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
In the elevator, Sarah took a deep breath. She wasn't some teenager with a crush - keep it together!As the doors began closing, a hand caught them. Zachary stepped in, moving closer, his tall frame carrying an expensive cologne.The scent filled the elevator, making her dizzy. Her cheeks felt hot, burning when she touched them.Zachary looked at her with concern. "Running a fever?" He pressed his hand to her forehead. "Not warm."Sarah froze, forgetting to breathe. His hand was warm and strong. As he withdrew it, her eyes followed it to his suit pocket."I'm not sick," she said firmly."I know." He suddenly leaned closer, speaking softly. "Are you blushing?"Sarah's eyes darted around. "Of course not!"Ding!When the elevator arrived, Sarah slipped past him, quickly unlocking her apartment door.Inside, she noticed the aroma of cooking - probably drifting from a neighbor's.Suddenly the lights flicked on. Her eyes widened as Scarlett and Mia approached with bouquets. "Welco
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 Scarlett 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 ave
"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
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 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
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
"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