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
Surprisingly, Lucy ignored Mia's mockery, her smile growing even more eager. "Come on, Mia, why are we doing this? Our families have so many business dealings. Why defend someone like Sarah? She's just a divorced nobody."Mia was disgusted. Lucy's fawning behavior gave her the creeps.Even Lindsey, standing behind Lucy, looked shocked at her friend's behavior."Lucy, if you don't leave now, I'll have security escort you out," Mia said flatly.Though taken aback, Lucy maintained her smile, standing up casually. "Well, since you're busy, I'll get going. See you around!"How shameless can she be?After Lucy disappeared, Mia exhaled in relief, turning to Sarah. "Sarah, do you think Lucy's lost her mind?"Sarah pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "From what I know of her, she's not one to back down quietly. Whatever she's planning, it can't be good."...Once away from the booth, Lindsey couldn't contain her curiosity. "Lucy, why were you so nice to Mia today?"Usually,
Lindsey gazed at Lucy with admiration, laying on the flattery. "Oh my god, Lucy, your brother's so sweet! I heard CEOs are super busy, yet he makes time to pick up his sister!"Lucy preened under the praise, smirking proudly. "Well, of course. My brother totally dotes on me. I'm his favorite.""God, Lucy, I'm so jealous! You've got the looks, the family background, and such an amazing brother... I've never even been in a Maserati!" Lindsey gushed, secretly hoping Lucy would offer her a ride. She could already imagine the Instagram photos making her high school friends green with envy.As expected, Lucy scoffed dismissively. "Look at you, acting like you've never seen luxury before. Fine, I'll have my brother give you a ride too!"With that, Lucy strode toward James.“James, what brings you here today?" she called out in an artificially sweet voice, basking in the attention from passing students. Sure, she'd always had a private driver, but James had forced her to keep things low-k
After the doctor left, Charlie yanked out his IV and clambered off the bed, urging Zachary, "Let's get out of here. This place just drains you dry."Zachary, indifferent since his injuries were feigned, asked, "Your injuries alright?"Charlie, ever so casual about his resilience, boasted, "Ah, I've been roughed up worse before. Just give me a couple of days to rest at home, and I'll be as good as new."With unresolved matters and a longing to see Sarah, Zachary reluctantly set aside his desires. "Then you head back. Call me if you need anything."Charlie, sensing something off, gently tugged at Zachary's suit and noticed his white shirt stained with fresh blood. "Zach, you're hurt!"Zachary's lips were pale, his voice dry. "Yeah.""I'll get the doctor to bandage you up," Charlie said, moving to leave."No need," Zachary stopped him quickly, not wanting to expose his whereabouts by registering at the hospital."What about your wound?""I have a first aid kit at home. It's just
Zachary dragged the unconscious Charlie to the clinic, exacerbating Charlie's injuries as his back scraped against the small stones on the road.When Charlie woke up in the clinic, his howls filled the room. "It's killing me! Where's the doctor? Give me some anesthesia. I'd rather be out cold!"The nurse, irritated by his constant demands, was about to lose her patience when Zachary entered the room. Seeing him, Charlie momentarily forgot his pain and burst into tears. "Bro, did you save me? From now on, you're like a brother to me."Zachary responded indifferently, "Just focus on healing."As the nurse changed Charlie's bandages, she couldn't help but blush at Zachary's rugged, yet undeniably handsome appearance, even slightly disheveled from the fight."Damn it, get out! Are you doing this on purpose, you wretch? Trying to kill me?" Charlie slapped her, swelling her face, as he misunderstood her distracted clumsiness for malice.Zachary frowned, saying nothing. Although he disl
With an agile flip through the air, Zachary caught sight of Charlie sneaking a peek from behind a haystack, his sleazy demeanor perfectly deserving of a beating. The thought of what this scoundrel had done to Sarah intensified Zachary's fury, already heightened by the fierce combat.On the other side, the casino manager watched in rage as his men were effortlessly knocked down by Zachary. Cursing loudly, he shouted, "Damn it, what's the story with this kid?"Seeing some of his underlings still looking for an opportunity to strike, his anger boiled over. "Are you all brainless? Attack him all at once; I refuse to believe he can fight off everyone!"Those still standing and those who had managed to get back up exchanged glances and charged at Zachary with renewed ferocity.Zachary's sharp eyes flashed with disdain. Without moving, his fist met an attacker's face at an extraordinarily tricky angle.The attacker's pained expression froze mid-air, and when he hit the ground, dust flew
Charlie's voice cut off abruptly as he stared in horror behind Zachary, his body beginning to tremble. Before he could speak, the casino manager had already set up a blockade on the road and rushed over with his men, ambushing them from both sides."Charlie, you think you're pretty clever, conniving with outsiders to cheat me out of my money?" the casino manager sneered, twirling an iron rod menacingly.Charlie's legs gave out, and he fell to his knees, stuttering, "Bro, what are you talking about? How could I dare cheat you? I don't have the guts.""Stop lying to me," the manager bellowed, pointing the iron rod toward a visibly unmoved Zachary. "This pretty boy, you've been colluding with him to cheat on my turf. Sick of living, are you?""No, it's all a misunderstanding! We were gambling fair and square, no cheating!" Charlie was terrified, fearing a brutal beating was imminent.The manager scoffed, "You think I'm blind?"Sweat poured down Charlie's forehead as he desperately l
”Come on… Come on…” Charlie leaned over the long table, his eyes crazed as he watched the dealer's movements. The dealer placed his hand over the dice cup, his voice stirring the gamblers, "Any more bets? The odds are thirty to one now." As soon as he finished speaking, a burly man with a scruffy beard shoved most of his chips forward. "Damn it, I'm all in. Worst comes to worst, I'll con some more out of my old lady's funeral fund." Others, eyes reddened, quickly followed suit.Charlie clenched his yellowed teeth, tempted to go all in too. He glanced at Zachary, who had remained calm throughout, and rubbed his hands together with a sycophantic smile. "Bro, should we make a big play too?"Zachary gave him a brief glance. "What's the rush." Charlie had no choice but to curb his eagerness."Here it goes!" The dealer shouted, and the outcome was revealed, triggering moans of despair around them."Did we win? Did we actually win?" Charlie rubbed his eyes in disbelief, his smile wideni
Charlie pulled her close. "When have I not thought about you? Anyway, I've got things to do tomorrow. I'll come see you again later." He got dressed as the woman watched him reluctantly. Just as he opened the door to leave, another woman suddenly appeared in front of him."Molly, I've come—Oh? What are you doing here? Isn't this Mr. Wesley? What are you doing at Molly's house in the middle of the night instead of sleeping at home?"She saw Charlie adjusting his clothes and knew exactly what had been going on."Cut the crap, I'm leaving now. If anyone finds out about today, you're done for," Charlie snapped.The woman wasn't intimidated. She dramatically fell to her knees, crying out loud, "Oh dear! Everyone come and see how this man is threatening me, saying he'll kill me! He's not sleeping at his home in the middle of the night but is here at Molly's—who knows what they were up to? Now that I've caught him, he's not retreating but threatening me instead! Everyone come over and jud
Back at the Wesley place, Charlie shut the front door with a meaningful smirk as his parents had already gone to bed. He cleared the dining table and retreated to his room. Alone, his thoughts turned to what he imagined would happen between Zachary and Sarah, and he couldn't help but snicker to himself. This time, he felt he had finally done Zachary a favor by orchestrating the situation. After this, he was sure Zachary would owe him one, especially in his gambling endeavors.Once something happened between Sarah and Zachary, Charlie thought he would have significant leverage over Sarah—she wouldn't dare cross him, not even in front of the factory manager. Yet, the thought of their imminent encounter left him feeling an unexplained emptiness, especially since the woman he usually pushed around had defiantly returned to her mother's house after yesterday's beating. How dare she act differently when every other woman in the town bore their circumstances silently?Why was it acceptable
"Zachary, you're here?" Charlie greeted with a sycophantic tone. Indeed, it was Zachary, who frowned slightly. About twenty minutes ago, Charlie had called him, claiming Sarah was in danger and that he needed to hurry over. Zachary had rushed here as quickly as possible, but now couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Why did Charlie's smile seem so... unsettling?"What's wrong with Miss Sanders?" Zachary asked, his gaze serious.Charlie, sensing he had played his cards right, pointed toward Sarah's room and said meaningfully, "Miss Sanders is in that room. She's in critical condition right now. Hurry, go save her."He even gave an expression that implied men would understand.Zachary's unease grew. He walked into Sarah's room, only to find her lying on the bed, seemingly unconscious."Sasa?" He rushed over, his voice full of concern.From outside the door, Charlie's voice rang out. "Zachary, time is money. I've given you what you wanted. Go ahead and take it."Zachar
The next morning, Charlie handed over the last two thousand dollars he had managed to scrounge from his house to Manager Sullivan. After groveling and pleading, it took quite a while before Sullivan finally decided to let him off the hook.Sarah sat in her office, her eyes fixed on the computer screen displaying an email reply from headquarters. The report about the equipment malfunction had been approved, and the request for new devices granted. The board of directors hadn't opposed it, which came as a surprise.Outside the office, Charlie passed by the door, his mind still reeling from Sullivan's earlier warning."You've got one more chance. Sarah Sanders is sharp. If you fail again, pack your bags and leave!"He clenched his fist, determined not to fail this time.At six in the evening, Sarah was about to leave for the day when, to her surprise, Charlie was waiting outside, calling her over. "Hurry up and eat! My mom made dishes specially for you. I know I messed up last time,