Lucy threw herself into James’s arms, sobbing hysterically. “James! Get me out of here! I can’t stand it! There’s no one to talk to in this awful place!”Mrs. Chancer’s heart ached as she looked at her daughter. “Lucy, your brother and I were so worried about you. The moment we heard you were in trouble, we went straight to that woman, but she refused to let you go no matter what! And that Zachary Reynolds, he’s clearly determined to protect Sarah. But what were you thinking, Lucy? How could you be so reckless? You dare provoke the Reynolds family!”“Mom! I know I was wrong, I really do! Please, get me out of here! If this news gets out tomorrow, everyone will know I was taken away by the police! How humiliating will that be? I can’t let that happen!” Lucy’s cries turned desperate. She clung to her mother’s clothes and James’s sleeve, sobbing uncontrollably.But no matter how much she pleaded, James’s face remained cold and unyielding as he looked at her.Panic flashed across Lucy’
Zachary thought for a moment. “No.”“Zachary, if Mia has another episode when she wakes up, I’ll call the hospital right away. I’ll also continue helping with her treatment,” Sarah said seriously.Zachary nodded. He trusted her completely.After everything that had happened, Sarah was utterly drained. She slumped back into the sofa, her breathing heavy.On top of the pain from her burns, a dull, twisting ache began forming in her lower stomach, like a sharp blade digging into her insides.She curled up slightly, clutching her abdomen tightly. Zachary noticed immediately.“Sarah, what’s wrong?”“My stomach…” she muttered weakly, sweat breaking out across her forehead. She didn’t have the energy to explain further.“Did you take your painkillers today?”“Not yet,” she managed.Zachary didn’t hesitate. He headed straight to the kitchen, pulling a bottle of prescribed pain medication from the cabinet. He poured a glass of warm water and set it on the counter before turning back t
Half an hour earlier, Sarah had tried to get up and make herself some noodles in the kitchen, but the pain in her leg was unbearable. That’s when she called Scarlett for help.Now, sitting comfortably on the couch, Sarah recounted everything to Scarlett—how Lucy had thrown the boiling water at her during the competition, and how James later barged into the infirmary to question her.Scarlett was fuming. “Those people are unbelievable! I’ve never liked that Lucy! Even when you were married to James, she treated you like her personal maid. Now that you’re divorced from that loser, she still won’t leave you alone. She’s rotten to the core!”“She probably wanted to use this competition to prove she’s better than me,” Sarah replied calmly. “But stealing the test papers? That’s crossing the line. It’s illegal.”Scarlett scoffed angrily. “Her brain must be missing a few screws! She spends all her time scheming instead of doing anything worthwhile. Honestly, her mother and that jerk James
“It’s not up to me,” Sarah said, her mouth still full of food. “Even if you came to me, it wouldn’t help. The dean already spoke to the Reynolds family, and they won’t let this go.”“I’m just worried…” Scarlett started to ramble, clearly lost in thought, when a knock at the door interrupted them. She looked at Sarah with confusion, only to see the same puzzled expression on her face.Scarlett opened the door cautiously. The moment she saw who it was, she slammed it shut again.“Who was it?” Sarah asked, still chewing.“That jerk!” Scarlett snapped irritably.“What does he want?” Sarah’s patience wore thin immediately.The knocking resumed, louder this time. Scarlett yanked the door open again, glaring at the man standing there. “What are you doing here? You’re not welcome! Leave!”“I need to talk to Sarah,” James said urgently, pushing the door open with force.“You’re out of your mind, James!” Scarlett shouted angrily, stumbling back from the shove.“James, this is my house!”
“Zachary Reynolds?” James narrowed his eyes. Why was he here, at Sarah’s apartment, at this hour? “I came to see Sarah for something important. This has nothing to do with you, Mr. Reynolds,” James said stiffly. Zachary’s gaze turned ice cold. “Scarlett and Sasa already told you you’re not welcome here. If you’ve got time to waste standing around, why don’t you focus on getting your sister out of jail? The school reported her, and the decision was unanimously approved by the board. This has nothing to do with Sarah.” Hearing Zachary refer to her as “Sasa” with such familiarity only made James’s expression darken further. “Mr. Reynolds, the Chancers is also part of the school board. I don’t recall any formal board meeting being held,” James said with a hard edge. Did Zachary think the board belonged to him alone? Zachary looked indifferent, his tone casual yet cutting. “Ah, I forgot. You “are” on the board. But isn’t it true that the Reynolds family holds the largest s
“Mia is at the hospital, asleep for now. I was worried you hadn’t eaten, so I had Steven pick up some food for you,” Zachary explained. He hadn’t expected Scarlett to be here, let alone run into James just now. Sarah’s face still carried a hint of discomfort from the awkward encounter. “Sorry you had to see that.” It seemed like every time she had a run-in with the Chancers, Zachary was there to witness it. “I used to think the Chancers had some dignity, but clearly, I was wrong,” Zachary said calmly. He rarely paid attention to gossip like this. When it came to stories about wealthy families, he had seen plenty of scandals over the years—he just never expected to be part of one himself. Scarlett, gnawing on a drumstick, chimed in sarcastically. “Oh, you haven’t seen the half of it. It’s like watching the most ridiculous soap opera come to life!” “Eat your chicken,” Sarah quickly interrupted, trying to shut her up before she said something worse. Zachary chuckled b
"Mom!" James snapped, his tone sharp with irritation. "Stop saying that. This isn't Sarah's fault. When I went to her place, Zachary Reynolds was there. The Reynolds family is clearly involved now."Zachary Reynolds at Sarah's apartment? Charlotte felt her heart sink. Were they together now? They were getting far too close for comfort.Mrs. Chancer's voice rose sharply, bitter and angry. "Of course, now the Reynolds family is helping that little witch deal with Lucy. My poor Lucy—how could this happen to her!""Sarah won't even talk to me anymore," James admitted helplessly.Charlotte seized her chance. "Well, of course not. The Reynolds are one of the most powerful families in the city. Sarah probably doesn't think she needs to be polite to us anymore—not with Zachary Reynolds in her corner."Her implication was clear, and James caught on immediately.Mrs. Chancer jumped in, her voice dripping with venom. "Charlotte's right. That woman only cares about power and status. She to
"What's wrong? Is it Mia?""Yes, Mia's awake and she won't stop crying.""You should go to her then. Here, take this food - she hasn't eaten yet," Sarah quickly handed him a thermos container.Zachary didn't refuse, taking the container with him.Before leaving, he glanced back several times, concerned. "Call me if anything happens." Though he knew she wouldn't."Okay, and let me know when you get to the hospital. I want to know how she's doing."Zachary arrived at the hospital quickly. Before he even entered the room, he could hear the girl's hoarse crying.The nurse explained anxiously, "Mr. Reynolds, I don't know what happened. After you left, Miss Reynolds was sleeping, but when she woke up, she just started crying and hasn't stopped. Her voice is hoarse now, and she won't respond to anyone - she just keeps saying she's scared.""I'll see her."When Zachary entered the room worriedly, Mia didn't have a strong reaction to him. Instead, she looked at him pitifully. “Zach, is
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