“Sasa, I don’t know.” Zachary avoided her gaze. Seeing Zachary’s evasive expression, Sarah already had her answer. His refusal to explain was confirmation enough. If he didn’t want to answer, Sarah wouldn’t push. “If you won’t answer my question, I won’t force you,” Sarah said firmly, “but Zachary, I won’t give up.” Whether it was the photo from last time or the bracelet now, Sarah’s doubts about her own memory. If Zachary wouldn’t explain, and Melvin wasn’t a viable option, her only lead left was Mia. She sought out Mia once again. When she showed the bracelet to Mia, the other girl seemed just as puzzled. “Sarah, could the store clerk have made a mistake?” Mia suggested. “After all, you only heard the last name. According to their policy, the client’s full identity is confidential. How could they casually reveal that kind of information?” Sarah nodded. What Mia said wasn’t unreasonable—she’d considered it too. But lately, too many strange things had been happe
"Coward! Why wouldn't you answer my questions from last time?"Scarlett's eyes reddened. She'd been uncomfortable ever since that night, trying to figure out Steven's true feelings but getting nowhere.Lost in thought, she'd wandered into St. Ritz."Scarlett, it's not that I didn't want to answer. I just didn't know how," Steven said dejectedly, placing a cup of water in front of her.Scarlett pressed on. "Why did you suddenly show up that night telling me to break up with him?"Steven's fingers trembled. "Because we've already... it means you're mine, and I'm yours.""So do you like me?"Steven looked up sharply, startled by her question, unsure how to respond.Scarlett shook her head. "I'll ask again - are you saying these things out of obligation, or because you actually like me?"Steven remained silent for a long while.Just as Scarlett was about to give up, he finally spoke."Scarlett, don't go. I'm not sure if what I'm feeling counts as love, but when I can't see you,
She swallowed the entire bottle of pills—nearly twenty in total. Foam bubbled at the corners of her mouth as her consciousness began to blur. The sharp, stabbing pain coursing through her body hit her like a storm, tearing at her senses. Her lips quivered as she muttered faintly, “It hurts… so much…”The unbearable pain dragged on, gnawing at her body like claws. Her vision swirled into a haze as the minutes crawled by, every moment a thread pulling the life from her. Her blood seemed to freeze in her veins, her body burning yet icy cold. She didn’t know what to do. For the first time in her life, she was utterly lost.She sat motionless on the bed, her body growing colder as time slipped away. Outside, the night sky gleamed with stars. The headache that gripped her was unbearable, a pressure she couldn’t put into words. The next time she opened her eyes, she was in a hospital room.When Lucy slowly woke, her throat was parched and her body felt drained, weak beyond measure. She
This was the first time Lucy had shown such determination. “I believe Sarah will uncover the truth soon. She’s already tracked down Michael Luther. It’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out. Then what will you do to protect Charlotte?”Mrs. Chancer’s expression turned colder. “You don’t need to worry about anything else. Once you’re discharged, you’ll confess. That’s what you need to do.”“I won’t! Never!” Lucy’s voice was hoarse and weak. After saying so much in one go, she didn’t have the strength to say more.She couldn’t believe that her mother was forcing her like this—forcing her to confess to a crime she didn’t commit.“Lucy, this is not up for debate,” Mrs. Chancer said firmly. “Your brother and I have already made up our minds. Even if you’re sentenced, we’ll do whatever it takes to get you out.”Lucy let out a bitter laugh. “Mom, you’ll stop at nothing to protect Charlotte, won’t you?”“Say what you will, but this matter is settled,” Mrs. Chancer replied wit
“No!” Lucy cut her off abruptly. “The way someone expresses love may change, but their eyes never lie.”She leaned back against the pillow, her face pale but resolute. “Mom, I won’t take the fall for her. You can give up on that idea.”“You… you’re just so unreasonable!” Mrs. Chancer snapped, grabbing her bag and storming out in anger.Lucy watched her mother’s retreating figure with a deep sorrow in her eyes. Her mother didn’t hesitate, not even a glance back. She left with such finality that Lucy felt a chill settle in her chest. She was exhausted, but for the first time, her anger wasn’t directed at Sarah.Closing her eyes, she let the bitterness wash over her. Her mother had changed. Her brother had changed. Everyone had changed.“What? A suicide attempt?” Sarah’s eyes widened in disbelief upon hearing the news about Lucy. It was almost impossible to imagine someone as cautious and calculating as Lucy trying to end her life.Melvin spoke with his usual calm demeanor. “She was
Sarah, clearly uninterested in any small talk, pulled a stack of documents from her bag and pushed them across the table toward Charlotte. Her tone was icy. “Take a look.”“What’s this?” Charlotte’s fingers trembled as she swallowed hard. She cautiously opened the file, pulling out a few photos. They were surveillance stills of her driving Lucy’s car. On top of the stack was a recording device. With growing apprehension, Charlotte pressed play.“It was Charlotte who approached Michael, asking for his help. Not just him—our whole family got dragged into it because he agreed… First, she made Michael locate Mr. Larson’s car and stage the crash. Then she had him arrange for a neurological assessment at the hospital. With that document, the Larsons had no choice but to accept their loss. I thought it would end there, but her target wasn’t the Larsons—it was you…”The raspy, authoritative voice of Mr. Luther described the events in meticulous detail, almost as if reliving that day. Ch
“I won’t,” Sarah said firmly, her tone heavy with authority. “But you should think carefully about the difference between being the mastermind and just an accomplice. This isn’t just about a lighter sentence.”“I’ll talk!” Charlotte finally broke down.“Tell me. I’ll handle the rest myself.”Charlotte closed her eyes, her shoulders trembling. “It was Vivian. It was her!” she confessed.“So, Lucy was the first scapegoat, and you’re the second?” Sarah asked, her suspicions confirmed. Things were clearly far more complicated than they seemed, but with just a few pointed questions, she had her answers.Charlotte nodded slowly. “That’s... how it seems.”---Meanwhile, Steven had been feeling uneasy for days, the reason being Scarlett. Maybe it was because of her sudden boyfriend, or perhaps it was the questions she had asked him—questions he couldn’t answer. He found himself walking into Morning Star Bar, the same bar where he and Scarlett had shared an unusual encounter. Lately, h
Steven stared at Scarlett for a moment, completely dazed. “Scarlett, you’re so beautiful.”“Ugh, how cheesy,” Scarlett muttered, clearly tipsy herself.After another ten minutes or so, Scarlett was just as drunk as Steven. With what little sense he had left, Steven managed to call a cab, gave the driver his home address, and promptly passed out.When the driver finally woke them up, Steven groggily opened his eyes and saw Scarlett still half-asleep. Unsteady on his feet, he helped her out of the car and into his house. The scene felt oddly familiar—just like the last time his friend had brought Scarlett to his place.Once inside, Steven carefully laid Scarlett on the bed. Just as he turned to leave, he tripped and fell to the floor. Before he could get up, Scarlett’s arm draped across his chest. Gently, he moved her arm off him, but the moment he let go, she threw it back over him. This happened several times before Steven gave up, exhaling in defeat.The faint smell of alcohol
Perhaps due to her extreme emotional state, Charlotte quickly fell asleep.She had a dream.In her dream, she had just gotten off a plane and spotted James in the distance, elegantly leaning against his car waiting for her. In that moment, his eyes were fixed only on her.Charlotte ran toward him happily, wanting to throw herself into his arms and hold him tight.However, halfway there, she saw another woman appear from the side who ran straight into James's welcoming embrace.She could clearly see that James's eyes were filled with affection, without sparing even a glance in her direction."No, this can't be real. Who is she?" Charlotte shook her head in disbelief as she walked closer step by step. When she saw the woman's face, she instantly fell apart."Sarah Sanders, why is it you again? Why do you keep haunting me? James is mine. Don't you dare try to take him away." Charlotte lunged forward like a madwoman, trying to separate them.A mist enveloped the couple, and the scen
The guard at the door was easy to convince. She made up a simple excuse about having a stomachache or needing to see a doctor.The police still sent someone to follow her to the building entrance. When they arrived, the officer blocked her path. "Ms. Garnett, please go back. Without approval, you can't see anyone except your doctor.""Not even my husband? My stomach hurts terribly. I need to see my husband to feel at ease," she pleaded.But the officer wouldn't budge. "Ms. Garnett, please return!"Just then, the officer received a phone call. After listening for a few moments, the officer stepped aside.Charlotte walked in confidently, wearing sunglasses with her head held high.The receptionist greeted her politely, "Miss, who are you here to see? Do you have an appointment?"Charlotte removed her sunglasses, frowning slightly with an annoyed tone, "I'm here to see your CEO, James Chancer. Do I really need an appointment?"The receptionist was new and didn't recognize Charlotte
As Mrs. Sanders kept talking, not only did Sarah stay silent — she actually started laughing.Mrs. Sanders frowned. “What are you laughing at?”Sarah’s gaze turned cold. Her voice was calm but sharp. “Shouldn’t matters between us younger people be handled by us directly? Wouldn’t it sound bad if word got out that you’re getting involved like this?”She paused for a second, then added with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Besides, no matter what, I’m still the biggest shareholder in Sanders Group. Firing an employee is well within my rights, don’t you think?”Right now, Sarah was actually glad Mrs. Sanders had finally dropped the act and shown her true colors. At least it saved Sarah the trouble of pretending to be polite.Mrs. Sanders still wore the kind, gentle smile of an elder, but her voice turned colder underneath. “So what, you’re using your position to pressure me now?”Sarah laughed softly. “You’re joking. How would I dare?”Without bothering to continue the
Later that night, Sarah went downstairs with her empty glass to get some water. But just as she passed by the living room, she overheard a conversation between Melvin and Mrs. Sanders.“You’re really impossible to talk to, you know that?” Mrs. Sanders sounded both angry and disappointed. “It’s not just me — everyone in the family has been trying to convince you. Sarah studied psychology, not business. She has no experience at all. The entire Sanders Group is depending on you.”Melvin’s voice, on the other hand, was clearly filled with impatience. “I’m pretty sure I told you a long time ago, stop bringing up anything about Sarah.”Mrs. Sanders snorted coldly. “How can I not bring it up? It’s just that you’re willing to work like a fool without asking for anything in return. If you’re just going to be a tool to manage Sanders Group for someone else, I really don’t understand why you’re doing all this.”She paused, then added, “By the way, your aunt hinted to me earlier — she wa
Melvin forced a small smile.He honestly didn’t know how his mother could scold him so viciously over the phone just a few days ago… only to turn around tonight and act like nothing had happened, praising him in front of everyone.Mrs. Sanders finally seemed to notice Sarah as well. She smiled politely and nodded. “Sarah, you’re here too? Come on in.”Many of the Sanders family elders were there tonight. When Uncle Shawn saw Sarah, his face lit up with joy. He quickly pulled her over to sit at the main table beside him.“Sasa, you must have had a rough time in West Ridge. Later, I’ll ask the kitchen to make all your favorite dishes, just for you.”Sarah’s heart warmed at his words. Uncle Shawn really did treat her like his own daughter.But when she glanced to the side, she noticed Mrs. Sanders looking at her coldly — like she was staring at an enemy.Tonight’s birthday banquet wasn’t just a family gathering. Even members of the White family were there.The moment Madam White
Zachary still didn’t respond.Vivian straightened up and slowly walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window. Her voice was calm, but every word was filled with accusation.“Zachary, let’s not pretend. We both know perfectly well — while you were gone, Sarah disappeared too. Are you really expecting me to believe that the two of you weren’t together?”She paused, her eyes fixed on the distant view outside.“I always thought that since you agreed to get engaged to me, you’d take responsibility. I believed you wouldn’t be out there tangled up with her. Was I wrong?”Zachary let out a soft, mocking laugh.“You believed.” His voice was low and cold. “But just because you believe something… does that automatically make it true?”Vivian froze — then suddenly let out a loud, crazed laugh, like she had completely lost control.She turned around, her eyes burning as she pointed at him. “Then tell me! Tell me whether it’s true or not! Where exactly did you go? Who were you with?”She to
Vivian smiled sweetly, though her words were sharp underneath.“Like you said, I’m Zachary’s fiancée. Of course, I wouldn’t say anything reckless. Out of responsibility, since this contract was signed by both of us, I have an obligation to make sure things are handled properly.”Her words sounded kind and reasonable on the surface, but everyone in the room could hear the meaning behind them.Mr. Robertson, who had been quietly watching this back-and-forth, already understood exactly what kind of person Vivian was. But between Zachary and Vivian, it was clear where his loyalties lay — with Vivian.“Mr. Steven, why don’t we call Mr. Reynolds over?” Mr. Robertson suggested calmly.Steven’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Zach…”But before he could finish, a deep, cold voice rang out from the doorway.“Mr. Robertson, have you ever thought about the possibility… that these parts aren’t from Reynolds Corporation at all?”The conference room door swung open.Zachary walked in slowly, calm
Melvin's expression grew unusually serious, a rare sight for him. It was clear he was holding back his anger.“Sasa,” he said, his voice low, “I don’t think you should go this time either. Even if you want to go back… I’m afraid there are people who don’t want you to.”Sarah’s face paled slightly. “Melvin, are you talking about…” She didn’t finish the sentence — she didn’t want to say that person’s name in front of him.But how could Melvin not know who she meant? His face became even more stern.“Sasa, honestly, neither of us needs to say the name out loud — we both know exactly who we’re talking about. I’ve told you before, I’ll always protect you. No matter who tries to hurt you, I’ll stand by you.”His eyes were sharp. His voice was calm but full of strength.“And you’ve done nothing wrong,” Melvin continued. “Some people are just too greedy. That’s why they keep setting traps, again and again, willing to do anything to get what they want. But I’m not that kind of person. I’l
James walked back home, looking completely defeated, only to find his mother in the middle of a phone call.Ever since he discovered that his mother had some kind of secret connection with Mrs. Sanders, he had been extra cautious about any of her phone conversations. And today, sure enough, he happened to overhear her mentioning Sarah.“This time, Sarah won’t be able to get away for sure. We’re allies, I wouldn’t lie to you.”“Don’t worry, just leave this matter to me. Mrs. Sanders, once your son gets control of Sanders Group, don’t forget…”Mrs. Chancer casually glanced toward the doorway — only to spot her son standing there. She immediately cut herself off, “I’ll talk to you later. James just got home.”After hanging up, James walked in, pretending like he hadn’t heard anything. “Mom, who were you just talking to on the phone?”Mrs. Chancer brushed him off lightly, “Don’t overthink it. Just a friend of mine… my card-playing buddy.”James obviously didn’t believe that excu