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
At the Chancer residence.Lucy stormed toward the study, her frustration boiling over after the events at school. She intended to tell James everything.As she approached the door, she heard him on the phone. The mention of Sarah’s name made her pause, and she pressed her ear to the door.“Are you free this weekend? Grandpa hasn’t been eating well, and he really wants to see you. Could you come keep him company?”After a brief pause, his tone softened. “Alright, Sarah. Should I come pick you up?”Sarah?!Lucy’s face contorted with anger. How could James still be in contact with that woman?That conniving woman! Why was her brother still speaking to her? Wasn’t Sarah the person he claimed to hate the most? Yet his tone on the phone was unusually gentle—something Lucy had never heard him use with anyone else.Downstairs, Charlotte was preparing a fruit platter. Lucy quickly descended the stairs, deliberately making her movements heavy and grabbing two glasses of water, her expres
"Who says that? Must be some fool—every day, they make me so angry I can't even eat!" Richard glared pointedly at James."Grandpa, do you have to call me out like this?" James replied with a helpless smile.Before the conversation could continue, the door opened, and Lucy strode in. She made a beeline for Richard, putting on her sweetest expression. "Grandpa, I came to see you."Richard gave her a cold glance and said nothing."You've got some nerve showing up here after what you did to Sarah," he finally snapped. "And you still have the audacity to look me in the eye?"Lucy feigned remorse. "Grandpa, I know I was wrong."Sarah stood off to the side, her expression icy as she glanced at James. If she had known this would turn into a family reunion, she wouldn't have come."Sarah treated you so well—how could you be so ungrateful? Apologize to her right now! If you can't do that, get out and don't come back!" Richard demanded sternly.Lucy turned to Sarah with exaggerated humili
"Is that a threat?" Sarah scoffed. "I'm seeing Zachary because of Mia.""Whatever the reason, if Zachary and his grandfather don't want you treating Mia anymore, you should just disappear. Stay away from them." Vivian's voice dripped with venom.Sarah narrowed her eyes, suddenly leaning in so close their faces nearly touched. A chill ran down Vivian's spine."Aren't you overstepping? Not everything needs your control, Vivian. Mia's my friend. Of course I'll help when she's in trouble."Vivian sneered. "Don't be ridiculous. Their grandfather and Zachary have found dozens of renowned therapists. You really think you're more qualified? Are you really helping Mia, or using her condition to get close to Zachary?""Shut up. There may be many qualified people, but I've been treating Mia all along. No one knows her condition better than I do. As for Zachary - we're over. I won't go back. You don't need to be so threatened."Vivian burst into mocking laughter. "Me? Threatened? You don't k
Mia calmed slightly at the familiar voice. Her frantic movements slowed, the pillow she'd meant to throw falling to the floor. She stared at Zachary with wary confusion, her guard dropping only when she finally recognized him."Brother?" she tested uncertainly.The worry in Zachary's eyes softened. "Yes, Mia. It's me, your brother."He approached slowly, careful not to startle her, gently removing the cup from her left hand."Mia, look at my face. I'm your brother.""Brother?" she murmured, then her expression twisted. "Liar! You want to kill me, don't you? You want to eat me!" The word "eat" seemed to trigger her deepest terrors.Her face contorted as she crouched down, hugging herself. "Don't eat me, please don't!"Zachary looked at his sister with pain, cautiously placing a hand on her shoulder. "Don't be scared, Mia. I'm here to protect you.""You're lying! You said you'd protect us but never came! Sarah was eaten and you never came! You lied to us!" Mia sobbed hysterically
She left without waiting for Zachary's response, not looking back.At the restaurant, Vivian and Zachary sat at the best window table, their food already served."Zachary, try this!" Vivian said eagerly. "This steak's even better than that Kobe beef we had in Japan."Zachary mechanically cut a piece and took a bite. The meat was indeed good."So," Vivian asked, feigning casualness, "what did Miss Sanders want earlier?"Zachary frowned slightly. "That's private.""Why so hostile? I just care about you. If she needs help, maybe I could assist?" Vivian's voice turned hurt.Zachary put down his cutlery and looked at her coolly. "Actually, there is one thing you could help with.""What is it?"A cold smile played at his lips. "Stay in your lane."Vivian's smile froze, her body tensing. She forced a laugh. "What do you mean?""Nothing at all," Zachary said, taking another bite.After dinner, Vivian dabbed her lips. The meal had been tasteless.She hadn't mentioned the engagement
Sarah looked at Zachary gravely. "Mia's condition is deteriorating. I need to continue her treatment."Zachary's fingers drummed lightly on his desk, disapproval written across his face. "That's...""What? Don't you trust me?" Sarah raised an eyebrow."Of course I trust you. I've never doubted your professional ability. I just..." Just want to prevent what might happen - like you leaving me when you learn the truth.But he'd never tell her that.Sarah knew Zachary well. Something specific was making him hesitate. Those strange photographs? Or that drawing Mia had made?Though she suspected he wouldn't answer, she had to ask. "Tell me why."Zachary froze. "I'm sorry. I can't."He couldn't say anything until he'd figured out his explanation.Sarah gave a bitter laugh. "Is it because of Tina’s incident? Or what happened when Mia had her episode at the school gates? I know you don't believe those online rumors, but I can't think of any reason you'd willingly stop Mia's treatment,
The receptionist barely concealed her frown. Who could she be calling?"I'm at Reynolds Tower. Need to see you."The woman's tone was curt. The receptionist wondered who warranted such directness.Moments later, she watched in shock as the executive elevator whirred into action. The doors opened and Zachary Reynolds himself strode out, heading straight for the woman, his pace quickening. "Sasa, what brings you here?"Sarah didn't return his warmth. "Your office. We need to talk."In his office, Sarah fixed him with a disapproving look. "Mr. Reynolds, I don't know what you're thinking, but I do know you care about Mia. If you care so much, you must realize my therapy is what's best for her."She couldn't understand why he'd suddenly stopped her sessions with Mia, but it had to be connected to Mia's buried memories.Zachary looked at her helplessly. "Sasa, it's not just my decision. It's Grandfather's too. I'm sorry."Sarah stared at him in disbelief. "So because of your grandfat
Three days after leaving Sarah's... that was so long ago.She couldn't imagine how Mia had endured, but the raw marks on her arms told the story.Sarah frowned at Mia's scarred arms. "You silly girl. Doesn't it hurt?"Mia shook her head. "My mind's so chaotic then, I don't even remember doing it. It's like a nightmare - I just wake up and find the scratches.""What kind of nightmare?" Sarah asked worriedly."Someone trying to grab me, saying they'll drink my blood, eat my flesh. I'm so scared."Sarah knew these casual descriptions masked Mia's reality - waking up screaming, probably crying herself hoarse.Mia's shoulders trembled as she spoke."Mia, stop. That's enough," Sarah cut in quickly."Sarah, can you help me?" She buried herself in Sarah's embrace."Of course I will." Sarah patted her shoulder and stroked her forehead.Since she'd come under the pretense of therapy, Mia needed to get to her therapist's office.In the car, she looked back at Sarah longingly. "I'll co
After Shawn and Amanda left, Melvin warned, "Sasa, Sydney won't let this go. Be careful.""I will. Heading to the office?"“Yep. See you at home." Then he left too.Alone at last, Mia threw herself into Sarah's arms. "I've missed you so much! I've been trying to see you, but my grandfather wouldn't let me out. I finally found a way!""Did you sneak out?" Sarah asked, getting some coconut pudding from the fridge."Not this time!" Mia said proudly. "I made a deal with my new therapist.""A deal?"Mia nodded. “My grandfather and brother keep finding therapists, but I couldn't work with any of them. This one's different - I agreed to treatment if he'd bring me here."Sarah looked at her with concern. "Still having nightmares?""Yes. Without you, I'm always panicking. Even at home, my heart races. I just want to lock myself in my room, avoid everyone. But with you, I feel safe. I can talk again." Mia took a bite of pudding.Sarah had always known Mia depended on her - it seemed es
"Sydney," Mia said mockingly, "if you want Sarah to forgive you, it's simple - get on your knees and apologize. Right here, in front of everyone. And promise you'll never bother her again."On her knees?Sydney's eyes widened. Kneel before Sarah? Before that bitch?"Never! I won't kneel to her!"Sarah stepped closer, with a cool smile. "Fine. Then I'll personally see you to a cell. The last person like you is already in prison, and your cousin won't escape either.""You're threatening me!" Sydney's face flushed.Mrs. Blanco turned tearfully to Amanda. "Amanda, look at your niece! We're family - how can she demand Sydney kneel?"Before Amanda could speak, Shawn pulled her back. "Mrs. Blanco, where was this 'family' talk when your daughter was plotting? Since Sarah wants an apology on knees, that's what she'll get. Unless you want Benjamin back in detention? How would Lady White take that?""Uncle! I'm your niece too! Why protect only her?" Sydney's tears started falling."Sydne
"I see." Old Lady White fixed Sydney with an icy stare. "Benjamin, is this true?""No! Grandmother, please believe me! I'd never do something like this. Sarah's framing me - it's all her plot!" Sydney looked at her grandmother desperately.Benjamin pressed on, "She even warned me on the way to the hospital not to mention her involvement.""You're lying! Benji, look carefully at who's really trying to destroy you!" Sydney turned on Benjamin like a cornered animal."Look at yourself, Sydney," Mia said coldly. "You're acting unhinged. Your cousin's confessed - what's left to deny?""You Reynolds have no place here! This is Sanders family business. Anyone can see Sarah's manipulating everything behind the scenes!"Benjamin shook his head fiercely. "Grandmother, Sydney did this! Now that everything's blown up, she's trying to pin it all on me when she's the real mastermind."Old Lady White's expression grew colder. Finally dropping her facade, she said, "If this was Sydney's scheme