Zachary leaned back against the sofa, raising his wine glass for another sip. The moonlight cast a pale glow on his face, making him look like a lifeless Greek statue.Finally, at two in the morning, their drinking session came to an end.Zachary helped Steven to the guest room and laid him down, but then heard him mumbling something. "What did you say?"He leaned in closer to make out what Steven was muttering."Scarlett... how could you be so irresponsible..."Zachary's lips curved into a slight smile - so Scarlett was the cause of his heartache.He took out his phone and recorded Steven's mumbling.In two days, Mr. Anderson of Meridian Group would celebrate his birthday. To give back to society, he had decided to host his birthday celebration as a charity auction. Attendees needed to contribute one of their collectibles for auction, with all proceeds going directly to charity.Without doubt, this grand auction would be East Coast's most talked-about event, especially since t
Sarah noticed the sadness in her eyes and suddenly grabbed Scarlett's hand. "Let's try something," she said seriously."Try what?"Her voice was soft and convincing. "Let's see if he likes you.""What?"Sarah took out her phone and played the recording for her. "When he was drunk, he kept saying your name. Zachary sent this to me. Why not give it a chance? If you feel even a little something for him."A faint blush appeared on Scarlett's face. "Alright, let's try."That evening, Sarah called Steven. "Steven, I'd like to bring some friends to St. Ritz for dinner tonight. Are you available?"After all, this show couldn't go on without its main character.At seven-thirty, Sarah arrived at St. Ritz with Scarlett. Steven froze when he saw Scarlett - he hadn't expected her to be one of Sarah's friends.Just as he placed the menus on Sarah's table, he saw Scarlett waving excitedly toward the entrance."Over here!" Sarah smiled knowingly and explained, "This is Scarlett's boyfriend."
"Stop!" Scarlett noticed something was wrong.She dipped her spoon in the soup and tasted it."It's so salty!" She quickly gulped down some water.Angrily throwing down her spoon, she said, "Sarah, Steven's gone too far."Sarah couldn't help but smile. "Don't drink any more."The rest of the dinner proceeded normally, with Steven maintaining a polite, professional smile. On the way home, Scarlett's eyes reflected unmistakable disappointment."See? I told you he doesn't like me."Sarah consoled her, "Don't rush to conclusions. Maybe he hasn't processed it yet, or it was too much for him to handle."Scarlett went home distracted. After getting ready for bed, she lay there for a long time, thinking about what had happened at the bar that night.Checking her phone, it was already eleven. Just as she closed her eyes to sleep, her phone rang.The name on the screen nearly made her drop her phone - it was Steven.She rushed to answer but accidentally hung up in her nervousness. Her
Scarlett lowered her eyes, unable to look at him. "Let's just pretend nothing happened between us. It was all a misunderstanding..."Steven laughed coldly. "A misunderstanding? You call that a misunderstanding? You're really making me angry now."Scarlett cringed internally - was he acting out some cheesy romance drama?"You're overacting.""Break up with him immediately," Steven said coldly. "I remember everything from that night perfectly. You need to take responsibility!"Scarlett stared at Steven's face, slightly dazed. She asked calmly but firmly, "So why are you really here? Just to tell me to break up?""..." Perhaps it was her determined gaze, but Steven found himself at a loss for words.Of course, he hadn't come just to tell Scarlett to break up - he wanted to suggest they give things a try.But why couldn't he muster the courage to say so? Scarlett pressed on, "Or do you want to be with me? Do you actually like me? Or are you just here playing the responsible guy b
Charlotte entered the ballroom on James's arm, wearing a pink tulle gown that screamed haute couture.She deliberately rested her hand on her stomach, stroking it subtly while giving Sarah a challenging look."Ms. Sanders, it's been a while." Her smile was gentle, as if they were merely friends and nothing had happened between them.Sarah gave her a brief glance without responding and took her seat beside Melvin.Their table was right in the center. Though the Sanders family wasn't quite as prominent as the Reynolds, they still held significantly more influence than Chancers.Suddenly, there was a commotion at the entrance as reporters rushed forward to greet the new arrivals.Sarah looked over to see Zachary and Vivian walking in.With all the recent rumors about these two, naturally the reporters wouldn't miss this chance for a story.Zachary and Vivian were also seated at the main table, directly across from Sarah and Melvin."Miss Sanders, lovely to see you," Vivian smiled
The piece finally sold for nine hundred thousand, leaving James with clenched fists.Mr. Anderson's lack of interest meant their plan for the birthday celebration had failed.He didn't bid on the next few items either, watching silently as others claimed them.Then came Vivian's contribution. The attendants brought up a long case containing a painting. Uniquely, it was a portrait of a religious figure - but with a striking twist: the face bore a clear resemblance to Mr. Anderson. When the image appeared on the large screen, Mr. Anderson's fingers twitched, unconsciously tapping the table.Vivian smiled, knowing this wasn't just any religious portrait. She was sure Mr. Anderson had noticed its significance immediately.Sarah watched the painting with grave concern. Vivian had been too bold - creating a religious portrait with Mr. Anderson's likeness.Inevitably, no one else would bid on it. Everyone could see this was Vivian's special tribute to Mr. Anderson. No one wanted to cr
Charlotte gasped, along with everyone else in the room as they stared at the big screen in shock.While pure amber was certainly precious, it wasn't exactly extraordinary. With careful searching, one could acquire such pieces.It hardly seemed special enough for such an occasion compared to the other items. But that price... it was simply outrageous.After the previous tension, the ballroom finally came alive with chatter, everyone discussing the amber rosary. "Have the Sanders lost their minds? Asking a hundred million for this amber rosary - are they trying to rob us?""Sure, this is a charity auction, and we're happy to donate, but we're not here to be taken for fools!""Exactly! The Sanders must think we're idiots!"James's eyes widened in disbelief. Charlotte feigned concern as she said, "James, a hundred million is excessive. Even Mr. Anderson wouldn't set such a high price."James frowned, struggling to understand how amber beads could command such a price.At the same t
He had really spent a hundred million on the antique rosary. Even with its intricate religious inscriptions, it shouldn't have commanded nearly that price - it was almost double its value.Sarah suspected Mr. Anderson's quick decision was partly due to the earlier incident with the portrait.After the auction ended, dinner was served. Mr. Anderson, who preferred privacy to social gatherings, left early. Vivian kept glaring at Sarah, convinced that the rosary strategy hadn't been Melvin's idea."Miss Sanders, how clever of you. Your auction piece suited Mr. Anderson's taste perfectly," Vivian said coldly.Sarah didn't bother with politeness. "Indeed. Perhaps Miss Wilson could learn something from this."Vivian's knuckles whitened around her silverware as she glared at Sarah. "Miss Sanders, don't celebrate too soon."Impressing Mr. Anderson didn't guarantee securing the property - she still had a chance.Midway through the main course, a man in a dark suit appeared beside Sarah an
Sarah called out weakly, "Zachary!"The Cayenne's windows were shattered, its door deeply dented.The airbags had deployed, pinning Zachary inside."Zachary! Wake up!"After countless calls, Zachary finally opened his eyes and tried to move.Moving in the airbag-filled cabin wasn't easy, and he felt intense pain in his thigh.His voice was hoarse, ”Sasa, I'm okay. Are you?"In that moment, Sarah forgot everything else, her eyes welling up as she looked at him. "I'm fine. How can you get out?""Did you call for help?" Zachary asked.Sarah took out her phone but found no signal. She couldn't make an emergency call."No signal." Her phone had been intermittent on the bridge too.Of the cars chasing her, one had gone over the cliff and the other was flipped. Both must have had signal jammers installed.Sarah looked at Zachary - his upper body was compressed by the airbags, his lower half completely trapped underneath."Get out quickly," Sarah's voice trembled.Zachary forced
Sarah drove forward desperately with the two black cars in close pursuit.Her phone kept ringing, but she didn't dare move to answer it in her current situation. The tires made horrifying sounds as they scraped against the road.Dust kicked up behind them as the pursuing cars seemed bent on a suicide mission, repeatedly trying to ram her. She knew it must be Zachary calling, surely panicked after hearing her earlier words.But with the relentless pursuit behind her, she couldn't let her guard down for even a moment.She had underestimated their determination. At one turn, her mind started to blur and consciousness began to fade. She bit down hard, forcing herself to stay alert.The mountain road was narrow and steep - one slip meant certain death from the fall. With no streetlights in the darkness, it was even more treacherous. The cars behind kept flashing their high beams, making her eyes hurt.In that split second of distraction, one of the cars rammed her hard. The violent im
Lucy sighed. She couldn't believe her mother would say this. Mrs. Chancer saw her determination, but Charlotte was carrying the Chancer family's heir - if she was sentenced, that child would be born with a stigma.Suddenly, Mrs. Chancer knelt before Lucy.I’ll do it!" Lucy said through gritted teeth.She thought she could give up everything for personal gain, but seeing her mother kneel down, she couldn't control herself.After the winter light festival, Sarah felt a strange ache in her heart that she'd never experienced before.She didn't know how to handle her relationship with Zachary. The coldness she'd maintained before seemed to have transformed after the festival into something caught between distance and warmth.She was driving across the city bridge connecting East Coast to Pine Mist Island. The bridge had been neglected for years since the island was abandoned.The bridge took about 10 minutes to cross. She hadn't even left Pine Mist Island when she noticed something
Mrs. Chancer pointed at Sarah's face angrily. "You b*tch! You're doing this on purpose. You know Charlotte is also a victim - it was all Vivian's doing! Why not prosecute her? Are you just picking on the weak?"Sarah scoffed, "Don't you know Vivian was the one who released the evidence against Charlotte? She's really the mastermind, isn't she? You're here confronting me but not her - who's really picking on the weak?""You-!" Mrs. Chancer’s face turned pale with anger. Sarah maintained her composure, looking at her coldly. "Please leave. You're not welcome here."As Mrs. Chancer left, she threatened, "We'll see about this!"In the psychiatric hospital, Lucy had just finished breakfast. After so many days there, she'd started to adjust. She'd lost all hope after her mother's repeated attempts to make her take the blame.She'd even begun to fear visitors, not wanting to hear more cold words from people she once trusted.Yet an hour later, she saw her mother again.She was sitting
Sarah accepted the completed assessment, taking out a red pen to mark it carefully.Soon, she placed another test in front of Zachary, speaking softly, "Answer one question of mine for each math problem you solve."She picked up a timer.Though confused, Zachary nodded hesitantly.Sarah watched him bend over the paper seriously. The test contained standard calculus problems - not particularly difficult, but requiring careful attention to avoid mistakes."Did you have a girlfriend three years ago?" she asked.Zachary's pen trembled - he hadn't expected such a... direct question.After a moment's thought, he replied, "Yes."Sarah watched him complete the first problem, pressed the timer, and recorded the time.As Zachary started the second problem, Sarah spoke again. "Tell me, was your girlfriend Vivian?""No!" he answered firmly."Then did you know me?" she asked next.Zachary wrote the next line and said, "I'm done."He slowly put down his pen, unwilling to continue after
Sarah's expression softened as she looked at James seriously. "Although I did collect evidence of her crimes, she was arrested before I could take it to the police."In other words, Charlotte's arrest had nothing to do with her.James's eyes widened in disbelief.He couldn't believe Sarah wasn't behind the arrest. Then who could it be?"But besides you, who else would have reason to report her? Others wouldn't get involved," James said, frowning.Sarah gave a bitter laugh. "James, don't forget Charlotte has other enemies. Like Vivian, who wants to make her a scapegoat."James finally understood. Of course - Vivian! He remembered what Charlotte had said. Vivian was afraid Sarah would eventually discover her crimes, so she planned to make Charlotte take the blame.James sighed, speaking apologetically to Sarah. "Sarah, what Charlotte did was wrong, and Lucy wronged you too. Now Lucy's in a psychiatric hospital and Charlotte's in jail. For the sake of Charlotte's baby, could you wr
"Charlotte's been arrested, and you're still here trying to convince me to take the blame?" Lucy said angrily.Mrs. Chancer’s face showed embarrassment at being exposed, but she remained firm. "Lucy, given how things have turned out, you need to be more understanding.""If Charlotte wasn't pregnant right now, I would protect you no matter what - you are my biological daughter after all. But the situation is different. She's carrying the Chancer family's only heir, and I must protect that child at all costs. Don't worry, even if you take the blame for her, your brother and I will do everything in our power to get you out."Lucy laughed bitterly. "Mom, you already said all this the last time you visited. Have you forgotten what happened then?"She found it ironic that since her detention and imprisonment, her mother had only visited twice - first to convince her to take the blame, which led to her suicide attempt, and now again with the same request.It had only been days since her
She looked up at Zachary, who sat in front holding her hand. After all this time, they were holding hands again. She couldn't tell if the feeling in her heart was more bitter or sweet. Usually, Sarah would have pulled away without hesitation, but this time, for reasons she couldn't explain, she remained silent.For the first time, she wanted to follow her heart's true desires, just this once. She couldn't deny her feelings for Zachary - how she had hoped he would come find her, hold her hand just like this.His tall figure kept shifting left and right, shielding her from passing pedestrians. He was protecting her.Finally, they reached the riverside, where most couples had gathered to set their lights afloat on the water.Sarah found herself gently pushed to the riverside by the crowd, with Zachary staying close to protect her.She noticed the couples around them writing both their names and wishes on their floating lights, while hers only had her name."Wait a moment!" she sudde
Charlotte's eyes welled up at her mother's words. "Mom, don't say that. James won't abandon me. He'll definitely save me."Even if James wouldn't save her, Mrs. Chancer surely wouldn't abandon her. She touched her stomach - if nothing else, they'd do it for the baby.The evening's peace was shattered when, just as Mrs. Chancer brought soup and Charlotte had barely taken two sips, the police came to take her away."What are you doing!" Mrs. Chancer screamed, grabbing Charlotte's arm.Charlotte hadn't expected this turn of events as she was led to the police car. At the hospital entrance, Mrs. Chancer angrily called James, then William.At Adams University, Sarah had just packed up to leave work when she encountered Zachary at the door. She was about to avoid him when she heard Scarlett's voice."Sasa! Don't go! Come with us to the winter light festival!"Winter Light festival?Sarah suddenly remembered the afternoon's heated discussions on the school forum about the winter light