Original subtitles

If your nephew had even half your composure, I'd feel a lot better about

today. Luke doesn't deserve your trust.

What?

Don't keep him waiting too long.

Luke Cole, do you take Emma Reed to be your wife?

In good times and in bad.

I... Luke?

Say I do.

Look at me. What's going on?

I'm sorry.

Noah, you said you weren't going to make it. I just...

I just came to say goodbye.

I'm leaving Ravenport tonight. You can't leave.

Let go.

This is your wedding.

If you walk out that door, I will regret it for the rest of my life. And marrying

her, you won't regret that?

What are you two talking about?

I tried to forget you. So you married my sister? I thought it would make me the

man my father wanted.

I'm sorry, Emma.

It's always been Noah.

The groom is in love with the bride's brother?

Get this on camera.

How

long?

How long have you loved him?

Noah, answer me.

Three years.

Three years?

You watched me pick the dress, book the venue, write my vows, and neither of you

said a word until today?

I came today to leave for good. I stopped him. This is on me. No.

Every day you stayed quiet, you both lied to me.

Together.

Emma, did you know about considering your fiancé and your brother? Your

fiancé and your brother?

Was this whole wedding a setup?

Put it down.

This is a private family matter.

Security, get these people out of here.

Get back up there and marry her.

Or you won't see a single cent from me. I'm done using her to cover for me. You

think this is love?

Without the Cole name, he'll be gone by tomorrow.

Maybe your father's right.

Every time you choose me,

It only lasts a few minutes.

Noah.

If you came to watch the show, it's over.

You were never a joke to me.

You knew, didn't you?

I knew Luke was lying.

I didn't know he'd pick today to come clean.

Everyone knew! I was the only one who didn't!

Head up.

I don't have the energy for orders right now.

Then take it as a request.

Don't let them see you break.

You did nothing wrong.

None of this shame belongs to you.

But I'm still the one who got left.

Then don't be.

Victoria, what the hell are you doing? Cleaning up the mess that Cole's made.

That's the Cole family ring. I know.

Aunt Victoria?

Have you lost your mind?

Five years.

I watched you give everything you had to someone who never deserved any of it.

I can't erase today, but I can give you a different ending.

Emma Reid, will you marry me?

I do.

Why does it fit perfectly?

Maybe it's been waiting for you. Enough!

This circus ends now.

Emma, she's just using you to get back at Richard.

If I wanted revenge, I wouldn't bet my own marriage on it. Then why are you

willing to marry me?

Because you deserve someone who chooses you today.

No application, no license. This marriage isn't legal.

The electronic application has been confirmed by the county clerk's office.

Miss Cole was the legal witness for today's ceremony, and all identification

has been verified.

Emma never signed anything.

She can sign right now.

You actually had the paperwork ready?

I prepared a contingency.

Not a trap. So you knew something was going to go wrong today.

I never walk into a fight without an exit strategy.

So what am I?

Your exit strategy?

No.

I'm not sure I can win against.

I signed.

Don't come to me just because you said yes to someone else.

You were never second place.

Then what am I?

Someone you hide in hotel rooms?

Someone you can't save under their real name?

Someone you go back and kiss my sister after every time you see You're the

first person I want to see when I wake up and the last one on my mind before I

sleep and you almost married her Because I'm a coward

This is the ring you gave back to me three years ago, I never

stopped wearing it Noah Reed, will you give this coward one last chance?

Now's the time.

Are you regret it?

Are you regret it?

I'm giving you a choice.

Everyone made choices for me today.

Luke chose to lie. Noah chose to hide it. Richard chose to use me.

This time, I choose for myself.

Father, please continue.

Today's events...

were not part of the original ceremony.

I'm a wedding planner.

I know better than anyone that the ceremony was never the most important

part.

The choices.

Victoria Cole, do you take Emma Reed to be your lawfully wedded wife?

I do.

Emma Reed, do you take... I do.

Luke Cole?

Do you take Noah Reed to be your lawfully wedded husband?

I do.

You better never leave me alone again.

Never again.

I do.

You may now kiss your partners.

Is this part absolutely necessary?

Say the word and I won't touch you.

Don't make me look like I'm backing down.

With pleasure.

You're a very good actress.

I wasn't acting.

Turn it off. Leave it. Let everyone see how pretty a lie can look.

You're tougher than I thought.

Regretting this already?

Quite the opposite. Give back the ring and end this marriage.

Now.

Don't touch my wife. Two hours ago, she was my son's fiancé.

Not anymore.

Does it not disgust you?

Marrying your ex-boyfriend's aunt?

Luke, your mom doesn't seem to understand where we stand now.

Emma, I know you hate me. Wrong name.

What? You should call me Aunt Emma.

Are you seriously doing this? Come on, sweetie. Say it.

Aunt Emma.

Good.

Sister. Don't call me sister.

Not today.

I never wanted to hurt you.

But every time you saw him, you knew he'd come back to me. You think I liked

keeping that secret?

At least you knew the truth.

I didn't.

I told him not to say anything. That's on me.

How touching.

Now you can protect each other out in the open.

You don't have to be polite while you're bleeding.

Am I terrible?

No.

You're captivating.

Since Luke has chosen to abandon his responsibilities, I'll be freezing his

trust fund and revoking access to all properties and accounts.

I can take care of you.

You were behind on rent last month. Then we'll be behind together.

As for Emma Reed, her wedding planning company will lose every contract it

holds with Cole Group Properties.

Effective immediately.

Are you threatening me?

I'm... Simply reminding you that impulsive decisions have consequences.

Then let me announce my own.

Effective immediately, every Cole Group hotel and estate under my control will

work exclusively with Emma's company.

Then tell them to come find me.

As my lawful spouse, Emma holds residential rights to half of Cole

Estate and is fully protected under my spousal agreement.

Half. If that's not enough, I'll give you the other half, too.

She's using you to take the company.

Can't you see that? Even if she were still more dignified than what you put

her through at that altar.

I don't need anyone's charity. This isn't charity.

It's a bride's price.

We're not strangers.

The worst day of my life and the whole internet is laughing. Not all of them

are laughing.

You actually read the comments?

Some people said we looked good together.

When we kissed.

That was just for the ceremony.

Of course.

You sure you're steady?

Not really.

But if you don't let go, it's only going to get worse.

You can let go now.

This was supposed to be my room. Mine and Luke's. I had them switch rooms.

So you picked this one?

I requested the highest security level.

I didn't ask about the bed situation.

I'll take the couch.

In that dress.

Then you take it.

This is our honeymoon suite.

And? Your zipper is stuck.

You're going to need my help getting out of it.

You can turn around now.

Put this on.

There's a robe in the closet.

You're surprisingly well-behaved. Nothing like the Victoria Cole I've

heard about.

And what have you heard?

Cold, arrogant, takes whatever she wants, no matter who gets hurt.

You're not a thing to be taken.

And I won't touch you.

Not without your permission.

Left side's yours, right side's mine. Only an asshole crosses over.

You're actually sleeping on the couch?

One Cole already hurt you today. I won't be the second.

I figured you'd pull the whole spousal rights card.

There's only one thing I care about right now.

What?

That you're safe tonight.

Luke? Let me see your baby.

Why is there nothing?

Luke, more.

One wedding, two same-sex couples and the Cole family's succession may never

look the same again.

How did you know this is what I drink? You had three of these during the

rehearsal in one day.

You notice a lot.

I notice what matters.

A three-month marriage agreement.

Once signed, it establishes marital spility for the board and protects both

parties' assets.

There it is.

You need a legally recognized marriage before the board's annual meeting to

qualify for any control of the company.

Correct. So saving me at the wedding? That was all about the inheritance?

That's the safe answer.

For both of us. I'm not asking for the safe one.

You're not ready to hear the other one.

Not yet.

Why not? Because yesterday you lost a five-year relationship.

I won't take advantage of that.

I won't let you mistake gratitude for something else. You sound pretty sure

I'd develop feelings for you.

Honestly, I'm more worried about myself.

Three months.

Shared residence, joint public appearances, and no interference in each

other's personal lives. Personal lives? So you can date other people? If it

bothers you, we can remove it.

Why would it bother me? Your tone says otherwise.

I just don't want cameras catching my wife on a date with her ex a week into

our marriage. I've had enough humiliation.

Relax. There's no one. What about Sophia Grant?

The word is you two almost made it official.

You ran a background check on me?

Occupational habit. Wedding planners do their research.

Or a wife's instinct.

Next clause.

I'm adding something.

Should either party fall in love, a confession is mandatory.

So no one spends another three years hiding it. And if someone breaks it?

They walk away with nothing.

You just got half the estate and you're already going after the other half?

Scared?

The only thing I'm scared of is you refusing to admit it when the time

comes. Not a chance.

I won't fall for you.

Then you have nothing to worry about, Mrs. Cole.

Who let you in?

Aunt Victoria.

Some wounds don't heal on their own. They just get worse.

I'll be right outside if you need me.

Stay.

Okay.

Emma, I'm sorry.

When did it start? I want the whole truth.

Three years ago.

One week before you and Luke got engaged.

I went to the hotel to confirm the venue for your engagement party.

Luke was drunk. I walked him back to his room and then... And then you slept

together?

I kissed him first.

Don't go.

You're proposing to my sister tomorrow. Right now, all I want to do is kiss you.

And you still propose to me the next day.

My father had already arranged everything.

I was terrified of losing my family.

Terrified of admitting who I really was.

So you made me pay for it instead.

I thought about telling you. When?

When you were picking out my dress?

When you were writing my vows?

Every time I tried, Luke promised it would be over. You trusted him for three

years but couldn't trust me once?

Because you loved him!

I love you too!

I worked two jobs at 17 to put you through school.

You were the only family I had.

And you stood right beside me.

And watched me walk into a marriage with a man who never loved me.

Because you gave up everything for me.

I couldn't bring myself to take away what I thought was your happiness.

That wasn't happiness. That was a lie you both built for me.

Emma, this is on me. Hate me all you want, but don't blame Noah.

You actually love him?

Yes.

That's for five years of lies.

And you... I can't even stand to touch you right now.

Emma.

Get out.

Getting close to you in the beginning, that was my father's arrangement.

But I never wanted to hurt you.

What do you mean, your father's arrangement?

Why did Richard arrange for you to get close to me?

I don't know. All I know is he insisted I marry you.

He never pushes for a marriage unless there's something in it for him. What

else are you hiding?

I genuinely don't know.

Go.

You already made your choice at the altar. Don't pretend you care about both

of us now.

What I felt for you was never romantic love.

But you were family to me, the most important kind.

Then you should know family doesn't push someone into a fake marriage.

Don't say I told you so.

I won't.

And don't feel sorry for me.

I just wanna hold you.

Just one minute.

Take as long as you need.

My mother wore this dress when she married my father.

She said it would bring me good luck.

Maybe it did.

My fiancé walked out on me at the altar and that's good luck?

It showed you the truth before you made the biggest mistake of your life.

And it gave me you.

Only time will tell if this is a blessing or a curse.

Which one are you hoping for?

What is this?

Daniel Reed.

Your father's initials. I've gone through this dress a hundred times. I've

never seen it.

Someone hid it here on purpose.

My father's been gone for 15 years. Why would he hide a key inside my mother's

wedding dress?

Maybe because he knew someone would come looking for it.

Did she find the key?

We're not sure yet. The dress is inside Victoria's estate.

Daniel hid that ledger for 15 years, and I am letting his daughter get to it.

The estate's security is tight.

Then leave no witnesses.

Looking for this?

You have three seconds to get out of my wife's room.

Victoria.

Lock the door and call security.

He took the dress.

My mother's dressed down.

Your hand. Eyes on me.

Back up.

Give me the key.

Come and take it.

Stop. You're bleeding.

He saw the key.

He can't leave.

You're the one who's hurt.

Answer me first.

No, I'm fine.

Deep cut, but the artery's intact.

Someone needs to watch her tonight for fever. I'll do it.

Claire can arrange a nurse.

You took a knife from me and now you want me to leave?

I just don't want you to see- That you bleed too?

That I'm not as strong as you think I am.

I never asked you to be bulletproof.

Did you take that one for someone else too?

That was a long time ago.

Another secret you can't tell me?

When you're ready to hear it, I will.

It's an internal badge. Cole Group Security Division.

Supervisor level only.

So the attacker is actually someone from the Cole family? Or someone wants us to

think that.

He knew exactly where the cameras were and where the dress was.

Not many people knew you brought the dress to the bedroom tonight.

You suspect your own brother?

I trusted family once.

Look how that turned out. Suspicion isn't proof.

Don't let Richard turn you into him.

Why are you so sure it's Richard? Because in this family, he's the only

one who kills to keep it secret.

The doctor already wrapped it.

It's bleeding through.

No. Then why did you flinch?

I didn't.

You're shaking.

Side effects from painkillers. You took it less than a minute ago.

Keep pushing and you'll be in trouble tonight.

You're barely holding it together. What exactly are you going to do?

Come a little closer and find out.

Why did you step in front of that knife?

My body moved before my brain did. That's not an answer.

Then what do you want to hear?

The truth.

The truth is, when I saw that blade coming for you, I didn't think about

myself at all.

We've only been married two days.

Some people you know your whole life and they're still not worth one instinct.

Don't ever do that again.

That's one promise I can't make.

Then at least don't die in front of me. Is that concern for your contract wife?

I'm protecting my property rights.

Mrs. Cole.

How long have you been awake?

Long enough.

Why didn't you let go?

You said you weren't leaving.

You were talking in your sleep.

What did I say?

Classified.

I'll pay for it.

You already paid me half an estate.

Apparently not enough.

Looks like the boundary line is gone.

Last night was medical observation.

That doesn't count.

So the blushing is part of the procedure too?

My

coffee.

Doctor's orders.

No coffee with painkillers.

Since when do you manage what I eat? Since you took a knife for me.

Didn't know getting stabbed had perks.

Say another word, and I'm spoon-feeding you oatmeal.

My arm.

I can barely lift it.

Your left arm is injured.

You hold a spoon with your right hand.

You notice everything.

I notice what matters.

What did you find?

Something a lot more interesting than a ledger.

You knew who I was five years ago.

Yes.

Then why did you write, she doesn't remember me on the back?

Because you didn't. Then remind me.

At that gala, the floral wall collapsed. You pushed a little girl out of the way

and took the glass yourself.

Accidents happen at every event.

Seven stitches in your hand, and you stayed to redo the whole setup.

No one even knew you were hurt. How did you know?

Because I drove you to the ER.

There was a woman that night.

She put her coat over me. You spent the whole ride complaining about the event

budget. That was you?

And you threw up on my shoes before you got out.

No wonder you never brought it up.

Why did you keep this photo for five years?

Because after that night, I looked into you.

Why?

Your father used to work for Kohl Group.

And what does that have to do with the way... You looked at me? You had

feelings for me? Back then?

You were with Luke. That's not an answer.

Then why did the ring fit perfectly?

Why were the marriage documents already drawn up? Emma, was the proposal a last

minute save?

Or something you'd been waiting to do?

If I said I'd been waiting, would that scare you?

I don't know.

Then I'll wait until you do.

The board just sent notice.

Tonight's Cole family dinner. They're requiring you to attend with your legal

spouse. Reason?

Richard is challenging the validity of the marriage.

and pushing to spend your inheritance vote.

At least three board observers will be there tonight.

So they want to see if we're faking it?

It goes further than that.

Celestio personally arranged the seating and press interviews.

She's clearly planning to humiliate you.

Cancel the press.

Don't. They want to see your wife? Fine.

Let them get a real good look.

This isn't your fight.

You took a knife from me. I think I can handle a few nasty comments for you.

Those people have mouths filthier than any knives.

Perfect.

I've got a pretty filthy mouth myself.

Need help?

Do we always end up having important conversations around zippers?

Maybe zippers are more honest than you all.

Too tight?

No. Then why aren't you breathing?

Because you're too close.

The agreement says no hiding feelings. It says nothing about keeping distance.

Are you testing the terms?

I'm reminding myself not to cross the line.

Wear this.

When did you get this? Five years ago.

Kidding. It arrived this afternoon.

Victoria Cole, you actually know how to make a joke? Only for people who matter.

Tonight, make them regret every time they underestimate you.

Regret underestimating me or regret pushing me into your arms.

Those aren't mutually exclusive.

Why is everyone staring at us?

Because you made them forget how to breathe.

And including you.

Especially me.

Get a little closer.

Stay close tonight.

Is that an order?

A wife's request.

Then I'll obey.

Sorry, seating is based on family seniority. Emma is new to the house,

after all. New, perhaps.

But as Richard's sister-in-law, my status outrides yours.

By seniority, I should be ahead of you. A real Mrs. Cole doesn't fight over a

chair at the dinner table. The real Mrs. Cole sits next to me.

Victoria, you're breaking the rules.

Rules are made by the living, not carved into someone's headstone.

Don't get upset, sweetheart. She just hasn't gotten used to calling me her

sister yet.

This set came from 19th century French royalty, only brought out for truly

important occasions.

I imagine those budget weddings you plan have never seen anything like it. Yes,

indeed. At least you know your place. Because a professional would never put a

fake on the table. Excuse me!

Laser-etched logo, not introduced until 1998.

Machine-pressed rim, not hand-painted. And that royal crest?

Party rental.

12-piece set, $2.99, free shipping on bulk orders.

The staff must have grabbed the wrong ones.

But you just said these are only brought out for truly important occasions.

Guess tonight didn't make the cut.

I did warn you.

She's something else.

When did you figure out the plates were fake?

Three minutes in?

Why wait until now?

A comeback needs a full audience.

I'm starting to think they're the ones who need protecting.

Regretting marrying me already?

I'm considering making it permanent.

Don't forget the agreement.

I didn't say I was in love with you.

But you're implying it.

You picked up on that?

All I know is you're dangerous.

And yet you're still here.

Tonight isn't just a family dinner. We have three board observers in the room.

Victoria, you've been claiming your marriage is real and stable, but

everyone in the city knows it's nothing but a temporary arrangement.

The marriage license is real.

Documents can be real.

Feelings can be faked. How do you want to prove it?

Check which side of the bed we sleep on?

Belt's empty.

Kiss your wife.

We're not your circus act.

Refuse and you're admitting it's a contract marriage.

The board will freeze your inheritance status immediately.

I won't put her through that for stock shares.

What if I want to?

I don't have to prove anything.

I'm setting him up.

Did

we just walk

in at the wrong moment? First time I've ever seen her forget there's an

audience. What, jealous?

No. I just finally get what that look meant.

The way she's always looked at Emma.

You're only figuring that out now?

I used to only see what I wanted to see.

Real enough for you?

I think no one has any further questions.

One performance doesn't prove a thing. Then why couldn't you watch?

Your heart is racing.

Everyone is staring at us.

When you kissed me, you weren't looking at anyone.

I was sticking to the plan.

Are you?

Is this part of the plan too?

You never answered me.

Answered what?

Whether that kiss was just for show. The board believed it, that's enough. I'm

not asking the board.

Last clause of the agreement.

No hiding the truth.

That clause says love.

Not kisses.

So you're admitting the kiss was real? I'm admitting you're very good at

finding loopholes.

Maybe one more time would make things clear.

I picked quite the moment to come back.

No welcome hug, Vicki?

Nobody told me you were coming.

Surprises are more interesting.

That ring is still gorgeous.

Last time, it almost ended up on my finger.

Too bad it chose mine instead.

Rings don't choose people.

Victoria does.

At least when she sees something worth her while.

Then I must be worth quite a lot.

Priceless. The board has hired me as independent legal counsel to investigate

the validity of this marriage and last night's attack on the estate.

You never take a case you can't win. I prefer the ones that bring me back to

you.

Long flight.

You must be thirsty.

Thank you.

You're even prettier than the press photos.

And you're even more hands-on than the rumors say.

Occupational habit.

I always make sure my clients aren't being coerced.

Emma isn't a witness. She's my wife.

Legally, of course.

But emotionally?

You saw the kiss.

Does that answer your question?

I've seen Victoria put on a more convincing performance than that.

Emma, do you know why she got engaged to me?

Because you were in love?

Because the Grant family holds two board votes and she needed them to go up

against Richard.

That engagement was a business arrangement. We both knew what it was.

So I'm surprised she has you believing this is something more.

i never told emma this marriage was only about love you never said it wasn't

either victoria doesn't believe in love she believes in contracts leverage and

calculated risks then why did you almost marry her because i used to think i'd be

the one exception she couldn't control then i realized there was already

someone else she was holding on to

You sure this won't set off the alarms? Not really. That's your whole plan? My

father usually handles the planning. This is my first time doing it alone.

That explains a lot.

Someone's coming.

You planning to keep your hand there all night?

What if I said I don't want to let go?

Stop it.

Find the files.

Right here a $250,000 security payment made out to a shell company authorized

by my father one week before the wedding There was no extra security at the

wedding none. This wasn't about protecting the wedding It was about

watching Emma the attack on the estate. It could have been the same people I

Knew your plan was terrible at least we found something if we end up in jail

tonight You better not let me take the fall alone.

Whatever happens tonight. I'm right here with you

You're angry. No, I'm not. You've said I'm fine three times since we left. That

usually means it's serious.

You were engaged to Sophia.

Why wasn't that in the agreement? The agreement doesn't require a list of

exes. She calls you Vicky. That's what bothers you? A nickname? I'm bothered by

how close you two clearly are. You're jealous.

I just don't like being kept in the dark. Then let me be clear.

I never loved Sophia and I have no intention of going back to her. Is that

the honesty clause talking? It's me reassuring my wife.

I don't need reassurance. But you're not pulling away.

Sorry to interrupt your wedding night. I forgot to leave one of the files with

Victoria.

Aunt Victoria, we found a payment of $250,000 made by my father before the

wedding. The project code was bride. You need to be careful. Send everything to

Claire and get out of the building now.

You actually think she kept your photo for five years because she fell for you

at first sight? What are you trying to say? Victoria has a reason for

everything she does.

Looking into you, protecting you, having those documents ready at the wedding.

None of it was a coincidence.

She cares about me.

Maybe. But that's not how it started.

Victoria came to you because of your father.

What does my father have to do with Victoria?

Daniel Reed was a financial auditor for Cole Group.

Fifteen years ago, he was investigating the charity fund accounts. Then he died

in a car accident.

It was a normal accident.

You really believe a man about to hand evidence to federal investigators just

happened to have an accident the day before his testimony?

Sophia.

Enough. No, let her finish.

In the last week before the crash, every project Daniel was investigating tied

back to Richard. And the first person who found out... Was your wife.

Is that true?

Answer me.

Yes.

You knew.

You knew his death might not have been an accident.

I suspected. I had nothing solid enough to prove it.

So you spent five years investigating me?

At first, I needed to know if Daniel had left any evidence with his family.

At first?

Then it wasn't.

And the wedding?

The ring? The documents? The lawyers all lined up? Was that for evidence, too?

Before the wedding, I found out Richard's people were watching you.

I had to get you out of his reach.

Immediately.

So you made me your wife. I gave you a choice.

A choice?

I had just been humiliated on camera by my fiancé and my own brother, with every

lens in the room pointed at my face. That's not a choice!

You're right.

You weren't free in that moment.

And you used me anyway.

Get out.

She was gonna find out eventually.

Not like this.

Not with you using the truth as a weapon. And silence works so much better

for you, doesn't it?

Ask her. Ask her who in the Cole family was the last person your father

contacted before that crash.

Who was it?

Who was the last person to contact my father?

Me.

I was auditing old company records.

Daniel reached out.

He said he had evidence of Richard's crimes and wanted to meet.

By the time I got there, the accident had already happened.

And you never told the police?

Richard controlled the investigation.

I was 21.

No evidence, no power.

So you stayed silent for 15 years.

I chose to survive.

And to keep looking for something that could take him down. That sounds exactly

like what Luke said.

You know what I hate most?

Not lies. It's that everyone says they kept secrets to protect me. I never

expected your forgiveness.

Why didn't you explain that photo? Because love at first sight sounds

better than I was surveilling an auditor's daughter? That photo had

nothing to do with the investigation.

I don't know what's real anymore.

The way I look at you is real.

Taking you to the hospital five years ago was real.

Not wanting to watch you get humiliated at that wedding was real.

Taking that blade for you was real.

Then do you love me?

The agreement says you have to be honest. I won't use I love you to trap

you when you're angry and scared.

Another safe answer.

Yes. Because the only respect I can give you right now is letting you leave.

Don't touch me.

I'm sorry. Saving my life doesn't mean I owe you my trust.

You don't owe me anything.

And including this marriage?

And including me.

Emma.

Emma.

Last night you said you wouldn't leave.

Take these.

I don't know how to use a gun. Safety's on the left. Grip tight. Aim for the

chest. Don't fire until you have no other option.

You think Richard would actually kill me? I think he's already tried.

Twice.

Then why are you letting me walk out?

If I lock that door to keep you safe, I'm no different from Richard.

Only Claire and I know this address.

When you get there, send me a period. Nothing else. What if I don't? I'll find

you. We're in the middle of a breakup. That's your choice. Protecting you is

mine.

Victoria. I'm here.

If my father was actually murdered, I will find out who did it.

I'll be with you.

I didn't say I forgive you.

I know.

And I didn't say I need you.

I can wait.

My hand is bleeding.

That doesn't matter.

You could have gone down with that car!

But you're still here.

You're shaking.

Because I almost didn't make it in time.

Plates are fake.

Vins been scraped clean.

Richard's people again?

Not until I have proof.

But you already know the answer.

Yes.

Whoever it was, they made the same mistake tonight.

What mistake?

They touched my wife.

Ms. Cole, are you publicly accusing a member of your own family?

I'm putting out a reward.

$500,000 for any information that leads to an arrest.

Anyone who touches my wife will pay for it.

The doctor said it's just a scrape.

The doctor also said to keep weight off my arm. I still drove a car into

someone.

So you actually knew that?

I thought you were leaving me.

Saving my life and forgiving you are two very different things.

So there's still a chance?

Don't try to work the fine print while I'm still in shock.

You called my name.

Because you were the only one who could save me that doesn't sound like denial

Victoria are you always this confident only when you're in my

We found something in the back seat.

That's impossible.

His prints are on the badge, and there are texts on the burner phone addressed

to him.

Numbers can be faked.

Badges can be stolen.

But right now, every piece of evidence points to Noah Reed.

My brother would never try to kill me. Your brother just betrayed you at your

own wedding. Family, Miss Reed. That's where the most extreme motives come

from. Don't let him get in your head. You know Noah.

I also thought I knew Luke.

Then trust yourself, not the way someone else arranged the evidence.

We just got married and you've been out two nights in a row. We don't exactly

have a home. Your accounts are frozen and my apartment still leaks.

As long as I'm with you, a leaky ceiling is home enough.

Rich boy, stop making poverty sound poetic.

Then teach me how regular people live.

Lesson one, don't touch anything in the dark room.

You'll ruin the film.

I'm touching my husband.

Noah Reed, you're under arrest for attempted murder.

Get off him! He was with me all night!

You're his husband.

Your testimony doesn't hold up on its own.

Luke, don't.

I'm getting you out of there.

This time, don't just say it.

Noah!

Emma, I didn't do this.

Then why was your badge in that car?

I lost it three days ago.

I thought I left it at the venue. Someone set him up. He has an alibi. I

can prove it. The driver hasn't been found. Until we rule out the possibility

of an accomplice, Noah stays.

Do you believe me?

I believe you wouldn't kill me.

Just this one thing?

Everything else we'll talk about later.

How unfortunate.

Two scandals from the Reed family in a single night.

You got here awfully fast.

My son and his spouse are here. Of course I came.

Noah isn't your anything. He's Luke's husband.

If I choose to, I can have the DA charge him with first-degree attempted murder.

The evidence is solid. He'll spend the best 20 years of his life behind bars.

Dad, if you touch him, I swear... Shut your mouth.

Or I can have the witnesses recant.

Make the badge disappear as a simple theft case.

What do you want?

Divorce Victoria.

Sign away every right that comes with being a Cole and publicly admit the

marriage was nothing but a revenge scheme.

Emma, don't.

Sign it. Your brother walks out tonight.

Don't sign.

He gets formally charged in the morning.

Choose.

Your brother or your wife.

You've been taking care of Noah since you were 17.

You're really going to throw him away for a marriage that started two days

ago?

If I sign, you guarantee the charges get dropped?

I guarantee he walks out before sunrise.

He has no power to drop criminal charges unless he's the one who planted the

evidence. Believe what you want. Emma doesn't have time for this.

I can't let no one go to prison.

I know.

If someone has to pay the price, it's always been me.

Not anymore.

Starting today.

You don't understand.

I promised my mom I'd take care of him.

Taking care of someone doesn't mean destroying yourself.

It doesn't mean taking the fall for everything he does.

He's my only brother.

Which is exactly why he should never ask you to trade your marriage for his

freedom.

Don't dress up a contract marriage like it's some great love story.

Someone who truly loves you doesn't ask you to cut off a piece of yourself to

prove it.

What if Noah actually gets convicted?

I'll get the best lawyers.

I'll find the driver.

I'll put whoever framed him behind bars.

Why?

Because he's your family.

And you're mine.

But if you want a divorce, I'll sign.

Not because Richard says so.

Because it's your choice to make.

I'm done creating my marriage for my family.

You'll regret this.

I already have one regret.

Letting people like you decide my life for me.

Looks like you picked someone who'll drag this whole family down.

I picked my husband.

Without your trust fund, you can't even cover his bail.

The day before the wedding, Noah's press credential was still in his bag. I saw

it.

By the next morning, it was gone.

The hotel and the church both have surveillance.

I'll find it.

You walk out of here, I'll freeze your last card.

Then freeze it.

You'll lose the house, the trust, and your inheritance.

I almost lost him once because of all that.

Never again.

Zoom in on his wrist.

Same badge as the one the attacker dropped at the estate.

Send the raw footage to the precinct.

Mr. Richard has already ordered all internal footage from the wedding day to

be deleted.

Who do you answer to?

This hotel belongs to Cole Group.

I'm Luke Cole.

At least for today.

Bail is set at $1 million.

Mr. Cole's accounts have been frozen. He can't use personal assets as collateral.

I have the remaining interest from my trust here.

I'm signing over my inheritance rights to use as bail collateral.

You sign that and you're no longer a Cole.

That's the first thing you've said that actually makes me happy.

Are you insane?

That was everything you've ever had.

No.

You are.

Don't say that.

I haven't fully forgiven you yet.

Then I'll spend the rest of my life earning it.

Did you run away from a multi-million dollar trust for a same-sex marriage?

Noah, did you actually have nothing to do with the attack on Emma?

Noah's being framed.

Any questions about the charges, you come to me first.

I don't need you shielding me forever.

I know.

So let's face it together.

You okay?

I just realized Luke finally learned something you've known how to do all

along.

What's that?

Pick someone and stand by their side.

Do you believe me now?

I'm trying to.

I was going to wait until I was sure before I said anything.

What is this?

Old Dectative's mom left behind. When I scanned them yesterday, one of them had

a shot of the scene from Dad's accident.

The image is too blurry.

I ran it through enhancement.

He said he was in New York that night.

He lied.

Dad's accident wasn't an accident.

Take me back to the estate.

We're figuring this out together.

Don't read into it. I'm here for safety and to find out what happened to my

father.

Of course.

It doesn't mean I've forgiven you for hiding the truth.

Understood.

And it doesn't mean anything has changed between us.

Not at all.

What are you smiling at?

Welcome home, Mrs. Cole.

I'm only staying temporarily.

Your 50% ownership of this estate seems to disagree.

Intrusion detected on the east perimeter wall.

All personnel, initiate lockdown protocol.

The safe room may still be compromised.

The master bedroom is the most secure location.

Independent reinforced door, dedicated alarm system.

I can take a guest room.

No.

You just said you respect my choices.

Every choice.

Except the one that makes you a solo target.

There's only one secured entry point to the master.

You two should stay in the same room tonight.

Did he just smile?

Claire doesn't smile.

Then what was that look on his face?

Satisfaction.

Let's go roommate.

Same rules as last time. Cross the line, you're the jerk.

If I recall you were the one who crossed it last time.

That was a medical observation.

Tonight is a security observation.

You're taking the couch.

Bulletproof upgrade.

It's being replaced.

How convenient.

You think I had my own couch removed overnight just to share a bed with you?

You had emergency marriage topics ready in advance. I wouldn't put anything past

you.

If I wanted to share a bed with you, I wouldn't need to spend that kind of

money to do it.

Then what would you do?

I'd just ask.

Lights off.

It was a nightmare.

The car stopped.

You're safe.

I can't move.

The lights are too bright. I can't see and I can't listen to my voice. It's

just me.

Only me.

Breathe.

Follow me.

Don't let go.

I won't.

Do you comfort everyone who's scared like this?

No one else has ever crawled into my arms at midnight.

You pulled me in first, and you didn't pull away.

Why did you stop?

Because you just woke up from a nightmare.

Are you always this controlled?

Only when I want something very much.

If the agreement didn't exist, me?

Yes.

What if there was no case, no inheritance, no Richard?

I still would.

Then why won't you?

Because I need you to choose me with a clear head.

I'm clear-headed right now. You're scared, you're leaning on me, and you

still question why I'm here.

If I kiss you now, I can't tell if you're choosing me or just choosing to

feel safe.

Do you always analyze my feelings for me?

I just refused to be another Cole who took advantage of you when you were

vulnerable.

Get some sleep.

When it's morning, if you still want to kiss me, tell me then.

It's not morning yet, but I'm done waiting.

Emma.

The kiss at the wedding was for dignity.

The kiss at the dinner was for the board.

This one is just because I want to.

Are you sure this is what you want?

Want me to prove it again?

Yeah.

Good morning.

You're up before me again.

I didn't want to miss the look on your face when you woke up regretting

everything.

Sorry to disappoint you.

I don't regret it.

Not even a little.

Keep looking that smug and maybe I will.

Last night was that stupid of the act.

Not the board.

Not the deal.

Not revenge.

Just... We have to go to the bank today.

Victoria Cole, you're actually turning me down?

Stay in this bed any longer and we won't be going anywhere.

The Braz key belongs to Ravenport First Bank. The number's worn off, so Emma has

to match it in person.

How did last night's security observation go?

Very safe. No casualties?

What about pillows?

Claire! I'm just saying.

Personal feelings cloud judgment.

He's right.

So what do you think?

Until we find out the truth about your father, we can't let our feelings get in

the way.

You're bringing this up now? After last night?

Because last night was exactly why I have to be careful.

Are you regretting it?

No. Then why are you pulling away?

Because you just decided to trust me, and I've still kept things from you.

Every secret you find out from here, you'll wonder if what's between us is

just another way I'm controlling you.

You think keeping your distance will stop me from getting hurt?

I think it gives you a chance to see things clearly before you choose.

Then let's set some ground rules.

No hiding evidence, no making decisions for torture.

The third one seems a little unfair to me.

You're welcome to negotiate.

A kiss can pause an argument.

I can't end one.

Approved.

This doesn't violate the agreement.

You always find the rules.

Daniel Reed and his wife rented this box together 15 years ago. When payments

stopped, the contents were transferred to Emma Redd per the will. Why was I

never contacted?

The contact address had been changed to a warehouse that no longer exists.

Who changed it? The system only shows it was authorized by the legal department

of Kohlgruber.

Richard. The box your key matches should be somewhere on this lever.

Maybe the recording auditing has something.

This is the last photo we ever took together.

Comfort doesn't count as interference.

You sure?

Yes.

I've almost forgotten what his voice sounded like.

Then we'll hear it together.

Massive money laundering through the Cole Foundation.

Richard Cole knows I have the ledger. He won't let me live long enough to hand it

over to federal investigators.

It really was Richard.

The ledger isn't in the box. The key is only the first door. The real clue is

hidden in the thing your mother treasured most. The wedding dress.

Someone's here.

If I don't make it back, don't trust anyone in the Cole family.

Richard will lie.

Celeste will cover for him.

Luke is just a kid, but one day they'll have him under their control too.

Victoria, whatever you do, don't trust Victoria Cole.

Why would my father single you out?

I don't know.

Yes, you do.

She came to me.

She said she wanted to help, but what she brought wasn't protection.

What did she bring?

Victoria, look at me.

What did you do to my father?

Someone cut out the rest. The safe deposit box was accessed by Cole's legal

team. Richard had every opportunity to tamper with it.

Maybe it's you.

My father specifically warned me not to trust you. And now the recording gets

cut and you're standing here telling me it was your brother.

Your suspicion is fair.

Stop giving me that calm answer!

Last night you said you wanted me to choose you with a clear head.

I don't even know who you really are.

Then I'll tell you everything.

What is this?

Fifteen years ago, Richard sent me to deliver an NDA to your father.

You told me you were going to trade evidence with him.

That's what I wanted to do eventually.

But at first, I was there to silence him.

For the company.

You threatened him.

I was 21, brand new to the company.

I thought it was just standard paperwork.

You're a coal walking into a whistleblower's office with an NDA?

And you didn't question that for a second?

I did.

And I chose to comply anyway.

That's the part I can never forgive myself for.

Daniel refused to sign.

Then he showed me photocopies of the ledger.

That's when I found out Richard was laundering money through the foundation.

If you actually want to help, meet me at the old church tonight.

Ten o'clock.

I'll hand over the ledger.

I'll protect you and your family.

Then what?

Richard asked where I'd been.

I didn't mention the ledger.

But I told him Daniel would be at the old church that night.

You told him where my father would be? I thought Richard just wanted to stop the

handoff. But he did.

Noah's photos put him at the scene.

You're the one who led him straight to your father. By the time I got to the

church, Daniel was already gone.

I followed the road and watched his car go over the edge.

Why didn't you call the police?

I did, but the call log was deleted by the next day, and the detective on the

case suddenly retired.

Why didn't you go to my mother?

Why didn't you tell us anything?

Richard warned me.

If I kept digging, you and Noah would be next.

So you watched me for five years?

Protected you.

Damn protect again!

Luke lied to protect the family.

Noah hid things to protect my happiness.

You stayed silent to protect my life.

Why does everyone's protection always end up costing me everything?

Because we were all too cowardly.

My father died.

My mother raised us alone and took her secrets to the grave.

And you had 15 years to come forward.

I know.

No, you don't.

The estate isn't safe yet.

At least stay in the master room. I can't share a bed with you anymore.

I won't use last night to make you stay.

When I kissed you last night, I thought you were only hiding the investigation.

Now I realize you might be the reason my father is dead.

Yes.

If I hadn't told Richard where he'd be, Daniel might still be alive.

You're admitting that? I'm admitting I made a mistake I can never undo.

But I did not kill him.

That's not what his recording says.

Then keep digging until you have enough to prove I did it.

And if the proof points right at you, I'll walk the evidence to the police

myself.

It's me.

I don't want to see you.

I'm leaving the kit by the door. Your knee needs to be redressed.

Why are you still here?

You said you didn't want to see me.

You didn't say you didn't need medicine.

Stop being good to me.

Why?

Because it makes me forget I'm supposed to hate you.

Then hate me.

Just don't let it stop you from finding the truth.

From tonight, we will sleep apart.

Okay.

I love her, so I'm setting her free.

Claire said you wanted to see me.

You said you'd wait until I found the truth.

Richard has come after you three times for that ledger. As long as you're my

wife, he'll assume you know everything about Cole. So you're deciding for me

again? No.

The choice is yours.

If I sign this, what happens to you?

I keep going after Richard. I keep protecting you.

I just won't ask you to stand beside me anymore.

Last night you said you'd wait for me to choose you with a clear head.

Now I just want you to be alive, to make any choice at all.

If leaving me keeps you safe, I'll let you go.

close to the couple say emma reed and victoria cole's whirlwind marriage was

nothing but an inheritance scheme and the two separated just last night first

her groom walks out then she runs straight to his rich aunt yeah that's

emma

you're two months behind pay today or i'm changing the walks I'll figure it

out before the afternoon.

I'm not taking your money.

You're seriously reopening?

Eight years of planning headings. I'm not shutting down because mine fell

apart.

It didn't fall apart.

Technically, two perfectly legal weddings happened that day. Yes, Emma's

back. Cancel? But the deposit agreement clearly states... I'm not letting a

marriage schemer plan my daughter's wedding. The news doesn't have the full

story. But you did marry your ex's aunt. That part is true. Then there's nothing

left to say.

Nine cancellations today.

Then we start fighting for the tenth.

Reed Weddings owes $420,000 in debt. The creditors are filing for liquidation

this week.

Buy it all out.

Under your name? No.

Set up a separate investment entity.

No Cole's name on the board.

Anyone. When Emma finds out, she'll think you're trying to control her.

Then she can't find out.

You signed the divorce papers and you're still paying off her debt. That's not a

business decision.

It never was.

When did the estate security system start covering her studio?

Last night.

Does she know?

No. That's usually called surveillance. If Richard's people show up, it's called

saving her life.

You're still wearing it.

It's expensive. The apartment isn't safe enough.

So the safest place is right over your heart?

Ms.

Reed, regarding your company's outstanding debt... I need two weeks.

That won't be necessary.

Your debt has been acquired by a new investor. They're giving you a full

year's extension and waiting... Who bought it?

Emma?

Did you buy out my debt? First time you've called and it's to interrogate

me? Answer me.

It wasn't me. You promised no more secrets.

Is that promise still valid? As long as I haven't signed those papers, it is.

Then why haven't you?

Because I haven't had the time. Or because you don't want to.

Don't change the subject. Did you buy the debt or not? I said no.

When you lie, your voice goes colder than usual.

You've been paying closer attention since you left.

I just know my... Your what?

My creditor.

That creditor suggests you eat a real meal.

You've had nothing but coffee today.

You're watching me?

Protecting you.

That word is exactly why we're apart right now. But you're still alive.

I don't need a wife who hides behind a camera.

Then what kind of wife do you need?

One who doesn't lie to me.

We got a client.

Two million dollar budget. They want a full engagement party in two weeks. Two

weeks? Who does that?

They only left a last name.

Grant.

It's been a while, Emma.

We saw each other two days ago.

Two days feels like forever when your heart is broken. My heart isn't broken.

Have you signed the divorce papers yet?

I'll take that as a no.

What do you want me to plan?

An engagement party that makes all of Ravenberg believe in love again.

Hiring someone in the middle of a divorce to plan a love story.

Interesting choice.

Exactly. You know better than anyone how to make something fake look real. Double

rate.

50% up front.

As long as you personally handle it. I don't take jobs that humiliate me no

matter the money. You don't even know who my partner is yet. Doesn't matter.

I'm not interested.

She loves this color.

You know that better than I do. Who is she?

Victoria, I want you to plan my engagement to your wife.

Victoria would never get engaged to you.

You know her that well.

Better than an ex she called off an engagement with.

Then you know Victoria will do anything for the company.

Richard filed an emergency motion to freeze Victoria's voting rights. The

moment she's back with the Grant family, my father's two votes go to her.

She's married.

Not for long.

You have seven days to sign. After that, her attorney files for a default

regiment. She agreed to this. She sent the ring size to the jeweler herself.

If this is real, why hire me to plan it? Because no one knows her taste better

than you do.

And because I want to see if you can hand her over to me yourself.

You still have it.

Just to give it back.

You haven't decided yet.

Keep it on.

You made your decision fast enough.

Congratulations.

Sophia told you?

Told me what? That you're getting engaged the same day the divorce goes

through or that you want me to decorate your new bedroom? It's not what you

think. Then what is it?

I can't tell you.

Another secret you can't tell me?

Your fiancé is watching.

You're my wife.

For seven more days.

A lot can change in seven days. Including who you love?

That has never changed.

Then why are you marrying her? I told you I can't explain.

You always ask me to trust you. You never give me a reason to. The dress

designer is waiting for us.

Don't touch her injury. Her left hand hasn't healed. Don't worry.

I know every scar on her body better than you do.

Emma, don't be late. Bride.

Isn't White Roses Victoria's favorite? She doesn't love them, she just doesn't

hate them.

How do you know that?

She never stops more than two seconds at White Roses.

But dark red to heels, she always slows down.

You notice all that, and you're telling me you're not heartbroken?

It's called being a professional.

What's wrong with this one?

Victoria hates the violin.

Why? She was forced to practice for ten years as a kid.

She actually told you that?

She said it in her sleep.

You've heard her talk in her sleep?

Work.

Emma, tell me, does the ring fit?

No.

The band is too thin for the center stone?

Like a relationship built purely on leverage, it looks expensive but breaks

easily. What do you recommend?

What fits her isn't necessarily what fits you.

You're jealous.

I'm doing my job. You almost cut Sophia with that ring.

Accident. And you cut the white roses, changed her music. Because she doesn't

know you at all.

So you're admitting you do.

The Victoria I know wouldn't say she loves me and plan to marry someone else

at the same time. You saw what I wrote on the agreement.

I did.

Why didn't you ask me if I meant it? If you meant it, you should say it out

loud.

Not now.

It's never the right time for you.

Victoria won't just be my wife.

She's going to be the mother of my child.

I figured you didn't sleep last night. Who gave you my address?

It was on the wedding planning contract.

That contract has my office address, so who told you?

Victoria. She wouldn't give that out without my permission.

Interesting. You still trust her that much. And yet she never told you about

the baby. The report says Victoria is the genetic source of the embryo. What

does that mean? We froze embryos when we were engaged.

My eggs, her chosen donor, joint legal ownership. When she called off the

engagement, I kept one.

You can't use it without her consent.

Who said she didn't?

The board wants stability.

A baby is more convincing than any engagement announcement.

How far alone are you?

Six weeks?

So Victoria chose you.

And the baby. She chose reality.

You were just a moment of weakness.

What do you want? Sign the divorce papers, give up your spousal shares, and

stay away from the engagement party.

You hired me to plan it. You'll get your final payment.

And if I don't sign?

You really want this child growing up being called illegitimate?

You'll have my answer by tonight.

Victoria's actually pregnant?

It's fake. How do you know? The blood sample date is two weeks before the

embryo transfer date. The report template is from a Canadian clinic, but

the doctor's license number is from California.

And most importantly, Victoria's signature always curves left on the last

stroke. This one goes right. Someone traced it. You memorized the way she

signs her name? I watched her sign our divorce papers.

Then why didn't you call Sophia out right there? Because Sophia knows where

I live, and she got her hands on Victoria's old medical records. Someone

is behind this. Richard?

I need her to think she has me convinced.

You shouldn't have come alone.

I came to return this.

You've decided to sign?

You and Sophia are having a baby. Why didn't you tell me?

What baby?

Don't do that. She showed me the pregnancy report and the embryo consent

form. It's fake.

I never authorized her to use any embryo. We never had a joint embryo to

begin with. Your signature is on the document.

You trust me?

You finally said it out loud.

Is it too late?

Sophia's report is fake.

The dates don't add up.

You were testing me this whole time?

If I told you up front, your reaction wouldn't have been real.

You're learning to use me against myself.

I learn from the best.

So how are you going to make it up to me? We agreed.

Personal feelings stay out of the investigation.

You're the one who came here asking if I had a baby. That was evidence

verification. Your eyes were red.

You were furious.

It was the wind.

There's no wind out here.

After we find out who's behind Sophia, is that a promise?

Depends on how well you behave.

I'll be on my best behavior.

I'll sign.

Meet me at 8. I'll hand you the original.

Did she take the bait?

She checked her rear view three times. You're following too close.

This is my first time trailing someone.

You were terrible at your first relationship, too.

And you still married me?

Because my judgment is terrible, too.

When this is over, let's go somewhere nobody knows the Cole name. With what

money? You walked away from your trust fund. I can learn photography.

You can't even take off the lens cap.

Then I'll be in charge of loving the photographer.

She's turning. Drive, rookie.

Rookie?

Did Emma sign?

Tonight. Your fake report almost didn't hold up. She sees what she's most afraid

of. Victoria leaving her behind.

After the engagement party, I want two board votes and the shares we agreed on.

Once Victoria hands over the ledger, you'll get everything.

Someone's coming.

Your heartbeat is so loud.

Because you're in my arms.

Seriously? Right now?

I'm scared there won't be a later.

Then make sure you live to see it.

Who's there?

Split up, I'll draw them off.

I am not leaving you alone again.

Those photos matter more than I do.

Not to me, they don't.

Take the photographer Let him go Didn't you say you could

protect him without Cole's name Tell Emma if she wants her brother back

alive. She better get ready for another wedding

Your marriage to Noah was a mistake. Then you take Emma back. You're out of

your mind.

If Emma refuses, Noah won't make it to Sunrise.

Where is Noah?

On your knees.

Not a chance.

Then I'll have them break one of his hands first.

He's a photographer, isn't he?

Should be interesting.

Wait!

Please.

Let him go.

You finally learned the most important thing about being an heir.

Knowing when to kneel.

I'll give up everything.

I don't want you to give anything up. I need you to be my son again.

Declare the marriage void.

Tell the press you were seduced by Noah. Then marry Emma. Emma won't go along

with this. She will.

Because she's just like you. She'll sacrifice herself for Noah.

Richard wants me to marry Luke again.

No.

If I don't, he'll kill Noah.

You can pretend to agree, but you're not actually signing anything.

Richard will check every document.

Then I'll have them replaced.

And if he finds out, I'll find Noah.

Every time you say, I will, you're the one who ends up bleeding.

Still better than watching you walk back into a lie.

I can't lose another person I love.

You're not losing Noah.

And you're not losing me.

We're getting a divorce.

You haven't signed anything yet?

Weren't you about to get engaged to Sophia?

It was a setup.

Sophia's father controls two board votes. Richard believed she could help

me reclaim my inheritance, so he was willing to move dirty money through her.

The whole engagement was bait to draw him out? Yes.

The ring, the party, the press, all of it. Why didn't you tell me? Richard had

eyes on you. Your jealousy had to be real or he wouldn't buy it.

So you used my feelings to sell the performance?

Yes.

That's for making the call without me.

Again.

I deserve that.

But if anything happens to Noah, I won't forgive anyone.

Not even you. Then punish me after we bring him home.

Save him first.

Yes, ma'am.

Luke, are you actually here to deny your marriage to Noah? I do have a statement

today.

Over the past few weeks, I made a lot of mistakes.

I hurt Emma. I let no one get torn apart by the world. But my biggest mistake was

ever believing my father deserved my loyalty more than the man I love.

My marriage to Noah is real and it stands.

I love him.

And I am not taking Emma back.

Did Emma sign?

Tonight, your forged report almost didn't hold up. Once Victoria hands over

the ledger, you'll get your shares.

Mr. Cole, what forged report are they referring to?

Did you have Noah Reed kidnapped?

You knew the report was forged from the beginning?

You got the date wrong.

You used me?

Let's just say Victoria taught me a thing or two about contract lupos.

Where is Noah?

I don't know.

Richard never told me where they were keeping him.

My marriage to Noah is real and it stands.

I love him.

Move the asset.

If you have to, take care of him.

Looks like your husband chose coming out over saving your life.

Good.

About time he got something right.

Noah, if you can see this, I made you wait three years.

He took a bullet for me.

The shooter wasn't just targeting you.

If he dies what happens to Noah, he's not going to die.

You can't promise that.

Then feel this.

My heart's still beating. So is yours.

Let's focus on what we can actually do right now.

Find Noah.

Claire's already zeroed in on the warehouse district.

I'm coming with you.

Stay here and wait for Luke.

So you're going in alone again?

Not alone.

This time I'm coming back.

Noah!

Where's Luke?

He was shot.

He's in surgery.

I need to see him. The ambulance is on its way.

Now!

He promised he'd never leave me alone again.

Then go remind him to keep that promise.

Noah.

Noah.

How's Luke?

The bullet grazed his heart and caused severe internal bleeding. Surgery went

well, but the next 24 hours are still critical.

He's such a baby about pain.

He's gonna complain the second he wakes up.

Then let him wake up and complain for the rest of his life.

I'm sorry.

This is all my fault.

No, it's not.

Loving someone is never a crime.

The people who kidnapped you and pulled that trigger, they're the ones who are

guilty.

You're... I'm still here.

You still owe me rent. Did you really think I'd just leave?

I'm probably even more broke now. Then spend the rest of your life paying me

back. Is that a proposal?

We're already married, you idiot.

When I saw that gun pointed at me... What?

There was only one thing on my mind. If Emma died, you'd never forgive me. And

if you died, I'd never forgive you either.

Guess I'll have to stick around then.

You're shaking because you're an idiot.

You're so easy.

Thank Emma.

Still cracking jokes. Guess you're going to be fine.

I owe you the full truth.

Five years ago, my father told me to get close to you. He said Daniel might have

left behind evidence against Cole Group and that you were the only one who could

lead us to it. So our first meeting wasn't a coincidence?

No.

No, that charity gala, he set the whole thing up so I'd get close to you.

All I had to do was earn your trust and find out what your mother left behind.

But then...

You stayed up all night when I was sick.

You stood up for me when my father humiliated me.

You treated Noah and me like we were actually family.

So you decided to marry me? I wanted the home you gave me.

And I was terrified losing everything my father had over me.

What I felt for you wasn't love, but I was selfish enough to hold on to that

warmth for five years.

And you knew the whole time you were in love with Noah?

Yes. And that I deserved to be truly loved?

Yes.

I'm sorry.

I used to think that if you just explained yourself, maybe I could go

back to who I was before that wedding.

And now?

Now I know the lie started long before the wedding.

I'm forgiving you, not because you took that bullet for me and not because the

past doesn't matter. Then why?

Because I refuse to spend the rest of my life carrying your mistakes.

Can we still be family?

Yes.

But you will never be my husband again.

I already have one.

And I'm your aunt.

Is there any way we could lose that title?

Absolutely not.

Tonight is my engagement party with Sophia.

Richard's recordings have been exposed, but the board still needs the original

documents proving he moved the illegal funds, and they need to see them in

person. Only if the engagement goes through will she bring Richard's signed

share transfer documents to the venue.

Have you considered that she wants more than just the shares?

That's not relevant.

Not to you.

What about to her?

She was never the one I cared about.

When tonight is over, I'll tell you everything.

And then you decide whether or not we still have a future.

If you put that ring on her finger, there might not be a future to decide

on. Are you asking me to call it off?

It's not my place.

You're my wife.

Victoria, it's time.

The engagement party already started.

Sophia moved the rings exchange up by 40 minutes without telling anyone. Why?

She probably knows Victoria's playing her. She wants to force her to make it

official in front of everyone.

After tonight, Victoria and I will once again be each other's only family.

No. What?

The first time, I married her because I was terrified of looking like a fool. If

I stay silent now, that's when I actually lose her.

Victoria Cole is my wife, and she's the woman I love.

She asked me if I came back to that engagement party out of jealousy or

because I loved her.

The answer is both.

I was jealous because I love her.

I was terrified of losing her because I love her. I was afraid to say it because

admitting love means handing someone the power to hurt you. But if that person is

you, I'll be brave one more time. Should I have the car ready?

No. You're not going to her?

She said she's coming after me.

The least she can do is let me enjoy this for five minutes.

As long as I haven't signed those papers, she's still my wife.

You moved out of the manor yourself. You took the divorce papers.

Isn't it a little late to come back and claim her now? I'm not here to claim

anyone.

I'm here to stop my wife from making the same engagement mistake twice.

Twice? The first was agreeing to marry her five years ago.

The second was putting that ring on her finger tonight.

This isn't the place to act out your jealousy.

You're right.

It's the place to expose a fraud.

That's my private medical record!

Forged documents aren't protected by medical privacy.

This report says you tested positive two weeks before the embryo transfer.

Unless the grants have invented medicine that produces a result before the

procedure, this report is fake.

The form uses a Canadian clinic template.

But the doctor's license belongs to a California dentist who retired seven

years ago.

Mrs. Grant, did you forge a pregnancy report?

It's a clerical error from the clinic. Then what about the embryo consent form?

Victoria's signature always finishes with a leftward stroke.

This forgery flicks up to the right.

You actually memorized that?

I've watched you sign the marriage agreement, the divorce papers, and the

acquisition contract when you bought out my debt.

So it was you who bought it.

This isn't the time. We'll settle that after. Fine.

Has Emma signed yet?

Tonight. She almost caught the problem with the fake report.

Once Victoria hands over the records, you'll get your shares.

That recording was obtained illegally.

It can't be used as evidence.

Whether it holds up in court, that's for the DA to decide.

But tonight, it's enough to prove that your so-called love, your baby, and this

engagement were all just bargaining stucks in your deal with Richard. Ms.

Cole, did you know from the beginning that the pregnancy report was falsified?

Yes. Then why did you go through with the engagement ceremony?

Because the share transfer Richard promised Sophie was sealed with an

encrypted digital stamp.

The original document would only be delivered here once she completed the

engagement.

Full backup secured, wire transfer accounts, shell companies, and the

entire bribery list. All of it.

So this whole time you were just using me? You knew what this was.

At first, yes.

But I could have made it real if you'd let me.

The Grant family's two votes, the funding, the connections, all still

yours.

Stay.

And I'll forget Emma ever walked in. I'll forget all of tonight.

Sophia, this was never going to happen.

Not five years ago, not now.

Because of her?

Five years ago, I wasn't ready to admit it.

I won't deny it anymore.

This engagement was never real.

Satisfied, Mrs. Cole?

Barely. The way you walked in here didn't look like barely.

And you taking off that ring didn't look forced either.

So you were...

Why didn't you tell me?

Richard was watching you. You had to believe the engagement was real.

So my pain was part of the plan? No.

Then what was it?

Collateral damage?

The price I least wanted to pay.

Sophia said she was carrying your baby. I didn't sleep.

Not for one minute.

Because you care about me. Because I don't like being humiliated with a fake

report.

Then why did you keep wearing the ring?

Didn't want to lose it.

And why were you keeping it over your heart?

Because you've given me too much hope tonight.

Hope I'm not sure I should have.

The engagement was fake. The baby was fake.

We have Richard's documents.

We can go back to the estate and keep moving. In what capacity?

Your wife.

A legal title?

Or something you're actually choosing?

What's the difference?

If there were no Richard, no records, no cameras, no Sophia, would you still

have walked in here tonight?

Are you here because you were jealous or because you love me?

I don't want to watch you marry someone else.

That's possession, not an answer.

You know I have feelings for you.

Feelings aren't an answer either.

I don't want to hold on to someone with a contract.

Not if that person doesn't know whether they love me.

You said you loved me, which is exactly why I can't accept you coming back out

of fear of losing me.

The kiss at the dinner.

My heart was pounding.

The one in the bedroom at the estate.

That wasn't acting?

Isn't that enough?

I've never doubted that you wanted to kiss me.

What I doubt is whether you'll still choose me once the kiss is over.

Emma, I can wait.

But I can't say the answer for you.

What if I never figure it out?

Then I'll love you forever.

And let you go.

That engagement was nothing but a cover for an investigation.

How are you this restrained, even when you're waiting for me?

Keep staring at it like that, the apple might actually confess.

Shut up. The doctor said no getting worked up.

Then stop sitting so far away.

Should I come back later?

No. You need someone to remind him that getting shot doesn't make him royalty.

I think I at least deserve a kiss.

That was a temperature check.

Then let's do a more thorough one. No flirting in the hospital.

You're just jealous.

What happened to you and Victoria?

She asked if I loved her. I didn't answer.

You don't love her?

I don't know if I even have the right to say it.

You need permission to love someone?

I doubted her, walked away from her, and crashed her engagement out of jealousy.

Sounds a lot like love to me.

You are the least qualified person to judge love.

That's exactly why I know how much damage running from the truth can do. It

took me three years to admit I loved him. Almost destroyed three lives in the

process. You don't have to tear yourself apart every time. It's the truth.

The truth is, you chose me.

So sweet.

That's the apple.

I meant you.

I take it back. Carry on. I'm leaving.

Emma, Victoria never needed you to be perfect.

She just needed you to be honest.

Three more clients just cancelled. The media's saying you crashed the

engagement party last night to go after the Cole family's shares.

Then we hold a press conference.

To address the fake engagement? No.

To set the record straight about my marriage.

You sure about this?

The first time I walked down that aisle, I was running on humiliation and rage.

This time, I'm choosing her with my eyes wide open.

What if Victoria still says no? Then I'll be the one waiting.

Get every media outlet on the phone. This afternoon, I want all of Ravenport

to hear my answer.

Mrs. Reed, are you admitting that your marriage to Victoria was originally

motivated by revenge against Luke? Our marriage started as an accident.

So it was a fraud?

No.

I said yes to Victoria at the lowest point of my life. I wanted to save face,

protect what was mine, and make the people who betrayed me regret it.

All of that is true.

So you're admitting your intentions weren't pure?

I admit I had no idea what I was actually walking into. And at my most

vulnerable, she never once used that against me to make me stay. This

marriage started as a mess.

But everything that came after, that was real.

Did your feelings for Victoria only develop as a way to get back at Luke?

Did your feelings for Victoria only develop as a way to get back at Luke?

Luke helped me see a mistake clearly, but Victoria showed me who I actually

am. And who is that?

Not someone who exists to take care of everyone else.

Not someone who only has worth when she's chosen by somebody.

she made me see that i can be angry scared and imperfect and still deserve

to be loved so you're refusing to sign the divorce papers not a chance does

this mean you're officially calling for a truce with victoria not a truce a

pursuit this time i'm going after her victoria cole is my wife

and she's the woman i love she asked me if i came back to that engagement party

out of jealousy or because i loved her The answer is both.

I was jealous because I love her.

I was terrified of losing her because I love her.

I was afraid to say it.

Because admitting love means handing someone the power to hurt you. But if

that person is you, I'll be brave one more time.

Should I have the car ready?

No. You're not going to her? She said she's coming after me.

The least she can do is let me enjoy this for five minutes.

Mr. Cole is cooperating with the investigation, but he hasn't been

convicted. Under the company charter, his board rights remain intact.

Emma's press conference last night made things worse for the company's image.

Same-sex marriage, contract disputes, a fake engagement, and a public wife

battle. Cole Group stock is down 12%. The crime tanked the stock, not my

marriage. Publicly deny any real feelings for Emma.

State the marriage was solely to protect the company's succession.

The board will let you keep your position.

It's a small price to pay.

Denying my wife?

That's what you call a small price?

A wedding planner versus the entire Cole Group. You know which one to choose.

I already did.

Then the board will vote to three to remove you as CEO effective immediately.

Before the vote, I have a share transfer to announce.

My 27% stake in Cole Group is being transferred, effective today, into an

independent charitable trust.

Who are the beneficiaries?

The victims from the charity funds Daniel Reed investigated, and everyone

who lost their families because of Cole Group's illegal operations. Have you

lost your mind? Without those shares, you have no chance of taking control

from Richard. If I fight for this throne using Richard's rules, I'm no different

from him.

Who manages the trust?

Three independent judges, one employee representative, and Emma Red.

Emma has zero corporate management experience.

Exactly. Which means she won't do what you do and call it the cost of doing

business.

From this day on, even if Richard walks free, these shares are beyond his reach.

The estate, your personal accounts, and your dividends will all be frozen

pending the investigation.

You may not have access to most of your assets for a while. The severance taxes

for the staff don't stop.

You're not CEO anymore.

Then use my personal collection to cover it.

Including the limited edition car?

Sell it.

The wine teller?

Sell it.

The photo in your study? The one from five years ago? No.

Sounds like you're not quite starting from zero.

Her saying she loves me in public doesn't mean I can just go back to her.

Not yet.

Why not?

Because she deserves someone with no more secrets left to hide.

Then tell her the ones you're still keeping.

Victoria Cole has refused to deny her relationship with Emma Reed and has

transferred her entire stake in Cole Group into an independent trust.

Go. Go find her. But your venue contract.

A woman who just gave up billions for her wife got tooked out of her own

company. Our centerpieces can wait.

Cars downstairs.

When did you call it?

The second the news said she refused to deny you.

Miss Cole, did you give up your inheritance for Emma? Do you regret

going public about this marriage?

No. Even knowing she only married you to get back at your nephew?

She's already answered that.

You do know how an umbrella works?

I was in a hurry.

I watched the press conference.

Just watched.

And cried.

Claire told you that?

She wouldn't dare.

This is all that's left from your office?

One photo, two books, and a coffee mug you said was ugly.

It is ugly.

You gave it to me.

And you actually kept it?

What else would I do?

You really put all the shares into the trust?

Under independent management for now, Richard can't touch them.

Your CEO position?

Gone.

The car, the private jet, the accounts?

Probably all frozen.

The estate?

Half of it's yours.

You could take me in.

But I need to know what you said last night wasn't a media strategy.

How else do you want me to prove it?

How else do you want me to prove it?

I haven't decided yet.

Then let me figure that out for you.

Was that a media strategy?

I need more evidence.

So now you have no company, no title, and probably no money.

Sounds terrible.

Which means you finally don't have to be the coal heir anymore.

Can you just be my wife?

If that's a formal invitation, I accept.

Security's been upgraded.

Can't they do anything tonight?

Technically, yes.

But I'd suggest you two handle something a little more private first.

Claire. I'm staying in the security wing tonight.

Unless this place is literally on fire, don't expect me back.

Did she just smile again?

Openly this time.

What you said in the rain, does it still stand?

Which part?

That you want me as nothing but your wife?

You remember every word. Why ask?

Because I want to hear it again.

You're sure about this?

Clause one, separate rooms.

Already broken.

No interference in personal matters. Also broken.

Automatic divorce in three months. Not happening.

There's one more.

If either party falls in love, they must confess immediately.

That one's been fulfilled.

Not completely.

Not to your face.

Emma Reid, I love you.

Not because of the wedding. Not because of your father's case.

I was drawn to you five years ago.

I used protection and investigation as excuses to stay close, and somewhere

along the Y I couldn't stand the thought of you belonging to anyone else. That

sounds a little dangerous.

You can still walk away.

Too late for that.

One last thing. What now?

Not because of the reporters.

Not because I lost my position.

Not because you're afraid I'll leave.

None of the above?

Because every time things go wrong, yours is the first name I call.

And every time I want to run, you're the only one I actually want to come after

me. I'm choosing you, not because you protect me, but because with you, I

don't have to pretend I don't need protecting.

Your shirt?

Completely.

Ask me one more time and you're sleeping in the study. Yes, Mrs. Cole.

Who put these here?

The staff probably still remembers the old arrangement.

No more dividing line.

Not tonight.

The agreement is ash, you know what that means.

It means you can't hide behind a contract anymore.

I'm afraid if I stop holding back, I'll scare you.

You took a blade from me, ran someone down with your car, and put a public

bounty on a pillar.

A little late to worry about scaring me now.

Going somewhere?

I just want some water. There's some on the nightstand. When did you do that?

After you fell asleep.

You still had energy for that after last night? I'm regretting every compliment

I've ever given you.

Too late.

We still have to deal with Richard today.

Six in the morning. So?

Plenty of time to waste.

Where did this scar come from?

Don't tell me it was just an accident a long time ago. It was a long time ago.

Fifteen years ago?

No.

Does it hurt?

Not anymore.

Then why are you shaking?

Because when you touch it, I'm back there.

The night of my father's accident.

You didn't just watch from a distance, did you?

When I got down that hill, Daniel was still alive.

What?

The car had rolled into the trees.

He was trapped in the driver's seat. I broke the window and pulled him out.

The ambulance is on its way.

Stay with me.

No hospital.

Richard will find me.

When I woke up, I was in the hospital.

Richard told everyone the police only found charred remains.

Daniel was declared dead. You never saw a body?

No.

Why didn't you tell me any of this before?

The memory's been fragmented for years.

Last night when you touched the scar, I remembered that after Daniel was knocked

away, someone dragged him into another car.

So my father might still be alive.

It's only a possibility.

Emma, I can't give you another hope that falls apart.

You tried to save him, and I thought you might have been the one who killed him.

I did give Richard the location.

Pulling him out of that car doesn't cancel that.

And you've carried that guilt for 15 years.

Keep doing that, and I'll forget we have somewhere to be. This isn't comfort.

It's a medical examination.

Since when did an examination involve tongue wrestling?

Standard procedure.

Who texted you?

Maya. A client wants to walk through a venue last minute.

Today? The studio just reopened. I can't turn away every client.

You can't look at me when you lie.

Where did you pick that up?

Last night. Gave me a lot of new data. Last night is off the record.

Then look at me and say it.

You're safe.

I'm just going to work.

Be home by six.

Checking up on me already?

A perfectly reasonable request from a newlywed.

Doctor said no raising your arms. I just need to prove I can still function on my

own. You didn't even know how to run a washing machine before. Don't talk to me

about independence.

Stop moving.

You're too close. I'm your husband and your nurse.

Do nurses usually sleep in the same bed as their patients?

Keep talking and you're on the couch tonight.

Why is Emma's location heading toward the old church?

Isn't she supposed to be checking out a wedding venue?

That church has been abandoned for 15 years.

Protecting you.

Turn around.

The way you hold that gun.

Exactly like your mother the first time she learned to shoot.

Who are you? When you were seven, you wouldn't go to sleep, so I told you the

nightlight was the moon.

When you were 12, you planned your first birthday party and burned half the

kitchen wall down. Your mother docked your allowance for a month. I covered it

on the side.

Dad?

I'm so sorry, Emma.

You're alive. Why didn't you come back?

After the crash, someone pulled me off that hillside.

A federal informant, your mother, arranged.

Victoria said she was the one who pulled you out of the car. She did.

That girl was covered in blood and she still put herself between me and the

crash. But your recording said not to trust her.

I made that recording before I ever met her. She showed up with Cole Group NDAs

and I thought Richard sent her.

I found out later she was trying to help me. I had it all wrong.

Then why did you let everyone believe you were dead? Richard got to the

federal informant. He showed me photos of you and Noah going to school and told

me if I ever surfaced, you'd both be dead. So you walked away from us for 15

years? I wanted to come back every single day. Mom believed you were dead

until the day she died. She knew.

The first few years, she helped me stay hidden.

When she got sick, she cut off contact herself so Richard wouldn't find out.

You've been watching us this whole time?

Only from a distance.

It wasn't until you married Victoria that I felt safe enough to get close

again. Why?

Because I knew she would protect you.

Fifteen years ago, you warned me not to trust her.

The Victoria from fifteen years ago was afraid of Richard.

The Victoria today is willing to give up the entire Cole group for you. I watched

her for five years.

The way she looks at you, it's exactly how your mother used to look at me.

So you sent the anonymous text?

No.

I only ever contacted Noah through your mother's old email account. Someone

intercepted it and used it to lure you here.

Luke spotted Emma heading to the old church. Her phone signal went dark five

minutes ago.

Because I promised to stop making decisions for her.

Respecting your choices doesn't mean switching off your judgment.

I know. I traced the anonymous text. It was sent through Cole Group's internal

satellite network.

Richard. There's something else. Police just received an anonymous tip saying

you took cyanide from the estate's medical storage last night. I didn't.

The records can be faked. The security footage has your face on it.

It's a setup.

Emma isn't the only target.

Fifteen years of Richard's money laundering accounts, bravery lists, and

payments to hired killers. Why not just hand it over to the police?

It's double encrypted.

The first key is the embroidery serial number on your mother's wedding dress,

the second one only I know. Once this goes public, Richard can never touch you

again.

Come with me.

Victoria will keep us safe.

Dad?

Dad! Stay with me! The water. It's poisoned.

Emma!

He's still breathing. Help him.

Victoria. Don't talk. The ambulance is on its way.

This isn't your fault.

Bitter osmonds. Could be cyanide.

How do you know that?

The company lab used it.

Nobody move!

Call an ambulance!

My father's been poisoned!

Victoria Cole, you're under arrest for the attempted murder of Daniel Reed. Are

you insane? She just got here. An anonymous tip states Victoria stole

cyanide from the estate's medical storage. We found a matching vial in her

car. Someone planted it. Your fingerprints are also the only ones on

the glass.

She picked up the glass to identify the poison.

Save it for the interrogation room.

You can't...

Emma, look at me.

Keep the ledger safe.

Don't trust the first evidence they put in front of you. I'm not letting you go

in there alone.

Your father needs you.

Don't sacrifice yourself to save me.

Not this time.

It's not a sacrifice.

You're my wife.

I'm going to clear your name and I'm going to bring you home myself.

The batch matches exactly what was in Daniel's glass.

Someone put it there.

The estate pharmacy camera caught you taking it.

The old church camera has you entering before Emma arrived.

If I wanted Daniel dead, I wouldn't show up on every camera in the same outfit.

Or you assume no one would dare investigate Victoria Cole.

I'm not CEO of Coal Group anymore.

You still have motivation.

That ledger can destroy the coals, and it proves you were involved in leaking

Daniel's location 15 years ago. I'd rather Daniel live long enough to accuse

me than let Emma lose her father again.

Very moving.

How's Daniel?

Still unconscious.

Doctors say there's nerve damage, but he's stable for now.

And you?

They're filing for remand.

No bail.

I'm not asking about the case.

I really want to hold you right now.

Now that's the right answer.

My wife's being framed for murder. Sleeping wasn't really an option.

I told you not to sacrifice yourself for me.

You're becoming more like me every day.

Is that a compliment?

Also a warning.

Then you better get out of here fast and correct me yourself.

What are you doing here?

Submitting additional evidence.

Since when are you Richard's attorney?

I've always had my license.

I just preferred the boardroom over the courtroom.

Richard is not my client. I represent a whistleblower from inside Cole Group.

And that whistleblower is you?

I worked with Richard to obtain proof that he and Victoria buried the old case

together.

That's not what you said on the doc recording.

I had to play along to earn his trust.

If Daniel dies, legal ownership of the ledger transfers to Emma. As her spouse,

Victoria could claim it under marital property rights.

She gave up her shares. She has no reason to want that ledger.

She needs it to erase her role in what happened 15 years ago.

So you're saying she killed Daniel just to get her hands on the ledger?

I'm not the one making the accusation.

The evidence is... The suspect's height, gait, and facial recognition

are all consistent with Victoria Cole.

The footage resolution is insufficient for a direct identification.

But the access card belongs to Victoria, so does the vehicle.

Given the defendant's substantial overseas assets and flight risk... No!

Don't be scared.

I'm not scared.

I'm angry.

Then Richard should be worried.

Facial recognition matches are 94%. What about the other six?

Could be makeup, lighting, maybe compression error.

Aunt Victoria's right shoulder always sits lower than her left. She's walked

like that since the accident when she was young.

The footage has that too.

Whoever did this studied her.

Even copied the way she walks.

Don't!

I got shot. I'm not paralyzed.

You tried to shower by yourself last night and almost hit the floor.

You caught me, didn't you?

And then you just held on and wouldn't let go?

Survival instinct.

When you two are done flirting, slow the footage down for me.

Stop. What do you see?

She's using her right hand.

The whole time.

And Victoria is right-handed.

She was.

The impact 15 years ago damaged her right shoulder and the nerve. She signs,

shoots, and grips a knife, all with her left.

Especially under pressure, she'd never use her right hand for something that

precise.

Opening the bottle, swiping the card, wiping the surface, all right-handed.

She copied Victoria's walk, but she had no idea how Victoria actually uses her

body.

So that's not her. Someone close to her in height, with access to the estate,

and who knows the coals inside and out.

My mother. The original footage was overwritten, but the system saves a

facial verification frame to an offline server every 12 hours.

Zoom in.

Looks like the edge of a silicone mask.

A hypergroup security had them custom made for executive kidnapping drills.

Who had access?

Richard, Victoria, and the former chairman's wife.

Celeste.

Two weeks ago, a set was checked out under a fire inspection order, signed

for Celeste's personal assistant.

I have proof the person on that footage is not Victoria.

Emma knows Victoria better than we expected.

Her figuring out hand dominance was only a matter of time.

Then make sure she runs out of time before that evidence reaches the court.

You promised me Luke wouldn't be touched.

As long as he stays in line.

For Luke, there's nothing I won't do.

The DA agreed to reopen the case.

But until we find Celeste or the mask, Victoria stays in custody.

At least they can't call the evidence airtight anymore.

Give me 24 hours.

How much did you sleep last night?

Three hours?

You're lying.

Your right eye always gets redder than your left when you don't sleep.

You're seriously analyzing me right now?

Thinking about you is all I have to do here.

When you're out, I'll give you something worth studying.

Is that a promise or a punishment?

Depends on how you behave.

24 hours. I'm holding you to that myself.

I'm right here.

I dreamed about the warehouse.

The car.

Taking you away again.

Look at me.

No warehouse.

No Richard.

I'm right where you can touch me.

You didn't sleep again.

Someone woke up in pain three times last night and refused to call the nurse.

That is the worst line I've ever heard.

And yet you're blushing.

Looks like I'm interrupting something.

You shouldn't be here.

Let me talk to her.

She's a suspect in Daniel's poisoning. She could be here to finish what she

started. I'm his mother.

That word has never meant safe in this family.

Noah, ten minutes.

Leave the door open.

Ten minutes, and I'm walking in, whether you're done or not.

You're starting to sound just like Emma.

Because you Coles never make anything easy.

Does it still hurt? Do you actually care?

You're my only son.

Then why did you help dad kidnap Noah?

I didn't know Richard would go that far.

Did you poison Daniel, dressed as Victoria?

They found the pickup record for the mask.

Records can be destroyed.

So it was you.

If Daniel lives, everything from 15 years ago comes out. Richard loses the

company, and so do you. I walked away from the trust a long time ago. You

think sharing a leaky apartment with a photographer and calling it love is

enough? At least he's never killed anyone in my name.

Everything I've done has been for you. Including the money laundering? Those

accounts ran through my foundation.

At first, I was just covering for Richard. By the time I realized, there

was no way out. You sent the people who went after Emma? I just wanted her away

from Victoria.

That car almost killed her. The driver lost control.

What about Noah's press credentials? My people took them. I never thought

Richard would actually take him. You keep saying you didn't know.

But somehow it's never you getting hurt. You turned your back on your own family

for Noah.

You took a bullet for Emma. You let Victoria walk away with what was yours.

What exactly did any of them give you?

A home I don't have to lie to walk into.

Your father was right.

That photographer ruined you.

No. He's the reason I finally stopped wanting to be you.

Mom, don't do this.

I will not let you destroy this family.

Somebody help!

Get a doctor!

Luke, can you hear me?

No, no, no, no.

You promised me you'd stay.

You don't get to lie to me again.

Patients in cardiac arrest, prep the defibrillator. If he dies, I will make

you pay for everything. You have nothing on me.

No pulse. Keep compressions going.

Luke, please. Charging again. Clear.

One milligram of epinephrine. Keep going.

Noah.

She pulled his oxygen and injected something into the IV line.

By the time I got in there, he had no pulse.

The doctors are going to save him.

I wasn't there when he got shot the first time.

I was right outside the door this time, and I still couldn't protect him.

This is not your fault.

If I hadn't let her in... Solis did this to Luke, not you.

I can't lose him, Emma.

You won't.

Third shock, 300 joules. Keep compressions going.

We've got a rhythm.

Pulse is back. Get him intubated and move him to the ICU.

His heart is beating again, but he was without oxygen for too long. We can't

say when he'll wake up or whether there's any neurological damage.

Can I see him? One minute.

You always said you wanted me to make the first move.

Wake up and I'll kiss you first.

Every single day.

You want to live in that leaky apartment?

Fine. You want to learn photography?

Fine. You can smash every lens I own and I won't say a word.

But you have to wake up to hear me say it.

all the press credentials.

All I wanted was to drive Emma away from Victoria.

Noah! This is enough to prove Celeste's involvement in money laundering,

framing, and attempted murder. It also dismantles the key evidence against

Victoria. There are procedures that need to be followed. You arrested her

overnight on doctored footage, but now that you have a full confession,

suddenly there are procedures?

I thought you'd lead with how long I made you wait.

That comes later.

I gave you a hard time in there.

Nothing compared to the night you left the estate.

This is not the time for that.

Two days in custody.

I deserve some compensation.

Luke almost died, your father's still unconscious, and there's a problem with

the ledger.

What problem?

The convoy transferring Daniel and the ledger was intercepted by a fake police

unit. The escorts were sedated and the encrypted ledger was taken.

Richard. Most likely.

Daniel recovered in time, but he's still unconscious.

The ledger has a two-layer encryption.

Richard can't crack it. But he can destroy it.

Daniel spent 15 years risking everything to keep that evidence.

He wouldn't leave only one copy.

Luke.

You said you'd kiss me first every day.

You were actually eavesdropping while you were unconscious?

I only caught the important part.

He just came out of critical condition. No overexertion. This isn't exertion.

He's my medicine.

Shut up.

I need to be at the anniversary board meeting tomorrow night.

No. Richard is going to use my mother to destroy the evidence and pin everything

on her. I'm the only one who can prove how he controlled my marriage, had you

kidnapped and ordered the shooting. He won't see me coming. Your heart stopped

less than 24 hours ago.

I'm not okay with this. I don't want you standing in front of them for me

anymore. I'm not standing in front of you.

I'm standing next to you. Then come with me.

I'll be there.

But the second a doctor says no, I'm strapping you back to this bed.

Is it wrong that that sounds kind of hot? Luke!

The money laundering accounts, Daniel's poisoning, the attack on Emma, the setup

against Noah, all of it was planned by me alone.

Was Richard aware of any of this? No.

He spent years trying to stop me.

Luke, you're awake.

She's taking the fall for him.

Richard used you to make her do it. I have completed the acquisition of Cole

Group's outstanding shares, outstanding debt, and proxy voting rights.

What about the shares Victoria transferred into a trust?

A trust can block a transfer. It can't block a debt restructuring. After

tomorrow night's board meeting, and no one will ever use me as this family's

dirty laundry interfere with operations. If he pulls this off, every piece of

evidence inside that company disappears.

And we have until tomorrow night.

After Richard took the ledger, he shut down the company's internal servers. The

doc recording only proves he dealt with Sophia. It's not enough to pin the crash

or the money laundering on him.

My testimony proves he manipulated the marriage and ordered the kidnapping.

But the company lawyers will say I'm making it up to steal his inheritance.

And Celeste just took the fall for everything.

Again. Daniel said the real evidence was hidden in the one thing Emmy's mother

treasured most.

We thought that meant the key in the wedding dress.

The key opened the safe deposit box.

We got the recording.

But the ledger wasn't in there. So the dress was never just about the key. The

safest hiding place is somewhere everyone's already looked, but no one

ever really saw.

The dress.

Dad wasn't just talking about the key.

There's something else inside that dress.

Can't bring yourself to do it?

That's the last thing she left me.

It might also be the last way she's protecting you.

When I first wore this, I thought I was going to marry Luke.

And I used to go out with Son and Me also.

Should I be jealous?

Didn't you say you've been jealous since five years ago?

Back then, I had no right to admit it.

You do now.

In the end, it witnessed our wedding.

Also, the day you threatened the pastor with a candlestick.

Let's leave that part out of the anniversary book.

Mom hated lilies.

She would never have put one in the most visible spot on this dress.

There's a second layer of stitching right here.

A memory card?

From 15 years ago?

Military grade.

Waterproof. Back then, only company labs and federal agencies could get their

hands on these.

The first one is the embroidery serial number on the dress.

What about the second one? The product number on the nightlight in my childhood

bedroom. Dad always called it our moon.

Make sure Daniel's car never reaches that church.

Stage it as an accident.

Whether they find the body doesn't matter.

The report has to say Daniel Reed is dead.

Open it.

The topic of our first conversation.

The restaurant on our first date.

He planned all of it. But not everything after.

What do you mean?

Falling for Noah.

Walking away from the trust.

Taking a bullet for me.

None of that was in his plan.

The parts that matter most.

Those are all yours.

The annual board meeting starts at 7 tonight.

If we go public with this before Richard pushes through the privatization vote,

the regulators can freeze the whole deal.

I'm bringing the original card to the board meeting myself.

No. Here we go again.

Richard knows there's a backup.

He'll be watching your every move.

Do we run two convoys?

Three decoy cards?

You go in through the main entrance. I take the staff entrance.

I am not using you as bait, and I can't hide behind you forever.

I just got out of a cell. I am not watching you through glass again.

Then trust me to come back.

You said something just like that this morning, right before you went to that

church alone.

That was on me.

Just that once, when I get back tonight, you can take all the time you want to

make that list.

That's a promise.

I promise.

Does this tie make me look like I'm going to a funeral?

Pass out on that stage? And I will make it your funeral.

I'll come back alive.

You've said that before.

This time you're with me.

Say it if you're scared.

I'm scared you'll throw yourself in front of a gun again.

Then pull me back.

I will.

That's the reward in advance.

You'll get the rest when it's over.

Suddenly very motivated.

We're 12 minutes out.

I've got 15.

If you go more than a minute without checking in, I want your location.

You really do sound more like a suspicious wife every day.

Someone had to carry you out of that church yesterday.

When tonight is over, let's go on our honeymoon.

Where do you want to go?

Somewhere with no guns, no board meetings, and absolutely no Cole family

headlines. As long as you're there.

That was a little cheesy.

Love it?

Yeah, I do.

Victoria, something's wrong up ahead.

Your mother hit it better than I gave her credit for.

The privatization is already finished.

The files are uploading right now.

If they were actually uploading, Victoria would never have let you walk

out the door with the original.

Where's the card?

You'll never find it.

Victoria will tell me.

She won't give you anything.

Not for the company.

But for you she will

Emma

isn't here yet.

Her car was blocked at a construction site.

Every guard has been knocked out

Bring the memory card, the trust control, and every asset still under

your name.

Let me see her.

Is she hurt?

I'm fine.

Don't come.

Thirty minutes.

You call the cops, and she gets one last look at the city from forty floors up.

It's a trap.

No. I'll get the police to trace the location.

Claire, stall the vote. Luke, get the evidence out. Where are you going?

To bring my wife home.

The shares in the public trust can't be transferred directly, but you hold

emergency voting rights.

Prepare everything that can be signed.

Once you sign, you give up every remaining right.

Even if Richard gets arrested, it may be reversible.

Prepare them.

There's a tracking chip in that ring. Take it off.

No.

He can take the company.

He doesn't get to take this.

Where's the card?

You're the expert at reading people.

Figure it out yourself.

Victoria will throw everything away for you.

But when she has nothing left, will you still love her?

I never fell for the CEO of Coal Group.

You enjoy her mansion, her power, her protection, and call it love.

The day she lost everything, I waited for her in the rain.

What a performance.

Of course you don't get it. I see it perfectly.

Love is just a deal.

Nobody's made the right offer yet.

Is that why Celeste took the fall for you?

Because you put a price on Luke's life?

Hit a nerve, didn't I?

Hold me up. You can't be on your feet too long.

Does this count as hugging in front of the entire board?

If you collapse, I'll kiss you awake.

Right here.

Well, I'm feeling a little dizzy right now.

Don't even try it.

Five years ago, my father arranged for me to get close to Emma Reed. She wanted

me to earn her trust and investigate the ledger Daniel left behind. I deceived

Emma. I hurt Noah because I was a coward. But Richard didn't just control

my marriage. He had Noah kidnapped and sent a shooter to stop me from going

public. These documents could be forged!

The original card isn't here.

But every file has already been uploaded.

Bring two. Take it off.

No. Let her keep it!

It'll be worthless to her soon enough anyway.

You put your hands on her.

Didn't you say anyone who touches your wife pays for it?

I did.

Sign. Don't!

Don't!

Now let me choose you with mine.

Emma, look at me. Do you remember?

In the bedroom at the estate, when you asked me if I'd kiss you if there was no

contract between us? This is not the time. You spent your whole life building

this- So did I. You're it.

Victoria, stop!

I've already lost you once.

Never again.

Everyone stop!

The regulators have received the original evidence of Richard's money

laundering and market manipulation.

Why are you helping us? Richard planned to wipe out the Grant family after the

deal closed.

I'm not going down with the sinking ship. The card isn't here. Why is the

upload still running? Before she was taken, Emma hit an auto-upload trigger

in the wedding planning cloud. If she didn't cancel it within 15 minutes, the

files would be sent automatically.

She had a backup plan the whole time.

Just like Aunt. Just like herself.

Your father spent 40 years building the Cole Empire.

You handed it to me in minutes, just for a woman. You'll never understand.

Understand what?

Earning someone's trust is harder than owning any building.

Trust doesn't win you a board vote.

I have her.

Not for long.

That's impossible!

You got the empire you wanted. Too bad it's a crime scene now.

Where's the card?

I don't know. She gave it to you!

You played me?

The original card was hidden inside the replica wedding dress on display at the

gala. Your own people walked it straight into the room!

It's over, Richard.

Not yet!

Let her go! One more step and I pull the trigger!

You have the documents.

Emma means nothing to you now.

She means everything to you. That's enough for me.

Your shoulder can't hold.

Then grab me with your other hand.

How touching.

But why would a woman who lost everything fight this hard?

Because she's not an asset.

She's my wife.

Victoria, look at me.

Do you remember the first time you asked me to marry you?

I do.

You didn't seem like it was on impulse.

Because I'd been waiting five years to ask.

Then you better not let me fall before I get the full story.

I won't let go. She'll take you down with her. That's not your call.

Let go.

Emma, on three, grab the cable on the wall. What are you doing?

Trust me.

Always have.

My aunt and my ex-fiancé are both on that roof. Hard to just sit there.

Aunt Emma.

She's corrected you on that many times.

You're correcting me right now?

Because every time you get it wrong, she makes you haul her wedding centerpieces.

You can hold tighter, you know.

I don't want you tearing your stitches.

I didn't say it was for any other reason.

The roof structure is unstable, and Richard has a hostage. Nobody moves

without my order.

You should probably say that directly to Victoria.

She never listens.

One.

Two.

Nobody moves!

Let her go.

Everyone keeps saying that to me.

Get the cops out, or I kill her first, then you.

Are you hurt?

You're worried about that right now?

Answer me.

Scraped wrist, nothing broken.

Have you two forgotten I'm the one with the gun?

Richard, those transfer documents are useless. The company's frozen and

everything on that drive has already been uploaded.

Without the original drive, any lawyer can challenge where the evidence came

from. The original drive is inside the wedding gown on the boardroom display.

Hundreds of reporters watched it the whole time.

The safest place is somewhere everyone sees but nobody actually looks.

You lost.

I haven't lost.

Victoria dies, the Cole name is still mine.

You never owned Cole's name.

I built it!

You just mistook everyone's fear for loyalty.

Father, you actually showed up?

Mom gave up the money laundering accounts.

Daniel is alive.

The evidence, your manipulation of my engagement, Noah's kidnapping, the

shooter you hired, the whole world has seen it. Celeste will take the fall.

She didn't cover for you out of love.

You threatened my life to make her do it.

That's not loyalty.

That's fear you threw away your name and your inheritance for him No He's the

reason I finally felt worthy of my own name Disgusting the one thing you can't

stand is love you can't control

That company is mine!

Richard Cole, you're under arrest for murder, kidnapping, money laundering,

corporate fraud, obstruction of justice, and multiple counts of attempted murder.

You think she'll love you forever? The moment this is over, she'll remember the

life she actually deserved.

When this is all over, I still choose her.

Though you almost ripped your shoulder off back there. You almost fell 40

floors. So we're even? Not even close.

You owe me a lifetime.

Deal.

Miss Clare, we need your signature on the chain of custody.

Dad? Emma.

Richard's been arrested.

The ledger and the drive are both with the FBI.

It's not enough.

What do you mean?

Richard isn't the only one holding silent shares in Coal Group.

There's a hidden account in that ledger. For 15 years, it's been buying coal

shares through the Grant Family Fund. The Grants? The real beneficiary has

been right beside Richard the whole time.

Five years ago, when Sophia got engaged to Victoria, she used the grant fund to

quietly acquire 3% of Coal Group under a shadow account.

When the engagement fell apart, her father sold those shares publicly.

That was the surface account.

The real shares were moved into the Orpheus Trust, registered in the Cayman

Islands. Over the past few months, Orpheus kept buying while the stock was

down. Add in the debt claims from Richard's failed takeover that went into

receivership, and Orpheus may already be the single largest shareholder. So

Sophia was helping Richard go after Victoria while waiting for both of them

to destroy each other.

Richard thought he was using her.

She was using him right back.

Engagement, the fake pregnancy, the murder evidence, none of it was just

personal. She wanted you locked up so she could take the company out from

under Richard. The ledger only shows the trust structure. There's nothing linking

her directly to Orville's.

Then make her say it herself.

The doctor said no strain for at least six weeks.

The doctor also said you should have stayed overnight for observation.

It was just a scrape on my wrist.

You fell from the 40th floor. I didn't hit the ground.

Because I caught you.

You didn't sleep at all last night, did you?

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw your hand slipping out of mine.

I'm right here.

You held on.

Almost didn't.

But you did.

Next time you wake up from a nightmare, you can check the same way.

Just the palm?

Your shoulder isn't healed.

Don't push it.

My lips don't need my shoulder.

Enough to make me the next chair?

If Victoria returns, the employee representatives and the Victim Trust may

join forces to block you.

Then take away her reason to come back.

I have one final offer for you. There's nothing to offer. We have no deal. I can

drop every civil suit against Victoria and hand over the offshore compensation

accounts Richard has been hiding. The price? Go away from her.

For good.

Where? Tonight.

The private jewelry salon where Victoria and I first tried on rings together.

Audio is clean.

Video feeds through the necklace pendant.

The live stream goes directly to the DA and the board oversight committee. I'm

not okay with you going in alone.

Sophia only tells the truth when she thinks she's already won and helped

Richard kidnap Noah.

Which is why I won't actually be alone. Claire's team is downstairs, and you'll

be right next door. One wall away is still too far.

Now you know how I felt every time I watched you run a play alone.

I know.

I'm sorry.

That was fast.

I'll keep apologizing as long as you call this off.

No.

Then at least promise me, the second Sophia touches you, walk out.

Is that about safety?

Or are you jealous?

Both.

Funny. I've heard that before.

I'll just let her think she's getting to me.

I don't like anyone thinking they have a chance with you.

Then tonight you'll just have to listen to me say I love Victoria a few extra

times through the earpiece.

You actually showed up? Tell me what you're giving Victoria first.

I'll drop the breach of contract suits from the engagement, and further the

dispute over the ledger, and transfer 5%. You're admitting Orpheus is yours?

There are no recording devices in here. You don't have to be so careful.

Victoria lost the company because she chose you.

Once you're gone, she'll find her way back to where she belongs.

By your side? At least with someone who understands power the way I do.

Do you actually love her?

Love and winning aren't mutually exclusive.

You almost had her put away for murder. Once Richard was convicted, I'd have

used new evidence to clear her name.

She loses a marriage, gains an empire.

She will lose a marriage, but gain the entire group.

Keep waiting.

We still need her to directly admit to planting evidence.

She made Emma take off the ring.

That's part of the plan.

I know.

Then why are you standing up?

Because Sophia touched her hand.

Emma said you can't go in early.

She also said the moment Sophia touches her, it's over.

Sophia touched the ring.

That's my ring.

Two more minutes.

Sign this exit agreement.

Fifty million dollars, and you never contact Victoria again.

And if I don't, I'll use my position as majority shareholder to keep the

charitable trust frozen indefinitely. The Victim's Compensation Fund Victoria

built is gone.

So the fake pregnancy report, the church surveillance footage, the murder charges

of it was just business strategy?

Richard created the chaos. I just positioned myself to benefit from it.

And you were the one who gave Celeste the disguise for the surveillance

footage? I had my lawyers erase the custom order records from Cole's

security department.

The cyanide came from Grant Forma's lab.

You knew Daniel could have died. He should have died 15 years ago.

What about Noah's kidnapping?

That wasn't my idea. But I told Richard.

Luke would break for Noah every single time. You treat everyone's love like a

weakness you can use.

Isn't it? Victoria signed away an entire empire for you. That wasn't weakness.

That's something you will never have.

Sign this exit agreement, 50 million dollars, and you never contact Victoria

again. You're wearing a live mic, and the victim's representatives heard all

of it.

They can't prove anything!

Richard also thought that.

You think you've won?

As long as I'm the majority shareholder, Cole, you can't get rid of me.

Richard thought the same thing.

Shut up!

Get your hands off my wife.

One more step.

And I slit her throat.

I can do that.

Get the DA to kill the broadcast and restore Orpheus Trust's voting rights.

I can do that.

Victoria, stop trading things away from me!

This isn't a trade. It's time.

Sophia Grant, you're under arrest for corporate fraud, obstruction of justice,

evidence tampering, conspiracy to commit murder, and kidnapping.

You can't touch me! I'm the largest shareholder of Coal Group!

The moment your confession synced to the regulatory system, Orpheus Trust was

frozen.

You'll regret choosing her.

She destroyed everything you had.

It's the opposite.

She's the one who showed me what's actually worth having.

Richard Cole is charged with orchestrating the Daniel Reed accident,

attempted murder, money laundering, kidnapping, bribery, securities

manipulation, and obstruction of justice.

Celeste Cole is charged with money laundering, assault of Emma, theft of

documents, falsification of surveillance footage, poisoning Daniel, and attempted

murder of Luke.

I was only trying to protect you.

Protecting me doesn't mean deciding who I love or hurting the people I love.

One day you'll understand.

Family is the only thing that never leaves.

No.

Real family doesn't stay out of fear.

I owe you both 15 years of explanations.

Explanations don't give us those 15 years back.

I know.

And we can't pretend none of it happened.

But you're alive.

We still have time to start over.

Start small.

Like what?

Like remembering I take my coffee black and Emma is allergic to lilies. I'm not

allergic. I just don't like them. You sneeze every single time.

That's a psychological responses.

You two argue exactly like you did as kids.

Not exactly.

Back then I was always the one cleaning up his mess afterwards.

Now you have Victoria to clean up yours.

I heard that.

He's complimenting you.

I'm responsible for you, not the entire Reed family.

Good.

She's always needed someone who puts her first.

The company needs stable leadership.

We're unanimously asking Victoria to return as CEO.

I'll come back, but there are conditions.

First, Cole Group permanently eliminates automatic board seats for family

members. Second, an independent ethics and audit committee is established with

no family member holding a controlling majority.

All assets recovered from illegal operations plus 10% of the compensates

equitums, including the Daniel case, the illegal demolitions, the cherry

laundering, and everyone else affected.

That would cost the current shareholders enormously.

They profited from the silence.

They can pay for the truth.

And if we refuse?

Then I won't come back.

And the regulators will move to break up the company.

Ivany.

Ms. Cole, please focus on the meeting.

I am focused.

She's just managing a more important long-term priority at the same time.

Once you sign this, you permanently forfeit your seat in the Cole family.

I'll keep the name, not the throne.

You didn't have to give everything up for me.

I'm not giving it up for you.

I'm choosing a different life.

For us.

The studio probably won't turn a profit the first year.

I'll handle clients.

You'd pitch on profit work like it's a luxury package.

Fine, I'll handle cleaning.

You don't know how to use a mop.

I can learn.

And if I do, is there a reward?

Depends on how well you do.

I'll come back in five minutes.

Aunt Emma, you could knock.

By seniority, you should be protecting my eyes.

Reed Weddings will donate 5% of our annual profits to the studio to support

young people forced out of their homes because of their identity or family

pressure. You just paid off the studio's debt.

So we start at 5% and grow from there.

Does Victoria know?

It's my company. I don't need her approval.

Why don't you ever knock?

I heard someone discussing my approval authority.

Welcome to the club. Around here, Emma calls the shots.

I've adjusted better than you have.

Emma. Yeah?

When I hid my relationship with Luke, it wasn't just because I was afraid you'd

be angry. I was afraid you'd think I was taking something from you again.

Luke was never mine to begin with.

And you don't have to sacrifice your happiness to prove you love me.

Are we really okay?

Depends on whether you let me plan the wedding.

We're not ready for a wedding.

I am.

What did you just say?

I said we'll talk about it later.

They agreed.

Congratulations, Madam Reform Chair.

It's a temporary role, subject to independent review in three years.

That doesn't sound like terms the old me would have accepted.

I used to think control was the only way to be safe. Then someone taught me that

trusting people is an option, too.

She sounds very smart.

Also very stubborn.

Pretty?

The most beautiful bride I've ever seen.

What's wrong?

There's one last thing I have to do.

What is this?

Richard is in custody.

Sophia lost her shares.

Daniel is back.

Every threat that made this marriage necessary is gone.

So you want a divorce now?

I want to give you a real choice.

Wasn't I clear enough at the press conference?

You were still in the middle of a crisis then.

After that, I was arrested.

You were taken.

We never once had the chance to decide any of this with a clear head. The first

time, you married me because you had no other way out. Every time you stayed

after that, it was evidence or protection.

And love.

Because I love you, I can't let you spend the rest of your life wondering if

you'd had another choice from the beginning, whether you still would have

chosen me.

The danger is over now. You're free.

Did you sign it?

It's done.

The lawyers will file tomorrow.

Per your terms, you get half the estate. The studio debt has been cleared through

the holding company. Do you run every breakup like a board meeting? I just

don't want you walking away with nothing.

I already did.

I lost a wife who always decided my answers before I could finish the

question. Emma.

So I'm getting a new one.

The first time I married you, it was because I had nowhere else to go.

I was wearing a dress meant for someone else's wedding, and I grabbed the

lifeline you threw me while the whole world laughed.

You don't have to make that day sound noble. I had my own reasons for asking.

I know.

Five years of secret feelings, and you swooped in the second your nephew

bolted. That's a deeply unflattering summary. This time is different.

No inheritance, no Richard, no ledger, no contract holding us together.

I want to make the choice again.

For real this time.

You already signed the divorce papers.

You're the one who said I needed a free choice.

And your choice is to leave me first?

My choice is to end the marriage that started out of desperation.

And then come after you properly.

And if I say no, you won't?

That confident?

You kept that ugly coffee mug I gave you five years ago, and you hid my photo in

the back of your desk drawer.

Claire told you that?

She also told me you cried for 12 minutes after watching the press

conference. Not five.

I need to reconsider her position.

Consider me first.

Victoria Cole, will you give your ex-wife a chance to win you over? The

papers haven't been filed.

Legally, you're still my wife.

Then call it courtship within a marriage.

That sounds highly inappropriate.

You weren't this principal the first time you proposed.

I'll give you one night to prove it. One night is all I need.

Get changed. Come with me.

You light the fire and just walk away?

I don't like being in a moving vehicle I can't see out of You have to trust the

driver The driver got kidnapped on a mountain road last month.

That was an accident.

Your definition of accident is very generous.

Scared?

Then what?

That when I opened my eyes, none of this is real. That I wanted you so badly, I

dreamed it all up.

Then don't wake up yet. No flirting while you're driving.

You started it.

When did you do all this?

Before you even handed me the divorce papers.

You actually knew I was going to do that? You always think loving someone

means giving her the freedom to leave at any moment. Isn't that right?

It is.

But you should also give her the chance to choose to stay.

These are the embroidery patterns from your mother's wedding gown. And the moon

my father used to talk about.

This place used to hold the most painful secrets my family had.

I wanted to remember something good.

Last time I stood here, I was still wearing the dress I'd picked out for

Luke.

I desperately wanted someone to burn that dress, but you kept it anyway.

Victoria Cole, you once asked me if I'd marry you.

I said yes because I was terrified of being left behind by everyone.

Then I refused to sign the divorce papers because I was terrified of losing

you. But today has nothing to do with fear.

I'm on my knees right now because I know exactly what I want.

I want you cleaning up my messes with that stone-cold face of yours, and I

want you to learn to come to me when you're scared. I want you checking on my

breakfast and remembering that I can't look you in the eye when I lie, and I

want you to accept that I'll mess up, act on impulse, and pick fights with

you. That sounds less like a proposal and more like a risk disclosure

statement. Occupational hazard.

I want a marriage that doesn't need a contract to survive and a home where

neither of us ever uses love as a bargaining kin.

Victoria, will you marry me again?

The first time I was the one who took the bride. This time, the bride came

back on her own. If I say yes, you don't go to this church alone, you don't hide

kidnapping messages from me, and you don't fall off any more rooftops. I'll

do my best on that last one.

Emma.

Okay. I promise.

When did you all get here? Before you said it was going to be just the two of

you? Security policy doesn't allow unsupervised use of a historical

building. And I wanted to make sure the bride didn't get swapped out again last

minute. You better shut your mouth.

I genuinely only planned this for two people.

It's not home without them.

A year ago, our ceremony was interrupted by the bride, the ex-groom, the press,

and a flying candlestick. You can skip the candlestick part. So then, may I

proceed?

This time, yes.

Please continue.

In one year, Reed Weddings became the most booked luxury wedding brand in

North America.

Yet you're putting nearly a third of your profits into a non-profit.

Aren't you worried about slowing your growth?

Weddings shouldn't only belong to people who can afford an enormous bill. And

they should never be used as a tool for families to control their kids.

I've heard you now turn down any client who asks a couple to hide their identity

or sexuality.

I turn down shame, not family.

Ms. Cole, do you still interfere with Emma's work?

I don't interfere.

She rewrote my vendor risk assessment six times last night.

That's called assistance.

That word is why we separated, which is why they now check in with you first.

Sounds like the Cole group restructuring didn't change much between the two of

you. It did.

Before, she'd make the decision first and tell me after.

Kisses me first.

Now she at least kisses me first before she tries to convince me. Over the past

year, the group completed 27 internal vouchers, contributed $1.2 billion to

the victim compensation fund, and permanently eliminated all hereditary

board seats.

Employee equity ownership has also been raised to 15%. Not a gift, what they're

owed.

Should I push back this afternoon's acquisition meeting? Cancel it. Reason?

My wife is having her wedding today.

Technically, you legally remarried at the old church a year ago. She said the

proposal was too rushed. No proper reception.

So the most sought-after wedding planner in North America planned herself a do

-over? She's been planning for 12 months.

Have you seen it? No.

She says the bride doesn't get approval rights.

And you've managed to hold back?

No.

Which is why I'm heading to the venue right now.

Fifteen years ago, I thought I'd never get the chance to walk you down the

aisle. You missed the first one.

And at the second, you were still in a wheelchair.

So today, we make up for it.

Your mother would have been so happy to see this. She's been watching the whole

time. Have you ever blamed me?

Yes.

And sometimes I still do.

Thank you for not lying just to make me feel better.

Victoria taught me that.

Love isn't pretending the hurt never happened.

She does know how to love you better than I do.

You still have time to learn how to be a father.

That's the most important thing I have left to do.

We're not the ones getting married today. Why are you more nervous than I

am? Because Emma put me in charge of all the photography.

One missing shot and she'll have me shooting ten weddings for free.

You could let your assistant handle it.

Why?

So you can actually focus on me.

You're in front of me every single day, but I look especially good today.

Your self-confidence has always been remarkably consistent What

are you hiding painkillers show me privacy

What's wrong All better

fake it one more time and I'm ignoring you for the rest of the day Then I'll

just have to find another way to get your attention

You stood in front of 200 shareholders at the board meeting and didn't break a

sweat.

Shareholders don't get to decide whether to choose me again.

Emma has chosen you more than once already.

I know.

Then what are you afraid of?

Precious.

The more precious something is, the more terrifying it is to lose it.

Fifteen years ago, you pulled me out of that car.

And a year ago...

You kept saving my daughter over and over again.

She saved me too.

So this time, no one is giving her away.

She's walking to you herself.

He's right.

Are you both ready to say your vows?

She's been ready for a year. She's the one who's been preparing for a year. I

had no approval rights whatsoever.

You tried to sneak a look at the seating chart today. Security review.

It seems like before the vows, we need to settle some jurisdiction issues.

When I proposed the first time, I told myself I was giving you a way out. It

took me a long time to understand that you were the one giving me the courage

to leave everything the Cole family stood for behind.

You showed me that protection isn't control and letting go isn't the same as

giving up.

I promise to respect your choices.

And I promise that when I'm afraid of losing you, I will never again make

decisions for you in silence.

The first time I married you, all I wanted was to escape the humiliation.

By the second proposal, I finally understood that love isn't about being

rescued.

It's about two people choosing to stay.

I promise to stop mistaking carrying everything alone for strength.

and to stop shutting down my own heart just because I'm afraid of getting hurt.

I also promise that whether you're the CEO of Kohl Group or the wife walking

out in the rain with a cardboard box, I will choose you. That last part can be

removed. Absolutely not. That's my favorite part.

And now I can finally, officially pronounce... Wait!

Anyone who's single, ready?

There aren't many of us left at this point.

Being legally married doesn't mean you can't be proposed to again.

What did you just say?

You said that was painkillers.

You are my painkiller.

That's even worse.

But you're crying again.

The first time we got married, we had no family, no wedding, and we were too

afraid to let anyone know. This time, I want to ask you in front of everyone.

Noah Reed, will you marry me again?

Shouldn't you have asked your two aunts for permission before getting down on

one knee?

Aunt Emma, I'm already on the ground.

Proper protocol still matters.

Aunt Victoria, whose side are you on? My wife's side.

Always.

Your chest still hasn't fully healed. Don't stay down there too long.

So what's your answer?

We're already married, you idiot.

I want to hear you say it.

I do.

Your mother would have said the whole ceremony fell apart.

I'm the planner. I'm officially calling it a surprise segment.

You just don't want to dock your own final payment.

That's mine, you know.

Legally speaking, everything we own is shared property.

You just gave up your inheritance.

All you have left to share is bad logic.

And me.

That one's yours for life.

Then you better remember, for the second wedding...

No being late and no running away.

I wasn't the one who ran the first time. But you were the one who couldn't own it

in public.

So this time, I'll be standing in front of everyone, waiting for you.

That shot goes on the front of their wedding invasion.

Emma, you have not been hired yet. You caught my bouquet.

That's an automatic contract.

Do we get a family discount?

No.

You still owe me for all the emotional damage from before.

Is the great Chairman Cole hiding out at her own wedding?

I'm just making sure all of this is actually real.

Need a hand with that?

How would you confirm it?

Like this.

That wasn't exactly a scientific confirmation.

Well, what do you suggest?

It requires repeated testing.

It doesn't hurt anymore. The doctor said the scar would never fully go away.

But it no longer reminds me of what I did wrong 15 years ago.

Now, it only reminds me that I caught your father.

And I caught you.

Technically, Dad was still taken away back then.

That's why I'm holding on tighter this time.

Victoria, you don't have to hold on to me to prove anything anymore.

Why is that?

Because I'm not going anywhere.

Mrs. Cole, may I have the stance?

I'm using Reed Cole now.

The marriage application clearly says Cole.

The foundation, the studio, and the media are all using the hyphenated name.

You should respect the brand consistency.

I see.

I married a brand director.

Got a problem with that?

I'm perfectly satisfied, Mrs. Reed Cole.

Did you secretly change our honeymoon itinerary again?

I just added a few backup routes and security protocols.

We agreed on somewhere with no guns, no board meetings, and no Cole family

drama. A private island fits all those requirements.

Is there Wi-Fi?

No. Then how will my clients reach me? They won't. So that was your real plan

all along.

I want my wife all to myself for seven days.

Is that too much to ask?

I still love being in control of everything.

I'm working on it.

Like how?

After the eighth day.

I'll let you decide when we come back.

I'll be on my best behavior.

When Emma was little, she wanted every birthday party to be perfect.

If one single flower was out of place, she wouldn't sleep all night.

She's still like that.

But today, she doesn't seem to care at all that the schedule went out the

window. Because she finally realized a perfect wedding isn't about where the

flowers are. What is it about, then?

It's about whether the person standing beside you actually chose you.

Your mother would be so proud of you both.

You can watch it all yourself from now on.

No more hiding in the shadows.

If you'll have me.

The studio is hosting a family photo exhibit next week.

Is that an invitation?

It's a notice.

If you're late, Emma will be furious.

I'll be there on time, I promise.

I'm still on security duty.

Richard is in jail, Sophia is awaiting trial, and we have three security teams

on site.

You can take ten minutes off.

That's an order from the chairwoman.

Wasn't the first rule of the reform to abolish absolute orders from family

members?

Fine.

Consider it a request from the bride.

Well, that's even harder to turn down.

I'm just practicing being a dependent husband early.

We've been married for over a year.

Then consider it a review session.

Luke, hands off my brother.

Auntie, get out of my other aunt's arms first, then we'll talk.

She is my wife.

And Noah is my husband.

The logic holds up.

Whose side are you on?

Yours.

That's cheating There's no rule against that at a wedding

The

most

popular wedding planner in North America and she still managed to mess up her own

wedding

A rigged bouquet toss, a proposal during the vows, a photographer kissing on the

clock, and a chairwoman trying to audit the seating chart.

Sounds like a total disaster on paper.

But I loved every second of it.

You don't have to do that.

I want to.

If the board saw this, they'd question your authority.

There's nothing in the corporate byrelots against the chairwoman rubbing

her wife's feet.

I'm sure Claire will add it in tomorrow.

Emma. That was the boldest and the most worthwhile decision I ever made. The day

he walked away from you, I asked you to marry me.

And my best decision was choosing you the second time around.

Only the second time. And at the press conference.

In the rain.

At the old church. On that rooftop.

And today, every day from now on, I'm going to choose you again.

And I'll do the same.