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
Though Lucy hadn't leaked the video, she was grateful to whoever did.James stared coldly at Lucy, unsure whether to believe her.“James, it wasn't me! Whoever did this deserves thanks - it's karma!"Mrs Chancer slammed her hands on the table. "James, how dare you suspect your sister when she's denied it?"James looked at Lucy hiding behind their mother and gave up. "I'm going to work."After he left, Charlotte peered anxiously at the door from upstairs, sighing in relief once he was gone.Her phone screen lit up with the article.She noticed Lucy watching her from upstairs, making her heart skip.Charlotte rushed back to her room, locked her phone, and tried to forget about it."Lucy, what were you looking at?" their mother asked curiously.Lucy turned with a smile, finishing her breakfast. "Nothing. Let's go shopping later with sister-in-law.""Lovely idea."Lucy's eyes gleamed. She'd been wondering who leaked the article. She'd only sent the video to one person - Charlot
James explained, "Charlotte wouldn't do this. Yes, Lucy took the video, but I asked her this morning and she denied leaking it.""Fix this, or we'll have problems," Melvin snapped. "Go ask your dear wife." He stormed out.James stared at the damning IP address on the documents. Unable to settle, he headed home, finding Lucy and the others about to leave.“James? Why are you back?" Lucy asked, puzzled.James ignored her, focusing on Charlotte, who avoided his gaze. "James, aren't you working today?"He approached her slowly, smiling, as she backed away."James, what are you doing?" Charlotte asked nervously, wringing her hands behind her back.Just as he was about to reach Charlotte, Mrs. Chancer blocked his path. "James! Stop it! She's your wife!""Mother! Do you know what she did? She posted that article online!" James fixed Charlotte with a piercing stare.Charlotte took a deep breath, eyes darting. "I don't know what you mean! James, I didn't do it.""No?" James narrowed h
Sarah didn’t want to pay attention to the things happening online. The rumors had been flying all day. When she woke up that morning, she immediately felt a severe cramp in her abdomen and struggled to get out of bed.She endured the intense pain as she got dressed and put on her shoes. Mia was already awake.This pain was something she knew all too well. Without even thinking, she knew it was her period.It was during moments like this that she couldn’t help but remember everything Zachary had done for her—taking her to the hospital, preparing meals and medicine for her.She recalled the last time her period came; Zachary had taken care of her the whole time.That's how memories work - just when you think you've forgotten someone, familiar moments bring everything rushing back.She had Mia help her to the hospital, which wasn’t far from the estate, just a short walk.The hospital smelled of disinfectant, and her nose no longer caught the scent of cedarwood.She had asked herse
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,