"She's fine! Someone's watching her. She won't die," Grace said coldly.Sarah was deeply worried. Mia's psychological trauma made her sensitive to stress - being kidnapped could trigger another episode."Mia has mental health issues. She can't handle shock. Take me to her - once I see she's safe, I'll write whatever you want!"Sarah kept her voice gentle, noticing Grace seemed on the verge of breakdown.Perhaps the paper incident had pushed her over the edge. Sarah spoke even more softly. "Professor Harrison, remember that before your dismissal, you were a teacher. You taught at Adams for many years, and Mia was your student. Teachers should protect their students. I believe this isn't what you really want, and we can still resolve this before it gets worse. I'll help write your paper, but think about it - you were caught last time. What if you're discovered again? As a psychology professor yourself, you must understand your current state. Don't do something you'll regret!"Grace
Zachary's face was tense as he asked urgently, "Are you okay?""I'm fine, Zac. I was just taking photos. What's wrong?" she asked worriedly.Zachary took a deep breath. "It's Sarah. She went to rescue you.""Rescue me? What do you mean?" Mia's eyes widened.Zachary quickly opened the car door. "No time to explain. Get in!"Once inside, he explained everything to her."What?! That's impossible! My phone died - I couldn't have answered any calls!" Mia pulled out her phone in shock.His assistant sat in the passenger seat, frantically tracking the license plate.Zachary gripped the wheel tightly. He'd received Sarah's call during his meeting. She hadn't spoken when he answered, despite his repeated questions. He'd almost hung up, but thankfully stayed on the line long enough to hear crucial details.He'd immediately ordered a search on Grace's background and the license plate number.After checking security footage and seeing Mia safe, he realized Sarah had been tricked!In the
Sarah leaped onto the fire escape between the second floor and ground level.She jumped down and bolted through the main gate.Grace quickly pursued in her car, but Sarah darted through narrow alleys where cars couldn't follow, eventually losing her.She avoided main streets, fearing she'd be spotted.She sprinted through back alleys for nearly an hour without seeing a soul. Her feet were blistered and bleeding in her heels, and without her phone, she felt completely lost.Thunder cracked overhead. Sarah had no idea where she was, surrounded only by empty lots with no shelter in sight.She kept running as rain began falling, soaking through her blouse and skirt.A chill crept up from her feet as her drenched clothes clung to her skin, the wind cutting right through them.Hugging herself for warmth, she followed street signs. After what felt like forever, she spotted headlights through the downpour and raised her hand weakly. "Help..."The car stopped, and someone rushed toward
Watching Sarah sip her soup in the hospital bed, Zachary couldn't shake the image of her collapsing in the rain.When she'd fainted in that downpour, he'd felt his world stop.Zachary walked quietly to the window, watching spring buds emerging on the hospital's manicured lawn.A patient crept across the grass and snapped off one of the fresh blooms.His heart jumped, his expression darkening.A vision flashed through his mind: a girl lying in a pool of blood, another screaming hysterically before fainting.The memory made him unsteady. He braced one hand against the wall, pressing the other to his temple."Are you alright?" Sarah asked.Zachary forced a smile, gradually relaxing his frown. "Just tired. Have you finished?""Yes." Sarah dabbed her mouth with a napkin.She tried removing her IV, but Zachary stopped her."Let's wait for the doctor. Your fever hasn't broken yet."At the abandoned warehouse, a black Porsche Cayenne pulled up. Sarah stepped out in her hospital gow
Tears welled in Grace's eyes, her lips trembling. "But you won't let this go. Even without today, I still broke the law.""Actually, I was planning to let it go. The university fired you, and I'm republishing the paper - both journals are eager to work with me. I had no reason to destroy you completely."She looked at Grace sincerely, clearly not lying.Grace stared at Sarah in disbelief. "Impossible! Impossible!" She thrashed about, shouting, "She told me you were going to blacklist me everywhere! After I was fired, I thought about opening my own practice, but she said you wouldn't let me. I was desperate - that's why I tried to force you to write for me."Sarah challenged her. "Even if I wrote something, how could you publish it?""She said she'd help! Her family is powerful, they could definitely help me."Sarah sighed. "Did you really think I had that kind of power to completely blacklist you?"Grace glanced at Zachary. "Not you, but he does. She told me you two had somethin
Sarah laughed coldly. "Lucy's hatred for me isn't new. You should know her reputation at the university better than me - you taught her. She loves playing these games. Even if you got my paper, she would never help you. She just wanted to get at me. Once that was done, why would she care about you?"Grace burst into tears, biting her lip. "It's my fault. I listened to her and kidnapped you. It's all my fault.""What about that photo?" Sarah remembered how that picture had convinced her.Grace paused, pressing her lips together. "Lucy arranged it. She had someone befriend Mia and take her for photos. The picture was staged."Grace finished speaking, her face pale, head hanging low.Sarah and Zachary exchanged glances. They knew Mia's personality made her easy to approach.Her friendly nature meant she could make friends in hours. But if she learned she'd inadvertently caused Sarah harm, she'd be devastated. Sarah studied Grace intently - Lucy couldn't get away with this anymore.
"What are you talking about? Mia! This is campus property - you can't assault me!" Jenny sobbed."Playing dumb? Let me refresh your memory!" Mia grabbed her hair harder. "You powered off my phone and hid it yesterday! Just to block any incoming calls!"She snatched Jenny's designer bag and found her iPhone, forcing her to unlock it with Face ID. In the messages, she found Lucy's chat history. Her fury grew as she read - Lucy had orchestrated everything: befriending her, suggesting the photoshoot, arranging the phone theft.Because of Jenny's schemes, Sarah had been hurt! She wouldn't let this go unpunished!"The evidence is right here on your phone. How do you explain this?" Mia's voice was ice-cold.She turned to the watching students. "This girl stole my phone and conspired with Lucy Chancer to manipulate me! Anyone want to take her side?"The students backed away, shaking their heads.Humiliated, Jenny snapped. "Mia! This is a prestigious university! I'm reporting you to the
Jenny watched Lucy flee in panic, momentarily stunned. Her eyes widened with realization, and she quickly ran away too.Lucy didn't even stop to grab her designer bag or notify administration. She rushed straight through the campus gates, jumping into the first Uber she saw and heading home.Mrs. Chancer was surprised to see her. "Lucy, don't you have afternoon lectures? Why are you home? I've invited Katherine and Emma over for tea.”Lucy looked at her mother in panic. "Mom! What do I do? The police are coming for me!""What are you talking about? Why would the police arrest you?" her mother was bewildered.Seeing her daughter's frightened face, she realized. "What have you done now?!""Mom! It's that b*tch! Sarah must have called the police again!" Lucy's voice trembled.Her mother steadied her, asking several times before Lucy stammered out,” Mom! Remember that professor who plagiarized a paper and published it online? After she was fired, she kidnapped Sarah yesterday - some
"Ahem, Mia..." Sarah said awkwardly.The voice on the phone cut off abruptly. Seconds later, Sarah's phone rang."Sarah, are you feeling better? I was just joking earlier, don't take it seriously," Mia said timidly.Sarah laughed softly. "Much better. The fever's gone.""That's good, that's good. I'll hang up now."After her IV finished and she'd eaten her porridge, she took a nap. When she woke, she found Zachary dozing, his chin propped on his hand.He must be exhausted after bringing her here at dawn and watching over her so long.His sleeping face looked softer, less sharp. His eyelashes were long and thick. She reached out to touch them - so soft.She traced his nose, his cheeks, his lips that had kissed her several times.She'd wanted to do this since that night when he'd touched her lips.Suddenly his eyes opened. As she tried to pull back, he caught her hand. "Weren't you asleep?" she asked, breathing quickly."Light sleeper." He'd been awake since she opened her eye
She was just a university counselor who'd moved on after her divorce.Suddenly, she laughed at herself. When had she become so insecure? She used to be confident and vibrant like Mia, but now...Zachary sat down, putting the apple back in her hand, looking directly into her eyes. "This isn't a game. I'm serious. I thought you could feel that."His gaze burned with intensity. "Sarah, tell me, what kind of person do you think you are?"Sarah stumbled over her words. "I...""What kind of person?" Zachary kept staring, as if trying to burn through her defenses."Like James's mother said - a divorced woman with a bad reputation." Sarah laughed bitterly.Zachary shook his head, his eyes turning cold. "Do you believe that?"Believe it?Why should she?James was the one with the bad reputation.Society was always harder on women. Divorced women faced more prejudice than men. When Mrs. Chancer said those things, she'd wanted to ask if she wasn't a woman herself."Of course not," Sar
James finally looked at Charlotte. She’s right, what was wrong with him?Why was he so obsessed? He loved Charlotte - the woman he'd always wanted was right beside him. What else could he want?He pulled Charlotte into his arms, breathing in her light jasmine perfume.Suddenly, a memory flashed: Sarah walking into their room, quietly bringing him tea, her hair still damp from the shower, water droplets on her nightgown making her look irresistible.He saw himself coldly taking the tea, ignoring her.Sarah playfully leaning her head on his shoulder, deliberately letting him smell her hair. "Do you like my new shampoo?" she'd asked excitedly.He'd pushed her away emotionlessly. "Don't bother me. Learn your place," before heading to his study."I'm sorry," James blurted out.Charlotte startled, thinking he was apologizing to her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, tearful. "James, I don't blame you. I love you so much. Please don't let me down."James snapped back to reality
James caught Zachary's expression and fell silent, Charlotte’s words bringing him back to reality.In his anger, he'd almost forgotten who he was dealing with."Sarah, I can make Lucy apologize and compensate you. Name your price - I'll try to meet it."Sarah looked at James coldly, her voice icy. "No need. Please leave."James's face fell. Charlotte and Mrs. Chancer paled - they hadn't expected such firm resistance."Fine, have it your way. Don't come crying to us later." Mrs. Chancer shot Sarah a venomous look.Outside the hospital, James brooded over his humiliation. "We knew she wouldn't agree to a deal. Why did we even come?"The visit had been his mother's idea. She glared at him. "Are you blaming me? I'm just trying to help! I thought since she used to love you so much, a few kind words might work. Who knew she'd land such a powerful man? She already looked down on us - now we're nothing to her."Mrs. Chancer kept muttering as they walked. "What luck, snagging the Reynol
Charlotte watched James's reaction with barely concealed anger."You're the shameless one! We came here to make peace. Isn't money what you want? Weren't the millions and the villa enough? Name your price to let Lucy go!" Mrs. Chancer glared at Sarah."That settlement was what James owed me. And no, I won't make a deal.""You think your refusal matters?" Mrs. Chancer stepped forward, sneering. "Don't think the Reynolds will protect you forever. Someone like Zachary could never love you. He's just playing around - don't flatter yourself. He hasn't even gone public about you.""What exactly are you saying to my girlfriend?" A cold voice cut through the room.Zachary walked in with breakfast, set it down, and moved to Sarah's side. He looked at Mrs. Chancer with contempt. "The Chancers seem overconfident lately. How's that Vista International deal going?"James flinched. Vista was a Fortune 500 company expanding into their market. They'd initially partnered with Reynolds Enterprises
She looked nervously at Zachary. Had she mistaken?"Yes, you can go now."After the nurse left, Sarah glared at Zachary. "You... you just...""What did I do? You heard what she said?" Zachary gave her a knowing look.He even licked his lips, making Sarah turn away in embarrassment, pulling the hospital blanket over as she rolled to face the window.How mortifying - being caught like that, and now the nurse thought they were a couple.Her face felt hotter than her fever.Worse still, Zachary moved to her other side, still smiling.Knowing she could barely move, she swung weakly at his shoulder, the slap echoing surprisingly loud in the quiet room."Why didn't you dodge!""Didn't hurt at all,” Zachary smiled softly, then stepped away to answer his phone.His expression darkened after hanging up.Sarah noticed the change. "What's wrong?""They've taken Grace Harrison’s daughter." Zachary's face was grim.Sarah froze. Lucy had just been arrested, and now Grace's daughter was
Opening Sarah's bedroom door, his heart nearly stopped at the sight of her.When he touched her, she was burning hot.Without wasting time, he rushed her to the hospital.From 2 AM until after 5, her fever finally broke. He hadn't dared sleep, anxiously watching the IV drip while constantly monitoring her condition."You're not leaving the hospital again." Zachary's tone left no room for argument.Sarah could tell from his expression that he was furious."Thanks for the trouble," she said with an awkward laugh.This made Zachary even angrier. 'Thanks for the trouble' - why was she always so distant?"Trouble? Don't ever say that again." Zachary suddenly leaned closer to Sarah.Startled, she shrank back. "Don't get too close. You'll catch my cold."She covered her mouth, coughing several times.But Zachary didn't move away. Instead, he studied her intently. Her beautiful eyes avoided his gaze, making her look adorable.Suddenly, he felt an urge - a strange feeling. Looking a
"She may have disobeyed, but you can't just abandon her! Lucy was standing up for you against that woman who cheated during your marriage and took all that money. Your sister was defending you - how can you not help her?" Mrs. Chancer jabbed her finger at James.Charlotte also tried persuading him. "James, she's your sister. This affects the Chancer’s reputation. People already mocked our family last time, and now..."She wasn't worried about Lucy - she was concerned about their reputation.Mrs. Chancer looked at her gratefully. "Charlotte, you're so thoughtful and proper."James frowned. Of course he understood all this.If it was just Sarah, the situation would be simple. But Zachary kept targeting the Chancer family."Really, the nature of this case depends on what the witness says," Charlotte mused casually.Mrs. Chancer's eyes locked onto her. "Charlotte, what do you mean?"James looked at her puzzled. "The nature?""Ultimately, it's Sarah's word against Lucy's. What if L
Sarah escaped to her bedroom, catching her flushed reflection in the mirror. Steven's words kept repeating in her mind. Zachary, interested in her? No way.She knew he cared, but Steven made it sound like Zachary had been secretly in love with her for ages. That was just... Heading back to the dining room, she found Mia half-asleep at the table, while Steven and Lindsey were sprawled out, wine-drunk. But where was Zachary?The whir of a blender drew her attention to the kitchen. She found him mixing something at the counter. As she got closer, she recognized the distinctive smell - he was making more of that immune-boosting smoothie her doctor had recommended.Right on cue, he turned around with a glass. "Still feeling rough? Drink this. I noticed your vitamin supplements are untouched. You need the boost."She eyed the greenish liquid, wanting to cry even as she took tiny sips. Her stuffy nose made the healthy concoction taste even worse.When she finally finished, Zachary aver