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
"No! Mia, she..." Sarah knew something was wrong with Mia's condition. Over the past few years, Zachary had sought help from many people to treat Mia, but nothing worked.She couldn't give up, especially since Mia only recognized her during her episodes.Looking at Sarah's eyes, Melvin understood her decision. "I won't pressure you. Take your time to think it through."“Melvin, thank you,” Sarah replied sincerely.At the Chancer residence.James had been worried about Sarah. He didn't know she had left until he asked Dean Larson, who confirmed that Sarah had indeed left and taken time off.Putting his phone back on the table, James let out a sigh of relief. Charlotte walked out of the bathroom just in time to see James setting down his phone, and her thoughts immediately went to Sarah.The last time she took James to visit her parents, they were upset because he left abruptly.She couldn't understand why James still cared so much about Sarah's affairs, even though Sarah had sai
"Have you lost your mind? I suggested a psychiatrist because your emotions have been unstable lately. Do you really think this is normal?" James asked with furrowed brows.Charlotte looked up at James, seeing complexity in his eyes, but no love.She laughed bitterly, "Of course I'm not normal. You hide in your study every night, smoking and sighing. When I was cleaning your study, I found papers written all over with Sarah's name. And you've been secretly calling Sarah. Isn't that enough?"James froze, realizing she knew everything.He lowered his head apologetically. He had written Sarah's name while trying to think of places she might have gone after her disappearance. After racking his brain and coming up with only a few places, he'd found himself unconsciously writing her name over and over.Under the bright lights, Charlotte watched him with a pained heart.His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly pulled Charlotte into his arms."I'm sorry. It's my fault for not being there
Sarah looked at the gold-embossed lettering on the red invitation and nodded slightly. She had been too depressed lately, falling into dark moods because of Zachary, Mia, and that childhood friend who suddenly appeared.Perhaps it was time for a change."Let's bring Mia along," she said.Melvin nodded. "Alright."At the South Pavilion Club.Few people knew the club's name or location. Its mystique in East Coast was maintained by its extremely strict membership rules.The auction was always the club's most important event. The items came from around the world, and no one questioned their origins.Membership was tiered, with each member allowed to bring two guests.Sarah was dressed casually today, not typical for an auction - just a simple dress she'd thrown on.Mia was similarly dressed. The two of them looked out of place following behind Melvin in his formal suit.Everyone else wore formal attire, competing to show off their most expensive and elegant clothes.James and Ch
Sarah turned pale, her chest seized with pain as if her heart was being torn out."Miss Sanders, I'm Vivian Wilson. I grew up with the Reynolds, Mia is like a sister to me," Vivian said with a gentle smile, extending her hand.Sarah shook her hand. "I've heard of you."Vivian excitedly turned to Zachary, "This must be Mia's psychiatrist? Zachary, you two must know each other well?"Before Zachary could speak, Sarah cut in, "Miss Wilson, we're not close."She searched his eyes for any trace of warmth, but found only coldness.She nearly lost her balance, grateful for Mia's presence behind her.Zachary clenched his fists tightly. He wanted to embrace Sarah, but with Vivian watching, he could only stand there, fighting his impulse.Vivian looked at Sarah with concern, "Miss Sanders, are you alright? Are you feeling unwell?"Sarah shook her head. "I'm fine.""Thank you for taking care of Mia. Zachary must treat you to dinner. Steven's cooking is delicious - I haven't had it in ag
When the fourth auction item appeared, all the women in the room gasped. No one could resist diamonds, especially this purple one.Every wealthy lady present knew the value of colored diamonds. The world's largest known purple diamond was seven carats, and this one was six and a half.Charlotte's eyes sparkled at it. Lucy was mesmerized too, tugging at James's arm, "James, this diamond is beautiful. You have to buy it for me."Charlotte gripped her dress hem, pressing her lips together.In the front row, Vivian also noticed the necklace. She excitedly said to Zachary, "Zachary, this necklace would suit me, right?"Zachary thought of the pink diamond from the last auction. This purple diamond was by the same designer, both famous pieces.He nodded dismissively.Sarah touched her neck, glad she hadn't worn the necklace Zachary had given her."This is an extremely rare purple diamond necklace. Starting bid is 10 million."Melvin raised his paddle. "20 million."Sarah looked up a
In the bathroom, she splashed cold water on her face to regain composure. Despite what her subconscious told her, she couldn't forget the scene of Zachary and Vivian laughing together - the jealousy in her eyes.Why did they always do this - first James, now Zachary.Outside the bathroom, she leaned against the wall by the auction hall doors, reluctant to go back in.Sitting down meant watching Vivian's intimacy with him."Why aren't you going in?" James suddenly appeared.Sarah hadn't expected to see him. She gave a bitter smile. "Just getting some air.""What's going on with you and Zachary?" James couldn't help asking.Sarah shook her head. "It's exactly what you see."If even James noticed something was wrong, surely Charlotte and Lucy had too."Did you two fight?" James asked again.Sarah looked at him puzzled. "Mr. Chancer, this isn't your business. Your wife is inside - it wouldn't look good if she saw us. I don't want to start more rumors."James felt embarrassed but
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