
11:07The crowd parted on both sides, clearing a path.
11:09A tall man in a black suit, face like stone, walked through with a dozen bodyguards in black behind him.
11:14It was my third brother, Dante.
11:19Celeste saw Dante and burst into tears.
11:22She covered her face and stumbled toward him.
11:25Dante, you're finally here!
11:27Look what she did to me!
11:29She shoved her bleeding chin and swollen cheek in his face.
11:32Dante frowned slightly and took half a step back.
11:35His eyes went past Celeste and landed on me.
11:37The second he saw me soaked and disheveled, the coldness in his eyes turned into pure fury.
11:42But Celeste didn't notice the shift at all.
11:44She turned and pointed at me viciously.
11:47That's her!
11:47That broke bitch Viviane!
11:49She stole my watch and hit me!
11:50She's insane!
11:51Dante, you have to do something!
11:53Send her to jail!
11:54Dean Cole popped out of nowhere and rushed over, all smiles.
11:57Mr. Marchecki, what brings you here personally?
11:59I've already handled this.
12:00I expelled Viviane and was just about to call the cops.
12:03She not only refused to confess, she even hurt Miss Celeste.
12:07Don't worry, I'll have security drag her to the station right now.
12:09We won't cause you or Miss Celeste any trouble.
12:11He waved his hand and the two security guards started toward me again.
12:15Stop!
12:17Dante's voice was ice.
12:18The guards froze.
12:19They looked at Dean Cole, confused.
12:21Cole blinked, then forced a smile.
12:23You think the police station is too good for her?
12:25Don't worry, I'll make a call.
12:27She'll rot in a cell for the rest of her life.
12:29Celeste leaned in, cooing.
12:31I knew you were the best.
12:33After we deal with this bitch, our engagement party.
12:36She didn't finish.
12:37Dante let out a cold laugh.
12:39Engagement party?
12:42How could I not know?
12:43I promised to get engaged to you.
12:48Celeste's smile froze.
12:51Dante, what are you talking about?
12:53My dad and old Mr. Marcelli discussed it last week.
12:56Our families are supposed to be united.
12:57It's a done deal.
12:58Dante didn't even look at her.
13:00He walked straight to my desk, his eyes scanning the destroyed laptop
13:03and the torn photo in the trash.
13:04The vein in his forehead twitched.
13:06Celeste thought Dante was upset about the mess.
13:08She quickly piled on.
13:11Dante, look at her.
13:12She's a complete psycho.
13:14She stole my stuff, then smashed her own laptop to destroy the evidence.
13:20Someone like this is a disgrace to the school.
13:22Dean Cole, what are you waiting for?
13:23Call the cops.
13:24Dean Cole snapped out of it and pulled out his phone.
13:26Celeste lifted her chin and sneered.
13:28Viviane, I'm going to have you handcuffed and dragged out in front of the whole school.
13:31Didn't you say you're tough?
13:32Didn't you say I'd be the one leaving this school?
13:34So what are you going to do now?
13:35With one word from Dante, you won't even be able to beg on the streets.
13:38Just as Dean Cole was about to press the call button, I slowly stood up.
13:42I ignored Celeste's ranting.
13:43I didn't even look at Dean Cole.
13:45I looked straight at Dante, who was standing there with a dark expression.
13:49Third brother.
13:52I don't think you'll be needing that family induction ceremony next week.
13:56After all, even some nouveau rouge's daughter can throw your name around and try to get me thrown in jail.
14:05The second those words left my mouth.
14:07All the color drained from Celeste's face.
14:09She stared at me in disbelief.
14:13The third brother?
14:14Viviane, are you insane?
14:16Did the water mess up your brain?
14:17What the hell are you talking about?
14:19She spun toward Dante.
14:21Dante, did you hear that?
14:22This shameless woman is trying to claim she's your sister just to climb the ladder.
14:25Everyone knows the Marchetti family only has five sons.
14:27Where would a sister come from?
14:28She's lost her mind.
14:29She's making up live.
14:30But Dante ignored her completely.
14:32He stepped over the mess and walked straight to me.
14:34His eyes, usually so cold and ruthless, now they were bloodshot.
14:37Filled with nothing but pain and guilt.
14:39He took off his suit jacket and carefully wrapped it around my shaking shoulders.
14:43Vivian, I'm sorry.
14:45I got here late.
14:46His warm hand touched my cheek.
14:48His thumb gently wiped the water still dripping from my face.
14:51Are you cold?
14:52Are you hurt anywhere?
14:53The entire dorm went dead silent.
14:55Celeste's face completely fell apart.
14:57She stumbled back two steps.
14:58Her heel caught and she almost fell.
15:00No, impossible.
15:02Dante, are you sure you got the right person?
15:04She's a broke scholarship student.
15:05How could she be your sister?
15:07Dante whipped around, his eyes terrifying.
15:10Who the hell do you think you are to question her?
15:13Vivian is my sister.
15:14The first in line to inherit the Marchetti family.
15:16She's the treasure our five brothers hold above everything.
15:19We wouldn't even raise our voices at her.
15:25Every word Dante said, molest go paler.
15:28By the end, she looked like all the strength had been drained from her body.
15:31She slumped against the wardrobe.
15:33Gasps rippled through the crowd outside.
15:35Oh my god, Vivian is the daughter of the Marchetti family.
15:38The Mafia family?
15:39Then why was she pretending to be broke?
15:41No wonder there was a luxury car picking her up every night.
15:43That wasn't a sugar daddy, that was her brother.
15:45Celeste is done for.
15:46Dean Cole was shaking.
15:47Cold sweat poured down his forehead.
15:49He was still holding the expulsion letter.
15:51Mr. Marchetti.
15:52Mr. Marchetti.
15:53He swallowed hard and forced a smile uglier than crying.
15:57This, this is all a misunderstanding.
15:59I didn't know Vivian was your sister.
16:01If I had, I wouldn't have dared, not for a million dollars.
16:04Dante glanced at him coldly, then looked at the destroyed laptop on the desk.
16:07A misunderstanding.
16:09He walked to the desk and picked up the torn photo from the trash.
16:11When he saw my ripped smile in the picture, his entire body radiated killing intent.
16:16He kicked the desk.
16:17The heavy wood slid half a meter with a screech.
16:23This is how you treat her?
16:24Dump ice water on her?
16:26Smash her laptop?
16:27Tear up her photo?
16:29And then serve her an expulsion letter with no due process?
16:32Trying to kick her out of school?
16:33He whipped around, staring daggers at Dean Cole.
16:38You've got some nerve!
16:39Dump ice water on her?
16:43In Cole's knees buckled, he dropped to the floor.
16:46Mr. Marchelli, please, calm down.
16:48He kowtowed desperately.
16:51This has nothing to do with me.
16:53It's all Celeste!
16:54He pointed straight at Celeste, who was frozen in shock.
16:58Celeste came to me.
16:59She said Vivian stole her watch.
17:01She threatened to pull the Ashward family's funding if I didn't expel Vivian immediately.
17:04I was just confused.
17:06She tricked me!
17:07Celeste was shaking with rage.
17:09You liar!
17:10You were the one who wanted that 500,000 sponsorship from my family.
17:14You offered to get rid of Vivian.
17:16Now you're trying to pin it all on me?
17:18Dream on!
17:19The two of them started tearing into each other in front of everyone.
17:22I watched the circus with cold eyes and a mocking smile.
17:25Against absolute power, her money meant nothing.
17:28Enough!
17:28Dante's voice cut through the argument.
17:30He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
17:34President Pemberton, it's Dante Marchetti.
17:38Mr. Marchettio, what a surprise.
17:41What can I do for you?
17:42Dante's tone was ice.
17:44No pleasantries.
17:46Get to the girls dorm in 10 minutes.
17:48One second late and the Marchetti family's 10 billion investment in the new campus is gone.
17:58After hanging up, he said nothing more.
18:00The room went dead silent again.
18:02Dean Corral had completely given up.
18:03He sat on the floor, eyes empty, muttering.
18:06It's over.
18:07All over.
18:07My eyes moved past him to my two roommates, cowering in the corner.
18:11Brooke and Madison were pale as ghosts, trying to disappear into the wall.
18:14When they saw me looking, they burst into tears.
18:17Vivian, we're sorry.
18:18We were wrong.
18:19Brooke crawled over, trying to grab my leg.
18:21One of Dante's bodyguards kicked her away.
18:26We didn't mean to target you.
18:28Celeste made us.
18:29Madison was crying too.
18:31She gave us designer bags to isolate you.
18:34She told us to block the door so you couldn't leave.
18:36Vivian, please, we were roommates.
18:38Just forgive us this once.
18:40I looked at them and felt nothing but exhaustion.
18:42If I was still that broke scholarship student, would you still be apologizing?
18:46Their faces went white.
18:47I turned to Dante.
18:49I don't like them.
18:50Dante stroked my hair, his eyes soft.
18:54Okay.
18:55I'll handle it.
18:56Less than eight minutes later, hurried footsteps echoed down the hall.
18:59President Pemberton rushed in with a few vice presidents and the head of security,
19:03sweat pouring down his face.
19:04When he saw the mess and Dean Cole kneeling on the floor, his face turned green.
19:08Mr. Marcelli, what happened here?
19:13They pointed at the expulsion letter on the floor.
19:16Your dean took bribes, sided with an outsider, and went after my sister.
19:20He tried to expel her and throw her in jail.
19:23I want to know, is this the reputation of a century-old elite school?
19:27The moment President Pemberton heard,
19:29My sister.
19:30he nearly stopped breathing and passed out.
19:32He whipped around and glared at Dean Cole.
19:35Cole!
19:35You bastard!
19:37What the hell did you do?!
19:38Dean Cole was too scared to speak.
19:40President Pemberton made a snap decision and announced loudly,
19:44Effective immediately, Cole is fired!
19:47Security, take him into custody.
19:50Hand him over to the disciplinary department.
19:52Audit every account he's ever touched.
19:54And these two students?
19:56President Pemberton pointed at Brooke and Madison.
19:58Depraved conduct, complicit in wrongdoing, expelled immediately!
20:03Brooke and Madison's eyes rolled back.
20:05They fainted on the spot.
20:06Security swiftly dragged them and Dean Cole out of the room.
20:09After handling all that, President Pemberton turned and bowed deeply to Dante and me.
20:15Mr. Marchetti, Ms. Marchetti, I am so sorry.
20:18This was my failure to manage properly, and it caused Ms. Marchetti to suffer so much at school.
20:21I promise you, the school will give Ms. Marchetti a satisfactory explanation.
20:28Dante didn't pay the President any attention.
20:30His eyes were fixed on Celeste, who was still frozen in the corner.
20:34Celeste had lost all her arrogance from before, but there was still a desperate struggle in her eyes.
20:39She gritted her teeth and shouted.
20:43So what if you're a Marchetti heiress?
20:45You stole my watch!
20:46Does being a Marchetti mean you can just bully people and protect a thief?
20:50Lots of people saw you lurking around my desk yesterday.
20:52Who else could it be?
20:53She looked at the students outside the room.
20:54Everyone, tell me!
20:55Just because she's rich doesn't mean she can steal?
20:57The students outside looked at each other.
20:59No one dared to speak up, but there was doubt in their eyes.
21:01I looked at Celeste, still refusing to admit defeat, and smiled coldly.
21:07Celeste, do you really think that if you just deny it and break the camera,
21:11no one can expose your lies?
21:12Celeste's eyes flickered, but she forced herself to stay calm.
21:16I don't know what you're talking about!
21:18The camera breaking was a coincidence!
21:19I looked at Dante's chief bodyguard, Vincent.
21:22Vincent, did you bring the equipment?
21:24Vincent nodded respectfully.
21:26Yes, ma'am.
21:26He pulled a military-grade mini-computer from his black briefcase,
21:29and quickly connected it to the camera line outside the hallway.
21:32Celeste's face finally changed when she saw this.
21:39What are you doing?
21:40This is invasion of privacy!
21:42She tried to rush forward and stop them, but two bodyguards held her down.
21:45Vincent's fingers flew across the keyboard.
21:47Complex code flashed on the screen.
21:48In just two minutes, there was a soft beep.
21:50Vincent looked up.
21:52Miss Boss, the footage is fully restored.
21:55Dante's voice was cold.
21:57Play it.
22:01Vincent turned the laptop screen toward everyone.
22:03The footage clearly showed the hallway from yesterday afternoon.
22:06Celeste sneaking out of the dorm, a shiny watch clutched in her hand.
22:09She looked around, made sure no one was there, then walked straight to the trash can at the
22:13end of the hall.
22:14Then she tossed the $3 million watch in without hesitation.
22:17She dusted off her hands and strolled back to the dorm like nothing happened.
22:20The students outside exploded.
22:25Oh my god, she threw it away herself!
22:28Playing the victim after stealing from herself?
22:30That's sick.
22:31She threw away a $3 million watch just to frame Vivian?
22:34She's insane.
22:35The tide turned completely.
22:36Every look of disgust and contempt now aimed at Celeste.
22:40Celeste looked like she'd been struck by lightning.
22:42She shook her head desperately.
22:43No, that's not me!
22:45It's edited!
22:45You faked it to frame me!
22:46Shut up!
22:48Dante had completely lost his patience.
22:50He walked up to Celeste, eyes ice cold.
22:54Celeste, do you really think the Ashford family is something?
22:58Your father begged outside my office for three days to get a subcontact for the Marcelli
23:02family's downtown project. I gave him a break because he was old.
23:07And this is how his daughter repays me?
23:12Feel fear finally showed in Celeste's eyes.
23:15Her legs gave out and she dropped to her knees in front of Dante.
23:18Dante! No, Mr. Marchetti! I was wrong! I was so wrong!
23:22I was jealous of Vivian! I... I lost my mind!
23:26Please, for my father's sake, spare me this one!
23:28Celeste was crying so hard her makeup was ruined.
23:30Snot and tears all over her face. Dante stepped back in disgust.
23:35For your father's sake?
23:37Fine. I'll let him see what kind of daughter he raised.
23:40Dante didn't look at Celeste kneeling on the floor again.
23:42He pulled out his phone and called his special assistant.
23:46Put the word out.
23:48Terminate all collaboration with the Ashworth family immediately.
23:50Take back the downtown project subcontract.
23:54Sue for breach of contract at the highest penalty.
23:57Spread the word.
23:58The Marchelli family is officially blacklisting the Ashworth family completely.
24:02Anyone who gives them a single cent will be considered an enemy of the entire Marchelli family.
24:07Celeste sat on the floor, shaking violently.
24:09She couldn't even cry anymore.
24:11She knew exactly what the Marchetti family meant.
24:13They were the absolute rulers.
24:14One word from Dante was enough to wipe out the Ashford family in three days.
24:18Less than a minute after the call ended, Celeste's phone went crazy.
24:21The screen flashed.
24:22Dad.
24:22She fumbled to answer.
24:28Hey, Dad.
24:29You animal.
24:30What the hell did you do out there?
24:35The other end, Celeste's father was screaming so loud even I could hear every word.
24:40The Marchetti family just announced a full blacklist against us.
24:43The bank called to collect all our loans.
24:45Every partner is pulling out.
24:47The stock crashed the second the market opened.
24:49Mr. Marchetti's assistant called.
24:51He said you went after the Marchetti heiress.
24:53You useless piece of trash.
24:55Are you trying to drag me down with you?
24:57Celeste broke down, sobbing, desperately trying to explain.
25:01Dad, I didn't know.
25:03I didn't know she was the Marchetti heiress.
25:05I was wrong, Dad.
25:06Please save me.
25:08Beg Mr. Marchetti for mercy.
25:10Beg?
25:10With what?
25:11The Ashford family is finished.
25:14Completely bankrupt.
25:16I'm telling you, Celeste, as of today you are no longer my daughter.
25:19You made this mess, you fix it yourself.
25:22Don't drag me down with you.
25:23The call was cut off without mercy.
25:25Celeste stared at the black screen, completely broken.
25:27She spun around and lunged at my legs.
25:31Vivian, Miss Marchetti, I was wrong.
25:34I know I was wrong.
25:35Please, just ask your brother to take it back.
25:37I'll no bow to you.
25:39I'll be your slave.
25:40Just spare the Ashford family and I'll leave the school right now.
25:43You'll never see me again.
25:49The bodyguard kicked Celeste off.
25:51She slammed into the wall, her forehead splitting open and bleeding,
25:54but she still crawled back over, begging.
25:57I looked at her with zero pity.
25:58Celeste, you were so smug when you dumped that water on me.
26:02When you smashed my laptop and tore up my photo.
26:06Did you ever think this day would come?
26:08I pointed at the laptop, still dripping with coffee.
26:11Do you know what was on that laptop?
26:13The Marchetti family's core strategic plans for the next three years,
26:16and the blueprints for a new drone I designed for my eldest brother's birthday next month.
26:21At a conservative estimate, it's worth over a billion dollars.
26:24Celeste's eyes bulged.
26:25Her mouth opened, but no sound came out.
26:28I leaned in slightly, looking into her desperate eyes.
26:30You destroyed a billion dollars worth of trade secrets.
26:33How long do you think you'll spend in prison?
26:35Celeste's eyes rolled back.
26:36She passed out cold, but it was far from over.
26:38Outside the hallway, a commotion even louder than before erupted.
26:42Oh my god, is that a helicopter outside?
26:44There are dozens of cars downstairs.
26:46Who is it?
26:47This is even bigger than Dante's entrance.
26:49Hearing the shouts outside, Dante's cold face flickered with a rare mix of resignation and guilt.
26:54He rubbed his nose and muttered under his breath.
26:56Damn, how did those lunatics get here so fast?
27:02Just then, footsteps echoed down the hall.
27:04Four men, each with a different aura, but all equally handsome and powerful, strode in.
27:08Leading them was the eldest brother, Luca, in a sharp black coat.
27:11He radiated the deadly authority of someone who'd been in power for years.
27:14Right behind him was the second brother, Adrian, in a perfectly tailored silver-grey suit,
27:18with a pair of deep, unfathomable eyes behind gold-rimmed glasses.
27:22He was the top lawyer in the country and the head of the Marchetti family's legal department.
27:25Then the fourth brother, Julian, the A-list movie star.
27:29Even with sunglasses, he couldn't hide that devastatingly handsome face.
27:32And the fifth brother, Theo, genius hacker and medical prodigy,
27:35in casual clothes, twirling a sharp scalpel in his hand.
27:38The moment the four of them appeared, everyone held their breath.
27:41Even President Pemberton backed into the corner, too scared to make a sound.
27:45All four brothers called my name at once.
27:47When they saw me soaked and standing in the wrecked dorm room, their eyes went red.
27:51Luca lunged forward, shielding me behind him.
27:53His sharp gaze cut through Celeste and Dante like a blade.
27:56Dante, this is how you take care of Vivienne? You let her get bullied like this?
28:00Dante lowered his head, guilty.
28:03It's my fault. I got here late.
28:08Intentional assault, definition, destroying a billion dollars in trade secrets.
28:13Stack them together, and I guarantee this woman will rot in prison for the rest of her life.
28:20Julian took off his sunglasses, looking at my pale face with pain in his eyes.
28:24He turned and yelled at his assistant outside the door.
28:28Get every endorsement and ad for the Oshford family, blacklisted across the entire internet.
28:32Now!
28:34I want their name completely ruined within half an hour.
28:36Theo twirled his scalpel and walked over to the unconscious Celeste, tapping her face with the flat of the blade.
28:42You dared to drop ice water on Vivienne? I happen to be researching a new neuro drug, and I'm short
28:48a test subject.
28:49How about-
28:50Celeste twitched violently and miraculously woke up.
28:52The second she opened her eyes, she was staring into four pairs of ruthless eyes.
28:56She let out a piercing scream and scrambled backward into the corner.
29:00Don't kill me! Don't kill me!
29:04She babbled, begging, her mind completely broken. Luca waved his hand.
29:07A few of his men stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
29:12Just killing her is too easy.
29:14Send her to prison. The people there will know what to do.
29:16And tell them to take good care of her. Don't let her die too fast.
29:19The men moved in and hauled Celeste up. Celeste didn't struggle anymore.
29:23Her eyes stared blankly at the ceiling, murmuring incoherently.
29:26Finally, she would pay the ultimate price for her arrogance and cruelty.
29:32Dorm finally went quiet again. President Pemberton stood with the other school officials,
29:36trembling, too scared to even breathe. Luca turned, his sharp eyes landing on the president.
29:43President Pemberton, Vivian suffered a great deal at your school.
29:46The Marchekie family will remember this.
29:48President Pemberton shook all over and bowed repeatedly.
29:51Please, calm down. This is a major failure on our part.
29:55I promise you, we will strictly reform the school's discipline. Nothing like this will ever happen again!
30:00To make up for Miss Marchetto's losses, the school has decided to award Miss Marchetto the
30:05title of distinguished student and... No need.
30:07I cut him off quietly.
30:09I came here just to study and experience a normal college life. I don't need any special treatment.
30:14I turned to my five brothers. My heart, cold just moments ago, was now wrapped in warmth.
30:23I want to go home.
30:26Okay, okay, let's go home. Right now.
30:28Luca scooped me up and strode toward the stairs. Adrian wrapped his suit around me carefully,
30:32terrified I'd catch a chill. Dante quickly called the family doctor to prepare cold medicine. Julian
30:37and Theo flanked me like two bodyguards, blocking everyone's view. Under the shocked,
30:42awed gaze of the entire school, my brothers surrounded me and helped me into the car. The
30:46motorcade and the helicopter above roared away from campus.
30:52Next day, the school's official website posted an announcement that shocked the entire campus.
30:57Celeste was arrested on multiple criminal charges. The Ashford family had collapsed. Cole was handed over to the
31:02authorities. As for Brooke and Madison, I ultimately felt a sliver of mercy and didn't let the president
31:07expel them. They came from ordinary families. Getting into a top school wasn't easy. I just told the
31:11president, I won't interfere with their punishment. Follow the school rules and let the students decide
31:18the rest. The moment the truth came out, Brooke and Madison became the school's biggest pariahs.
31:22In the cafeteria, people would quietly scatter the moment they saw them, leaving a wide, empty space.
31:27In class, whether it was group work or lab partners, no one would sit with them. Their dorm door was
31:31covered in red marker. Even picking up a package, they'd get pointed at by everyone passing by. The
31:37day I went back to pack my things, a light snow was falling. I pushed open the dorm door. The
31:41curtains
31:42were drawn tight. The room was dark. Brooke and Madison sat at their desks, hair a mess, looking like
31:46ghosts. In just a few days, their eyes had sunken in. They'd lost so much weight they barely looked like
31:51themselves. The moment they heard the door, they flinched. When they saw it was me, their faces went white.
31:56They jumped up from their chairs.
32:00Brooke's lips trembled. Madison's eyes went red with fear. She stood there, not knowing what to do. Tears dripping
32:05down her face. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. We didn't know Selyse would go that far. Now everyone hates us.
32:10Every club kicked us out. No one will even talk to us.
32:15Brooke covered her face and broke down, sobbing.
32:19Every time I close my eyes, I see all those posts online trashing us.
32:23Every time I walk outside, I feel like everyone's talking behind our backs.
32:26Vivi-Lynn, please just tell the school or post something saying you forgive us. We're going crazy!
32:32I packed a few personal items from the closet into my bag without expression,
32:36then turned to look at them. The school followed its rules. They didn't expel you. That means the
32:41rules were merciful. But you can't survive here, not because of me. Because of what you did.
32:45I zipped up my bag, didn't look at them again, and turned to open the dorm door. Brooke shouted
32:50desperately from behind. Vivian, we're dropping out! We're dropping out today. We'll leave and never
32:57bother you again! I didn't look back. They planted the seeds themselves. Now they had to swallow the
33:02bitter fruit. Walking out of the dorm building, the winter air was crisp and clean. Along the wide
33:07avenue, that row of eye-catching luxury cars had been waiting quietly. Adrian stood leaning against the
33:12car door in a sharp light grey cashmere coat. When he saw me coming down from afar, that usually cold,
33:17indifferent face instantly bloomed into a gentle smile. He walked over in a few strides,
33:22naturally brushed the snow off my shoulder, and pressed a cup of hot cocoa into my cold hands.
33:30Everything packed?
33:31Yeah. It's all over. I held the hot cocoa, its sweet warmth driving away the winter cold. Adrian ruffled
33:37my hair affectionately. Then let's go home. Luca postponed an overseas deal. Julian cancelled an
33:43awards ceremony. Dante and Theo are already back. The whole family's waiting for you to eat. I looked
33:48up at the car windows. Several men who usually commanded the world in their own fields were poking
33:52their heads out, waving at me, their eyes full of affection and indulgence. The last bit of gloom in my
33:56heart vanished completely. I smiled. Let's go home. The motorcade pulled out slowly and merged into
34:04traffic. Those clowns who tried to crush my dignity became nothing more than the most insignificant
34:09passers-by in my brilliant life. And my blazing youth had truly begun, rising through the snow,
34:14breaking into dawn.