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
She was his sister - of course he didn't want her in trouble.On the highway, a black Maybach shot forward like lightning, ignoring speed limits and radar zones. The driver floored the accelerator, struggling to keep control of the steering wheel.But Lucy felt they weren't moving fast enough. She'd booked a flight leaving in thirty minutes. If she could just make it in time, she'd be safe in Milan.Just as the airport came into view, a police motorcycle appeared beside them, sirens blaring. "Pull over! Stop the car!""Don't stop!" Lucy screamed. The driver, following orders, pressed the accelerator harder. The car lurched forward.Before she could catch her breath, police motorcycles emerged from both sides, patrol cars following behind. Sirens echoed across the highway.Lucy's heart pounded as she stared fearfully out the window.The driver was panicking. "What should we do, Miss?""What do you mean? Keep going! Faster!" Her eyes were wild, all reason gone.The police motorc
"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