Mrs. Chancer held Lucy protectively. "Tell us, dear. How can your brother help if you won't explain?"Her eyes were red from worrying about Lucy's self-isolation.For the first time, Lucy felt powerless despite her family's influence."A video," she choked out, knowing silence would only make the eventual revelation worse."What video?" James watched her warily.Their mother fell silent, releasing Lucy."Sarah paid a man 5 million to film me... that kind of video." Lucy clutched her hands nervously.James understood immediately, but doubted Sarah would spend so much on revenge.He stared at Lucy sharply. "What did you do this time?""Nothing!" Lucy avoided his gaze, hiding behind their mother."James! Your sister's suffering and you're defending that witch?" their mother protested."Find her! This video will ruin your sister's life!"“James! I did nothing wrong! Help me! I'll die if people see it!" Lucy sobbed, clutching his sleeve.James knew the scandal would devastate t
The smell of alcohol was thick in the air—he had been drinking. She helped him sit on the sofa. His hand gripped her arm tightly, and he mumbled, “Sasa…”"Why did you come to here? Why did you come looking for me?" she asked, knowing there wouldn't be an answer.Zachary's brows furrowed slightly, as though he were having a nightmare, and he kept calling her name."Don’t break up..." he murmured.Sarah turned her face away, unable to bear it, but his voice pierced her ears, and her heart ached with each word.Suddenly, Zachary's phone rang. She didn't move, but when it rang a second time, she finally answered.“Zac, why aren’t you picking up?" It was Vivian!Sarah froze, not knowing what to do—she couldn’t speak, but neither could she ignore it. As she hesitated, Vivian noticed."Who are you? Why are you holding Zachary’s phone?" Vivian’s voice was sharp.Flustered, Sarah quickly replied, "He’s drunk," and immediately hung up.It seemed that he hadn’t cleared things up wit
"Just a rough draft, it's not finished yet," Sarah explained.Linda had breakfast with her and then returned to her own room. Sarah, feeling utterly exhausted, collapsed onto the bed. Her body felt heavy, and she couldn’t shake off the discomfort.She was on the verge of falling asleep when her phone rang—it was James calling.Still groggy, she answered, "What is it?""Sarah, Lucy told me everything. She shouldn’t have hired someone to kidnap you, but what about the video?"Sarah didn’t have the time or energy to explain everything. "James, do you know why Lucy hired someone to kidnap me? Do you know who gave me that video? It wasn't taken on the day of the kidnapping—it was filmed by a man before that. Do you know why?"There was a long silence on the other end, and it seemed James didn’t know how to respond.It lasted so long that Sarah nearly fell asleep, until James finally spoke."What Lucy did, I’m sorry for her. But the video..." He hesitated.Sarah sneered. "You real
”James, I really know I was wrong. When I saw the video, I already understood, but I had no choice. If I didn't give him the money, he'd send the video out. Everyone would know, and I couldn’t let that happen!" Lucy wiped away a tear.James suddenly recalled that Lucy had come to him previously asking to go abroad. Could it be that it started back then?"You asked me to help you go abroad last time. Was that the man you accidentally injured with a knife?" he asked.Lucy nodded through her tears. "Yes, but I found out later that he didn't die."“Sweetheart, why didn’t you tell the family? You could have asked your brother for the money and avoided all of this!" Mrs Chancer’s voice was full of concern as she spoke, her eyes red from crying.James looked at Lucy with cold eyes, his anger rising. "What’s his name?"“Tom Davis. I’m not sure if it’s his real name, but I have a photo of him." Lucy took out her phone and showed James the photo she had secretly taken at the hotel.After
“What?! Is he looking for you?” Scarlett’s voice was filled with surprise.Sarah had already mentioned to Scarlett after the breakup that she had heard about Vivian, and now thinking about seeing Zachary walk into that building the other day made her smile bitterly. "Probably not... It’s work," she answered.“Sasa, don’t think about him anymore,” Scarlett said, her voice softening.“I know,” Sarah replied. She told herself not to think about Zachary every moment, but the more she tried to push him out of her mind, the more he lingered there."Sasa, I'll come over to keep you company," Scarlett offered.Sarah smiled and said, "Scarlett, I know you’re worried about me. But your family’s busy right now, so you should stay home.""Sasa, I’m really worried about you," Scarlett insisted.“It’s fine. There’s still a month. Once you’re done, you can come over anytime.”The towering building loomed above, neon lights flashing. Zachary sat by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his back turned
For writing a paper, having the right direction is indeed the most important step. If the foundation of the research is wrong from the start, the following steps would be even harder.It only took Sarah two days to finish her proposal, and when Linda saw her progress, she couldn’t help but be amazed. “You’re so fast!”This competition was an academic event organized by top universities abroad, with a strong panel of judges, including well-known psychology professors from various countries and some experts from psychological research institutes. The caliber of the judges and the strict selection process made it clear just how prestigious this competition was.Insider information revealed that after the competition, the experts from the research institutes would select the people they liked to join their teams.By the fifth day of the competition, Sarah had stopped thinking about Zachary. She had finished writing her tasks and stretched lazily. Zachary had already sent her all the da
He had a long talk with Vivian today. He'd hoped she would understand his explanation, but her strong personality made her unwilling to let go.After explaining to Vivian, instead of returning to his hotel, he found himself at Sarah's.He stood at her door for ages, thinking things through.He was Zachary Reynolds - when he spoke, East Coast listened.Was he really going to compromise just because of Vivian?Since the last time, when he got drunk and fell asleep in Sarah's room, he had avoided facing her.“Zachary, go back. We've already broken up,” Sarah said coldly. Too many times, her heart had already been torn apart.The rain was pouring heavily outside, and the room was warm, but she felt a chill that wouldn’t go away. Zachary couldn’t stand seeing her like this, cold and indifferent.He immediately pulled her into his arms, but Sarah struggled intensely. He held her tighter.“Let go of me!” she cried out.“No,” Zachary said firmly.Sarah felt suffocated, but the embra
He wasn't at the hotel—where could he be? She knew he must have gone to find Sarah again. She angrily threw the cup on the table, finally feeling a little calmer. The next morning, Sarah received an unexpected call from Vivian. "Do you have time for a coffee?" Vivian asked."What's going on?" "Let's talk in person." Vivian hung up immediately after providing the time and location. Sarah stared at the hung-up phone, feeling confused. What was Vivian trying to do?At the café in Saint Nock, Sarah entered and immediately spotted Vivian sitting in a corner, sipping coffee. She walked over and saw a glass of iced Americano already waiting for her. "Thank you, but what exactly do you want to talk about?" Sarah asked.Vivian smiled sweetly, looking Sarah up and down before offering another compliment. "You've changed since we last met. Competing in such a prestigious event - impressive. Don't be nervous, I just wanted to cheer you on."Sarah wasn’t foolish enough to think Vivi
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,