"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
"If only Grandpa would let me handle the Vista International contract. We could spend so much more time together," Vivian daydreamed.Zachary remained silent as he lowered his paddle. He'd barely noticed anything tonight except the purple diamond Vivian had won. His mind drifted to the pink diamond from the same designer that he'd given Sarah - the one Melvin hadn't managed to secure.James claimed the second-to-last piece, a calligraphy masterwork, for 60 million. The grand finale was a stunning royal crown.Crafted from pure gold and adorned with rare feathers and intricate details, the crown boasted over 400 precious gems. The auctioneer declared it priceless, opening bids at 100 million - a rarity even for the prestigious South Pavilion.Bidding exploded instantly, the price doubling within moments.The crowd of collectors knew their antiques - this centuries-old crown held immense value, both in its materials and its history.Despite her earlier wins, Vivian couldn't take he
As Sarah and Melvin were leaving, Vivian stopped Sarah and handed her a business card. "Miss Sanders, if anything happens with Mia and you can't reach Zachary, please call me. I'm back for good, and I worry about Mia too."Sarah awkwardly accepted the burning card.Melvin pulled Sarah into the car parked by the curb and returned the card to Vivian. "Miss Wilson, Sarah won't be contacting you. If anything happens with Mia, I'll reach out myself."He turned to Zachary, "Oh, and about Mia injuring my sister with a knife during her episode - don't forget the medical bills and compensation. Mr. Reynolds can surely afford it. Just transfer it to my company account.""Injured? Where?" Zachary frowned, studying Sarah.His eyes glittered like stars in the moonlit night, taking in every detail down to the strands of her hair."That's no longer your concern, Mr. Reynolds. We won't keep you and Miss Wilson any longer. Goodbye." Melvin's tone was cold.Zachary watched Sarah's retreating figu
"Think about who helped clean up your messes and got you out of prison."Lucy fell silent, remembering the psychiatric hospital incident. Their grandfather had feigned illness to get Sarah to visit, which led to her rescue.If something similar happened again, Sarah might not be so accommodating.Back at the Sanders house that night, Sarah kept looking at the pink diamond from her closet. The auction's diamond had gone to Vivian - perhaps Zachary had planned it that way.Growing frustrated, she buried the diamond in her bottom drawer.The auction hadn't helped Mia's condition. She'd hoped seeing Zachary and the formal setting might trigger some memories.The kidnapping had clearly traumatized Mia deeply.Though the kidnappers were in custody, Melvin's interrogations yielded nothing.Vivian must have offered substantial benefits, or held their families hostage.In bed that night, Sarah replayed seeing Zachary with Vivian - they looked perfect together.She expected tomorrow's
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,