Perhaps because of those words, Zachary stopped resisting, and Sarah left with Melvin.Melvin and Uncle Shawn booked a hotel, planning to stay in East Coast for a few days.James paced back and forth several times outside Sarah's door before finally gathering the courage to knock.Sarah opened the door. "Sarah, I..."A stern voice interrupted, "Sasa, who is it?"Uncle Shawn emerged from the living room. Seeing James, his face hardened as he moved to block Sarah from view. "Why are you here? Yesterday's press conference made everything clear. You and Sasa have no connection anymore. Please leave.""Uncle, I came to...""Don't call me uncle. You're divorced from Sasa - we're strangers now. Given what your family did to her, I could easily take advantage of your company's current situation. Consider this a warning - if you keep bothering her, I might do just that," Uncle Shawn said coldly.Melvin came out too, glancing dismissively at James before slamming the door.Rebuffed, Jam
Sarah pulled out a stack of papers from her bag - Mia's treatment reports.Scott looked through them briefly before setting them aside. "Jane mentioned this to me in M. Country. Mia developed psychological trauma from a kidnapping several years ago. That's not unusual. What's rare is her subconscious time-space disorientation when triggered.""Based on her condition then, she likely had no one to trust. After witnessing violent scenes, her subconscious protected her by blocking those memories. However, when triggered, she returns to that state. The difference now is your presence. I see from the report that you and Jane theorized it's perception disorder - when feeling unsafe, she pulls you, her most trusted person now, into past scenes. While possible, your treatment approach has a fundamental flaw - it's actually a paradox.""A flaw?" Sarah looked at Scott puzzled."Yes. If she had no one to trust after the kidnapping, yet under stress chooses to pull you into that scenario - don
Sarah understood completely. Earlier attempts to help Mia feel safe - trips to amusement parks, movie theaters, and various entertainment venues with Zachary - had shown little success.Though Mia's condition had stabilized, Sarah had questioned her treatment approach. They'd attempted hypnotherapy several times, but touching deeper memories triggered either episodes or blackouts. She hadn't dared use any more aggressive methods."Psychological intervention isn't about completely fixing patients," Scott explained. "It's about subtle suggestions. Like solving a mystery - providing small clues until they piece everything together."Sarah nodded thoughtfully, "Professor, would recreating the traumatic scene be too triggering? Has this approach worked in other countries?""Never heard of success with that. Don't attempt it," Scott warned."I understand. Thank you, Professor." Sarah rose from her seat."Anytime. Keep in touch if you need more guidance."At the restaurant's private ro
Sarah's nose tingled with emotion as she leaned against the window, laughing softly, "You're acting like we haven't seen each other in ages.""It's been three days. Haven't you missed me?""I already told you," Sarah paused, then added, "Yes, I have."She longed to touch his face, rest against his chest, hear his strong heartbeat, hold his warm hand.Instead, she could only press her hand against the cold window, unable to bridge the four-story gap to reach his outstretched palm."Can't reach," she whispered.Zachary opened the passenger door, pulling out a pink teddy bear, “Do you like it?”"It's lovely, but I can't get it," Sarah said sadly."Try finding some string," Zachary suggested.Sarah searched everywhere, first her room, then the bathroom, nearly getting caught. Finally, she found some string.She lowered it from the fourth floor and pulled up the tied teddy bear, feeling like it symbolized her own situation.She was the one tied up, with Melvin holding the strings
"I can't believe Sarah has this kind of influence!" Lucy paced her room, struggling to process the revelation. All this time, she'd dismissed Sarah as a gold-digger after her brother's money."An heiress? Really?" She scoffed. "I thought her inheritance went to Melvin when her parents died."James slammed his hand on the desk. "Have you learned nothing? First Zachary Reynolds, and now the Sanders family? You won't rest until you've destroyed everything we've built!"He massaged his temples, regretting his decision to sign her out of Pyschiatric Hospital. If he'd known she'd cause this much chaos..."They started it!" Lucy protested. "Making ridiculous threats about ruining us in minutes. I couldn't just stand there!""Enough!" James snapped, his patience finally breaking. Lucy recoiled at his tone, fleeing to her room.Alone in his study, James stared at his buzzing phone - the Garnetts again, undoubtedly demanding updates about Charlotte. As if the company's crisis wasn't enough
Outside the police station, James watched Charlotte emerge, exhaustion etched on his face.The revelation still stunned him. He'd suspected everyone - Lucy, his mother - but never Charlotte. He'd been too confident in his understanding of her, too certain her kindness was genuine."James," Charlotte's voice quavered, her eyes red-rimmed as she reached for him. He stepped back, irritation clear in his movements."Just get in the car," he said flatly.During the drive home, Charlotte couldn't bear his silence. "James, please. I never wanted to hurt Sarah. I just wanted to... I mean, nothing really happened!""Were you behind those social media posts?" His voice was ice."I only shared the truth," she dabbed at her face with a tissue. "I know it was wrong. I won't do anything like that again. Everything I did was because I love you so much."James kept driving, his jaw set, ignoring her words.That evening, Sarah's phone lit up with a call from Mia."Sarah?" Mia's voice trembled.
That short distance felt like miles. Knowing it would be hard to see Zachary again after she left, Sarah turned and buried herself in his chest one last time, savoring the moment.Back home, Uncle Shawn had left. Melvin sat on the couch, his face cold. Seeing her, he gave a bitter smile, "I know he was upstairs."Sarah dropped the pretense and sat beside Melvin, cautiously asking, "Why do you hate Zachary so much?""Hate? No, I despise him. I'm sick of him." His calm tone barely contained the underlying fury.Sarah was confused. In her memory, Melvin shouldn't even know Zachary. Where did this hatred come from?"Why?" she pressed.Melvin poured himself some tea, his gaze distant. "Sarah, Zachary's dangerous. Being close to him puts you at risk. You should end it before you're in too deep. Otherwise, you'll regret it."Sarah shook her head in frustration. "You can't just say he's dangerous without explaining why."Melvin slammed the table. "No explanations. We're leaving tomorro
Tears sprang to Sarah's eyes. "Zachary! What are you doing?"He whispered against her ear, his voice icy, "Why didn't you tell me? Couldn't you even make one phone call? Did you want to leave me?"Sarah looked at him, helpless but determined. "No, I don't want to go."Zachary released her and walked to the bed.Sarah sighed with relief, moving to sit on the edge of the bed, her emotions in turmoil."Then why didn't you tell me?"Sarah turned away, whispering, "I was afraid I'd cry."Without seeing him, she could be strong and brave, fearless.But one look at him made her want to depend on him completely. She wasn't even sure she could follow her cousin's wishes anymore.Zachary held her tight, breathing in the fresh scent of her hair, unsure whether to smile or maintain his stern expression.Finally, his cold facade cracked. Seeing her lips still red from his earlier kiss, he leaned in again.Sarah wrapped her arms around his neck, heat rising from her throat to her face unt
Mia tasted the food with a dismissive look. "Sarah, this soup is terrible.""What's that supposed to mean?" Sydney jumped up, glaring at Mia.Even if Mia was a Reynolds, she couldn't take this forever.Mia smirked. "Just stating facts. Or are we not allowed to be honest?"Sydney, expert at playing victim, clutched Melvin's arm. "Melvin, did you hear how rude she's being?""Who are you calling rude?" Mia fixed her with an icy stare. No one had ever dared speak to her like this."Melvin, you saw that. I'm not starting trouble - she is." Sydney gave him an innocent look, tears glistening.Sarah and Mia exchanged disgusted glances. Even Mia found these tactics pathetically obvious - just like Lucy all over again.Melvin's face was blank, though revulsion showed in his eyes. "Let's eat. Annette will cook from now on."Sydney wanted to argue but caught Melvin's expression and stayed quiet.She remembered her aunt's advice: despite Melvin's cold exterior, he had a soft heart, especi
"Aunt, we should still ask my brother." Sarah insisted.Aunt Amanda's displeasure showed. "Sasa, Melvin is my son. He'll listen to me. I discussed Sydney's internship with him months ago."Months ago - before Sarah had returned.Before she could react, Sydney had already directed the bodyguards to move her luggage to an empty room upstairs.She acted like she owned the place, while Mia hid behind Sarah.Only after Sydney had settled in did Aunt Amanda leave, satisfied."Sarah, is she really going to intern at Sanders Group?" Mia asked quietly.Sarah paused. Why place Sydney at Sanders? She hated the idea of someone she distrusted infiltrating the company. Sanders Group was her parents' legacy - she had to protect it."Mia, go rest for a bit."After Mia left, she called Melvin.“Melvin, about Sydney..."His voice sounded tired. "I know. Mother wants her to stay here for now.""I see." Sarah hung up.She couldn't understand her aunt's motives, or Melvin's thoughts.When Mel
"Finally I can be with you again. I only feel safe when you're around." Mia sat in the car the Reynolds had sent, clutching Sarah's sleeve in the backseat as if afraid she'd disappear.Sarah noticed her anxious attachment. She'd always known Mia depended on her deeply, but this level made her uneasy.At the Reynolds house, William had retreated inside, leaving Zachary and Vivian standing outside.They stood in silence, Vivian staring at Zachary while he gazed in the direction Sarah had gone."She's been gone for ages. You still won't look at me?" Vivian's voice trembled.Zachary snapped back to reality, his face blank. "No. I'm worried about Mia.""Is it Mia you're worried about, or Sarah?" Vivian sneered.Zachary just glared at her, refusing to answer.As he turned to leave, Vivian blocked his path. "Answer me. Why are you running? Did I hit a nerve? You still love her, don't you?""I don't know what you're talking about," Zachary said coldly.Vivian laughed sharply. "Don't
"Mr. Reynolds, is there something specific you want to tell me?" Sarah asked, neither humble nor proud."You're clever. Mia trusts and depends on you, but that doesn't erase my concerns. The incident with Tina’s suicide made headlines across the East Coast - how she left only you to blame."Sarah smiled faintly. "I wouldn't expect you to ask such naive questions. Tina’s case was public. If I'd done anything wrong, the psychiatric community would have condemned me. Only those who choose to stay blind believe otherwise."Her boldness surprised him. He studied her with renewed interest."Miss Sanders, you're intriguing. But that alone isn't enough to stand as Zachary's equal."Sarah shook her head. "Mr. Reynolds, I've never sought to be with Zachary. Besides, isn't Vivian your choice? Zachary and I are done. I'm only here because you sent for me."William chuckled. "True, the Sanders family can't compare to the Wilsons. I've known Vivian since childhood - I know exactly who she is.
"It's alright, Mia. I'm here."Sarah covered Mia's eyes with her hand, guiding her to the bed and helping her lie down."Just relax..."Under Sarah's gentle care, Mia finally fell into a peaceful sleep. Minutes later, she woke, lucid this time.Calm now, she looked around at Zachary and William.“Zachary, Grandpa, Sarah - oh, and Vivian, you're here too?" She brightened at seeing everyone, seemingly with no memory of her episode.William studied Sarah intently. He'd brought in many therapists and knew how Mia responded to them. None had connected like Sarah.Mia showed an inexplicable trust in Sarah, able to calm instantly at the sight of her."Just checking on you," Sarah said softly."Sarah..." Mia glanced nervously at Vivian.She knew well the complicated relationship between Sarah, Vivian, and Zachary. Why were they both here?Unless...?She looked at her brother, finding his expression unreadable.William turned to Vivian warmly. "Vivian, you're here too. Let's have s
"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,