James stormed out of the Garnetts' mansion, Charlotte's voice fading behind him. “James, wait!"Behind the wheel of his Mercedes, he gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. The more he tried to push thoughts of Sarah away, the more they consumed him. Something wasn't right - he could feel it in his gut.He tried Melvin again. Still busy. Sarah's phone went straight to voicemail for the tenth time.What if Charlotte was wrong? Sure, Sarah might have gone to see Zachary. But this silence, this complete disappearance - it felt deliberate. Planned.In darkness, Sarah couldn't tell where they were being held. Her wrists were bound tight, a gag in her mouth, every muscle screaming in pain.Through the walls, she heard men's voices. "Boss, this woman's too pretty. The guys are getting restless.""Cut it out! We're here for the money, nothing else. The pay's good - anyone who can't follow orders can leave now."Who were these people?Who ordered the kidnapping?Who w
The men burst out laughing. "Funny. Let her go crazy - as long as she doesn't die, who cares?"Sarah froze. Of course - these weren't normal people. They were criminals.She changed tactics. "Listen. She's Zachary Reynolds' sister, and I'm from the Sanders family. If it's money you want, we can pay more than whoever hired you - several times more. If it's not about money, you should still let us go. Whatever your boss can do, Zachary can do better. And what your boss can't do? Zachary might try anyway."She was trying to turn them, but it wasn't working.They stuck to their plan. She scanned the room, looking for escape routes."You think we're common thugs who'll switch sides for more cash?" the leader sneered. "The underworld has rules. If we let targets buy us off, who'd trust us with future jobs?"Sarah changed approach. "If bribes won't work, what about threats? Aren't you afraid?"Her eyes flashed like a hawk's. "Afraid of what?" they challenged."Her brother and mine are
"Got a death wish?" "Mouthy bitch, threatening us! If the boss hadn't ordered us to behave, you wouldn't be standing here talking. We'd show you what's what!"They laughed, their eyes full of malice.Sarah hugged herself, trying to hide her fear.She worried her words might provoke them further, but now she was certain - whoever was behind this maintained tight control.Not Lucy or Charlotte then. They'd just want to destroy her.But who else?At Sanders Corp, Melvin had called in every favor trying to find Sarah, with no success.Knowing Vivian was back, he had his suspicions.Zachary's phone was off. Furious, Melvin slammed his desk. He'd already contacted Traffic Control to review city cameras, focusing on suspicious vehicles around the university."Anything yet?" he demanded anxiously.His team scrutinized every frame until..."Sir, we found something!"Melvin straightened. His secretary pointed to a van. "This one's suspicious. It waited in the alley all morning, hidd
Sarah watched Mia anxiously. If she couldn't control her, these thugs might do anything.She grabbed Mia's hands despite the scratches covering her arms and hands. She couldn't back down now. She held on tight.Though using all her strength, Sarah was no match for Mia's size, especially now that panic had multiplied her strength."Listen to me! Mia, I'm here. Can you see me? I'm with you. Don't be scared, okay?" Sarah struggled to keep hold.She whispered this in Mia's ear several times. Finally, on the third try, Mia's screams stopped. She began to calm down."Sarah?" she whispered timidly.Sarah nodded firmly. "I'm here. You're safe with me."Tears rolled down Mia's cheeks. She looked at Sarah with terror and whispered, "Sarah, they'll kill you. They're going to kill you.""They're devils..." Mia's voice faded as she covered her mouth, biting her knuckles.The men watched Mia with dangerous, unsettling expressions.Sarah slowly guided Mia to the corner, shielding her from t
"I won't give up on Sarah!""Sarah loves me, and I love her!""I promise I'll protect her."Melvin laughed bitterly. Empty words Zachary had spoken at St. Ritz, now just a cruel joke.If he loved her, why ignore her call? It could have been a cry for help.Melvin's knuckles went white. "Sarah, you trusted the wrong person. Why didn't you call your brother?"Suddenly, he spotted tire tracks.Yes - tire tracks.Looking closer, he noticed a gap in the trees."Here!" he pointed.The black SUVs accelerated. Melvin's gaze sharpened.At the restaurant, Zachary stared at his phone. Why wouldn't Melvin answer?As he was about to call James, James called him."Is Sarah with you?" James demanded.Zachary's eyes narrowed. "No.""You don't know yet?" James sounded incredulous.Confusion mounted. What had happened?"Know what?" his voice turned cold."Zachary! Sarah's missing! That's why Melvin called me. When you didn't answer, I thought she might be with you.""Missing?" His pupils
Earlier, when the men burst in, she'd noticed the iron door secured with chains as thick as an arm, fastened with a heavy padlock.Escape was impossible, especially with Mia in her current state.She sat quietly. Melvin would save her. Or Zachary... anyone. This time she was helpless, could only hope her brother would come.But why hadn't Zachary answered? Did he even know she was in trouble?In the next room, the leader took a call. After several quick "yes" responses, his expression turned vicious.He glanced at his men and approached.Clang!The lock hit the floor.Sarah stood defensively, shielding Mia. "What are you doing?""Going to teach you a lesson, pretty thing!" one man snarled as others rushed to grab Mia. Sarah blocked them."Why fight? She's going anyway - you can't escape."In the struggle, Mia's jacket fell. She woke with a shiver to find Sarah protecting her as men grabbed at them both."No! Get away! Get away!"The screaming irritated the leader. "Get tha
Mia was dragged out, the door slamming shut behind her with a heavy thud. Her screams gradually faded into silence.Moments later, a group of men brought in a camera, setting it up on a tripod aimed directly at Sarah.“You! How dare you?” she cried, her face pale as the horror of their intentions dawned on her. This was worse than the compromising videos Mrs. Chancer had shown or the footage Lucy had flaunted. It was the cruelest form of destruction.Who could hate her so much that they’d resort to this? Who would go this far just to ruin her?“Get away from me!” she screamed, charging toward the door in a frenzy.But the door was locked tight, bound by chains wrapped around the handle like a weapon cutting off her escape.Behind her, the men sneered, their eyes filled with filthy intentions. One of them chuckled, revealing yellowed, rotting teeth that smelled foul enough to make her gag.“Ugh...” The wave of nausea was overwhelming, and she nearly vomited.Her reaction seemed
Before Zachary could step inside, a man in a black suit emerged from the factory, carrying a woman in his arms. His expression was cold and unyielding.“Sasa!” Zachary called out urgently. “How is she? Is she okay?”Melvin’s bodyguards shoved Zachary aside, but Melvin simply gave him a cold glance. “She’s alive.”“I’ll take her with me,” Zachary said, stepping in front of him.Melvin scoffed. “How dare you say that? Where were you when she called you for help? Why didn’t you answer?”“I…” Zachary’s words caught in his throat. He had no excuse.A bodyguard passed by, carrying Mia in his arms.“You realize that the only person who can save Mia right now is Sarah. Do you still want to take Mia away?” Melvin’s tone was icy and sharp.“I’m sorry,” Zachary murmured, lowering his head. “It was my negligence.”“Then stop making empty promises in front of me. And don’t ever show your face to Sasa again!” Melvin snapped.He carried Sarah into his car, while his bodyguards blocked Zacha
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,