In the study, the tense atmosphere made Zachary uncomfortable. William sat at his mahogany desk, working on his art, not even glancing up.After what felt like forever, he finished and set down his brush. "What's been keeping you so busy lately?""Just business matters.”"Business? Seems more like romance. I don't oppose relationships, but you should know about this woman's history." William looked concerned.Zachary smiled wryly. "Grandfather, I know Sarah better than anyone. Don't listen to gossip."William chuckled. "How would you know?"Zachary shrugged. "If nobody had complained to you, why this sudden summons?""Indeed, someone sent me some troubling emails."Zachary remained silent. William probably didn't believe the rumors. He was likely just testing him."Your personal life is your business. Make your own choices. You can go." William waved him away.After the academic scandal, Sarah signed with the Psychology Journal, publishing her research.This caused quite a s
James took a deep breath. "Yes, they took her daughter.""What now?""Head back first."James was at his wit's end. At home, his mother would question him endlessly, and even if he stayed away, her calls were constant.Worse still, he'd discovered the Reynolds were making moves, even targeting Chancer company stocks.Everything seemed inevitable. He put down his phone.At the university counseling center, Professor Wells brought flowers, and Dean Larson offered congratulations. Sarah's paper in the Psychology Journal was a milestone for the university.As she carried the flowers out the main gate, Scarlett and Steven joined her."Sarah, let's go to the resort!" Scarlett waved some tickets excitedly.Sarah knew the place - Scarlett had mentioned it at least five times before. The resort was less than a year old but already popular with VIPs and international guests.Sarah glanced at Zachary, knowing he must have arranged the tickets.Seeing her hesitate, Mia pulled her toward
But Sarah leaned against him, poking his face with her finger. "Hey? You're Mr. Reynolds! Why do you have two noses?"She tried to focus on his nose but couldn't control her vision, growing dizzier. She collapsed against him. "Zachary likes me.""What did you say?" he asked softly, his eyes full of tenderness as he steadied her.No matter what he asked, Sarah just giggled.He'd been drinking too, but wasn't as drunk as Sarah. Still clear-headed, he arranged for staff to take the other three to their rooms. He wanted to get Sarah to bed too - it was past one AM and getting cold.He helped her to her room and tucked her in. As he turned to leave, she grabbed his hand tightly."Don't go, don't go..."Zachary's heart ached. He sat on the bed's edge. "Okay, I'll stay.""Zachary, Zachary, Zach..." she mumbled, tossing restlessly. He adjusted her covers. "I'm here. What is it?""Like..." Sarah murmured.Zachary leaned closer. "What did you say?"He heard her whisper his name repeat
His eyes softened, taking in the faint perfume lingering in the room.He lay back on the bed, surrounded by Sarah's scent on the sheets.Sarah's heart raced as she stared at her panicked reflection, her face flushed. Trying to remember last night brought only blanks.She splashed cold water on her face, finally calming down.Quickly dressing, she discovered red marks on her neck!What would Scarlett and Mia say when they saw? And Steven would never let her hear the end of it!Her damp hair matched her disheveled state. She wanted to escape but couldn't avoid Zachary's gaze.She couldn't calm down, her cheeks burning hot enough to fry an egg. She'd spent the night in Zachary's arms.Leaving the bathroom, she found Zachary still in bed, watching her with an amused smile.As she tried to flee, he caught her wrist."Why are you running?” he whispered teasingly.Sarah frowned. What was he doing? Looking up, she met his deep brown eyes, full of warmth."I was drunk last night! I
Before Lucy's sentencing, her lawyer presented a psychiatric evaluation diagnosing her with severe paranoid delusion and bipolar disorder.Instead of prison time, she was committed to a psychiatric facility for treatment and monitoring.After the verdict, Sarah met with Grace.Grace laughed bitterly. "I knew it wouldn't be that simple."Sarah shook her head. "We did everything we could. Even in a psychiatric hospital, she'll have to live as a patient and undergo treatment. That might be harder for her.""Miss Sanders, did you send my daughter to her grandmother's?" Grace asked anxiously.Sarah nodded. "Yes. Behave well and you might get parole. I'll keep an eye on your daughter and help if needed."Grace nearly cried with gratitude. "Miss Sanders, thank you."At City Psychiatric Hospital.A police car delivered Lucy. A black Mercedes waited outside as James entered the director's office.Thirty minutes later, the beaming director showed James out. Police escorted Lucy inside,
"I'm here to discuss donating new medical equipment to the center," Zachary looked at James. "Mr. Chancer, are you here to collect Lucy, or just visiting?"James lowered his eyes. "Just visiting my sister.""Finished then?" Zachary said coolly.James gritted his teeth. "Yes. Your timing is perfect, Mr. Reynolds.""Then you should leave." Zachary glanced at the director.The director quickly said, "Mr. Chancer, we'll take good care of your sister, don't worry."James saw the legal team among Zachary's group. If they discovered anything suspicious, he'd never get Lucy out.He nodded to Lucy but noticed she was staring at Zachary.Lucy blushed at the sight of him. His refined looks and elevated status had fueled countless fantasies of them together.These feelings showed as she approached him. "Mr. Reynolds, I...""Director, we have business to discuss. Perhaps show Miss Chancer to her room?" Zachary said coldly.Lucy froze. The director motioned for staff to lead her away, but
Some patients shouted at her, "Are you the new horse? I'm a white horse - what breed are you?""There's someone behind you, you know. She's clinging to your back."Just hearing this covered her in cold sweat. Even in her room she found no peace - all the patients were screaming. She felt close to breaking.She told the doctors and nurses countless times she wasn't mentally ill, but it was useless.Her psychiatric evaluation showed bipolar disorder and paranoid delusions, so the nurses treated her like any other patient.That night, after violently injuring a nurse, Lucy was put in a straitjacket. With her hands bound, she was miserable.She'd never experienced anything like this. Why were the doctors and nurses treating her this way when her brother had arranged everything?She couldn't stomach the medication or even the food.In the cafeteria, she flipped her tray, spilling food everywhere, then shoved away the orderly who came to clean up.A doctor approached with medication
Sarah knew exactly how bad Lucy's situation was.While James had sent people to care for Lucy, Zachary's staff ensured she was treated like any other patient.Working in her office, Sarah was puzzled when a courier called her name.Opening the package, she found a photo Zachary had secretly taken last night - her sleeping peacefully while his hand stroked her hair.Blushing, she tucked the photo in her drawer just as a text arrived from Zachary: "Got it?"She replied, "Yes, why send it by courier when..." we'll see each other after work."Couldn't wait." Sarah felt warmth spread through her chest. They were acting like college sweethearts - childish but happy.Was this what the honeymoon phase felt like? She'd never experienced it. With James, she'd performed a one-woman show. This was so much sweeter.That evening, Zachary came as promised.Mia bounced into the car, having noticed the pink bubble around them.Zachary handed ice cream to both her and Sarah. "Oh, I got one too
Sarah let out a cold laugh. “Why don’t you ask your daughter what she was up to last night? Did she have any witnesses?”Lucy’s eyes flashed with panic. “What nonsense are you spouting? I… I was at home the night before last!”Mrs. Chancer abruptly turned to her daughter, her face stiffening as if she’d suddenly recalled something.“Of course Lucy was at home. I know that for a fact!”Scarlett observed the subtle glances exchanged between the two, and the truth became clear.“Scarlett, let me handle this.” Sarah’s voice was calm but firm as she pushed the blanket aside and got out of bed. She raised a hand to stop Scarlett, who had moved to support her.Walking right up to Lucy, Sarah abruptly swung her hand.Smack!“You just couldn’t resist pushing me into the river, could you?”The crisp sound of the slap was almost drowned out by Sarah’s furious words. Lucy staggered back, clutching her cheek in disbelief.“You… you hit me?!”Scarlett turned sharply to Sarah. “Sarah, is w
The freezing water wrapped around her like icy claws, an invisible hand seemingly choking her throat.Suffocating. Still suffocating.Why did Lucy want to hurt her when she'd tried so hard to be kind?Why push her into the river right after they'd made plans to go shopping together?Cold water surrounded her as she sank, unable to open her eyes in the murky river.Another splash sounded, and this time strong arms grabbed her. Instinctively, she clutched their wrist, desperately holding onto this lifeline.Before losing consciousness, she felt a sharp pain in her fingers.She woke up in the hospital with Scarlett caring for her."How did you fall in?" Scarlett asked when she awoke. "Did you fight with James? Even then, you shouldn't jump in."No!She remembered clearly - someone had pushed her!Only she and Lucy had been by the river!It wasn't an accident. Lucy had pushed her.Suddenly, she remembered grabbing Lucy's bracelet as she fell. Where was it?"Scarlett, who brou
On the way back, Zachary supported Sarah. "Your birthday's in two days?""Did Mia tell you?""Why didn't you invite me?" Zachary's voice was subdued.Sarah didn't answer, and Zachary didn't push further.Back at the stables, she caught Vivian's eye and walked directly to her. "Let's talk.""Of course." Vivian followed her to a corner without hesitation."Why did you do it?" Sarah demanded.Vivian feigned innocence. "I don't know what you mean."Sarah took a deep breath. "Vivian, you were the only one behind my horse. You used a needle, didn't you?"Sarah's smile was cold, sending a chill through the air.Everyone listened nearby as Vivian smiled thinly. "Horses often get spooked at riding grounds. It's not unusual."Sarah's expression darkened. "So you're denying it?""I have no idea what you're talking about." Vivian looked down at Sarah from horseback, as if regarding an insect.She stroked her riding crop slowly. Zachary tensed, knowing Vivian was angry.Sarah and Vivi
Vivian's hands tightened on the reins as she fixed Charlotte with an icy stare. "Some things are better left unsaid."Charlotte shuddered, not daring to mention Zachary again. She knew she was no match for Vivian.The atmosphere turned cold and tense.Ahead, Sarah clung to the reins in terror as James, Zachary, and Mia raced toward her."Sarah, we're coming!" Mia called out, panic in her voice.Charlotte watched James's retreating figure with fury. Why save that woman? Better if she died.Sarah's horse kept accelerating, heading toward the edge of the grounds where electric fencing and barbed wire formed a barrier.If they hit it, the electricity would frighten the horse even more, making things worse.Zachary analyzed the situation calmly, urging his horse faster.James followed close behind, his face tight with worry. Sarah pulled hard on the reins, trying to stop her horse, but it kept charging forward with wild neighs, heading straight for the wall.Just before impact, Za
"Just riding with Sarah," he said without hesitation.Sarah glanced at Zachary, surprised he'd say that in front of Vivian.Vivian was equally shocked by his blunt response.With Charlotte and Lucy watching, she felt humiliated.She fixed her gaze on Sarah, squinting against the harsh sunlight. "Miss Sanders, have you forgotten our conversation in Saint Nock?”Sarah met her stare unflinchingly, her eyes cold as ice. "Miss Wilson, it seems you lied to me in Saint Nock.”“Oh, what do you mean?,” Vivian barely contained her anger.Sarah glanced between Zachary and Charlotte. "Should we really discuss this here? I don't mind, but wouldn't you find it embarrassing?""Miss Sanders, I bear you no ill will. There's no need for such hostility," Vivian said with a gentle smile.Her sincere expression made Sarah hesitate, as if this was a different person from the one who had threatened her and manipulated Linda.Sarah stroked her horse's head, the animal contentedly shifting its hooves
At the stables, Sarah and Mia headed to the changing rooms to put on their riding attire.Sarah chose a classic navy and white ensemble that flattered her figure, while Mia looked elegant in her custom-designed riding outfit, complete with a matching leather crop.The staff had already prepared their Hanoverian horses - premium mounts reserved for VIP members.The only horses more prestigious were the privately owned ones, like those belonging to Vivian and Zachary."My brother owns a thoroughbred," Mia had mentioned earlier. "They're even more valuable."Their horses stood waiting, their golden coats gleaming in the sunlight. These Hanoverians were worth hundreds of thousands each and required extensive maintenance.Sarah mounted with practiced ease, crop in hand, as Mia climbed onto her own horse.They had barely started down the trail when they spotted a familiar figure.Sarah tensed - Zachary.She shot Mia an accusatory look."I swear I didn't know he'd be here!" Mia prot
Sarah's eyes flashed with irritation. "Did you and James plan this? He just left and here you are."Charlotte smiled faintly, then looked up with cold eyes. "I followed him here. Yesterday I saw all those messages he sent you on his phone. Today I watched him leave work early to bring you desserts."Sarah laughed coldly. "What are you trying to say?"Charlotte's expression hardened. "Stay away from him. Don't ever contact him again. Have some dignity, Sarah. Don't try stealing someone's husband just because you're single now."Sarah nearly threw her water at Charlotte but controlled herself. "That's rich coming from you, Charlotte. If anyone lacks dignity, it's you - coming back from abroad just to steal someone else's husband. I saw it all firsthand."Charlotte's eyes reddened with anger. "How dare you! James never loved you. I'm the only one he's ever loved. You're the one who came between us!"Sarah scoffed. "Just leave. I've already told James not to contact me. If you can't
When Zachary returned home, he found Mia excitedly holding an invitation. “Zac, what should I get Sarah for her birthday? She seems to have everything." Zachary gave a bitter smile and went to his study to work, planning to ask Sarah about the invitation tomorrow.At the Chancer house.While James was in the shower, Charlotte sat on the bed browsing her phone. The bedside table kept buzzing with incoming messages.Curiosity got the better of her. She picked up James's phone, seeing it was work messages.She decided to look through it and found several disturbing messages - ones James had sent to Sarah."Sarah, I heard you broke up with Zachary. How are you feeling?""If you're unhappy, we could talk.""Sarah, don't be too sad..."Message after message to Sarah. She couldn't believe James was consoling her like this.He'd promised to cut contact with Sarah. Why was he so quick to comfort her after her breakup?That evening, James left work early. Instead of heading home, he dr
Zachary gave a bitter laugh. "Why should I overcome it?"Sarah smiled faintly but said nothing.After a moment's thought, she pulled out the disturbing photograph from her bag. Every time she looked at it, she felt an eerie sensation.She'd never questioned her life before, but this photo clearly showed she'd forgotten something - something important.Moreover, both Melvin and Zachary must know about it.She placed the photo on the desk and slowly slid it toward Zachary, frowning slightly. "Have you seen this photo before?"Zachary's smile vanished as he looked at it. His eyes turned cold and strange. "Who gave this to you?"Sarah's frown deepened, a sharp glint in her eyes. His reaction alone told her he knew exactly where this photo came from."You know about this photo?" she asked carefully.Zachary's eyes turned icy as he grabbed her wrist. "Tell me who gave it to you."Sarah winced in pain. "What are you doing? Let go!"Hearing her cry of pain, Zachary seemed to regain