Though Zachary didn't understand why she brought this up, he nodded - it happened to him occasionally."I just experienced it. Walking with you by the sea, watching the stars, feeling the sea breeze on my face - I feel like this has happened before, more than once." Sarah's eyes held a trace of confusion.Déjà vu wasn't enough to describe what she felt. The phantom memory wasn't just visual but emotional - she could even feel the warmth of that hand and catch whiffs of cedar fragrance from her memory.An indescribable feeling lingered in her chest, like a hungry person finding bread - simultaneously empty and full, hollow yet complete.She laughed behind her hand, "Maybe it's because it's you walking beside me. This is my first time walking with you by the sea, so it feels familiar."Zachary tried to speak several times but couldn't find the words.Sarah pulled him along to continue walking, while he could only grip her small hand tightly, watching her back guiltily as time stret
She dimmed the living room lights to a warm glow and tried to help Zachary to the bedroom, but she was too weak to lift him.After struggling until her forehead was sweaty, she gave up. She found hangover medicine in the hotel's first-aid kit, got him a glass of warm water, helped him take the medicine, and covered him with a blanket. Just as she was about to return to the bedroom, he grabbed her wrist."Don't go..." Zachary whispered.Sarah sat back down on the sofa. He kept mumbling something, and when she leaned closer, she finally heard it clearly: "Sasa, Sasa, I'm sorry..."Sorry?Why was he apologizing again?He'd already apologized during their walk after dinner, and now again?She leaned close to his face. His handsome features seemed troubled by something deep, his eyelashes trembling. His hand was so warm it almost burned her skin.The smell of alcohol lingered, but his unique scent remained.She tapped his lips gently with her finger, "What are you hiding from me?"
Even worse, someone leaked gossip about Sarah and Mr. Reynolds, which became the biggest bombshell."How did someone like her catch Mr. Reynolds' eye? She must have used underhanded methods.""Agreed! The bride was kind enough to invite her divorced ex to the wedding, yet she tried to seduce her former husband and tore up their marriage certificate. Shameless!""Oh no, not Mr. Reynolds! I can't believe it!""Believe it! My friend was at the wedding - Zachary showed up and left with her, holding hands!"Sarah placed her phone face down. No wonder some students had been looking at her strangely at school today.During break, Mia burst into the counseling office."Sarah, I'll have my brother track down whoever posted this immediately!""No need to investigate. Only Charlotte and Lucy would do this," Sarah said coldly.Mia fumed, "We let Lucy off so many times, yet she still dares to do this! And that Charlotte - Sarah, what should we do?"She couldn't bear to see Sarah being sla
She wanted to see just how far they would go. As for these rumors, she never cared about them anyway. She had no interest in playing games with these clowns.Late that night, one of the main players finally responded. Charlotte posted a short message on social media: "Seeing all these news stories these past few days has made me anxious. I don't know where to begin. I just hope everyone can be more rational. Miss Sanders meant no harm - I haven't taken any of her actions to heart. She just loved James too much before. She's quite pitiful, so please stop talking about her."The comments were full of people consoling her, as if Sarah was some unforgivable villain.“Babe, you’re so kind, still defending that person?""Compared to Charlotte, Sarah really is completely shameless.""Exactly! The nerve to call Charlotte the other woman. I'd choose Charlotte too!"Sarah was in Zachary's arms when she saw this post. She put down her phone, "Hah, what an act."Zachary's face darkened, "Sa
"Never do that again, Sasa. You'll make me angry," Zachary said firmly.Sarah nodded solemnly and pulled him to look at her computer, showing a post she'd just written. "What do you think? Is this okay?"Zachary read it through, nodded, and pressed send.In her room, Mia was on the phone, working to make the post go viral.Within just an hour, it had millions of views. Her post was extensive, covering everything from James asking for divorce to Lucy's false hot water attack accusation, the birthday party setup, and the teacher's coerced kidnapping attempt. Every incident was documented with photos, videos, and recordings.Her evidence was comprehensive, without a single gap.At the Chancer house.Crash!A glass shattered on the floor, making Lucy and Charlotte jump."Who posted all this? Why won't you admit it?" James demanded.Charlotte spoke tearfully, "James, it wasn't me. I only just saw this news, that's why I posted that clarification. I didn't want Miss Sanders to be m
After hanging up, Charlotte asked worriedly, "James, what's wrong?""The company's in trouble."James left with just those words, unable to calm down, desperate to get back to the office.He knew this wasn't coincidence. Yesterday he'd wondered why Zachary hadn't acted, and today this bombshell dropped.Charlotte watched James's retreating figure anxiously. Seeing him so flustered, the situation must be serious.Back in her room, Charlotte angrily punched her pillow. She couldn't understand how things had escalated this far. She'd only wanted to teach Sarah a lesson, but now James clearly didn't trust her.The storm from Sarah's post hadn't passed when Chancer Corp was hit. As soon as James reached the office, his secretary rushed to him in panic. Not only were their business partners terminating contracts, but their stock was also falling.James started calling partners, but they all said the same thing - they'd found new collaborators and would accept the deposit penalties.B
Lucy collapsed on the bed. Her brother wasn't just threatening - she could tell he was serious this time.She took the tablet, hands trembling as she copied and pasted the text, then posted it.James immediately called Zachary, "Mr. Reynolds, Lucy has apologized. Could you show some mercy?"The voice on the phone was ice-cold, "Not enough. If Mr. Chancer wants to apologize, he should show more sincerity."After the call ended, James thought briefly, then made his decision.He called a press conference in the Chancer family's name to apologize to Sarah and clear up all misunderstandings publicly.Before the conference, James specifically called Sarah to ensure she would attend. After getting her confirmation, he invited numerous media reporters.On the day of the press conference, James waited with Charlotte and Lucy, along with many reporters, all anticipating Sarah's arrival.Ten minutes later, Sarah arrived - with Zachary behind her.All spotlights turned to Sarah and Zachar
Under the spotlights, Charlotte's panic was unmistakable. Even James couldn't cover for her.Sarah smiled faintly, "Charlotte, you staged that scene with the torn marriage certificate and wedding photos at your wedding. You were also behind these recent news stories, weren't you? Including bribing someone to threaten me.""You're lying! I would never do such despicable things. Miss Sanders, what did I ever do to you? Just because I married James, you shouldn't treat me like this. You have Zachary now - why go to such lengths against me? How does ruining my reputation benefit you?"Tears rolled down her face as she played the victim."Officers, don't let us delay your work. Take her away," Zachary said coldly.As Charlotte was led away, she tried grabbing James, "James, you must believe me!"At the press conference, Charlotte's arrest became the biggest story, overshadowing the original purpose.In front of so many reporters, James couldn't react strongly, forced to maintain a co
"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