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
If she hadn’t insisted on looking for Zachary, none of this would have happened. She wouldn’t have been hurt, and Melvin wouldn’t have had to worry about her.“Don’t say things like that. Just promise me you won’t do anything reckless again,” Melvin said firmly.He turned to leave, but Sarah called out to him. Her lips moved as though she wanted to speak, but no words came out.Melvin seemed to know what she wanted to ask. “He didn’t come. I called him, but he didn’t answer. Stop thinking about him.”He paused briefly before adding, “Yesterday, he went to the airport to pick someone up, then went out for a fancy dinner.”Sarah took a deep breath, her gaze dropping to the floor.Dinner? Picking someone up?So he wasn’t busy. Then why hadn’t he answered her calls?She lost her appetite. After sipping a small spoonful of porridge, she put the bowl down and lay back on the bed. “I understand, Melvin.”“Sasa, don’t contact him anymore,” Melvin said, his tone laced with concern as h
Was it because of the person he picked up from the airport? Who was that person?“Sasa, I had something very important to handle that day, so I missed your calls,” Zachary explained.Sarah gave him a faint smile. “Something very important? What was it?”“A friend returned from abroad,” he replied.“Who is this friend? Who were you with?” Sarah pushed herself up slightly, confusion clear in her eyes.Zachary hesitated before saying, “Our families have known each other for generations. I’m sorry. If I’d known this would happen, I would have—”“Would have what? Been more careful? Spent less time with your childhood sweetheart? I get it. You can leave now.” Sarah’s gaze turned icy, her tone cutting.It all made sense now. James had been like this, and Zachary was no different.No wonder Melvin had always warned her that Zachary wasn’t trustworthy and had told her to stay away. Now, she realized she had been blind to the truth.Maybe Melvin had known about Zachary’s childhood sweet
Since the kidnapping, Mia’s condition had worsened—she didn’t speak at all anymore.After being discharged from the hospital, Sarah never brought up Zachary again, which surprised Melvin.Late at night, when the world was quiet, Sarah tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep. This was different from when James had asked for a divorce. Back then, her emotions had been anger and defiance.But now, it felt like her heart was being ripped apart.As she lay there in pain, she heard faint noises coming from the room next door.What was Mia doing?Getting out of bed, she walked to Mia’s room. The door was ajar, and she saw Mia’s back as she slowly walked farther into the room.“Mia?” she called softly.Mia didn’t respond. Suddenly, the faint light in the room glinted off something cold and sharp. A chill ran down Sarah’s spine.Without thinking, she stepped into the room. As she approached Mia, her breath caught at the horrifying sight before her.Mia was holding a large kitc
As Zachary approached slowly, Sarah wanted to escape, but unfortunately, she had the will but not the ability.The hillside was damp, making the dirt path slippery.She had no strength to resist as he lifted her up in his arms. "Put me down, Zachary! Let me go!""You can't walk," he replied, carrying her with steady steps."Even if I can't walk, I don't need your help! Don't forget, you have a fiancée now!"Zachary's eyes darkened. She really knew how to bring up the most uncomfortable topics.The man had just been in a fight, and his clothes were somewhat disheveled, which only added to his wild nature. His entire presence radiated a dangerous charm.Sarah couldn't help stealing several glances at him. Though she kept telling herself not to fall for him, her heartbeat still involuntarily lost its rhythm.Back at the dormitory, Zachary carefully placed her on the bed and arranged the blankets for her.Sarah frowned, staring at him as she voiced her suspicion. "I never told you
Charlie was now recovering his senses. He pushed himself up from the ground, feeling a sour, aching pain in his stomach."Zach, why did you hit me?" Charlie asked, his eyes wide with disbelief."Hitting you is getting off easy," Zachary replied coldly.Charlie ignored him and lunged toward Sarah.In that split second, everything changed. Sarah fell to the ground, her foot slipping badly, twisting her ankle.She cried out in pain as she sat on the ground, gripping her ankle tightly. Beads of sweat broke out across her forehead."Sarah, what happened? Did you twist your ankle?" Zachary asked anxiously.He immediately rushed to Sarah, crouched down to examine her ankle, and reached out to touch it."Don't touch me!" Sarah jerked away instinctively, sitting on the ground clutching her ankle.Charlie gave the two of them a long, searching look. He had long suspected there was something unusual between them.Zachary's expression darkened, looking rather menacing in the gloomy weath
Her story seemed fine on the surface, but when examined closely, there were major holes. Sarah began to feel uneasy and was about to stop.The little girl immediately looked panicked and avoided Sarah's gaze. She clutched the edge of her shirt tightly and asked cautiously, "Are you not going to take me home anymore?"Those clear, innocent eyes were enough to make Sarah waver, and indeed, she felt her resolve weakening."Sweetie, tell me exactly where on the hillside your home is," she suddenly asked.The little girl's eyes darted around nervously. She lowered her gaze for a long time, thinking hard before looking up with tears in her eyes. “Missy, we're almost there. Look over there—where there's smoke rising, that's my home."Looking into the distance, Sarah could indeed see a wisp of smoke rising from partway up the hillside. Through the dense forest, she could only make out a faint white shadow.It wasn't too far from where they stood, but it wasn't particularly close either.
Even when mealtime arrived, not a single worker put down their tasks."Alright everyone, take a break. Today I'm treating you all to something special," Sarah called out, clapping her hands as she walked through the doorway. Several food carts loaded with sandwiches, pasta, and fresh salads followed behind her.The delicious aroma of hot food drifted through the air. Only then did the workers realize how hungry they were. They jumped up excitedly, shouting, "Thank you, Miss Sanders!"Seeing the joyful atmosphere in the factory, Sarah felt the tension she'd carried all day begin to ease.She wasn't very hungry, so she decided to step outside for some fresh air.While looking around aimlessly, she unexpectedly spotted a pair of timid eyes peering at her from behind a rock.Sarah walked over curiously.Behind the rock was a little girl with a dirty face and clothes that had been torn in several places by tree branches."Hello there, little one. What are you doing here?" Sarah crou
Sarah's lips curved into a slight smile. "Oh right, I almost forgot to tell you. I'm moving to the dormitory near the factory today, so you won't have to worry about me anymore.""You're moving out?" Charlie's eyes widened in surprise."No way." After processing what she said, he rushed over and forcefully grabbed the suitcase from her hands."What are you doing?" Sarah glared at him angrily. "Give me back my suitcase."Charlie laughed coldly. "I can give it back, but nothing in this world is free. You've lived here for so long—you should at least pay some rent."Hearing this, Sarah calmed down. "How much do you want?"Charlie thought Sarah had agreed, so he quickly held up five fingers. "At least this much."Sarah asked, "Five thousand?"Charlie shook his head. "At least fifty thousand."Sarah covered her mouth and laughed."What's so funny?" Charlie threw the suitcase to the floor, angry and impatient. "I'm telling you, don't think I'm joking. Today, if you don't pay up, yo
Zachary smirked as he watched Charlie, amused by his outlandish claims. The poor fool was so wrapped up in his fantasies of wealth that he completely missed the mockery in Zachary's eyes.But as they say, no plan survives contact with reality.Charlie never imagined his schemes would collapse before they even got off the ground."How could I lose?" Charlie stared blankly at the dice on the gambling table, unable to believe what was happening.The noisy sounds of the gambling den faded away as his mind blocked them out. His ears heard nothing, and everything around him became a blur."Hey, are you playing or not? If not, get out of the way. You're blocking the table," someone shoved him aside.Charlie was like a mad dog now, ready to snap at anyone.He turned around angrily, about to lash out, when he saw Zachary standing calmly in the crowd as if nothing had happened.That made sense—after all, it was his money that was lost.Realizing this, Charlie couldn't contain the anger
"Six million… Where the hell am I supposed to get six million?!"The factory’s demand had nearly scared Charlie senseless. But even faced with that staggering number, not once did it cross his mind to end it all. Guys like him—the ones who never took responsibility—were always the ones clinging to life the hardest, like their sole purpose was to drag others down with them.Suddenly, his bloodshot eyes lit up like he'd just grabbed hold of his last lifeline. He muttered to himself, voice shaky but growing in conviction, “Wait, no... there’s still one person. We’re brothers. He wouldn’t just leave me like this.”Zachary had seen this coming from a mile away—he just didn’t think it would take Charlie this long to show up.Now here he was, on his knees, groveling.Zachary leaned forward slightly, one brow raised, voice cold enough to cut glass. “Charlie. Give me one good reason I should help you.”Some people only learned when they were shoved to the edge. And with someone like Charl
After hanging up the phone, Manager Sullivan carelessly packed up a few of his things and left the factory.East Coast. Melvin sat in his office, staring at the email Mr. Lambert had just sent. The entire timeline was laid out—every detail, every suspicion, all the context. He read it twice, barely blinking.He never imagined his mother would go this far behind his back, meddling in the West Ridge factory like this.Then again, maybe he should’ve seen it coming.Three years ago, when Sarah handed him control of the Sanders Group, his mother had already started revealing her true intentions—dropping hints, making comments, all nudging him toward taking over. But there was no need to seize anything. Sarah never wanted power. From day one, she’d made it clear she had no interest in running the company. She wanted to be a psychologist. The company had been a burden she was more than ready to pass on.So what was the point? Did it really matter who held what shares?He’d fought bit
“Stop right there.” Manager Sullivan raised a hand, cutting Sarah off. “Miss Sanders, you can twist a story all you want, but you don’t get to throw around accusations like that. Damaging company property? That’s a serious charge—I won’t stand for it. I’ve worked at this factory for years, always by the book. You really think I’d sabotage the company’s equipment?”Sarah didn’t reply right away, but Mr. Lambert stepped forward, his tone sharp. “So you’re saying you had no idea this happened? That Charlie made it all up to frame you?”Manager Sullivan nodded eagerly, latching onto the narrative. “Exactly! Charlie’s got a long history in this factory. Always looking for shortcuts, always stirring up trouble. He’s hated me for years. I’ve been trying to fire him forever. It makes perfect sense that he’d want revenge. That man’s a mess—gambling, drinking, drugs—you name it. He’s up to his neck in debt. He begged me for money and I said no. So now he’s spinning lies to take me down? Please