Charlotte noticed James's expression darkening, setting off internal alarms, though she maintained a warm smile on her face."I never expected Sarah to know Mr. Reynolds. I was worried about how she'd manage after her divorce, but now with Mr. Reynolds looking after her, I'm sure she'll be fine here in East Coast.”James gazed at the gentle and kind-hearted Charlotte, the coldness in his eyes gradually fading.His Charlotte was always so kind and generous. She was truly the only one meant to spend a lifetime with him.His earlier irritation, he realized, was merely discomfort at seeing Sarah, who had always been so reserved around him, laughing and chatting freely with another man.It was just his possessiveness surfacing - after all, Sarah had once been his.James placed a gentle kiss on Charlotte's forehead, holding her hand. "Don't worry, you're the only one in my future."...Shortly after Sarah's group of three had settled in their private dining room at the prestigious St
”Mia can be quite mischievous. I hope she hasn't caused you any trouble," Zachary broke the silence, sensing the tension in the air.Before Sarah could respond, a red velvet box appeared before her.The gold-embossed Cartier logo caught her by surprise. "Mr. Reynolds, what's this?"Zachary carefully opened the box, revealing a rose gold diamond bracelet that caught the room's lighting, sparkling brilliantly."Mia rarely opens up to others like this. Since she's taken to you so well, I'd like to consider you a friend too." Zachary lowered his gaze briefly before looking up at her, his eyes reflecting her elegant features. "If you don't mind, may I call you Sasa?"Sasa...The nickname floated like a feather, creating ripples in Sarah's heart. She felt as if someone had called her that before, but couldn't quite remember who."I'm very fond of Mia too, and think of her as a sister, but..."Sarah knew she wasn't in the same league as Zachary, one of the youngest and most successful
Sarah's expression turned cold as she replied flatly, “Not really.”Charlotte clearly wasn’t going to let the conversation end there. "We just saw you dining with Mr. Reynolds. James and I thought we were seeing things. When did you get so close to him?"A strand of hair fell across her collarbone, adding to her image of gentle innocence."That's none of your business," Sarah tossed her paper towel in the bin. "Miss Garnett, we're not close enough for you to be asking about my personal life."Charlotte took a deep breath, a hint of hurt flickering in her eyes. "Aren't you being a bit defensive? We've known each other for some time, and I'm just making polite conversation. There's no ulterior motive."No ulterior motive? Really?Every time Charlotte spoke, it was with such measured politeness that no one could find fault with her words, yet it made Sarah deeply uncomfortable.Sarah gave a bitter smile. "If you're so concerned with proper etiquette, Miss Garnett, was it also prope
Sarah didn't care what Charlotte might say after leaving, but just thinking about her earlier performance made her agitated.In her sour mood, instead of returning to the private dining room, she decided to settle the bill at the front desk first to calm herself down.After paying, she turned around—only to come face-to-face with the leading lady of that earlier drama, Charlotte, and her fiancé, James.Sarah hesitated. Just her luck.She'd planned to walk past pretending not to see them, but James suddenly spoke up: "Sarah, we need to talk."He’d just learned that the extravagant meal Sarah had been treating them to at St. Ritz cost over four thousand. And it was all for the sake of impressing Zachary Reynolds?He suddenly realized Sarah wasn't putting on a show for him – she might actually be trying to climb the social ladder through Zachary.But how could she so easily throw herself into another man’s arms right after their divorce? Did their three years together mean nothing?
Recognizing who had arrived, James's eyes flashed with unease. "Mr. Reynolds, how long have you been here? I didn't know you had a habit of eavesdropping."Zachary remained composed, positioning himself beside Sarah without sparing James a glance. "In such a public space, how is it eavesdropping?""Besides, Mr. Chancer, Sasa’’s your ex-wife now, isn't she? You've lost the right to have any say in her life."Sasa?James's face darkened.Zachary was known for keeping his distance from women, and few people on the East Coast could even claim to be on speaking terms with him. Yet here he was, using such an intimate nickname for Sarah?His gaze shifted to Sarah, finding her completely unfazed. This inexplicably infuriated him.In the past, Sarah would have certainly offered him an explanation.But now she stood calmly beside another man, completely indifferent to his feelings.James stared intently at Sarah, as if trying to read something in her expression. "Clearly I'm meddling wh
James drove Charlotte back to the Chancer estate.As soon as they entered, Lucy rushed to greet them, excitedly waving her phone.“James! You won't believe what I saw today!"Lucy thrust her phone in James's face. "That whore Sarah must have been cheating during your marriage!"The screen showed a photo of Zachary gently helping Sarah into his car. Whether it was the camera angle or not, the scene appeared oddly intimate.The earlier irritation resurfaced as James's expression darkened.Lucy, completely oblivious to her brother's mood, continued excitedly, “James, it's only been days since your divorce. How could she possibly snag another man so quickly? She must have been cheating! How dare someone like her claim part of the Chancer fortune? You need to take back that house you gave her!"Noting James's silence, Mrs. Chancer stepped forward. "James, though we're wealthy, money doesn't grow on trees. I know you're kind-hearted and didn't want to leave her empty-handed after thes
Alone upstairs, James couldn't shake the image of Zachary and Sarah leaving together.His brow furrowed as he lit a cigarette.Had Sarah really betrayed him during their marriage?Remembering Sarah's cold detachment during their divorce, James realized it wasn't impossible.Taking a deep drag from his cigarette, he picked up his phone and found her number – one he rarely dialed.Driven by curiosity and suspicion, he felt compelled to confront Sarah.The call connected quickly, but a mechanical voice responded: "Sorry, the number you have dialed is not available. Please try again later."James frowned, hanging up and immediately redialing."Sorry, the number you have dialed is not..."He slammed the end call button, gripping his phone tightly, his face dark with anger.Damn Sarah!She'd actually blocked his number!...James's appearance hadn't particularly affected Sarah. With work the next day, she went to bed early.The following morning at school, her colleague immedia
That afternoon, after putting up the promotional posters, registration numbers surged even higher. While Sarah was busy coordinating with student volunteers, an unwelcome visitor appeared at the registration booth."Psychology Competition? They actually put that tramp Sarah in charge this year?" Lucy Chancer glared at Sarah's name on the poster, her eyes filled with venom.Her sidekick Lindsey nodded in agreement. "Exactly! How irresponsible of the university to hand over such an important annual event to a newbie like her. And she's so full of herself – why does her name need to be plastered all over the poster?"Sarah hadn't known about her name on the poster – that was Mia's doing. The young girl had specifically instructed the design team to make Sarah's name prominent.Lucy scoffed, ignoring Lindsey's comments. Looking at the poster, she suddenly smirked and beckoned to Lindsey. "Come on, let's sign up. This could be fun."At the registration booth, a haughty voice suddenly
Mrs. Chancer looked at Scarlett in shock, then at her daughter, who appeared terrified. She quickly stepped in front of Lucy to shield her.“Sarah! She’s your sister-in-law! How could you even think about calling the police? You might not care about the Chancer’s reputation, but I do!”Just then, the door opened. James entered the room, looking annoyed.“What’s going on now?” he asked impatiently.Lindsey’s expression darkened as she turned to him. “James, some brother you are! Your sister pushed your wife into the river, and all you can say is that?”James glanced at Sarah, then at Lucy.“Lucy, what happened?”Lucy’s eyes filled with tears as she protested, “No, James! She’s accusing me unfairly. I didn’t push her! She fell in on her own, and I tried to save her. That’s how I got scratched!”Mrs. Chancer immediately chimed in to support Lucy. “James, I told you from the beginning not to marry her. Look at what’s happening now—she’s teaming up with outsiders to bully Lucy! Lucy
Sarah let out a cold laugh. “Why don’t you ask your daughter what she was up to last night? Did she have any witnesses?”Lucy’s eyes flashed with panic. “What nonsense are you spouting? I… I was at home the night before last!”Mrs. Chancer abruptly turned to her daughter, her face stiffening as if she’d suddenly recalled something.“Of course Lucy was at home. I know that for a fact!”Scarlett observed the subtle glances exchanged between the two, and the truth became clear.“Scarlett, let me handle this.” Sarah’s voice was calm but firm as she pushed the blanket aside and got out of bed. She raised a hand to stop Scarlett, who had moved to support her.Walking right up to Lucy, Sarah abruptly swung her hand.Smack!“You just couldn’t resist pushing me into the river, could you?”The crisp sound of the slap was almost drowned out by Sarah’s furious words. Lucy staggered back, clutching her cheek in disbelief.“You… you hit me?!”Scarlett turned sharply to Sarah. “Sarah, is w
The freezing water wrapped around her like icy claws, an invisible hand seemingly choking her throat.Suffocating. Still suffocating.Why did Lucy want to hurt her when she'd tried so hard to be kind?Why push her into the river right after they'd made plans to go shopping together?Cold water surrounded her as she sank, unable to open her eyes in the murky river.Another splash sounded, and this time strong arms grabbed her. Instinctively, she clutched their wrist, desperately holding onto this lifeline.Before losing consciousness, she felt a sharp pain in her fingers.She woke up in the hospital with Scarlett caring for her."How did you fall in?" Scarlett asked when she awoke. "Did you fight with James? Even then, you shouldn't jump in."No!She remembered clearly - someone had pushed her!Only she and Lucy had been by the river!It wasn't an accident. Lucy had pushed her.Suddenly, she remembered grabbing Lucy's bracelet as she fell. Where was it?"Scarlett, who brou
On the way back, Zachary supported Sarah. "Your birthday's in two days?""Did Mia tell you?""Why didn't you invite me?" Zachary's voice was subdued.Sarah didn't answer, and Zachary didn't push further.Back at the stables, she caught Vivian's eye and walked directly to her. "Let's talk.""Of course." Vivian followed her to a corner without hesitation."Why did you do it?" Sarah demanded.Vivian feigned innocence. "I don't know what you mean."Sarah took a deep breath. "Vivian, you were the only one behind my horse. You used a needle, didn't you?"Sarah's smile was cold, sending a chill through the air.Everyone listened nearby as Vivian smiled thinly. "Horses often get spooked at riding grounds. It's not unusual."Sarah's expression darkened. "So you're denying it?""I have no idea what you're talking about." Vivian looked down at Sarah from horseback, as if regarding an insect.She stroked her riding crop slowly. Zachary tensed, knowing Vivian was angry.Sarah and Vivi
Vivian's hands tightened on the reins as she fixed Charlotte with an icy stare. "Some things are better left unsaid."Charlotte shuddered, not daring to mention Zachary again. She knew she was no match for Vivian.The atmosphere turned cold and tense.Ahead, Sarah clung to the reins in terror as James, Zachary, and Mia raced toward her."Sarah, we're coming!" Mia called out, panic in her voice.Charlotte watched James's retreating figure with fury. Why save that woman? Better if she died.Sarah's horse kept accelerating, heading toward the edge of the grounds where electric fencing and barbed wire formed a barrier.If they hit it, the electricity would frighten the horse even more, making things worse.Zachary analyzed the situation calmly, urging his horse faster.James followed close behind, his face tight with worry. Sarah pulled hard on the reins, trying to stop her horse, but it kept charging forward with wild neighs, heading straight for the wall.Just before impact, Za
"Just riding with Sarah," he said without hesitation.Sarah glanced at Zachary, surprised he'd say that in front of Vivian.Vivian was equally shocked by his blunt response.With Charlotte and Lucy watching, she felt humiliated.She fixed her gaze on Sarah, squinting against the harsh sunlight. "Miss Sanders, have you forgotten our conversation in Saint Nock?”Sarah met her stare unflinchingly, her eyes cold as ice. "Miss Wilson, it seems you lied to me in Saint Nock.”“Oh, what do you mean?,” Vivian barely contained her anger.Sarah glanced between Zachary and Charlotte. "Should we really discuss this here? I don't mind, but wouldn't you find it embarrassing?""Miss Sanders, I bear you no ill will. There's no need for such hostility," Vivian said with a gentle smile.Her sincere expression made Sarah hesitate, as if this was a different person from the one who had threatened her and manipulated Linda.Sarah stroked her horse's head, the animal contentedly shifting its hooves
At the stables, Sarah and Mia headed to the changing rooms to put on their riding attire.Sarah chose a classic navy and white ensemble that flattered her figure, while Mia looked elegant in her custom-designed riding outfit, complete with a matching leather crop.The staff had already prepared their Hanoverian horses - premium mounts reserved for VIP members.The only horses more prestigious were the privately owned ones, like those belonging to Vivian and Zachary."My brother owns a thoroughbred," Mia had mentioned earlier. "They're even more valuable."Their horses stood waiting, their golden coats gleaming in the sunlight. These Hanoverians were worth hundreds of thousands each and required extensive maintenance.Sarah mounted with practiced ease, crop in hand, as Mia climbed onto her own horse.They had barely started down the trail when they spotted a familiar figure.Sarah tensed - Zachary.She shot Mia an accusatory look."I swear I didn't know he'd be here!" Mia prot
Sarah's eyes flashed with irritation. "Did you and James plan this? He just left and here you are."Charlotte smiled faintly, then looked up with cold eyes. "I followed him here. Yesterday I saw all those messages he sent you on his phone. Today I watched him leave work early to bring you desserts."Sarah laughed coldly. "What are you trying to say?"Charlotte's expression hardened. "Stay away from him. Don't ever contact him again. Have some dignity, Sarah. Don't try stealing someone's husband just because you're single now."Sarah nearly threw her water at Charlotte but controlled herself. "That's rich coming from you, Charlotte. If anyone lacks dignity, it's you - coming back from abroad just to steal someone else's husband. I saw it all firsthand."Charlotte's eyes reddened with anger. "How dare you! James never loved you. I'm the only one he's ever loved. You're the one who came between us!"Sarah scoffed. "Just leave. I've already told James not to contact me. If you can't
When Zachary returned home, he found Mia excitedly holding an invitation. “Zac, what should I get Sarah for her birthday? She seems to have everything." Zachary gave a bitter smile and went to his study to work, planning to ask Sarah about the invitation tomorrow.At the Chancer house.While James was in the shower, Charlotte sat on the bed browsing her phone. The bedside table kept buzzing with incoming messages.Curiosity got the better of her. She picked up James's phone, seeing it was work messages.She decided to look through it and found several disturbing messages - ones James had sent to Sarah."Sarah, I heard you broke up with Zachary. How are you feeling?""If you're unhappy, we could talk.""Sarah, don't be too sad..."Message after message to Sarah. She couldn't believe James was consoling her like this.He'd promised to cut contact with Sarah. Why was he so quick to comfort her after her breakup?That evening, James left work early. Instead of heading home, he dr