Lose you, To love me. Book series
Category
✨
PeopleTranscript
00:00A cold? Really?
00:30Sabrina couldn't help but think about the man who got her into this mess.
00:34Chris's father, Raymond.
00:38Chris will never agree to that. He loves Brenda, not me.
00:42He doesn't know what he's talking about.
00:46She's obviously not in this for love.
00:49How do you know?
00:51Quick, hide. She's coming. Go, go.
01:01Brenda!
01:04Here's the check. Just take it.
01:10It's blank.
01:12Just put in whatever number you want. Just leave.
01:16Promise. You'll never see me again.
01:30She chose money over him.
01:33Without any hesitation.
01:35Chris can't find out about this. It'll break him.
01:40Look, that's exactly why you're the one.
01:46You actually care for him.
01:50Sabrina, look, Chris is not perfect.
01:55Okay? Just give him some time.
01:59He will make a wonderful husband and father to your children.
02:05He really will.
02:07He'll come around.
02:09Just please, please marry him.
02:14For me.
02:17Sabrina! Sabrina! Where are you?
02:21Chris didn't like to be kept waiting.
02:24Where the hell is she?
02:28I'm here.
02:31Don't make me scream across the house for you.
02:34Chris, I was making your soup.
02:36Sabrina couldn't believe her eyes.
02:38Brenda was back, which could only mean trouble.
02:41Hey you. Been a while.
02:50Oh my god, Brenda, that's him. That's the guy from class.
02:54That's Raymond Taylor's son?
02:56Damn, he's hot.
02:58And he's actually such a nice guy too.
03:02We shared a few looks in class.
03:05No offense, but he's like way out of your league.
03:09Always so kind, Brenda.
03:11Well, what do you want me to say, Sabrina?
03:13Hot, tall, and rich as hell?
03:16You'd be lucky to land a guy that's just one of those.
03:19You're probably right.
03:22But I do think we could have something really special.
03:25Okay, don't call Sabrina on me
03:27and get your completely unrealistic hopes up.
03:29Oh, shut up.
03:31I think I'm gonna ask him out.
03:48Sabrina continued to fall hard for Chris,
03:51but she wasn't the only one.
03:53Brenda always got what she wanted.
04:07What is she doing here?
04:09You haven't grown up at all, have you?
04:11I wanted to talk about that.
04:13I've summoned thousands of your affairs, but her?
04:16Her.
04:18I can bring anyone I want into my bed.
04:21That was our arrangement, remember?
04:24Brenda was long gone before Chris's father passed.
04:27Heartbroken, Chris agreed to marry Sabrina,
04:30if she agreed to his terms.
04:33She had no other choice.
04:35She loved him.
04:37You and I both know I'll never love you the way I loved her.
04:40Chris, can't you just give us a chance?
04:43No.
04:45If you still want this, it'll be purely transactional.
04:49I promised my father I'd have a child with you,
04:52and I will give him that.
04:55We'll hire a doctor, track your cycle.
04:58I'll sleep with you then, and only then.
05:02Once you get pregnant,
05:04you will raise the child as my son.
05:07You'll have full access to the wealth and amenities of my estate,
05:11but you will never have my love.
05:14Fine.
05:17Fine.
05:19It's an agreement.
05:21But don't you dare forget,
05:24I'm not yours.
05:26She thought he would change,
05:28but nothing prepared her for the humiliation she faced
05:31on a day-to-day basis in this cruel marriage.
05:35How could you be so cruel to me?
05:38I've given you everything.
05:40Oh, is that so?
05:42Where's my child then, huh?
05:44Our whole relationship was built on you having my child.
05:48You know I've tried.
05:49And apparently, you can't have one.
05:52But you know who can.
05:56What?
05:57Brenda's pregnant, Sabrina.
05:59With my child.
06:05How?
06:06We reconnected when I was in Europe about a month or two ago.
06:09If it makes you feel any better,
06:11she got pregnant then.
06:14You should be happy.
06:16She's doing the job you couldn't.
06:19And since she'll be carrying my child,
06:23I'll need her to be moving in.
06:25Okay, Chrissy, enough of this.
06:27Baby's hungry.
06:28Sabrina,
06:30where's the dinner I requested?
06:33She felt so powerless and ashamed.
06:36Maybe this was all she was good for.
06:39You know what?
06:41No.
06:43Take her out to eat.
06:44What did you just say?
06:45You heard me.
06:47I'm not feeding her.
06:49How dare you go against me?
06:51I've had enough.
06:53Either she leaves or I do.
06:59Well, sure.
07:01Go on, get out.
07:06The only reason I didn't kick you out
07:08is because my father has a soft spot for you.
07:10But now that you want to,
07:12by all means, leave.
07:15I'll give you two mansions,
07:17two cars,
07:18and 20 million right now if you do.
07:20I don't want all that.
07:23I just want one thing,
07:24and I will leave you and her alone forever.
07:27Wow.
07:28Okay.
07:29What is it?
07:33This place.
07:35That's all.
07:36I just said I'd give you two mansions.
07:38I don't want two.
07:39I want this one.
07:41And it's mine by right,
07:42thanks to your father.
07:44Give me this house,
07:45and I'll have the divorce paperwork
07:46ready for you by tomorrow.
07:48This is the point of no return,
07:50she thought.
07:53Whatever happens to the house,
07:55make sure that house doesn't get
07:57in anybody else's hands.
07:59Why?
08:01Listen to me.
08:03Not even Chris.
08:05Do you understand?
08:06How can I make sure of that?
08:08I'll make sure you do.
08:10But why, Raymond?
08:12Look, there's more to that house
08:14than meets the eye, Sabrina.
08:20Easy.
08:22Deal.
08:23Fine.
08:24Deal.
08:25Um, Chris, don't you think
08:26we should talk about-
08:27This place is yours.
08:28We'll just take the other across town.
08:30Baby, no.
08:32You should be so happy right now.
08:34Give her the apartment.
08:35Not here.
08:36This place is perfect for our child.
08:37I have ten other mansions
08:38worth more than this place.
08:40What are you talking about?
08:42I like this one.
08:44She has been faithful for years.
08:47I may not love her,
08:48but this is the least she deserves.
08:51She gets the house,
08:52you get me.
08:54Is that not good enough for you?
08:57Of course, baby.
08:58Then quit whining,
09:00and be happy.
09:02The place is yours.
09:05You promise to accept
09:06that Brenda and I are together,
09:08and leave us alone.
09:11Deal.
09:12Hook, line, and sinker.
09:15See?
09:16Look at that.
09:18Everybody's happy.
09:19I'm not happy.
09:20I'm hungry.
09:22You'll get your dinner in a second.
09:25Sabrina, I gave you the house.
09:27The least you could do is get the soup.
09:29Who are you talking to?
09:31Shush me, we aren't divorced yet, you tramp.
09:34Yes, that's correct.
09:36Who would she even be calling right now?
09:37I don't know.
09:38I said I don't know.
09:40She doesn't talk to anyone.
09:41Then get her off the phone, Chris.
09:43Can't you see I'm trying?
09:45What is the problem?
09:46The soup!
09:48Where the hell is it?
09:49The soup?
09:50Really?
09:51She thought.
09:52Oh.
09:55Maggie?
09:56Could you please bring the soup?
10:03Finally.
10:04About time.
10:05Here we are.
10:06Shall I set up a table in the dining room?
10:08Silly me.
10:09I should have clarified.
10:11I didn't mean for you to bring it here.
10:13I meant to say,
10:14could you please fetch it for yourself
10:15and the other housekeepers?
10:16My treat.
10:17Please bring it home and enjoy it with your family.
10:20What?
10:21I told you she's messing with us.
10:23Ma'am, I can't.
10:24Nonsense.
10:25I made the soup,
10:26and technically I'm the head of this household now.
10:29Are you messing with me?
10:31Why don't you have your new girl make you dinner?
10:34It's not really my responsibility anymore.
10:38Does she need my recipe?
10:41Does she even cook?
10:44We had a deal.
10:46What the hell has gotten into you?
10:48Do you really want to provoke me?
10:50She was done rolling over for him.
10:52I've given you the best years of my life.
10:55While I was having miscarriages,
10:57you were off having public affairs.
11:00I thought you would change,
11:02but I was wrong.
11:03You'll always be a piece of shit.
11:06I'm not your obedient wife anymore.
11:09Perfect timing.
11:12What's that?
11:16Remember,
11:17we aren't divorced yet.
11:19Soon enough.
11:31Who the hell is that?
11:38What's this?
11:40I think you'll be happy with what's inside.
11:47How the hell did you get these already?
11:49What do you care?
11:50You want this, right?
11:52I don't care.
11:54I don't care.
11:56I don't care.
11:58I don't care.
11:59You want this, right?
12:01Paperwork is valid and ready to go.
12:04Sign it.
12:06End our misery.
12:08I don't trust you.
12:10I need some time to read over this
12:12and make sure you're not screwing me out of my own money.
12:14Fine.
12:15But you have until tomorrow.
12:17You and your new wifey need to be out of this house by then.
12:20You won't win this game.
12:24I'm not playing a game.
12:26I'm playing one, Chris.
12:29Or should I say, Mr. Taylor.
12:32I'll leave you two to read over the paperwork and discuss it.
12:35Really, you should be happy about this.
12:38And for your new budding family.
12:42I'll be in the guest room for tonight.
12:44No way in hell am I sleeping in that tainted bed.
12:53I know her.
12:54Find a way to take your money.
12:55I told you, hush.
12:57I'm carrying your child, Chris.
12:58I know.
12:59This is all for you.
13:01I don't want to live in the condo.
13:02I want to live here.
13:03Again with this house.
13:05What's with this house?
13:06Nothing.
13:07I just like it.
13:08And I'm frustrated and hungry, okay?
13:10We will get you your food.
13:12Stop acting like a child.
13:25She still loved Chris, despite everything.
13:28She never thought it would end like this.
13:31But he left her no choice.
13:34She still loved Chris, despite everything.
13:37She never thought it would end like this.
13:40But he left her no choice.
13:56Finally.
13:57Even I'm starving now.
14:00Actually, I'm not really that hungry anymore.
14:02I got us a three Michelin star dinner.
14:04You're going to eat it.
14:06I wanted fat soup.
14:09This is better soup.
14:11Try it.
14:12Fine.
14:20Best soup in the city?
14:21Really?
14:23Award winning.
14:25I don't make the rules.
14:27You barely touched yours.
14:29Chris was surprised that he craved Sabrina's food so much.
14:32Maybe he had become used to it.
14:34Or maybe it was because he would never be able to taste it again.
14:41I'm going to bed.
14:42You can take a spare guest room.
14:45Then why would I be taking a spare guest room?
14:48I'm still a married man.
14:50Sex is one thing.
14:52Intimacy is another.
14:56Are you kidding?
14:57You didn't care that I slept alone in Europe.
15:00Well, yeah, but...
15:01Then this shouldn't be a problem, should it?
15:05No.
15:06I would just rather be with you.
15:08In time.
15:10Good night.
15:15Sabrina.
15:17This isn't over.
15:28What are you doing in here?
15:30The divorce isn't final yet, remember?
15:33Damn this man, she thought.
15:35I shouldn't want this.
15:42What are you doing?
15:44I want you.
15:47Please.
15:52I'm not changing my mind.
15:54Me neither.
15:58Find them.
16:09Sabrina couldn't believe she had slept with him last night.
16:13What was she thinking?
16:15But she had to get to the courthouse.
16:17She needed to finalize this divorce.
16:28The sight of Brenda made her want to light that couch on fire.
16:32But Sabrina remained calm.
16:34In a few hours, she'd never have to deal with her or Chris ever again.
16:39You're not going to take him from me, Sabrina.
16:42I don't want him. He is all yours.
16:46Plus, I know about you taking Raymond's money.
16:50Back for more, huh?
16:52I'm handing these in now.
16:54You better be out by the time I'm back.
16:58Oh, I won't be.
17:09Was this all a mistake, she thought?
17:12Once I do this, there's no turning back.
17:17Sabrina couldn't believe it, but she felt sorry for this man, even after everything.
17:23But it was too late.
17:39You sure about this?
17:41I am. Are you?
17:44Sure.
17:53And like that, Chris and Sabrina were no longer married.
18:00That's that, huh?
18:02Yeah.
18:04I would say it's been a pleasure, but it hasn't.
18:11It's been a pleasure.
18:13It's been a pleasure.
18:15It's been a pleasure.
18:17It's been a pleasure.
18:19It's been a pleasure.
18:20It hasn't.
18:22I really never meant to mistreat you.
18:29You know, it's a bit late for that now, but I still appreciate it.
18:37I just, I wish you the best.
18:40Please let me know if you need anything, ever.
18:43You too, Mr. Taylor.
18:45Please don't do that.
18:46What?
18:47Treat me like I'm nothing to you.
18:51But that's what you are to me now.
18:53Nothing.
19:03You know, you had your place in my heart for so long, and you never appreciated it.
19:09It's far too late for that now.
19:14Goodbye, Chris.
19:16Hey.
19:18Let me at least give you a ride back to the house.
19:21I'll leave you alone after that.
19:23She wanted to say yes for closure, but she already had a ride.
19:27That really won't be necessary.
19:29I wish you well with Brenda.
19:32Truly, I do.
19:46What?
20:06Who is this mystery man?
20:08And why is he helping Sabrina?
20:11What other secrets is Sabrina hiding from Chris?
20:15Will Chris seek revenge? And what will happen to the baby Sabrina is carrying?
20:31Devon! Thank God you're here!
20:34Fresh from signing her divorce papers, Sabrina had stepped out of the courthouse, feeling totally distraught.
20:40But, much to her surprise, Devon, her older brother, was waiting there on the steps.
20:45Ignoring the throngs of passers-by, Sabrina ran straight into his arms, fighting back tears.
20:51She'd missed her brother more than she realized.
20:54What's going on, Sabrina? Have you really done it? Is it finally over?
21:00Devon held her afar to take in her answer.
21:04Yep, it's official. Chris and I are divorced, Sabrina stated boldly.
21:11Thank goodness for that. Honestly, sis, I don't know how you let this go on for so long.
21:17Anyway, come on, you look tired. Let's get you out of here. There's someone I want you to meet.
21:24With that, Devon took his sister by the hand and led her to a car waiting nearby.
21:29Unbeknownst to them, Chris had watched this entire exchange from the entrance of the courthouse, his thoughts spiraling.
21:36Sabrina hadn't shared much of her life with him during the past three years, and he had no idea who this strange man hugging his now ex-wife was.
21:45Suddenly, he felt something he never thought he could feel in regards to Sabrina, a pang of jealousy.
21:51His entire world was different now, and although he was confident about their divorce, he still felt called to Sabrina.
21:58Especially after the last night they had spent together, Chris watched the car leave the courthouse and made a bold decision.
22:06Hey, driver, follow that car.
22:08Chris stepped into his sleek black vehicle and remained close behind the pair.
22:13Meanwhile, as her brother gave her the third degree, Sabrina gazed out of the passenger window, watching the trademark New York City skyline whiz by their car.
22:23I mean, how did it get to this point, Sabrina?
22:26I'm so glad you finally got out of that marriage, but I would have hoped you had more respect for yourself than to let it go on for so long.
22:33It's complicated, Devin. I made a promise to someone. You wouldn't understand it.
22:40I understand that no promise is worth what that man put you through. What do you even have to show for it?
22:46Well, I have a new mansion.
22:49Devin was taken aback.
22:51Oh, I see. Is that all?
22:55I hope you took Chris for more than one of his mansions. I mean, the guy could afford an entire state.
23:01It's all I wanted. I promised to keep it in good condition for Chris's father. He would have liked him, Devin. He was so much like our dad.
23:12I'm not sure I believe you there. Look how his son turned out.
23:16Sabrina considered this. Had all of the money Chris enjoyed in his life turned him into the monster he became?
23:23No. Underneath that exterior, there was a good person, the man she had once loved. He had simply lost his way and guarded his heart against the world.
23:34Sabrina knew that Devin wouldn't be able to understand this, so she quickly changed the subject.
23:40Well, the mansion isn't all I got from the divorce.
23:45Devin caught Sabrina out of the corner of his eye as she rubbed her belly.
23:50You can't be serious, Sabrina.
23:53I'm carrying Chris's baby, but he doesn't know, and I intend to keep it that way for the time being.
23:59Why didn't you tell me, Sabrina? I would have gotten you out of there sooner.
24:04Her eyes welled up with tears.
24:07I didn't know how to bring it up. With everything that's been happening, I've been trying not to let the stress affect the baby.
24:15I understand, Sabrina. Things are going to get better from here on. I promise.
24:21Devin offered his hand to his sister. She took it and gripped it firmly as she sobbed.
24:27Eventually, the car pulled up in front of a valet stand at an upscale restaurant. Devin parked and rolled his window down to hand over his keys.
24:35We're here. I think we're a little early, too. Let's get you something to eat and settle in.
24:41Close by, Chris still trailed Sabrina, watching her and the mystery man head into a fancy Madison Avenue restaurant full of sugar daddies and Euro trash.
24:51Even though it wasn't his scene, envy welled up inside of him and his thoughts ran wild.
24:57What gave her the right to pursue someone else so soon after their separation?
25:02Unless she had secretly been seeing him the entire time.
25:05How dare she? He had given her a home and everything she could ever want, even though she couldn't provide him with a child.
25:13This betrayal could not go unnoticed. So Chris decided it was time to stir up a bit of trouble.
25:19He got out his phone and dialed Brenda, sweetie.
25:24I need you to meet me somewhere. Have one of the drivers take you. I'll send the location to them.
25:30Oh, and bring your appetite.
25:33Chris trailed the couple into the restaurant, staying just far enough behind not to arouse suspicion.
25:38When they were seated, he asked the hostess to give him a table with a good vantage point.
25:42So we'd be able to watch their every move across the restaurant.
25:46Sabrina and Devin picked up their menus and browse them in silence.
25:50Devin, feeling proud, put his menu down and offered his sister a proposal.
25:54Sabrina, I know this restaurant is super fancy, but I don't want you to worry about the cost now that you're single.
26:00It's all on me today.
26:02Devin, what do you mean? I thought you were struggling with money.
26:06Not anymore, sis. I met someone who completely changed my life.
26:10He showed me how to invest and taught me the inside track of business.
26:14I think he could do the same for you. And let's face it, time is of the essence.
26:18So I've called him to meet with us here. I hope that's okay.
26:22Sabrina was overwhelmed by the events of the day, but her brother seemed so enthusiastic about this man that she gave in.
26:28Sure, if you vouch for him, I'll see what he has to say.
26:32Just then, Brenda burst into the restaurant.
26:36Devin and Sabrina noticed her immediately.
26:40She made a beeline for their table, eyeing Devin up and down with intense suspicion.
26:44Well, look what we have here. You sure moved on quickly.
26:48Who's this, Sabrina?
26:50I'm sorry, who are you? Devin asked.
26:54Sabrina couldn't believe this was happening. What was Brenda doing here?
26:58She couldn't help but chuckle at her implication.
27:02So she grabbed her brother's arm and played up the moment.
27:06I don't think it's any of your business what I do or who I see in my own time, Brenda.
27:10So if you'll excuse us, we'll be finishing our meal in peace.
27:14From across the restaurant, Chris had been watching their interactions closely.
27:18At the sight of Sabrina clutching this man's arm, he rose from his seat and approached the group.
27:22Chris hugged Brenda from behind and planted a passionate kiss on her lips.
27:26Brenda, you made it. Thank you for meeting me here.
27:30All the while, he kept his eyes fixed on Sabrina and her guest.
27:34Of course, darling. I wanted to celebrate with you.
27:38It seems Sabrina had a similar idea.
27:42Oh, how rude of me.
27:46Devin grabbed Sabrina's mouth with his hand and extended it to Devin.
27:50Chris Taylor. And before you ask, yes, those Taylors.
27:54Oh, I'm well aware of who you are.
27:58Devin regarded him with disgust.
28:02Right, of course you are. Why wouldn't you be?
28:06He flipped his hand over and chucked his watch.
28:10I must say, Sabrina, a date lined up no less than an hour after our divorce seems a bit fast, doesn't it?
28:14Sabrina laughed.
28:18Yeah, imagine that waiting for the end of a marriage to put yourself back on the market.
28:22What a novel idea.
28:26She stared daggers at Brenda, who just flashed her a cruel smirk and looked at Devin.
28:30You should probably know Sabrina couldn't give Chris a child.
28:34So if you ever want kids, I suggest you start running for the hills.
28:38Lucky for Chris, he found me again. And now I'm already pregnant with his baby.
28:42Brenda took Chris's hand and placed it around her waist, pulling him in close.
28:46Sabrina sipped at her water. Imagine that.
28:50She flashed a chuckle at her brother, who was confused by the news but couldn't help but laugh.
28:54Chris suddenly felt out of the loop.
28:58What? What's so funny?
29:02Before either Devin or Sabrina could answer, a third mystery man entered the restaurant.
29:06He exuded confidence as he brushed past Chris and Brenda, his gaze fixed on Sabrina.
29:10Excuse me, he said.
29:14The man in question then surprised everyone by taking Sabrina's hand.
29:18He kissed it softly before turning to her brother.
29:22Oh, who's this now? Seems like you're really getting around, Sabrina.
29:26Chris scoffed. Sorry, how rude of me.
29:30Hello, everyone. Martin Dean. Pleasure to meet you all.
29:34Martin towered over Chris and extended a hand for him to shake.
29:38Chris looked at the hand, then cast a withering glance back up at Martin.
29:42Without a word more, Chris turned and headed for the exit.
29:46Inside, Chris was combusting. Who are all of these people in Sabrina's life?
29:50Chris was sure that he was the only person Sabrina had in this world.
29:54Now, all of a sudden, she was getting support and attention from a host of new men.
29:58This couldn't stand. He strode to the door, barking back at Brenda.
30:02Come on, Brenda. We're done here.
30:06Brenda looked back at Sabrina's suitors and then dutifully followed Chris to the exit.
30:10What are we going to do about them? Brenda asked Chris under her breath.
30:14I'm getting our mansion back by any means necessary.
30:18Then she'll have nothing, and these other men can deal with her.
30:22As Brenda and Chris left the restaurant in a huff, Martin took a seat next to Sabrina and picked up a menu.
30:28Sabrina smelled the strong scent of his expensive cologne and eyed him with intrigue.
30:32He winked back in her direction.
30:36So tell me, Sabrina, what does your heart desire most right now?
30:40Devin watched their exchange with skepticism.
30:44What was in store for his sister now that Martin Dean had entered the picture?
30:48Martin's question was a good one.
30:52What did Sabrina's heart desire most now?
30:56Before she could think about it, Devin cut in.
31:00Sabrina, why don't you give Martin and me a moment alone, please?
31:04Devin eyed his friend with contempt.
31:08Sure, I'll be in the ladies' room. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dean.
31:12Pleasure's all mine, I assure you.
31:16Sabrina excused herself. Martin couldn't take his eyes off her retreating figure.
31:20What do you think you're doing, Martin?
31:24What do you think I'm doing, Devin?
31:28Waitress placed glasses of neat whiskey on their table.
31:32Martin took his, stared into the amber liquid before taking a deep gulp.
31:36How could you tell?
31:40This isn't funny, Martin. The woman just got divorced.
31:44I'm not the one who dragged her to a business meeting.
31:48Devin's jaw tightened. Martin was not the one to be easily swayed once he set his eyes on something.
31:52Look, Martin, Sabrina is fragile right now.
31:56She doesn't need you taking advantage of her vulnerability, alright?
32:00Sabrina's a smart and capable woman.
32:04I think she can make her own decisions, don't you?
32:08Be that as it may, I find your timing a little opportunistic, and I don't appreciate it in the slightest.
32:12Martin took another sip from his whiskey.
32:16From the second you mentioned your sister, I've been interested in her.
32:20I can tell she doesn't recognize me, and I don't blame her.
32:24I've changed quite a bit from our school days.
32:28But rest assured, I will navigate this relationship with tact.
32:32I owe that to you as your friend.
32:36Devin softened a bit. He took a swig of his own drink in solidarity.
32:40I'm glad you understand where I'm coming from.
32:44Trust me, that's a can of worms you don't want to get involved with.
32:48Why do you say that?
32:52Devin had an argument with Chris's child, and he doesn't even know it.
32:56Martin's eyes widened.
33:00Are you serious? Serious as death itself, my friend.
33:04Well, this changes everything.
33:08Sabrina walked back to the table, notably calmer than before.
33:12Talking about me, I presume?
33:16Well, you're the topic of discussion today, are you not?
33:20Devin was all hunched up, tight, as if he was restraining himself.
33:24Mr. Dean, Martin is fine. Mr. Dean is better for me.
33:28She shifted in her seat.
33:32You're a very nice and charming man.
33:36While I appreciate your interest, I want to make it clear that I have just concluded a very difficult chapter in my life.
33:40I'm not in the place for any romantic entanglements.
33:44Martin swirled the whiskey in his glass.
33:48A stark misery washed over his face.
33:52You really don't recognize me, do you?
33:56Was I that forgettable to you, Sabrina?
34:00Did you say something?
34:04Sabrina whispered. The intensity of his gaze unsettled her.
34:08His stare held her, forcing her to look at him before it fell away.
34:12In a flash, it was gone. He was back to all brisk business now.
34:16He never saw the raw pain that almost crushed her heart.
34:20My intentions are strictly professional, Sabrina.
34:24In fact, I was just telling your brother how I think I'll be able to help.
34:28Sabrina was curious.
34:32Help? How do you think you'll be able to help me?
34:36Well, Devin here was just praising your intellect and potential.
34:40When he called me to suggest taking you on as a client,
34:44he said you'd be a large asset in the outcome of your separation. Is that correct?
34:48It is. I now own the deed to the Taylor Estate.
34:52I intend to keep its operations under my purview.
34:56That's what I like to hear.
35:00I'm here to make my case as a management entity for the said estate.
35:04Mostly financial, of course, but I would be honored to serve as your advisor as you work through this transition.
35:08Devin's eyebrow raised.
35:12Devin thought Martin was going to take this.
35:16Sabrina was curious about this proposal, and she couldn't help but mark the change in Martin's approach.
35:20It's odd. When he got down to business and spoke in a professional manner,
35:24he was even more attractive than his flirtatious self.
35:28The door was still closed on that matter, but she reveled in the slight increase in attraction.
35:32You want to help me manage a mansion?
35:36Not just manage, Sabrina.
35:40You want to manage your own financial as well as your own.
35:44As you mentioned, you've been a housewife for years, so your understanding of that estate's inner workings
35:48probably exceeds that of Mr. Taylor himself.
35:52You know the staff and the groundskeepers well.
35:56That rapport is essential.
36:00I think you're the perfect person to turn that estate into something that may generate a comfortable amount of income for you moving forward.
36:04Sabrina, who was once skeptical,
36:08was now intrigued by the proposal.
36:12She couldn't let Martin know it, though, so she instead chose to challenge his proposal.
36:16I must know, Martin. What's in it for you?
36:20Martin expected this. He leaned back and considered his words carefully.
36:24The catch is that we work together on this project.
36:28I invest my time and resources, and in return,
36:32there will be a net profit split between yourself and my company.
36:36Of what percentage, may I ask?
36:4050-50 seems agreeable.
36:44Devin choked on his laughter. Martin clearly did not know his sister.
36:4850-50 seems impossible. Try again.
36:52Sabrina, I... Martin, with all due respect,
36:56you did not just come here hours after I procured the largest and most expensive asset
37:00I have ever owned in my life, asking for 50% of it.
37:04I don't know you. I don't know your motives.
37:08While I'm interested in the proposition,
37:12I am also fully fine with finding other ways to upkeep the property
37:16without your assistance. So I ask you again to reconsider
37:20that figure before we discuss anything else.
37:24Martin was shocked. There was no way she was challenging him
37:28with this much vigor. He might have met his match.
37:32But for him, he was no stranger to negotiations and met her response
37:36with a well-thought-out rebuttal.
37:40You are absolutely right. How rude of me. I hadn't read the room and I apologize.
37:44How about this? I'll take on this endeavor pro bono for the first year
37:48and we can revisit the percentage after we're up and running.
37:52Anything made within that interim will be yours to keep.
37:56But I assure you, you won't make anything at all without my help.
38:00As she pondered the deal, she couldn't help but feel the adrenaline creep through her system
38:04as she went back and forth with Martin.
38:08It was the same excitement she felt when she and Chris had spent the night together
38:12before the divorce proceedings.
38:16Who was this man? And why did she find him so exciting?
38:20Still, she had to remain strong.
38:24Any inkling he might get of her being remotely interested in him