Sarah quietly finished her tea, her cheeks flushing red, and set the empty bowl down.That evening, as Zachary prepared to leave, he turned to Sarah with a thought. “Tomorrow morning, I’ll pick Mia up and take her to visit my grandfather. Thank you for looking after her these past few days.”Sarah smiled warmly. “I’ve already come to see Mia as my little sister.”The next day at lunchtime, Sarah was enjoying a quiet meal. Mia had left earlier with Zachary. Suddenly, her phone buzzed. It was James. Without hesitation, she declined the call, but he called again. With a sigh, Sarah reluctantly picked up.“James, what do you want?” she snapped, clearly irritated.“Sarah, don’t hang up. This is about Grandpa,” he said quickly.“Mr. Richard? What about him?” Sarah’s tone softened. Of everyone in the Chancer family, Richard Chancer had always treated her the best.“His appetite’s been poor lately, and I’m planning to take him for a check-up. He’s been asking to see you. Could you come
“Miss Garnett, this way. Please wait here for a moment while I inform Mr. Chancer,” the butler said politely as he led Charlotte to the living room.Once inside, the butler discreetly informed James about Charlotte’s arrival. James’s expression darkened, and he immediately went to meet her.“What are you doing here?” His tone carried a hint of irritation.Charlotte feigned nonchalance, smiling softly. “I heard you say Grandpa hasn’t been feeling well lately, so I brought him some supplements. I originally wanted to come with you, but you left so quickly. I had no choice but to drive here on my own.”James barely glanced at the box of supplements and spoke gently but firmly. “Charlotte, you know how Grandpa feels about you… Maybe it’s best if you head back for now.”Charlotte froze, disbelief flashing across her face. Her eyes reddened as she stared at James. “James, I came here out of kindness, and you’re telling me to leave? We’re getting married, aren’t we? For the future, I nee
Richard shot Charlotte a cold glance, his tone unkind. “I don’t teach chess to just anyone, and I’m not particularly fond of it either. I just enjoy having Sasa visit when she has time to play a game or two with me.”Charlotte’s expression darkened. She could no longer maintain her composed and elegant demeanor. Feeling utterly sidelined, she couldn’t understand what kind of charm Sarah had used to win over Richard so completely.Unable to hold back her frustration, she finally snapped, “Grandpa, Miss Sanders is an outsider. I’m the one who’s going to be your granddaughter-in-law.”James immediately interjected, “Charlotte, what nonsense are you spouting?”“Why? Am I wrong?” Charlotte insisted stubbornly. “At the end of the day, I’m the one you’re going to marry.”Richard set a white chess piece on the board with a heavy thud and said coldly, “James, don’t you have work to do at the company? Take her and leave. I’m doing just fine, so you don’t need to hover around and bother me.”
Richard placed another piece on the board, frowning slightly. “Sasa, don’t try to fool this old man. I could tell you were holding back. You could’ve won the last game, but you let me off easy.”“Grandpa, you’re too skilled for me. There’s no way I could win. Don’t tell me you’re just trying to comfort me with those words,” Sarah replied with a warm smile as she placed her next piece on the board.“I know you too well, Sasa. Don’t waste your time on that blockhead from our family. Just looking at him gives me a headache.” Richard sighed deeply.Sarah was such a wonderful girl, yet it seemed fate had decided she wouldn’t remain part of the Chancer family. The thought of James, that foolish grandson of his, left him frustrated. Even after the divorce, James was clearly still hung up on Sarah—his lingering gaze during their chess game hadn’t gone unnoticed.Richard had foreseen this day when the divorce was finalized.“I understand, Grandpa,” Sarah said sincerely. She knew he truly c
Sarah was speechless. With a mocking smile, she replied, “If he loves you so much, why are you wasting time talking to me?”Charlotte opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, a Porsche Cayenne pulled up by the curb. Zachary stepped out, his eyes immediately finding Sarah.Ignoring Charlotte, Sarah walked toward him. “Mr. Reynolds, what brings you here?”“Let’s talk in the car,” Zachary said, holding the passenger door open for her.Sarah hesitated briefly before getting in.Charlotte, her eyes red with frustration, called out, “Mr. Reynolds! Did you know that Miss Sanders has been constantly in contact with James?”Zachary paused, turning to look at Charlotte. “From what I’ve seen, it’s James who’s been pestering her. In fact, I’d call it harassment.”With that, he got into the car without another word.Sarah shook her head as she buckled her seatbelt. “Those two really are two sides of the same coin.”“Was it James who called you here?” Zachary asked as
She returned to her apartment downstairs, her rational mind telling her not to fall further, to recognize her place. Maybe it was time for her to set clear boundaries.Late that night, Charlotte returned home, visibly distraught. James had just finished his shower and stepped out of the bathroom. “Why are you back so late?” he asked casually.Charlotte forced a smile. “Mom and I talked for a long time.”“Hmm,” he responded vaguely. “I’ll be in the study finishing something.” Without waiting for a reply, he walked past her.Watching him leave, Charlotte’s eyes filled with frustration and resentment.Half an hour later, she emerged from the bedroom, dressed in a lace satin nightgown that clung to her figure. Her slightly damp hair fell loosely around her shoulders. A spritz of perfume and a touch of lipstick completed her look. Carrying a glass of wine, she entered the study.She placed the wineglass in front of James and leaned close. “James, we haven’t had a proper conversation i
"Miss Sanders, after our last talk, I’ve felt so much better. Please come back soon—I have so much more to share with you.""Miss Sanders, thank you for passing my paper to my idol! She even replied to my email.""Miss Sanders, everyone’s worried about you! Please come back!"...The heartfelt messages written on the sticky notes brought tears to Sarah’s eyes. Her vision blurred as she read each note, and she had to wipe away the moisture at the corners of her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she unlocked the counseling office door.Everything inside was just as she remembered. She noticed the broken safe had been returned to its original spot, now fully repaired.Sitting down at her desk, Sarah powered on her computer and started working. The toxic posts that had flooded the forums before had been deleted, leaving the space restored to its original academic focus. It was clear that someone had deliberately cleaned things up.East Coast Police DepartmentMrs. Chancer and Charlotte too
Those things they said were all lies! She was framed by Sarah Sanders!But every time Lucy closed her eyes, the hateful words echoed in her mind, and her ears rang with their accusations. She pressed her hands tightly over her ears, screaming, "I won't let you get away with this, Sarah Sanders!"The next day, she returned to school.The moment she stepped onto campus, she felt the disdain in the stares of the students around her. When she entered her classroom, the group of classmates chatting in a corner immediately dispersed.She approached Lindsey, fuming. “These people are ridiculous! They don’t even care about the truth—I was framed!”To her surprise, Lindsey didn’t back her up as usual. Instead, her tone was harsh. “The whole school saw it, Lucy. There were videos all over the news. And you’re still claiming you were framed?”Lucy glared at Lindsey with fury. “How dare you take Sarah Sanders’ side? Don’t forget who you’re loyal to! I treated you so well, and this is how you
Sarah didn't respond to Zachary's earlier words—she simply moved with even more care as she cleaned and bandaged his wound. Her eyes stayed fixed on the task at hand, but her expression was unreadable.Zachary, watching her in silence, gave a soft laugh. "You do care about me, Sasa. No matter what you say, you're not as heartless as you pretend to be."Sarah shook her head, her voice calm but cool. "You're overthinking it. We're both from East Coast—I just don't want to see you die. Besides, you're getting engaged to Miss Wilson in just over half a month. I’m clear of our positions. So please, don't say things like that again."Zachary's face changed instantly. He knew she was right—his engagement to Vivian was a chasm between them, one that he couldn't just leap across. Not while the truth remained buried.That engagement wasn't just a label. It was a shield. A smokescreen. A compromise he'd made to protect Sarah. But knowing she believed it, that it stood between them, only deepe
Charlie felt a chill run down his spine from that single glance. Considering her status, he dared not push any further. "That's all I have to say. The rest is up to you to figure out."He fled the scene, leaving Sarah alone in the room.After washing up, she lay on the bed and checked her emails. Her cousin had sent her updates on the construction progress at Pine Mist Island.Once she finished handling her affairs, Sarah tucked herself under the covers and closed her eyes, trying to sleep, but rest eluded her.Her mind was filled with what Charlie had said about Zachary being injured. He was hurt, and she had no idea how serious the wound was.If it was severe, he would need hospital treatment, which would certainly leave a record and expose his location.If he didn't want his whereabouts known, he would have to treat the injury himself at home.But that wound...Sarah couldn't calm her thoughts. She tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.Under the bright moonlight, a figu
After the doctor left, Charlie yanked out his IV and clambered off the bed, urging Zachary, "Let's get out of here. This place just drains you dry."Zachary, indifferent since his injuries were feigned, asked, "Your injuries alright?"Charlie, ever so casual about his resilience, boasted, "Ah, I've been roughed up worse before. Just give me a couple of days to rest at home, and I'll be as good as new."With unresolved matters and a longing to see Sarah, Zachary reluctantly set aside his desires. "Then you head back. Call me if you need anything."Charlie, sensing something off, gently tugged at Zachary's suit and noticed his white shirt stained with fresh blood. "Zach, you're hurt!"Zachary's lips were pale, his voice dry. "Yeah.""I'll get the doctor to bandage you up," Charlie said, moving to leave."No need," Zachary stopped him quickly, not wanting to expose his whereabouts by registering at the hospital."What about your wound?""I have a first aid kit at home. It's just
Zachary dragged the unconscious Charlie to the clinic, exacerbating Charlie's injuries as his back scraped against the small stones on the road.When Charlie woke up in the clinic, his howls filled the room. "It's killing me! Where's the doctor? Give me some anesthesia. I'd rather be out cold!"The nurse, irritated by his constant demands, was about to lose her patience when Zachary entered the room. Seeing him, Charlie momentarily forgot his pain and burst into tears. "Bro, did you save me? From now on, you're like a brother to me."Zachary responded indifferently, "Just focus on healing."As the nurse changed Charlie's bandages, she couldn't help but blush at Zachary's rugged, yet undeniably handsome appearance, even slightly disheveled from the fight."Damn it, get out! Are you doing this on purpose, you wretch? Trying to kill me?" Charlie slapped her, swelling her face, as he misunderstood her distracted clumsiness for malice.Zachary frowned, saying nothing. Although he disl
With an agile flip through the air, Zachary caught sight of Charlie sneaking a peek from behind a haystack, his sleazy demeanor perfectly deserving of a beating. The thought of what this scoundrel had done to Sarah intensified Zachary's fury, already heightened by the fierce combat.On the other side, the casino manager watched in rage as his men were effortlessly knocked down by Zachary. Cursing loudly, he shouted, "Damn it, what's the story with this kid?"Seeing some of his underlings still looking for an opportunity to strike, his anger boiled over. "Are you all brainless? Attack him all at once; I refuse to believe he can fight off everyone!"Those still standing and those who had managed to get back up exchanged glances and charged at Zachary with renewed ferocity.Zachary's sharp eyes flashed with disdain. Without moving, his fist met an attacker's face at an extraordinarily tricky angle.The attacker's pained expression froze mid-air, and when he hit the ground, dust flew
Charlie's voice cut off abruptly as he stared in horror behind Zachary, his body beginning to tremble. Before he could speak, the casino manager had already set up a blockade on the road and rushed over with his men, ambushing them from both sides."Charlie, you think you're pretty clever, conniving with outsiders to cheat me out of my money?" the casino manager sneered, twirling an iron rod menacingly.Charlie's legs gave out, and he fell to his knees, stuttering, "Bro, what are you talking about? How could I dare cheat you? I don't have the guts.""Stop lying to me," the manager bellowed, pointing the iron rod toward a visibly unmoved Zachary. "This pretty boy, you've been colluding with him to cheat on my turf. Sick of living, are you?""No, it's all a misunderstanding! We were gambling fair and square, no cheating!" Charlie was terrified, fearing a brutal beating was imminent.The manager scoffed, "You think I'm blind?"Sweat poured down Charlie's forehead as he desperately l
”Come on… Come on…” Charlie leaned over the long table, his eyes crazed as he watched the dealer's movements. The dealer placed his hand over the dice cup, his voice stirring the gamblers, "Any more bets? The odds are thirty to one now." As soon as he finished speaking, a burly man with a scruffy beard shoved most of his chips forward. "Damn it, I'm all in. Worst comes to worst, I'll con some more out of my old lady's funeral fund." Others, eyes reddened, quickly followed suit.Charlie clenched his yellowed teeth, tempted to go all in too. He glanced at Zachary, who had remained calm throughout, and rubbed his hands together with a sycophantic smile. "Bro, should we make a big play too?"Zachary gave him a brief glance. "What's the rush." Charlie had no choice but to curb his eagerness."Here it goes!" The dealer shouted, and the outcome was revealed, triggering moans of despair around them."Did we win? Did we actually win?" Charlie rubbed his eyes in disbelief, his smile wideni
Charlie pulled her close. "When have I not thought about you? Anyway, I've got things to do tomorrow. I'll come see you again later." He got dressed as the woman watched him reluctantly. Just as he opened the door to leave, another woman suddenly appeared in front of him."Molly, I've come—Oh? What are you doing here? Isn't this Mr. Wesley? What are you doing at Molly's house in the middle of the night instead of sleeping at home?"She saw Charlie adjusting his clothes and knew exactly what had been going on."Cut the crap, I'm leaving now. If anyone finds out about today, you're done for," Charlie snapped.The woman wasn't intimidated. She dramatically fell to her knees, crying out loud, "Oh dear! Everyone come and see how this man is threatening me, saying he'll kill me! He's not sleeping at his home in the middle of the night but is here at Molly's—who knows what they were up to? Now that I've caught him, he's not retreating but threatening me instead! Everyone come over and jud
Back at the Wesley place, Charlie shut the front door with a meaningful smirk as his parents had already gone to bed. He cleared the dining table and retreated to his room. Alone, his thoughts turned to what he imagined would happen between Zachary and Sarah, and he couldn't help but snicker to himself. This time, he felt he had finally done Zachary a favor by orchestrating the situation. After this, he was sure Zachary would owe him one, especially in his gambling endeavors.Once something happened between Sarah and Zachary, Charlie thought he would have significant leverage over Sarah—she wouldn't dare cross him, not even in front of the factory manager. Yet, the thought of their imminent encounter left him feeling an unexplained emptiness, especially since the woman he usually pushed around had defiantly returned to her mother's house after yesterday's beating. How dare she act differently when every other woman in the town bore their circumstances silently?Why was it acceptable