Just as Mia stepped onto the stage, Lucy suddenly stormed up and pointed at Sarah, shouting loudly, “I want to report something! Sarah helped Mia cheat! This is unfair!” Her words echoed through the auditorium, and the room fell silent. Zachary’s cold gaze swept over Lucy, while Sarah responded in a steady, icy tone. “Lucy, you can’t make accusations without proof.” “I have proof!” Lucy screamed, her voice frantic. Dean Larson exchanged a glance with Professor Wells, while Jane looked on with a cold, unreadable expression. Lucy continued, her voice filled with righteous indignation. “The original test questions were supposed to be a different set! But just thirty minutes before the competition, Sarah swapped them out. Isn’t that suspicious? And look at this!” She held up Mia’s bag and pulled out a crumpled sheet of paper. “I found the original test questions in Mia’s bag!” Dean Larson turned to Sarah, his tone heavy. “Ms. Sanders, what’s going on here?” He was awar
Sarah’s gaze grew sharper as she locked eyes with Lucy. Her voice was steady but commanding. “Who told you?”Lucy avoided her stare, her eyes darting nervously. Still, she clung to her argument. “That doesn’t matter! The fact is, this test paper is from the competition! Don’t deny it. If you won’t admit it, we can have the events committee investigate to see who’s lying! You’re just helping Mia cheat because you’re close to her!”The crowd grew restless, their anger reignited. If Lucy’s claims were true, then Sarah had crossed a line, betraying the trust of the entire competition.The psychology department’s reputation had been built on the long-standing tradition of these annual competitions. And now, someone was accusing a faculty member of cheating in one of its most important events.But Sarah remained calm. She smiled faintly and raised a hand to quiet the room. “Everyone, please listen. Lucy is correct. This is indeed the first set of test questions—the ones prepared for toda
Sarah’s face was cold and composed as she gestured toward the screen. The projector lit up, displaying grainy, green-tinged footage from the office’s night-vision camera. Despite the low light, the scene was clear.After about ten seconds, the office door creaked open. Two figures snuck inside, moving cautiously. One of them was unmistakably Lucy.“Turn it off! Turn it off!” Lucy screamed, her panic evident. A moment ago, she had been full of bravado, but seeing the footage made her realize the truth—this had been a trap. Sarah had set her up from the start.The video paused, freezing on Lucy’s face in perfect clarity.“Lucy Chancer,” Dean Larson said, his face alternating between pale and flushed with anger, “so you’re the one who stole the test questions. And now, at the competition, you dare accuse others to cover your own actions?”The dean’s fury was palpable. In front of so many reporters, this wasn’t just embarrassing—it was a direct blow to the university’s reputation.St
“No! You can’t!” Lucy screamed as if possessed, suddenly scrambling to her feet. Her voice was shrill, almost desperate. “Dean! You absolutely cannot call the police! If you do, my life will be ruined! You can’t! I’m from the Chancer family! My brother is on the board of trustees—you can’t just ignore that!”Tears brimmed in her eyes, overflowing as she shook her head wildly. She couldn’t let this happen.She was the daughter of the Chancer family, a shining socialite of the East Coast. If she were arrested and sent to jail, not only would the other wealthy families shun her, but she’d become a target of mockery for everyone in her circle.Dean Larson hesitated, visibly torn. After all, the Chancer family held sway over the board.But Zachary’s icy voice cut through the tension. “Don’t worry, Dean Larson. The board isn’t blind to right and wrong. Besides, this matter involves Mia, and the Reynolds family will not let this go. Let’s follow Ms. Sanders’s suggestion.”“Mr. Reynolds!
The Infirmary.Sarah’s legs were badly burned, red and swollen, with blisters forming. Her arms bore smaller burn marks as well.Mia had wanted to come along, but Zachary sent her home, insisting she rest.As the doctor treated Sarah’s burns, she drew in a sharp breath. The pain was excruciating—not just searing heat, but a crawling, prickling sensation, as if countless tiny insects were biting into her skin. It burned and itched all at once, the kind of itch she desperately wanted to scratch but couldn’t without unbearable pain.“Don’t touch it,” Zachary said firmly, catching her wrist to stop her from moving.The doctor handed Zachary an ice pack. “Place this directly on the burn. Keep it against the skin for at least ten minutes.”Zachary took the ice pack but suddenly paused, glancing at the doctor. “Wait—can she still use ice for that... area?”The doctor immediately understood. “It’s fine. She likely won’t feel it there.”Sarah’s face turned crimson. Using her uninjured h
The Infirmary.“Keep the ice on a little longer.”Just as the ice packs were being removed, the door to the infirmary burst open.James walked in with his mother, followed by Charlotte and the Garnett family.“You wretched woman! Give me back my daughter!” Mrs. Chancer yelled, pointing an accusatory finger at Sarah. “The police took my daughter away, and you’re going to march down to that station right now and have her released!”James, slightly more composed, glanced at Sarah’s burns with a flicker of surprise. But when he saw Zachary standing nearby, his expression immediately soured.“Sarah, I apologize on behalf of my sister,” James began, trying to sound reasonable. “But don’t you think you went too far? Calling the police was unnecessary. You were just acting on impulse, weren’t you? Let’s put this behind us. If you can have her released, I’ll make sure you’re compensated for everything.”“James,” Sarah’s voice was sharp, “you think I went too far? Have you looked at what
“You’re lying! How could the dean act without the board’s approval? Don’t forget, we’re members of the board!” Mrs. Chancer scolded, her tone sharp.Sarah didn’t even glance at her, replying flatly, “Have you forgotten? There’s another board member here.”The mention of Zachary immediately silenced Mrs. Chancer. She didn’t dare speak further.Charlotte stepped forward again, her tone soft and persuasive. “Ms. Sanders, this situation can be resolved easily. There’s no need to escalate it this far. The Chancer family won’t give up on Lucy. Why not take the high road and forgive them?”“Shut up!” Sarah snapped, her voice low but cutting. “What does this have to do with you? You’re not even part of the Chancer family, so stop telling me what to do. And by the way, you took my phone, didn’t you?”Charlotte’s heart skipped a beat. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”“Stop playing dumb. I knew it was you the moment it went missing. I suggest you return my phone quickly—or throw it
Zachary gently placed Sarah into the car, settling her in the back seat before climbing into the driver’s seat himself.As the car started moving, Sarah took a closer look at her leg. After the ice pack treatment, the swelling had worsened, and her leg was now painfully puffy and red.Zachary gripped the steering wheel, his expression filled with guilt.The thermos had been his idea—he’d brought it to Sarah, filled with steaming hot water. If he hadn’t, perhaps none of this would have happened.The atmosphere inside the car was heavy, the air thick with tension. Sarah, sitting quietly in the back, could feel the weight of Zachary’s mood pressing down on her.“Zachary, what are you thinking about?” she asked, breaking the silence.Until now, he hadn’t shown this kind of expression, not even in the infirmary. Was it because of the Chancers?“I was thinking,” he said quietly, “if only I hadn’t brought that thermos today.”Sarah blinked, surprised. She hadn’t expected him to blame
Mrs. Chancer anxiously watched Charlotte lying unconscious on the bed, barely hearing anything the hospital director was saying.James had regained his composure after learning that Charlotte was currently stable. He politely responded to the director, "Thank you. Please don't let us keep you from your duties."After speaking, he glanced at the housekeeper.The housekeeper instinctively stepped forward and extended his right hand courteously. "Director, please, let me escort you back."Mrs. Chancer sat on the stool that James had pulled over, staring at Charlotte's pale face with lingering fear, unable to look away for a long time.It wasn't that she truly cared for Charlotte; she was simply afraid of losing her chance to hold her first grandchild.James placed his hand on her shoulder and gently urged, "Mom, you've had a shock. Charlotte is fine now. Why don't you go home and rest?"Mrs. Chancer was still somewhat angry with him. "I'm not leaving. What if you leave the moment I'
She bit her lip hard, regaining some clarity, then shouted toward the stairway, "Help! Someone come quickly! Save my baby!"Before she lost consciousness, several panicked figures appeared in her vision, rushing toward her.The ambulance arrived quickly. Everyone carefully lifted Charlotte inside, where doctors and nurses immediately began emergency procedures.The housekeeper went along in the ambulance to the hospital.On the way, he called both James and Mrs. Chancer, briefly explaining what had happened and giving them the hospital's location.After receiving the call, James put aside his work and rushed to the hospital as quickly as possible.Even though he disliked Charlotte, the child in her womb was his undeniable responsibility.Mrs. Chancer reacted as if the world was ending. As soon as she arrived at the hospital, she frantically found a doctor and grabbed his hand, refusing to let go. "Where is my daughter-in-law? Where is she? Is the baby okay?"The doctor she corne
Perhaps due to her extreme emotional state, Charlotte quickly fell asleep.She had a dream.In her dream, she had just gotten off a plane and spotted James in the distance, elegantly leaning against his car waiting for her. In that moment, his eyes were fixed only on her.Charlotte ran toward him happily, wanting to throw herself into his arms and hold him tight.However, halfway there, she saw another woman appear from the side who ran straight into James's welcoming embrace.She could clearly see that James's eyes were filled with affection, without sparing even a glance in her direction."No, this can't be real. Who is she?" Charlotte shook her head in disbelief as she walked closer step by step. When she saw the woman's face, she instantly fell apart."Sarah Sanders, why is it you again? Why do you keep haunting me? James is mine. Don't you dare try to take him away." Charlotte lunged forward like a madwoman, trying to separate them.A mist enveloped the couple, and the scen
The guard at the door was easy to convince. She made up a simple excuse about having a stomachache or needing to see a doctor.The police still sent someone to follow her to the building entrance. When they arrived, the officer blocked her path. "Ms. Garnett, please go back. Without approval, you can't see anyone except your doctor.""Not even my husband? My stomach hurts terribly. I need to see my husband to feel at ease," she pleaded.But the officer wouldn't budge. "Ms. Garnett, please return!"Just then, the officer received a phone call. After listening for a few moments, the officer stepped aside.Charlotte walked in confidently, wearing sunglasses with her head held high.The receptionist greeted her politely, "Miss, who are you here to see? Do you have an appointment?"Charlotte removed her sunglasses, frowning slightly with an annoyed tone, "I'm here to see your CEO, James Chancer. Do I really need an appointment?"The receptionist was new and didn't recognize Charlotte
As Mrs. Sanders kept talking, not only did Sarah stay silent — she actually started laughing.Mrs. Sanders frowned. “What are you laughing at?”Sarah’s gaze turned cold. Her voice was calm but sharp. “Shouldn’t matters between us younger people be handled by us directly? Wouldn’t it sound bad if word got out that you’re getting involved like this?”She paused for a second, then added with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Besides, no matter what, I’m still the biggest shareholder in Sanders Group. Firing an employee is well within my rights, don’t you think?”Right now, Sarah was actually glad Mrs. Sanders had finally dropped the act and shown her true colors. At least it saved Sarah the trouble of pretending to be polite.Mrs. Sanders still wore the kind, gentle smile of an elder, but her voice turned colder underneath. “So what, you’re using your position to pressure me now?”Sarah laughed softly. “You’re joking. How would I dare?”Without bothering to continue the
Later that night, Sarah went downstairs with her empty glass to get some water. But just as she passed by the living room, she overheard a conversation between Melvin and Mrs. Sanders.“You’re really impossible to talk to, you know that?” Mrs. Sanders sounded both angry and disappointed. “It’s not just me — everyone in the family has been trying to convince you. Sarah studied psychology, not business. She has no experience at all. The entire Sanders Group is depending on you.”Melvin’s voice, on the other hand, was clearly filled with impatience. “I’m pretty sure I told you a long time ago, stop bringing up anything about Sarah.”Mrs. Sanders snorted coldly. “How can I not bring it up? It’s just that you’re willing to work like a fool without asking for anything in return. If you’re just going to be a tool to manage Sanders Group for someone else, I really don’t understand why you’re doing all this.”She paused, then added, “By the way, your aunt hinted to me earlier — she wa
Melvin forced a small smile.He honestly didn’t know how his mother could scold him so viciously over the phone just a few days ago… only to turn around tonight and act like nothing had happened, praising him in front of everyone.Mrs. Sanders finally seemed to notice Sarah as well. She smiled politely and nodded. “Sarah, you’re here too? Come on in.”Many of the Sanders family elders were there tonight. When Uncle Shawn saw Sarah, his face lit up with joy. He quickly pulled her over to sit at the main table beside him.“Sasa, you must have had a rough time in West Ridge. Later, I’ll ask the kitchen to make all your favorite dishes, just for you.”Sarah’s heart warmed at his words. Uncle Shawn really did treat her like his own daughter.But when she glanced to the side, she noticed Mrs. Sanders looking at her coldly — like she was staring at an enemy.Tonight’s birthday banquet wasn’t just a family gathering. Even members of the White family were there.The moment Madam White
Zachary still didn’t respond.Vivian straightened up and slowly walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window. Her voice was calm, but every word was filled with accusation.“Zachary, let’s not pretend. We both know perfectly well — while you were gone, Sarah disappeared too. Are you really expecting me to believe that the two of you weren’t together?”She paused, her eyes fixed on the distant view outside.“I always thought that since you agreed to get engaged to me, you’d take responsibility. I believed you wouldn’t be out there tangled up with her. Was I wrong?”Zachary let out a soft, mocking laugh.“You believed.” His voice was low and cold. “But just because you believe something… does that automatically make it true?”Vivian froze — then suddenly let out a loud, crazed laugh, like she had completely lost control.She turned around, her eyes burning as she pointed at him. “Then tell me! Tell me whether it’s true or not! Where exactly did you go? Who were you with?”She to
Vivian smiled sweetly, though her words were sharp underneath.“Like you said, I’m Zachary’s fiancée. Of course, I wouldn’t say anything reckless. Out of responsibility, since this contract was signed by both of us, I have an obligation to make sure things are handled properly.”Her words sounded kind and reasonable on the surface, but everyone in the room could hear the meaning behind them.Mr. Robertson, who had been quietly watching this back-and-forth, already understood exactly what kind of person Vivian was. But between Zachary and Vivian, it was clear where his loyalties lay — with Vivian.“Mr. Steven, why don’t we call Mr. Reynolds over?” Mr. Robertson suggested calmly.Steven’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Zach…”But before he could finish, a deep, cold voice rang out from the doorway.“Mr. Robertson, have you ever thought about the possibility… that these parts aren’t from Reynolds Corporation at all?”The conference room door swung open.Zachary walked in slowly, calm