At such a high price, Mr. Anderson shook his head with a sigh, appearing ready to give up.Melvin furrowed his brow and was about to raise his paddle when Sarah stopped him. "Don't move."Melvin gave her a puzzled look but decided to trust his sister. He lowered his paddle and sat quietly."Seven billion five hundred million, going once!" With the fall of the hammer, Harbour Crescent belonged to Vivian.Charlotte stared at Sarah with wide eyes, finally sensing something wasn't right.If what Sarah had said was true, and Harbour Crescent was really along the new shipping route, how could she possibly give up so easily?Vivian also noticed something was off, but only after the hammer had fallen. Her first glance was at Zachary, who appeared perfectly calm.Something was wrong! She must have missed something!Why wasn't Sarah showing any disappointment?Why hadn't she continued fighting for the property?Seven billion five hundred million wasn't that much - Harbour Crescent was
Vivian had no time to think about that now. She was still trying to understand about Harbour Crescent - though she couldn't figure out why Sarah had suddenly given up, the island was now hers.With the final fall of the hammer, Pine Mist Island went to the woman in the corner.James looked over curiously - the woman's voice seemed familiar, but he couldn't place where he'd heard it before.As the auction was drawing to a close, Sarah went to the restroom.She had just finished washing her hands when Charlotte's accusatory voice rang out, "Why did you suddenly give up? I bid on Crystal Bay for you - I only raised the price because I was trying to help you."Sarah laughed coldly, "Charlotte, if I were you, I wouldn't have the nerve to stand here saying such things. When I told you to tell Vivian I wanted Crystal Bay, is that really what you told her?""I... of course I did. I told her about it," Charlotte took a step back."Liar! I thought after what happened last time, you'd unde
Sarah nodded, "He wanted Pine Mist Island."That had been his target from the beginning. She didn't know how Mr. Anderson had obtained such confidential documents, but she understood they couldn't have been easy to get."But Pine Mist Island was bought by a stranger," Melvin said with regret.Sarah shook her head, "Don't feel bad about it."The auction was over, and most people had left the hall.As Sarah and Melvin were about to leave, the mysterious woman who had won Pine Mist Island approached Sarah and removed her mask and sunglasses.Melvin froze - it was Scarlett!"Sasa, how was my performance? You gave me a budget of eight billion, but I only used seven. You owe me dinner," she said playfully."Of course," Sarah replied with a gentle smile.Behind them, Vivian stood up in shock, never having expected this turn of events.Mr. Anderson also witnessed this scene, his eyes turning cold with anger.James and Charlotte were equally stunned - they couldn't believe Sarah had
As Mr. Anderson left, Vivian and Charlotte stared intently at Sarah's retreating figure, unable to believe how thoroughly they'd been played."Stop right there!"Just as Sarah and Melvin were about to leave, Vivian called out loudly, "Sarah!""What else does Miss Wilson want to say? The auction is over.""I don't need you to remind me that the auction is over. What surprises me is how calculating you are. I'm impressed by how well you played me. But I want to know who told you about Pine Mist Island. Was it Zachary?" She glanced briefly at Zachary beside her.In all of East Coast, only Zachary could have accessed such confidential documents. She didn't know how Mr. Anderson had obtained them, but she was certain Sarah's information had come from Zachary.Sarah gave a self-mocking laugh. "Miss Wilson, are you asking me or interrogating me? Besides, why should I tell you anything?"She looked through the crowd at Charlotte and said meaningfully, "Miss Garnett, it was a pleasure wo
Vivian snorted coldly, “The perpetrator who hurts others should pay the price, don't you agree?""You want me to take the blame?" Cold sweat covered Charlotte's forehead.She had forgotten that she not only told Vivian what Sarah had said, but also about all the evidence Sarah had shown her.Vivian must have known Sarah was moving against her. At this critical moment, the only way for her to escape was to pin it on someone else, just like when they rescued Lucy.Vivian laughed softly, "Charlotte, have you lost your memory? What do you mean 'take the blame'? You were the one breaking the law from the start. You planned everything - I knew nothing about it.""You-!""Charlotte, be a good scapegoat." Vivian left the hall gracefully, her elegant smile still in place.When Charlotte reached the parking lot, James's expression was grim. He waited until she got in the car before speaking, "Did you know about Pine Mist Island?"Her heart sank - even the person she relied on most didn't
James's mother quickly shook her head, "She's not home. Please leave.""Mrs. Chancer, we've already checked the security cameras along all routes. Miss Garnett and Mr. Chancer came straight home from the auction. Please cooperate with our investigation.""Why are you looking for her?""She's suspected of conspiracy to commit a crime. We need to take her in for questioning," the officer said sternly.Mrs. Chancer replied calmly, "That's impossible. She’s innocent. Someone must be framing her.""Mrs. Chancer, we wouldn't be here without evidence and an arrest warrant. Please cooperate."Before Mrs. Chancer could make more excuses, James opened the basement entrance. "Charlotte is down here."The officers exchanged glances before rushing down to make the arrest.When Charlotte was brought out, she looked terrible, her shoulders trembling. She tried to grab onto James, "James, save me!"But James watched coldly throughout. "Tell them everything you know."Realizing James wouldn't
Scarlett looked down to see it was her favourite mushroom soup."I won't drink it," she mumbled.Steven pushed the bowl closer to her. "You must finish it."As they went back and forth, Sarah watched knowingly, hiding her smile behind her hand.Melvin had also noticed something and spoke up, ”Why don't you join us for dinner once you've finished cooking?""No!" Steven and Scarlett shouted at Melvin in unison.After all the dishes were served, Steven glanced at Scarlett. "Come with me for a moment. I have something to give you."Scarlett was confused but obediently stood up and followed him.In Steven's break room, which was as well-appointed as a hotel suite befitting a top chef, Scarlett stood at the doorway, reluctant to enter. "What do you want to give me?""How can I give it to you if you don't come in?"Scarlett finally stepped inside. As soon as she did, Steven slammed the door shut and pinned her against the wall."Why did you run away that day?"Steven was breathing
As Melvin and Sarah were talking, Steven and Scarlett returned, both with flushed faces. Sarah looked at them meaningfully, "So, what's going on here?"Steven made no attempt to hide it. He took Scarlett's hand and announced, "Miss Sanders, Scarlett and I are together now.""Together? That was quick!" Sarah teased.They'd been gone for less than half an hour - how had they become a couple so quickly?Sarah looked at Scarlett with some concern. She worried about Scarlett getting hurt.After all, Scarlett was so innocent, and though Sarah had interacted with Steven, she didn't know him well enough to be certain about his character.Scarlett shyly moved to Sarah's side and obediently picked up the bowl of soup to drink, but Steven stopped her. "It's cold now. I'll make you a fresh bowl."Steven took the bowl away. Scarlett turned to Sarah with an embarrassed smile, "Just now..."Half an hour earlier, Steven had cornered her."Why are you afraid of that?"She shook her head vigor
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