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
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