From outside the bathroom stall, she heard foreign voices. "That foreign woman is incredible, getting first place...""All those judges were so nice to her. They obviously favor her. I wouldn't believe these high scores if I hadn't read her thesis myself - I'd think she bribed the judges.""Is her thesis really that good?""Yes, it's excellent. The concept is profound."Listening to these scattered conversations, Linda felt even more confused. She tore her scorecard into pieces and threw them in the trash.She couldn't stop thinking about Sarah receiving first place, all the applause and praise, and the way Eric had looked at her.Eric had placed second. Knowing his competitive nature, Sarah's first-place finish must have caught his interest.After composing herself, she returned to the auditorium.Sarah was surrounded by people, all wanting to see her scorecard.Linda noticed Eric standing at the edge of the crowd, staring intently at Sarah with deep interest.Suddenly anxio
"Love isn't about grades or ability," Sarah said seriously."I know," Linda replied.The oral defense was scheduled for seven days later. During this time, all qualifying contestants could prepare for their presentations.Those who didn't make it would move out of the hotel within two days. The Decker Competition staff had already booked their flights.Even though they hadn't advanced, just participating in such a prestigious competition was something to be proud of.A few days before the defense, Linda suddenly asked Sarah if she wanted to go to a bar.Only after arriving did Sarah realize it wasn't just the two of them - all the finalists were there.Several people gave Sarah meaningful looks, while Eric sat quietly reading in a corner.Sarah noticed Linda's eyes hadn't left Eric since she arrived.But Linda wasn't the only one interested in Eric. Within half an hour, three different girls had already approached him for drinks.She noticed Linda's eyes flash with jealousy e
"Sarah, enough about the thesis. Let's have some fun," Linda said in a controlled voice.Sarah nodded, raising her glass to clink with Linda's.The party ended at midnight, and they headed back to the hotel together.When the elevator reached Sarah's floor, Eric called out to her as she was stepping out."Sarah."She turned back curiously. "What is it, Eric?""See you tomorrow," he said with a smile.Sarah was puzzled but nodded anyway.Linda clenched her fists, her face growing paler.Shortly after, Eric got off too, leaving Linda in the elevator.The others started gossiping again."Eric must really like Sarah, right?""Probably. Sarah's pretty, and I heard the judges were falling over themselves praising her thesis.""Really? That much?"...On the day of the defense, Sarah and Linda arrived early at Saint Nock Hall.The presentations were divided into groups of five, assigned by lottery. She and Linda were placed in the same group.While waiting, she received a str
Sarah searched frantically until she found a rickety ladder, propping it against the wall and slowly climbing up.“Eric?”The window was high up. When she finally reached it, she saw Eric waiting anxiously.While she had been searching for the ladder, Eric had already piled hay beneath the window."Quick! Jump down!"With no time to hesitate, Sarah took a deep breath and leaped.Pain shot through her body, and she felt small cuts on her elbows, but there was no time to check them.She struggled to her feet as Eric's warm hand grabbed hers, pulling her into a run.The wind whipped against her face as they sprinted. "Thank you."Her words scattered in the wind, but Eric still heard them.At the defense presentation.Linda watched the clock - 8:55.Sarah hadn't arrived yet. She probably wouldn't make it.She kept staring at the door nervously, feeling both anxious and afraid.Among the defense panel, Jane noticed Sarah's absence and tried calling her, but the phone was out o
Sarah froze, staring at Linda."It was you?" Sarah looked at Linda in disbelief, not wanting to believe it but unable to deny it.Linda glared at her angrily. "You're quite something. Eric's only known you for days, yet he risked missing his own defense to save you. I really underestimated you."Sarah gave a bitter laugh. "I guess I trusted the wrong person. When I thought you were in trouble, I rushed to help without a second thought. Linda, all this because he talked to me a few times?"Linda sneered. "A few times? Is that what you call it? You knew I liked him, yet you still flirted with him right in front of me. You have no idea how much I hate you!""We only discussed our thesis work, nothing else," Sarah frowned."Who would believe that? I saw you two laughing together, and you claim it was just about the thesis?""You can ask him if you don't believe me. But this isn't just about him, is it?" Sarah stared into her eyes.Linda didn't flinch. "Your thesis was brilliant, ev
Linda returned to her hotel room in panic, staying there for a long time before finally gathering the courage to seek out Sarah.Despite their many previous meetings, this was their first truly awkward encounter.She stood in silence, unsure what to say, until Sarah broke the tension. "What do you want?""Did you tell the coordinator...""No, I didn't say it was you. They'll find out anyway," Sarah replied coldly.Linda gave a bitter laugh. "Thank you. I made a mistake.""Linda, we're not friends anymore. If you came for forgiveness, you should leave," Sarah said icily, moving to close the door.Not naming Linda to the coordinator was the last favor Sarah would do for their friendship. From now on, they were strangers."Sarah, please come somewhere with me? Please?" Linda begged.Sarah eyed her suspiciously. "Where?"Linda smiled sadly. "Someone else suggested the idea to me. Don't you want to know who?"Sarah's brows furrowed. "Who?""Follow me and you'll find out."Linda
After examining Linda, the doctor said she had only swallowed some water."Eric, I'm fine now," Linda said weakly, leaning against him.When Sarah stood up, Linda shrunk behind Eric fearfully.Sarah watched with contempt, knowing Linda's performance wasn't just for Eric's benefit.Sure enough, before they could leave the hospital, the competition coordinator rushed in. "What happened?"The coordinator was startled to see Linda in such a weak state.Before Sarah could speak, Linda jumped in. "Don't blame Sarah. I lost my balance, and she accidentally bumped into me."The coordinator caught the implication in her words and looked gravely at Sarah. "Sarah, did you push Linda in?""No," Sarah said firmly.The coordinator turned to Eric. "Tell me what you saw.""I can't say for certain. When I arrived, Linda was already in the water and Sarah was standing nearby. I can't confirm whether Sarah pushed her or not," Eric stated carefully.His response was logical, and Sarah couldn't
Linda wasn't afraid of Sarah - she only feared losing Eric's affection forever."For a psychology researcher, you should really examine your own mental state." Eric's voice was ice-cold as he walked away.Linda sank to the floor. "Eric..."The Decker Committee didn't waste time. They announced Linda's punishment immediately after posting the defense results.When the results went live on the university website, Sarah's name topped the list.She had done it - Sarah Sanders was officially the Decker Competition champion.Her victory made history as the first international winner, stunning both the organizers and the Psychology Research Institute.Jane was thrilled, since she had recommended Sarah.She knew the Knox Institute researchers were already interested in Sarah. They would likely extend an invitation at tomorrow's award ceremony.The ceremony was scheduled for two days later at Saint Nock Hall. Before the ceremony, officials released an announcement."Contestant Linda R
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,