Original subtitles

Get the hell out! Take your little freak show gadgets and go bother someone else.

This is a respectable business.

You're disgusting!

Breaking news. The Sterling family has officially declared bankruptcy.

All assets have been seized and acquired by rival conglomerate, the Vance Group.

Bankruptcy. And it all goes straight to Aria, the enemy I despise most.

Scorpion, where'd you get my prototype?

I told you, once I land an investor, you'll get every penny back.

I'm sick of waiting. Since you can't pay, maybe you ought to give the clients

a live demonstration.

Get off me!

Don't you dare touch me!

Miss Chloe, it's been a while.

How'd you end up like this?

Aria, my enemy.

Why is she here?

No, Aria, have mercy on me. Shut up. So, you've got a choice to make.

Come with me?

Good girl. Let's go home.

You're out of your mind, I'm leaving!

So soon?

Don't you even want to look around?

Arya, what the hell do you actually want from me in this freak dungeon?

Drink.

You look like you need it.

Hard pass.

How do I know you didn't put something in it?

Look.

Thanks for back there.

Whatever your angle is, you did save me.

Gratitude is cute, but I prefer ink.

Sign this.

Be my sub.

You're delusional!

Saving me doesn't give you the right to insult me.

Everyone knows you can't even stand to be touched.

And you want to play SM?

Five million.

I don't force anyone.

Your call?

Five million?

You think you can just buy me? We've been at each other's throats since we

were 16, Aria!

Mmm. Good vintage.

Doors unlocked.

Leave whenever you like.

I knew it.

She never does anything without a price.

Miss Chloe, your grandmother still has $300,000 in outstanding... No. Not my

grandma.

She's all I have.

Miss Chloe, your grandmother still has $300,000 in outstanding surgical fees.

If the balance isn't settled, we'll have no choice but to discontinue treatment.

No! I'll get the money! Just please, don't stop treating her!

Time is running out. As long as the balance is cleared, we'll do everything

we can.

I understand.

You come back earlier than I thought.

Fine.

I'll sign your damn contract.

Hmm.

Where's your pride just now, Miss Chloe?

Drop it.

We've hated each other for years.

You just want to see me crawl.

I'll play your little game.

But you find a matching heart donor for my grandma.

Otherwise, this contract's worthless.

Deal. One more thing. I want a position at Vance.

A reason?

You know what I can do.

I'm more useful to you inside the company.

I'll make you my personal assistant, but you're on call 24-7. Business and

pleasure. Grandma and the truth behind the bankruptcy come first.

You can do this, Chloe.

But Chloe, I only keep the obedient ones.

Can you behave?

Yes.

Louder.

Tell me exactly what you'll do.

Anything.

Even if you want me on my knees like a dog.

I'll do it.

Good. Then come here.

And lick it clean.

Aria, don't push your luck. Patience isn't my thing, Chloe.

And you're the one who said she'd do anything.

Your ears are burning.

Not so untouchable after all.

Are you, Arya?

Close off.

Now.

Just as I suspected.

A perfect fit.

How the hell do you already know my measurements?

Interesting.

The CEO of an adult toy empire wearing cute little cotton panties.

Then take yours off and show me that you won't even take off your gloves, you

goddamn coward!

Forgetting something?

You? are my sub now.

And I can't wait to watch my proudest little rival crying in pleasure in my

hands.

This look familiar, Miss Chloe?

That rope!

How do you have our unreleased prototype?

Oh, the things I have on you? You can't even begin to imagine.

That's impossible.

It was sealed in our vault.

Aria?

Sterling going bankrupt?

That was you?

A sub doesn't get to use that tone with her owner.

Perfect time to teach you some manners with your own invention.

Then I guess Miss Chloe will have to learn on the job.

Your own masterpiece turned against you.

How's that feel, Miss Chloe?

Aria, you sick bitch.

That body of yours, so responsive.

You're already dripping just from being tied up.

What do I have to do to make you stop?

Beg me.

Very well.

The Sterling Princess is tougher than I gave her credit for.

No! Don't leave me here! I'm begging you!

Hmm? For what?

Please.

Please don't go.

I honestly thought you'd hold out longer.

8 a.m. in my office.

Don't make me come find you.

Shit.

Where the hell did they bury Sterling's liquidation files?

Looking for something?

No, nothing.

Strip. Face down on the couch.

Now.

Aria, are you insane? We're in your office!

You don't get a vote.

Or did you already forget last night?

Your old employees are right outside that door.

Stop!

Hands off.

Don't try to hide from me.

Who the hell is that woman?

New secretary.

Miss Van hired her personally.

Where'd this little drick crawl out of?

Aria doesn't let anyone that close.

They all saw me.

You happy now, Aria? This wasn't my plan.

Enough. Take the day.

Go see your grandmother.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

The design competition's in 30 days.

You're the CEO, and you're wasting time messing around with me?

Compared to all the years I've wasted on you?

It's nothing.

Fair point.

Our families have been tearing each other apart for years.

Now that Sterling's dead in the water, you must be loving it.

Bring the data report to tomorrow's shareholder meeting, and stop breaking

in to steal things.

Fine.

Think you can cozy up to Aria?

I'll bury you by tomorrow.

You did fall, rival. But I don't love it.

Not quite.

A data report?

They actually let a cheap whore like you touch real numbers around here?

Arya Vance hired me herself.

You got an issue with that? Let's walk down there right now.

She can fire me to my face.

You... Who the hell are you to drop Arya's name like that?

Get off me!

I'm only returning your favor.

Couldn't care less.

But you should really look up who I am.

Chloe Sterling.

Remember it.

Chloe Sterling?

You're the... What is going on out here?

Aria! Oh, thank God.

Look what she did to my face.

Rebecca, you're overstepping. Back to your department.

Now.

I was only trying to protect the company. Do I need to repeat myself?

Inside.

First day in already making a scene.

Such a sharp little kitten.

She came at me first.

Trashed my report. And she's yours, by the way.

Mine?

You're the only thing that's mine.

Then maybe act like it.

Why didn't you step in sooner?

Talking back already?

Seems like you still don't understand your place as a sub.

Miss Chloe.

Since you can't seem to remember, I'll have to remind you.

Put it in.

Now.

No.

Aria, there's an exec meeting very soon. Have you completely lost it? There's

that word again.

No.

You know better than anyone, Chloe, there are much worse things in that

drawer. You really want to test me?

I really don't like your attitude.

Let's see if this teaches you some manners.

Remember your flawless proposal last month?

I tore it to shreds at that bidding with this exact attitude.

Totally understand why you don't like it.

You psycho.

Board members are here. They moved the meeting up. Got it. Two minutes.

Did I say you could take it out?

Aria?

What the fuck?

You want me in that boardroom with those sharks?

Wearing this thing?

Think of it as a muzzle to keep my little assistant from running her mouth

in front of the pool.

Grab your report.

Meeting time, kitten.

Hey, new girl.

Go pour coffee for the board.

Rebecca, Chloe is my personal secretary.

Get your own to do chores.

Before we begin, I believe we need to address a security threat.

Miss Rebecca, what could possibly warrant the board's attention?

Take a good look.

This so-called secretary is Chloe Sterling, former CEO of Sterling Group,

our biggest competitor.

What? Chloe Sterling? Isn't she the president's sworn rival?

She's here to steal Vance's trade secrets. We shall remove this corporate

spy immediately.

Well, Miss Chloe, anything to say for yourself?

See?

Guilty silence.

She can't even deny it.

Aria, don't you think you owe the shareholders an explanation?

Miss Chloe signed a non-compete before joining.

Chloe, clarify for the board.

Members of the board, I...

I, on the sterling name, I swear...

I will not interfere with any Vance business operations.

Sterling?

What reputation does Sterling even have left? Weren't you liquidated for short

-selling a rival?

The investigation isn't even closed?

How would you know that?

This meeting is over. We're done.

practically confessing. Two more questions and I could have had the

truth. Why the hell did you stop me?

Chloe, haven't I taught you the rules?

A sub only walks behind her master.

Rules?

Screw your rules!

Aria, I don't have time for your master and slave games.

Tell me the truth.

You already knew, didn't you?

Sterling's bankruptcy?

Your board had their hands all over it.

You saved me. You tormented me. It was all just to watch me suffer, wasn't it?

Neil.

Arya, are you insane?

This is the office, not your sick little playroom.

Exactly. And I'm giving you an order as your master.

Chloe, you just don't know your place do you?

Strip.

You can't use that here.

We're in the office.

Can't I?

Chloe, for a sub, you're remarkably disobedient.

If I'm your sub, then you have to keep me safe. That's in the contract, isn't

it?

Safe? Fine.

Ten seconds. Pick a safe word. Say it, and everything stops.

Ten.

Nine.

Eight.

Three.

Two.

One. Aria! What?

Your name.

I choose your name as my safe word.

Hands up.

I'll give you one last chance.

You talked back to a board member.

How many does that earn?

Punish me for breaking your rules, fine.

But not for what happened in that boardroom.

I won't accept that.

I just wanted the truth about my family's bankruptcy.

I wasn't wrong.

Without real power behind you, recklessness, it only gets you hurt.

Stop speaking in riddles!

Aria, you found something, didn't you? Tell me!

Open up.

Bite down.

From now on, no matter what I do, not a single sound.

Understood?

Good girl.

Almost forgot this.

Don't let anyone see it this time.

Kitten, I'd keep very, very still if I were you.

If that feather drops, you won't be sleeping tonight.

Don't move.

Spread your legs.

There's a whole company out there.

Want them all to hear you.

You said you'd only punish me if the feather fell and it didn't! You can't

hit me!

Who said anything about hitting you?

When she grabbed me just now, did some sick part of me actually like it?

Still on the floor?

Get up.

I'm up.

Go to the room at the end of the hall later.

I'll meet you there.

Why later?

I can go right now.

Then let's go.

Pick one.

Wear it to my private room tonight.

Sick freak.

One twisted game after another. The press would have a field day with

Vance's CEO behind closed doors.

Taking your sweet time?

Chloe, are you cursing me out in that little head of yours?

What? No, I wasn't... To get off.

Up this close, she really is flawless.

That stone-cold poker face of hers, actually kind of cute.

Ow! Ow! That hurts!

Aria, you did that on purpose!

Where'd you hit?

Let me see. Save the fake concern!

Fine.

Enough stalling. I want that one.

You sure about that one? Chloe, you know this is... Of course I know.

Aria, that's the first piece you ever designed when you were 18.

How would you know that?

Please. We've been rivals for ten years. I also know the original size of that

piece is exactly mine.

They mass-produced it in every size. Don't flatter yourself.

Why so rattled?

The model at the launch had my exact measurements.

So naturally, it's my size.

Aria. What's going on in your head right now?

Eight o'clock. My room. Bring the piece.

Don't be late.

Miss Chloe, your grandmother is trying to rip out her tubes and leave. No one

can stop her.

I'm done with treatment.

Lying here burning through money every day.

Just let me go home.

Grandma, don't.

Please, I'm begging you. Listen to the doctors.

Chloe, sweetheart, I know.

Our family's bankrupt.

This surgery will bleed you dry.

I can't be your burden.

The surgery's already paid for. They will find a matching heart. Trust me

this once.

Please, just stay alive.

This is Aria Vance.

Find a match, whatever it costs.

So what's the game tonight?

More of the same or something new?

Sit down.

Take these off.

My shoes?

This freak?

What kind of twisted new thing is she into now?

You... Aria.

At the hospital today.

You found out something, right?

Why not tell me?

Your grandmother's heart. What happened to her? Sit.

They found a match.

For real?

You're not lying?

They actually found a donor heart?

The heart ships in from overseas tomorrow.

But tonight, you still owe me from this afternoon.

Let's finish that first.

Use your own hands. Move.

I want to watch.

This

is

insane.

My body's never resisted her touch.

As a sub, the finish is never the point.

Learning to master your own desire.

That's your first lesson tonight.

Master it?

Then tell me, Aria.

How do I master a desire that you started?

Tonight's session is over. Get dressed and leave.

Aria, drop the act.

You felt it too just now. Why the hell did you push me away?

It was the toys that got you wound up.

That's all.

You wanted the sensation, not me.

What's the difference?

In your eyes, how am I any different from those toys?

There is a difference.

You made me your sub.

You torment me, you watch me beg. Isn't that exactly what you wanted?

Now I come to you willingly, and suddenly you're above it all?

Who gave you permission to read my mind, Chloe?

You've crossed a line.

New rules starting now.

Whenever it's just the two of us, you call me master.

No. I'm your sub, Arya.

Not your slave.

Kneel.

Little kitten, when did I ever say I was going to hit you tonight?

You... the whip? You mean you weren't?

Arms up that high, all on your own.

Could it be you weren't finished earlier?

And you're wanting more.

Too restless tonight.

That ice stays, and so do you.

This is abuse of power, Arya.

Can't take it?

Then beg me.

If this is Vance's entry for next month's gold award, even without

sterling, you won't take first.

Did I say you could move? Your ice melted, Master.

The load-bearing structure here is too rigid.

Real silk would slip right off.

If it were me.

Critiquing my work won't save you from tonight's punishment.

Depends on who's actually right.

Aria, you're not wearing your glove?

Tonight's session is over.

You can go.

Aria, everyone says you can't stand being touched.

That's why you never take off those black gloves.

So why?

When you just touched me?

No glove?

And you didn't flitch.

Not even once.

Why do you always say the opposite of what you mean?

What are you so afraid of, Aria?

Miss Aria, the car for Miss Chloe is waiting downstairs.

There's a guest room on the third floor.

Already made up.

It's late.

You could stay.

Stay? Is that the line you use on all your lovers?

Miss CEO?

Forget it. Bad joke.

Where's the driver?

My grandma's heart surgery is tomorrow.

I need to get back now.

Downstairs in the main hall.

Good night, Master.

Chloe, how did you end up with her?

She's a Vance.

Grandma, I know the Vances and our family go way back since Grandpa.

But Aria's helped me a lot lately.

Never mind her.

Tell me, sweetheart, are you doing okay?

Don't worry, Grandma.

I found a new job. I'm back on my feet.

But, Chloe, a surgery this expensive and all our assets are frozen. Hey,

I used to run Sterling, remember?

I can handle this.

Just focus on getting better and listen to the doctor, okay?

She'll be fine.

I promise you.

Don't push me away.

Just for a minute, Arya.

I never thought the only person I'd have left would be you.

My worst enemy.

I wish time would stop.

I wish you'd need me like this.

Forever.

Arya!

Arya! Ma'am, something's gone terribly wrong.

Talk.

The donor heart.

Scheduled for 3 p.m.

It was seized at the airport.

Someone took it by force.

What? It was taken?

That heart is keeping my grandma alive!

Who did it?

The party involved is very powerful. The hospital can't afford to... I won't ask

again.

Who?

It was Miss Rebecca.

She said Mr.

Black has a heart condition, so the donor heart must be reserved for him.

Take Chloe to my private office. Lock the door and guard her.

No one gets in without my word.

Aria!

Let me go! I'll kill her!

Look at me, Chloe.

Trust me.

I will bring that heart back.

Well, well, Aria.

What's the rush?

Forget your manners?

You intercepted my donor heart, Rebecca.

Do you have a death wish?

She's a sterling, Aria.

Your grandfather's been at war with them since day one.

And you think she deserves our medical resources?

That's old blood.

It has nothing to do with her. She's got you completely brainwashed!

When your grandfather hears about this, you think you'll still have that corner

office? That's my problem.

But those black market funds you've been skimming, imagine if someone tipped off

the board.

You have one hour.

Deliver that organ back to the surgical suite.

Intact. Or every piece of evidence I have goes straight to the FBI.

Enough to put you away for life.

Don't you dare walk away from me.

Let go.

Aria, I'm in love with you. How can you not see that after all these years?

Rebecca, you make me sick.

Fifty minutes left.

Get that heart back to the hospital.

I don't have time for your breakdown.

No time?

You're giving everything for that little bitch, and for what?

Aria, you two won't last.

Don't forget.

If the Laurent case falls through, you'll be marrying Nero to cover the

losses.

Laurent? Sterling's old supplier?

Maybe she knows something about the inside deal.

Still my problem.

And you?

Forty-five minutes.

Chloe?

How long have you been here?

My grandma's heart?

Did you get it back?

It's handled.

I'm taking you to the hospital now.

She used to make gumbo.

She'd always say, finish your soup, baby. Mom and dad will be home soon.

But I haven't had her gumbo in so long.

And I haven't seen them in so long.

The accident that took your parents?

I'm sorry, Chloe.

They promised they'd be there for my birthday. They lied.

Aria, if there's one thing I can't stand in this life, it's being lied to.

What about you, Aria?

You won't lie to me, right?

Miss Aria, Miss Chloe, surgery was a major success.

No rejection.

Vitals are strong and stable.

She made it.

Grandma's okay.

There you are.

That girl again.

Huh? What'd you just say?

Nothing.

Welcome back, my stubborn little rival.

Oh, doesn't the great CEO Ara have a thing about being touched?

You're really doing this bare hand and all?

As your master, consider this part of my exposure therapy.

Don't worry.

I know exactly who I am.

I'll make sure we crush the gold award next month.

Good. I like the fire.

But first, Secretary Chloe, dry your tears and follow me back to the office.

We have a meeting.

Yes, Miss Era.

Arya, you're spoiling this woman.

Doesn't it ever end?

You brought an outsider to something like this?

Rebecca, a VP doesn't get to tell me how to run Vance.

Move. Bringing your secretary on a cruise for a meeting?

Is this your idea of exposure therapy?

Stay close.

And whatever you see in there, don't make a sound.

Secretary Chloe, now, are you ready for your meeting?

You seem pretty familiar with this place.

Why, Secretary Chloe, are you jealous?

Forget I asked.

I just didn't expect someone who flitters at a handshake to be a regular

here.

The person we're meeting tonight is an old friend of yours.

Well, well, well, look who it is.

My darling Chloe, reunited in a place like this.

Miss Laurent, good evening.

Ara, what an exquisite surprise you've brought me tonight.

Chloe, after Sterling collapsed, you vanished on me.

I searched everywhere, and now you're someone else's sub? If you're

interested, sweetheart, I'll be your personal dom.

My private playroom makes this look like a kiddie pool.

Miss Laurent, this is my sub.

Tonight I'm here to discuss the Vance Laurent Couture collab for next season.

Everyone's here. VIP room. Shall we?

Of course.

Business comes first.

Right this way.

Hold on.

Chloe's a sub.

By the rules, she should be kneeling right here serving, not being served by

one of her own kind.

Since tonight's about unwinding, why don't we swap subs?

I've been craving that black swan sterling raised for a very long time.

Miss Laurent, Chloe is here tonight as my assistant.

In this deal, she is not anyone's sub.

Keeping your sworn enemy as your assistant?

Careful, Aria. One day you won't even know how she killed you.

That's not for you to worry about, Miss Laurent.

My people, my discipline.

Chloe, pull up the core proposal for next season's Castor Collab. Walk Miss

Lettern through it.

Yes, President.

According to our veins group... Hold that thought.

A dry little briefing?

How boring.

Chloe, how about you present it like they do out there?

Dance while you pitch.

Miss Laurent.

Aria.

You've been rejecting me all night over this woman.

You really think Laurent came begging for your partnership?

Since you have no interest in real cooperation, we're done here.

Chloe, grab the files. We're leaving.

I'll do it.

Chloe! Have you lost your mind?

If this is about your grandmother, you don't have to do this.

It's not for my grandmother.

Aria, it's for you.

For Vance.

Miss Laurent, I can give you a performance.

Something far more thrilling than anything out there.

Oh.

More thrilling?

What exactly did you have in mind?

Chloe! What the hell are you doing? Are you insane?

Aria, my performance.

I need you in it with me.

Me?

Absolutely not. I never dance with anyone. That first dance at my 16th

birthday.

You stole that opening dance from Nero, my dear rival.

You really don't remember?

It's all just ancient history.

You two started this little feud over a dance?

Miss Lorenz, this performance should be well worth your time.

After all these years, think you still remember the steps?

You're about to find out.

Such a wild dance, trying to get someone's attention.

Has anyone ever told you you're adorable when you're jealous?

That's not how a sub talks to her master.

Well, maybe my master should stop lying to herself.

What a waste on her.

The flawless black swan.

Miss Laurent, enjoying the view?

Rebecca, what do you want?

How would you like?

A brand new sub?

Magnificent!

Absolutely magnificent!

Chloe, you were the most exquisite work of art tonight.

Then about the Couture collaboration?

Are you ready to talk terms, Miss Laurent?

Of course.

And I'll sign a three-year exclusive strategic partnership on the spot.

Aria, changing the contract term is above my clearance.

You'll need to authorize it at the secure terminal next door.

Three years exclusive?

Aria, go get it authorized before she changes her mind.

Come with me.

It's three minutes, tops.

Since when are you this clingy?

Relax. She wouldn't dare try anything.

Fine. I'll be back in two.

Daphne, I'll skip the games.

Sterling's bankruptcy, you know all about it.

Don't you?

All of Wall Street heard about it.

The mighty empire, a stray dog overnight.

Tragic.

Then do you know?

The audits, the short melling, who pulled all the strings?

Oh, that.

Of course I know. Who?

Tell me!

Light my cigar first.

Make me happy, and maybe I'll talk.

There.

Now talk.

Of course, sweetheart.

The smoke.

Something's in it. You... You really

thought Aria could walk you out of here tonight?

Awake already, my dear princess?

Daphne, you psychotic bitch!

Let me go!

When Era finds out I'm gone, she will end you!

Huh.

You think she'd be dumb enough to gamble all of Vance over one bankrupt little

sub?

Get your filthy hands off me.

Still saying no to me?

You haven't figured out your situation yet.

Delicious. Let go of me, you animal!

Don't be rude.

Look, pick one, sweetheart.

Which toy you'd like to start with tonight?

You fucking bitch. You're asking for it.

Let's find out what breaks first.

Your mouth or my whip?

Feel good?

Huh? But Aria can't make you feel this good at all.

You're not worth a single strand of her hair.

You just don't learn, do you?

Since you love her so much.

Tonight I'll do what that cold little statue never could.

No!

Let her go, or you won't see tomorrow.

Aria?

How did you find this place? This is a misunderstanding.

All a misunderstanding.

Aria, calm down.

I'm Laurent Group's sole heir. You can't kill me.

Can't I?

Ow!

My leg!

My leg!

Have you lost your mind?

She's just some bankrupt sub. She's not worth it!

Protecting her sub is a master's duty.

You're crazy.

The Lawrence will destroy you. You're dead!

Then let's see if they get here before your body turns cold.

Kill me!

Just kill me if you've got the guts!

As you wish.

I'm here. I'm getting you down now.

Damn it, that animal.

She dies here.

Tonight.

Stop. Aria.

Put the gun down. She touched you.

And you're still protecting her?

I'm not protecting her.

Protecting you she dies here tonight, and they'll lock you away, too

It

hurts Aria

Aria

what's going on you haven't said a word since we left the yacht

It's nothing.

That's not like you.

And now you took the gloves off?

What, you don't mind touching your little rival anymore?

The ointment needs body heat to absorb.

Gloves don't work.

You know, you could have just had the nanny do this. Since when does the boss

rub ointment on her secretary?

I don't want anyone else touching you.

Get some rest.

I need to take this.

Miss Chloe, Miss Aria had me make this gumbo just for you.

Said it's your favorite.

There's something you want to tell me, isn't there?

Miss Chloe, I've been with Miss Aria since she was small.

Please, look at this.

Fifteen years ago, she was only nine.

She watched her mother die right in front of her.

So this little girl is... Yes, that's Ira.

After that day, she developed severe touch-triggered PTSD.

She wears those black gloves even in summer.

How could something like that to her?

You call her your rival.

But the truth is, you're the only friend she's ever had.

Why are you telling me all this?

All these years.

She's been watching over you.

The Stirlers and the Vances have been rivals since our grandfathers.

She and I, we've been enemies since the day we were born.

Miss Chloe, if you don't believe me, go see the guest room at the end of the

third floor hallway.

Something came up at the office.

I have to go handle it now. Is it the Damien situation?

I'll come with you. I can help.

Lie down.

Vance is in a sweatshop.

Injured employees get paid sick leave.

But I... No buts.

Your only job right now is to drink your soup and go to sleep.

Aria! What?

Is the wound hurting again? What's wrong?

Tonight I'll be waiting for you on the rooftop.

I didn't flinch.

I actually liked it when she touched me.

Tonight, I want to try something different.

What the hell are you doing?

Arya, throw away the gloves.

Chloe, a sub, doesn't get to threaten her master.

Then I'm ending the contract.

This isn't a threat.

It's setting us both free.

Wake up.

Open your eyes.

You don't get to die. You hear me?

Damn.

You lied to me.

Chloe, you used your own life to set me up.

Don't pull away.

You just saved me with these hands.

You're not that nine-year-old anymore.

You know about that?

If we're doing desensitization, why not do it thoroughly?

Stage one, passed.

If you don't say no, I'll take that as a yes for stage two.

What's stage two?

Tell me first.

At my 16th birthday gala, why didn't you let me dance the opening waltz with

Nero?

I told you, I don't want anyone else touching you.

All right, then.

Do you want to touch me, Master?

Not yet.

Take me to the guest room, third floor.

You sure?

Era, you kept all of this?

All these years?

I told you.

Knowing your rivals every move is basic homework for Advance Air.

You idiot.

I'm your sub, Arya.

Tie me up.

Use your hands.

Follow the ribbon. Feel my skin.

You asked for this, Chloe.

Fun night, Chloe?

Pity your little fairy tale ends now.

What the hell is this?

Next month, Aria marries Nero.

You're just her pathetic little toy.

Aria, were you lying to me the whole time?

Who are you?

Why are you at Aria's desk?

Where is she?

I'm Aria's secretary.

She's in a meeting with the designers.

So you're the little secretary?

I didn't catch your name. Please leave a message.

I'll pass it along.

Nero Black.

Here to pick up my fiancé.

Nero, nobody invited you.

Get out.

Aria, your little secretary's cute.

Mind if I borrow her for a couple days?

She's mine.

Yours, mine.

What's the difference?

We're getting married next month anyway.

I have files to prepare.

I'll leave you two lovebirds to it.

Chloe, it's not what you think.

What's wrong, fiancé?

She's just a secretary.

Why so worked up?

Cut the act, Nero.

You know damn well this is just an arrangement.

Aria. Be smart about this. A bankrupt sub or a billion-dollar deal, you know

which one wins.

Damien kidnapped her first.

Chloe had nothing to do with it.

You burned the Lorraine Bridge for some bankrupt heiress?

Who covers our losses next quarter?

I made the call.

I'll handle the fallout.

Handle it?

If you'd agreed to the marriage, Sterling wouldn't have dared challenge

us.

Grandfather, give me more time.

I'll... Enough!

Either you hand that Sterling girl over to the Lorons, or you marry Nero next

month. Those are your only options.

Fine.

I'll do the marriage.

Chloe, wait for me.

I'll fix this.

I swear.

The little secretary.

She's gone for good?

Gone.

Submitted her resignation online this morning, but Aria won't sign off on it.

So?

Does she know the real story behind Sterling's bankruptcy?

If she did, would they still be playing nice?

She doesn't know.

Oh, this just got so much better.

Everything that Vayner's and Sterling's own, it'll all be mine. Now go.

Turn up the heat.

Who is it?

Don't you want to know the truth about Sterling's bankruptcy?

The great Sterling Aris?

Bankrupt and living in a place worse than a doghouse?

How pitiful.

If that's all you came to say, get out.

You... I don't have time for small talk.

What do you want?

I'm here to deliver a gift.

And to help you face...

A few hard truths.

I really doubt you're that generous.

Of course there's a catch.

Read it, then walk away from Aria. For good.

I see it first.

Sterling's hostile short sell, the cash flow collapse, it was all Aria.

No, that's impossible.

You're lying. Am I?

Deep down, you already know.

You were her secretary long enough.

You recognize that seal, don't you?

Aria, what is this?

We're in the middle of planning the engagement. There's nothing left to

plan. Aria, what the hell do you mean by this?

I'm resigning as CEO and board chair of Vance Group.

The marriage to Nero is off.

Permanently.

Aria! Have you lost your mind? Do you even hear yourself?

Do you understand what you're throwing away? All of this for a woman? What do

you think you can do without Vance?

Without Vance, I'm still Ira.

Without her, I'm nothing.

I'm not a tool for this family, Grandfather.

I'm a person.

You get back here!

The Sterling family has officially declared bankruptcy. All assets have

been seized and acquired by rival... Bank.

Secretary Chloe, now.

Don't you want to know the truth about Sterling's bankruptcy?

Looking for something?

Chloe.

Aria?

Who do I even believe anymore?

Go home, Aria.

We're done.

My engagement with Nero is off, I swear to you.

This isn't about the engagement. Then what is it?

Tell me, we'll fix it together.

Your touch aversion's cured now, so what do you need a sub for anymore?

That's not why I wanted you as my sub.

Then why?

I like you.

You like me?

Does someone bankrupt the family of the person they like?

What?

No, that wasn't me. Chloe, let me explain. It's not what you think. Just

go. I don't want to hear it.

Chloe!

Come

up

and change.

Then you leave.

We are never meant to be.

You've been living here?

Since you left?

Where else?

Thanks to your family.

I resigned.

I'm not Vance's CEO anymore.

You what?

I won't marry for a deal.

And I won't lose you.

I need an explanation.

Where did you get these? Rebecca paid me a visit.

The seal is forged.

Rebecca's hands aren't clean either.

Trust me.

You promised you'd never lie to me, so I'm only asking once. Is this real?

This is real evidence.

You'll understand once you hear it.

Put some dry clothes on, or don't blame me if you get sick.

This isn't enough. Without hard evidence, we can't take them down.

I have a plan.

What plan?

You just quit, remember?

Don't underestimate me.

I told you, I've got enough to keep you comfortable for life.

So what do we do now?

Kiss me and I'll tell you.

Since when are you this shameless?

What happened to your poker face?

Can't help it.

Gotta pull out all the stops when you're chasing your wife.

Aria!

I'll tell you everything.

We've got all night. You can interrogate me however you want.

Then I'd better interrogate you thoroughly.

Master.

Nero and Rebecca forged this to destroy your trust in me, so you'd have no

choice but to side with them.

If it's fake, there's got to be a flaw.

Right here.

The seal and transfer date can be forged, but he made one fatal mistake.

What?

The SWISP clearing code on this notodized doc uses the pre-2023 format.

Sterling's bankruptcy was this year.

A two-year-old clearing code can't show up in a current agreement.

Forged seals, false-eyed financial records.

Nero really overplayed his hand this time.

But you're not CEO anymore.

Even with this. As I said, don't underestimate me.

My mother's trust fund is enough to buy out Vance's scattered shares.

So do we go to the police now?

Not yet.

This alone won't stick. The designer competition's next week.

We settle everything then.

Mr. Nero, Aria just stepped down from Vance. What's the real story behind

that? Vance needs real leadership, not someone ruled by emotion.

If she couldn't handle the pressure, stepping aside was the smart move.

So who's leading Vance's core product design at today's competition?

Don't worry, I'll be representing Vance today. And trust me, we've prepared

quite the surprise.

Arya, Chloe, aren't you two supposed to be rivals? How are you walking in hand

in hand?

Rivals?

Sounds like your intel needs an update. I'm just here as a plus one for my

girlfriend.

That shameless little bitch.

She's hit rock bottom and she's still clinging to Aria.

Nero, Rebecca, I hope your little surprise doesn't turn into a nightmare.

Now, please welcome Vance Group's top designer, Rebecca, presenting their

grand finale, Six months in the making.

This isn't just a product.

It's the ultimate expression of bondage and redemption.

We developed a new skin-safe material. It leaves marks, gives you that perfect

tension, but never damages the skin.

Miss Rebecca, I have a question.

Why are you stealing my design?

Chloe Sterling?

What the hell are you talking about?

Security! Get this lying bankrupt woman out of here!

Sterling went bankrupt ages ago.

Chloe, you think Vance needs to plagiarize a dead company?

Arya, you... Point your filthy finger at her again and you're dead.

Don't mind those barking dogs.

Nero's little verdict doesn't matter, since there's a dispute.

Host, would you mind checking the tail end of that red cord?

Why is Chloe's signature on Rebecca's piece?

No, I was set up. Yes, Chloe planted it there.

Set up?

Fine. Then tell me, since you personally developed this cord, what does this

ancient knot pattern mean?

That's irrelevant.

The pattern is decoration.

The core material is what Vance R&D actually developed.

Irrelevant? This pattern uses geometric weaving that imprints a rose onto skin

during restraint.

That is the design.

You don't even understand the principle, and you want to talk materials?

Can't even explain the concept or the pattern?

Pretty obvious you didn't design it.

Stop the competition!

Someone inside Vance was bought off by Chloe to frame me!

Stop?

Why would we stop?

My work hasn't even been shown yet.

Miss Chloe, where's your piece?

My piece? It's already on stage.

Shut it off!

Shut it off now! Security!

Pull the damn plug!

Don't bother.

The evidence already went to the Commercial Crimes Bureau.

Nero. Rebecca, you're under arrest for fraud, securities manipulation, and

forgery of commercial documents.

Come with us.

Mr. Nero, are the fraud charges on screen true? Did you deliberately

bankrupt Sterling to take them over?

Fuck off!

All of you!

Arya, Chloe, you two bitches are dead. I swear I'll destroy you both.

Arya, save me.

Please, please save me. Everything I did, it was because I love you.

Nero forced me. He made me do it all.

Nero forced you?

Then blocking my grandma's heart donor, was that Nero too?

Miss Chloe, now that Sterling's been cleared, what's your next move?

Miss Aria, with Vance's shake-up, are you going public with your relationship?

Is this a merger?

Sorry, everyone. Show's over.

I'm taking my girlfriend on a date.

Rebecca were hauled off by police at the competition.

The press is screaming fraud and market manipulation.

Now our stocks in free fall.

Who's taking the fall for this?

Aria already resigned.

Vance doesn't even have a spokesperson right now.

Aria, didn't you resign?

Resign? Just watching the clowns perform.

As of now, Aria Vane holds 67% of shares.

Absolute controlling stake.

Effective immediately, anyone involved in the Sterling case, hand in your

resignation, or wait for the police.

You have three minutes.

One more thing.

A new appointment.

Chloe, president of Sterling Group, is now Vance's chief strategy officer and

head of the new product division.

Gentlemen, pleasure working with you.

Sir, we got her.

Good. Tell Aria to bring every encrypted drive from Project Eva and the share

transfer docs to the abandoned pier.

Alone. If she calls the cops, drown this bankrupt bitch like we did to her dead

mommy.

You've got a pair coming alone, Miss CEO.

Now toss it over.

It's right here.

Let her go.

Ha! So the rumor's true. The great Vance CEO can't even stand a single touch.

Look at you, shaking like a leaf. And you dare play hero?

Die, you cold-hearted freak!

I'm not your mother. I won't die. I'm right here waiting for you.

Break through your fear, R.

Damn it. This lock won't open.

Don't panic.

Remember the reverse release knots and geometric locks you taught me?

Follow my lead.

Third ring from the left.

Three turns clockwise.

Hold the core down and press.

I caught

you.

I didn't lose you. You saved me, Arya.

You saved us both.

Ditched every reporter outside.

Feeling victorious, Miss President?

Aren't you the one who should feel victorious, Miss Vance?

You took down the company and the enemy in one sweep.

The war out there is over.

So, isn't it time we settled what's between us?

And how exactly?

You said I was the only cure for your touch phobia.

Now that you're cured, doesn't that mean our contract should be terminated?

Terminate the contract?

Not a chance.

I couldn't stand anyone's touch for 15 years.

Only you make me want to break every single boundary.

Cuffing yourself to me?

Aren't you afraid I'll turn the tables?

Try me.

Let's see who can't live without who.

I watched my mother gone when I was a child.

After that, I thought I'd be alone for the rest of my life.

Until you crashed into it.

You cured my touch phobia, Chloe.

No.

We saved each other.

You're unlocking it?

Chloe.

Before, I signed that contract for Grandma's medical bills.

I became your sub, accepted your cuffs unwillingly.

But now the war's over, no one can force me anymore.

I give you my freedom, willingly.

Your grandmother's recovery has been excellent.

All cardiac markers are within normal range.

She's cleared for discharge today.

Thank you so much, doctor.

Aria, dear, I owe you so much for everything.

If you hadn't found the best specialist in the country, these old bones wouldn't

have made it.

Grandma, it's what I should do.

When Sterling collapsed, I worried about this girl every single day.

Now, seeing you two so close, looking out for each other, my heart's finally

at peace.

Grandma, there's something I want to tell you myself, today.

Before we leave.

What is it, sweetheart?

Aria and I, we're not just business partners or friends.

We're a couple.

Grandma, I know this is sudden.

Chloe's been through so much.

But I promise you, from now on, I will protect her.

No one will ever hurt her again.

Grandma.

Aria pulled me out of the darkest place I've ever been.

Without her, I wouldn't be who I am now.

Silly girls.

I've had my share.

As long as you two love each other honestly, that's all I could ever ask

for.

Inside this ring, there's a handcuff engraved into the band.

It has no key, because I'm never letting you go.

My mistress, you're stuck with me forever.