The entire venue fell silent as everyone turned to watch. Scott looked at Sarah with confusion.The Chancer and Garnett families rushed over. James grabbed Charlotte's arm, "Charlotte, what's wrong?""James, she tore up our marriage certificate and our wedding photos - she deliberately scratched out my face."She produced the marriage certificate torn in half, while Mrs. Garnett held up the wedding photo with the defaced face.The crowd erupted in shock, suddenly remembering that Sarah was James's ex-wife."Well, what do you expect? An ex-wife coming to a wedding is obviously here to cause trouble.""But to do something like this at such an occasion - how shameful! No wonder James divorced her!""Look at the poor bride crying her eyes out, how pitiful."Charlotte continued sobbing, "Miss Sanders, I kindly invited you to our wedding. Why would you do this to me? You already took so much money and property in the divorce. James never mistreated you. If you're unhappy, you could t
Mrs. Chancer watched Sarah smugly, waiting to see how she would respond.Sarah pointed at Scott, "Dr. Rogers is a recently returned psychology PhD with many achievements and well-known papers and theories. As a counselor myself, of course I'm interested in his work."The man mentioned smiled faintly and stood up graciously, extending his hand, "Miss Sanders, pleased to meet you."Sarah shook his hand, "Mr. Rogers, sorry you had to witness this scene."Charlotte tugged on James's arm, "Let's set that aside for now. Since I invited Miss Sanders, I'm more concerned about the torn wedding photo and marriage certificate."After placing the first photo on the table, she produced a second one - this one was even worse, with the eyes blackened out and a lipstick X drawn across the mouth.Mrs. Garnett was indignant, "Sarah, how could you do something so terrible!"James frowned deeply, "Sarah, I never thought you were this kind of person.""It's simple to prove whether I went upstairs o
"Six o'clock exactly! It was exactly six!" Charlotte insisted firmly."You're wrong. I went to the restroom at 6:10," Sarah stated matter-of-factly.Charlotte stared at her in disbelief, "That's impossible! The server told me you left your seat at six exactly."Lucy anxiously cut in, "Sister-in-law, maybe the server got the time wrong? Either way, she snuck into your lounge while you were in the bathroom."Charlotte shot Lucy a stern look - what a brainless thing to say. But since it was already out there, she steeled herself and quickly added, "Miss Sanders, I can't give you an exact time. After all, who checks the time when they go to the bathroom?"Sarah nodded, "True, they wouldn't. But this is your wedding day, and your makeup artist seemed quite certain about the timing?""I'm saying maybe the server got the time wrong, but you were the only one who left after I exited the lounge. The server saw you go to the lounge - that can't be a lie, can it? Among everyone here, I can'
James and Charlotte simultaneously glared at Lucy - so she was behind this."Sasa, I've made reservations at St. Ritz. The food here looks unappetizing. Let's go."He extended his hand to Sarah, who took it."You can't leave! This isn't settled!" Lucy shouted.Seeing them about to leave, she rushed forward.Zachary and Sarah looked at her impatiently, "Shouldn't you be in the mental hospital?"Fury flashed in Lucy's eyes, but she forced a smile."Mr. Reynolds, it's my brother and sister-in-law's wedding day. Won't you stay for the meal?"She tucked her hair behind her ear with feigned shyness, revealing an elegant ear with sparkling earrings catching the light on her cheek.Mr. Reynolds, why follow that worthless woman?Lucy waited quietly for his reaction, confident that if she could just interact with him, she could make him fall for her!But after a long moment, Zachary didn't even glance at her."You're in the way."She grabbed Sarah angrily, "You can't leave! You tore
"Sasa!""Hello, Miss Sanders.”Before she could react, Mia pushed her into Zachary's passenger seat, while Mia herself squeezed into Steven's car.As they drove along the highway, Steven's car suddenly shot ahead. Mia leaned out the window, waving at Sarah, "Sarah! We don't want to be third wheels!"Scarlett called out too, "I just found out about this! How could you not tell me! I won't forgive you!"Sarah didn't know whether to laugh or cry - Scarlett had already sent her dozens of accusatory messages:"Sarah, you abandoned our friendship for a man!""You didn't tell me you were with Mr. Reynolds! You're in trouble!""I'm a Scorpio! I hold grudges, and I'll remember this forever!""You didn't tell me when you got hurt last time, and now this! I'm not speaking to you for a day!"As they crossed a high bridge, a cool sea breeze carried the salty air toward them.Sarah's eyes widened as she finally saw the true scale of the resort - it was an entire island, accessible only by
Sarah collected various sea creatures - starfish, crabs, and even sea snails.Zachary walked up to her, holding the bucket in one hand. His lips parted softly, "Hold out your hand.""What?" Sarah looked at him puzzled."Hold out your hand," Zachary repeated.Sarah extended her hand tentatively, ready to pull back.Zachary placed his closed fist over her palm and dropped something cool into it.A seashell."I found it."Sarah looked at the shell - it was pink with rippling patterns."It's beautiful." She tucked it into her pocket.In the distance, Mia was gazing out, watching Zachary and Sarah together.The two stood by the sea as sunset colors gradually descended, bathing them in orange-red light. It reminded her of romantic scenes from novels she'd read - that's exactly how her brother and Sarah looked."What are you looking at, Mia?" Scarlett put her hand on Mia's shoulder, following her gaze."Looking at my brother and Sarah. I feel like I've seen this scene before, lik
Zachary cleared his throat, more serious than he'd ever been, "Sasa, I don't mind. You know that doesn't matter to me.""I'm not upset because of Charlotte. This world is deeply hostile to women. At yesterday's wedding, everyone's first reaction upon seeing me was that I'm James's ex-wife. They assumed I must have come with bad intentions, must have come to cause trouble. But everyone forgot that James was the main character of this wedding - no one thought of him as Sarah's ex-husband. Even without proper evidence, they were ready to blame everything on me based purely on stereotypes."Zachary pulled Sarah into an embrace, "Sasa, I will protect you.""I know." Sarah's expression softened.Zachary was the only one who had promised to protect her and actually followed through.“Zac! Sarah! Come cook with us, I'm hungry!""Oh! Did I come at a bad time?"Mia froze in place, about to turn back, but Sarah called out to her."Mia, your timing is perfect. I'm hungry too." She pulled M
Finally, Sarah carefully pushed Scarlett's mushroom back to her, "Scarlett, why don't you try it first?""What is it?" She took a bite and her face turned the color of liver. "Blech! It's awful!"Steven looked at her smugly, "Try mine."Scarlett glared at him, "Mrs. Watsons must have given me the wrong recipe. I won't accept this, and I'm not eating yours!"She turned her head away, but the garlic aroma kept tempting her nose.Mia sat next to her, enthusiastically munching on the mushrooms, her eyes sparkling with delight.Scarlett wondered how good they must taste.She'd had Steven's cooking before - it was truly exceptional. But eating it would mean admitting defeat.But it smelled so good, making her mouth water.She couldn't resist anymore!She grabbed the mushroom skewer and took a bite.It was delicious! Damn, Steven had won.Steven grinned triumphantly, "Told you so.""Don't get cocky. You're a chef - of course you can cook."Sarah stifled a laugh, then noticed a g
Mrs. Chancer anxiously watched Charlotte lying unconscious on the bed, barely hearing anything the hospital director was saying.James had regained his composure after learning that Charlotte was currently stable. He politely responded to the director, "Thank you. Please don't let us keep you from your duties."After speaking, he glanced at the housekeeper.The housekeeper instinctively stepped forward and extended his right hand courteously. "Director, please, let me escort you back."Mrs. Chancer sat on the stool that James had pulled over, staring at Charlotte's pale face with lingering fear, unable to look away for a long time.It wasn't that she truly cared for Charlotte; she was simply afraid of losing her chance to hold her first grandchild.James placed his hand on her shoulder and gently urged, "Mom, you've had a shock. Charlotte is fine now. Why don't you go home and rest?"Mrs. Chancer was still somewhat angry with him. "I'm not leaving. What if you leave the moment I'
She bit her lip hard, regaining some clarity, then shouted toward the stairway, "Help! Someone come quickly! Save my baby!"Before she lost consciousness, several panicked figures appeared in her vision, rushing toward her.The ambulance arrived quickly. Everyone carefully lifted Charlotte inside, where doctors and nurses immediately began emergency procedures.The housekeeper went along in the ambulance to the hospital.On the way, he called both James and Mrs. Chancer, briefly explaining what had happened and giving them the hospital's location.After receiving the call, James put aside his work and rushed to the hospital as quickly as possible.Even though he disliked Charlotte, the child in her womb was his undeniable responsibility.Mrs. Chancer reacted as if the world was ending. As soon as she arrived at the hospital, she frantically found a doctor and grabbed his hand, refusing to let go. "Where is my daughter-in-law? Where is she? Is the baby okay?"The doctor she corne
Perhaps due to her extreme emotional state, Charlotte quickly fell asleep.She had a dream.In her dream, she had just gotten off a plane and spotted James in the distance, elegantly leaning against his car waiting for her. In that moment, his eyes were fixed only on her.Charlotte ran toward him happily, wanting to throw herself into his arms and hold him tight.However, halfway there, she saw another woman appear from the side who ran straight into James's welcoming embrace.She could clearly see that James's eyes were filled with affection, without sparing even a glance in her direction."No, this can't be real. Who is she?" Charlotte shook her head in disbelief as she walked closer step by step. When she saw the woman's face, she instantly fell apart."Sarah Sanders, why is it you again? Why do you keep haunting me? James is mine. Don't you dare try to take him away." Charlotte lunged forward like a madwoman, trying to separate them.A mist enveloped the couple, and the scen
The guard at the door was easy to convince. She made up a simple excuse about having a stomachache or needing to see a doctor.The police still sent someone to follow her to the building entrance. When they arrived, the officer blocked her path. "Ms. Garnett, please go back. Without approval, you can't see anyone except your doctor.""Not even my husband? My stomach hurts terribly. I need to see my husband to feel at ease," she pleaded.But the officer wouldn't budge. "Ms. Garnett, please return!"Just then, the officer received a phone call. After listening for a few moments, the officer stepped aside.Charlotte walked in confidently, wearing sunglasses with her head held high.The receptionist greeted her politely, "Miss, who are you here to see? Do you have an appointment?"Charlotte removed her sunglasses, frowning slightly with an annoyed tone, "I'm here to see your CEO, James Chancer. Do I really need an appointment?"The receptionist was new and didn't recognize Charlotte
As Mrs. Sanders kept talking, not only did Sarah stay silent — she actually started laughing.Mrs. Sanders frowned. “What are you laughing at?”Sarah’s gaze turned cold. Her voice was calm but sharp. “Shouldn’t matters between us younger people be handled by us directly? Wouldn’t it sound bad if word got out that you’re getting involved like this?”She paused for a second, then added with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Besides, no matter what, I’m still the biggest shareholder in Sanders Group. Firing an employee is well within my rights, don’t you think?”Right now, Sarah was actually glad Mrs. Sanders had finally dropped the act and shown her true colors. At least it saved Sarah the trouble of pretending to be polite.Mrs. Sanders still wore the kind, gentle smile of an elder, but her voice turned colder underneath. “So what, you’re using your position to pressure me now?”Sarah laughed softly. “You’re joking. How would I dare?”Without bothering to continue the
Later that night, Sarah went downstairs with her empty glass to get some water. But just as she passed by the living room, she overheard a conversation between Melvin and Mrs. Sanders.“You’re really impossible to talk to, you know that?” Mrs. Sanders sounded both angry and disappointed. “It’s not just me — everyone in the family has been trying to convince you. Sarah studied psychology, not business. She has no experience at all. The entire Sanders Group is depending on you.”Melvin’s voice, on the other hand, was clearly filled with impatience. “I’m pretty sure I told you a long time ago, stop bringing up anything about Sarah.”Mrs. Sanders snorted coldly. “How can I not bring it up? It’s just that you’re willing to work like a fool without asking for anything in return. If you’re just going to be a tool to manage Sanders Group for someone else, I really don’t understand why you’re doing all this.”She paused, then added, “By the way, your aunt hinted to me earlier — she wa
Melvin forced a small smile.He honestly didn’t know how his mother could scold him so viciously over the phone just a few days ago… only to turn around tonight and act like nothing had happened, praising him in front of everyone.Mrs. Sanders finally seemed to notice Sarah as well. She smiled politely and nodded. “Sarah, you’re here too? Come on in.”Many of the Sanders family elders were there tonight. When Uncle Shawn saw Sarah, his face lit up with joy. He quickly pulled her over to sit at the main table beside him.“Sasa, you must have had a rough time in West Ridge. Later, I’ll ask the kitchen to make all your favorite dishes, just for you.”Sarah’s heart warmed at his words. Uncle Shawn really did treat her like his own daughter.But when she glanced to the side, she noticed Mrs. Sanders looking at her coldly — like she was staring at an enemy.Tonight’s birthday banquet wasn’t just a family gathering. Even members of the White family were there.The moment Madam White
Zachary still didn’t respond.Vivian straightened up and slowly walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window. Her voice was calm, but every word was filled with accusation.“Zachary, let’s not pretend. We both know perfectly well — while you were gone, Sarah disappeared too. Are you really expecting me to believe that the two of you weren’t together?”She paused, her eyes fixed on the distant view outside.“I always thought that since you agreed to get engaged to me, you’d take responsibility. I believed you wouldn’t be out there tangled up with her. Was I wrong?”Zachary let out a soft, mocking laugh.“You believed.” His voice was low and cold. “But just because you believe something… does that automatically make it true?”Vivian froze — then suddenly let out a loud, crazed laugh, like she had completely lost control.She turned around, her eyes burning as she pointed at him. “Then tell me! Tell me whether it’s true or not! Where exactly did you go? Who were you with?”She to
Vivian smiled sweetly, though her words were sharp underneath.“Like you said, I’m Zachary’s fiancée. Of course, I wouldn’t say anything reckless. Out of responsibility, since this contract was signed by both of us, I have an obligation to make sure things are handled properly.”Her words sounded kind and reasonable on the surface, but everyone in the room could hear the meaning behind them.Mr. Robertson, who had been quietly watching this back-and-forth, already understood exactly what kind of person Vivian was. But between Zachary and Vivian, it was clear where his loyalties lay — with Vivian.“Mr. Steven, why don’t we call Mr. Reynolds over?” Mr. Robertson suggested calmly.Steven’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Zach…”But before he could finish, a deep, cold voice rang out from the doorway.“Mr. Robertson, have you ever thought about the possibility… that these parts aren’t from Reynolds Corporation at all?”The conference room door swung open.Zachary walked in slowly, calm