"You look so gentle and delicate, yet speak with such authority," the elderly gentleman said admiringly."Without decanting, wine's flavor drops a level, affecting the taste. If every server was this unprofessional, the whole wine tasting would lose its original purpose. All the wines would have contracted bodies, losing their initial brilliance," Sarah explained.The elderly gentleman nodded repeatedly in agreement. "Try these others then."Sarah didn't refuse, having nothing else to do.She put down one glass. "This wine tastes immature, like it was rushed out before proper aging."She set down another. "This one has a strong grape fragrance, but beyond that aroma, it has no taste at all.""This wine smells and tastes quite good, just the color is a bit off."...The elderly gentleman watched Sarah with satisfaction - she was expressing exactly what he was thinking.He led Sarah to a corner, making sure no one could see them, and pulled out a bottle from his jacket.He held
"Me?" she chuckled. "So you're saying I'm your kindred spirit."Before they could finish their wine, Scarlett ran over, excitedly telling Sarah, "I just gave Steven a beating. If he wasn't so busy right now, I wouldn't let him off so easily!""Wait!" Scarlett suddenly sniffed the air. "This is... this is Second Flight! I can smell the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and that subtle plum aroma in the air."She turned sharply to Sarah. "Where's the wine?"Just the smell had her salivating - such wines were rare.Hearing her speak, the elderly gentleman had already decided to share the wine with her too."I must drink as much as I can now. Who knows when I'll encounter Second Flight again!"The elderly gentleman laughed at her words.While the three enjoyed their wine, music started playing in the hall.Even at a wine tasting, dancing couldn't be missed.As the three drank, all eyes turned to watch Zachary extend his hand to Vivian. "Miss Wilson, may I have this dance?"Vivian r
”Together with an old man, how ridiculous.""Has Sarah really gone mad, dancing with a homeless!”"Shh, keep your voice down. People at wine tastings aren't ordinary folk, watch what you say.""Look at his shabby clothes - he can't possibly be anyone important."Under the spotlight, Zachary and Vivian danced the waltz. Vivian's hand rested lightly on his shoulder as she gazed at his handsome face, momentarily distracted because his eyes were focused not on her, but on...Nearby, Sarah danced with the elderly gentleman. Though time had whitened his hair, it couldn't diminish his upright bearing. Through time's tunnel, she could almost see his youthful demeanor.No, something wasn't right!She looked sharply at Zachary, whose eyes held a subtle smile. This elderly gentleman was no homeless!He was...!As the orchestra played the waltz, Sarah saw for the first time how serious the elderly gentleman looked. He kept his eyes downcast toward her, as if trying to see through her to a
Looking around the hall, Sarah saw the tower of wine glasses and various wine bottles in the corner. Though there were many varieties and unique packaging, including expensive wines, no one would actually bring out a wine worth millions for tasting."Not impressed yet? The wines available in the market aren't truly precious collector's items. Real top-tier wines have long been stored away in cellars by connoisseurs. Recently, Sotheby's sold a Romanée-Conti for over three million. I was envious for a long time, but I found out too late." The elderly gentleman spoke regretfully, his pained expression genuine."Mr. Sadberry, that wine is at my home. Grandpa and Zachary drank half the bottle last time, with the other half still in our cellar. It's a 1945 vintage, with an exceptional aged taste. Why don't I invite you on grandpa’s behalf to finish the remaining half?" Vivian's clear, bright smile was naturally engaging.Sarah looked up. Vivian stood before the elderly gentleman, with Zac
"When did you meet Mr. Sadberry?" Melvin had come up behind Sarah."I didn't know him before. Just met him while drinking wine."Melvin patted Sarah's head. "The host of today's wine tasting is named Sadberry. Only he could gather so many important people."Sarah froze. How could she forget - any event where both Zachary and Vivian appeared wouldn't be a small gathering, but something significant.She had guessed the elderly gentleman must be someone important, but hadn't imagined he was from the Sadberry family.The Sadberry family were intermediaries connecting major famous wineries. Renowned châteaux like Cheval Blanc, Mouton Rothschild, Margaux, and Lafite all had partnerships with them.He also owned several wineries himself. Though his wines weren't quite at the level of the major châteaux, they were still famous.The Sadberry family wasn't from East Coast - they'd chosen it for the wine tasting because of its prosperity.Not only wine merchants like Mr. Sadberry had come
Scarlett dangled the taco in front of him. "I have another one. Want it? But you have to let us drink your wine!""How can you do this? Even if I'm not giving you any now, I already gave you two glasses earlier! Two whole glasses, do you know how much that's worth? Do you? I'm an elderly person, an elderly..."Scarlett pulled another package from her other pocket, unwrapping it layer by layer. "Sasa, forget the wine, let's eat..."...Five minutes later, Mr. Sadberry watched with heartache as Scarlett and Sarah poured his treasured wine, finding only slight consolation in the aroma in his hand."That Steven is too much - damn St. Ritz doesn't even have TACOS!” He muttered, then suddenly looked at Scarlett. "Tell me! Why did he make tacos for you?"Scarlett said, "I pestered him for ages before he made them. They were actually for Sasa. If it weren't for the wine, I wouldn't share with you.""Get this straight - I'm Mr. Sadberry, and you're looking at me with disdain!" Mr. Sadber
Vivian's heart raced with suppressed anger, but she forced herself to stay calm given the setting.She glanced at Zachary beside her, remembering his conversation with grandpa at home. This man would soon be hers anyway - let that witch enjoy her freedom while she could!Soon, the assistant brought the contract, and the signing was completed within ten minutes. Mason showed no surprise as he shook hands with Melvin.Though the Sanders family's situation was resolved, the wine tasting wasn't over.Sarah didn't recognize many of the technical terms the sommeliers used after tasting various wines. As the Sanders’s daughter, she had encountered unknown wines before, and her father had taught her how to taste them.She remained in the corner, with Mr. Sadberry and Scarlett keeping her company. Ignoring the tacos in their hands, the scene was quite harmonious.Just as she was about to leave, Vivian stopped her."Miss Sanders, don't rush off. I have another wine I'd like you and Mr. Sa
Mr. Sadberry looked at Sarah with admiration. He knew she was right - something had felt off when he tasted the 'Shipwrecked.' Her explanation made perfect sense.It was indeed different from regular Veuve Clicquot, but that was understandable given how long it had been submerged in seawater, adding some unique flavors.Vivian hadn't expected this response and was momentarily at a loss.Mason smiled. "Miss Sanders is correct, though Miss Wilson is also right. Before sinking to the ocean floor it was Veuve Clicquot - that was just its name."Seeing Vivian's face alternating between pale and flushed, Scarlett smiled and pulled Sarah away from the area. She knew that whenever Sarah was around, Vivian would find ways to target her.Fortunately, until the party ended, Vivian stayed busy talking to Mr. Sadberry while Sarah calmly observed her every move.Many people attended such wine tastings, including various prominent families, but there were even more heavily made-up women trying
Sarah nodded but remained silent. She had no desire to acknowledge these people—people who had nothing to do with her. But for the sake of her aunt… After losing her parents, her aunt and uncle had treated her well. Even if Amanda subtly pushed her toward this group, though it made her uncomfortable, she didn’t let it show. Sydney stood in the center, surrounded by her younger cousins, clearly the beloved darling of the White family. Everyone fawned over her, treating her like a princess. “So, you’re Sarah?” Sydney said with a smug smile. “I’ve heard so much about you. Heard you got divorced and then started fooling around with Zachary? But now you’re broken up too. Don’t take it too hard. After all, we’re talking about Vivian here. Of course Zachary would pick her over you. I mean, a divorced woman? That’s just… embarrassing.” She covered her mouth, pretending to stifle a giggle. The people around her joined in, laughing, their eyes filled with ridicule. Sarah
But he still couldn't fully trust Vivian, despite his wavering heart."Michael, don't you believe me anymore?" Vivian asked, feigning disappointment.Michael, still thinking about what Zachary had said, asked again, "Just tell me honestly - did you do all this to marry Zachary? Your grandfather and his are discussing the engagement now, aren't they?"A cold glint passed through Vivian's eyes. She knew denying it was pointless - he'd find out when the engagement was announced anyway.Her patience exhausted, she said, "Yes, I already told you. Sarah was right - I love Zachary. So what will you do now? Tell the police the truth and send me to prison?"She burst out laughing. "Michael, you're so naive. Do you think the police would believe you? Do you have any proof?"Michael's face grew paler as Vivian continued, "Don't be foolish. You have no evidence, but I do. I have surveillance footage of you meeting Charlotte. When you two were planning everything, I made sure I wasn't involve
"Alright." Though Sarah didn't know what her aunt was planning, this was still Melvin’s mother.She'd seen plenty of her aunt growing up, but always felt their relationship was oddly warm yet distant.Something felt off - her aunt must be planning something big.At Wilson Industries, Vivian was eating when her assistant approached, whispering something in her ear. Her face immediately darkened. "Why am I only hearing about something this important now?"The assistant quickly explained, "They wouldn't talk until this morning."Vivian hurriedly finished eating and had her assistant drive her to the prison.In prison, as Michael was led to the visiting room, he couldn't guess who'd come to see him.When he saw who it was, all his former excitement and hope were gone, replaced by resignation. He didn't know how to face Vivian, whether to confront her about Summit Corp or ask if she really planned to marry Zachary.They sat facing each other, silent for a long while.Finally, Micha
For a moment, he thought he saw the study light switch on, and Sarah walking in gently, placing a steaming cup of coffee on his desk. "What are you doing?"He blinked, about to show her the album, when he heard his past self speak, "Working. Haven't I told you not to disturb me when I'm working?"James wanted to protest, but Sarah was already stammering, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have disturbed you."The memory sent a sharp pain through his heart. For three years of marriage, this was how he'd spoken to her, every single day.Just remembering it once was unbearable now.How must Sarah have felt, enduring this for three years? Maybe he should give up - some wounds couldn't be healed.The scene shifted, the door opening again."James, my cousin sent some tea. I don't know much about tea, but I thought you might like them." She placed the box carefully on his desk, anxious not to anger him.He knew the tea's value, knew she'd brought it specially for him.He wanted to say, "Thank y
"Since we're both here on the East Coast, we should see more of each other. After all, your son and my niece were married. Even though they're divorced, our families could still be close," Mrs. Sanders smiled.Mrs. Chancer felt puzzled but nodded. "Yes, of course."She was only tolerating this for Mrs. Watson's sake."Oh dear," Mrs. Sanders sighed."Is something wrong?" Mrs. Chancer asked."It's my niece - such a troublemaker. I'm sure you have your own concerns too, Sylvia. I'll be frank - I can't stand that girl. Divorcing your son wasn't enough, she had to get your daughter-in-law imprisoned even though she was pregnant at that time - how cruel."Finding a sympathetic ear, Mrs. Chancer opened up. "You don't know the half of it. That girl must have some vendetta against our family. She's had my daughter thrown in prison multiple times, and now she's managed to get her committed to a psychiatric facility. My Lucy is perfectly healthy, but now she's being treated like a mental pa
Any clear-headed person would see through such an obvious lie, but blinded by love, Michael had lost all reason. He'd convinced himself that if Zachary and Sarah got together, Vivian would be his."Mr. Luther, I never thought you'd be so gullible." Sarah sneered."Well, that's the truth. After everything fell apart, she came to see me once, and I decided to cover for her. I succeeded - everyone believes Charlotte was the perpetrator, and I was just being manipulated." Michael's eyes grew colder.Sarah studied him carefully. "Mr. Luther, I want you to repeat this in court.""In court?"Michael silently shook his head. "I've told you the truth. The rest isn't my concern. I hope you understand - I can't personally send the woman I love to prison."After all, he still cherished the memories from high school. He stood to return to his cell, but Sarah called after him."Please think it over."Michael nodded and left quickly.Meanwhile, James was ransacking his house looking for s
Michael shook his head. "How's Dad doing?""Out of danger, but it hit him hard." His mother paused before continuing. "I've wanted to tell you - your father and I understand why you wouldn't marry because you loved her. But think about us. We're getting old, we can't help you much longer. If the company falls, your father might... Even if not for me, think of your father. After what Wilson Industries did, she's not worth it."Before they could say more, the guards came in to escort his mother out - visiting time was over.Just before she left, Michael called out, "Mom! I need to see someone."A few days later, Sarah walked into the prison wearing casual clothes. In the visiting room, Michael was already waiting on the other side of the table.Sarah approached emotionlessly. “Made up your mind?”Michael took a deep breath. "My mother told me everything. It matches what you said."He paused before continuing. "I'll tell you the truth, but you have to help the Luther family.""Hel
Sarah wasn't making threats - Mr. Luther really had collapsed when Summit Corp broke their contract a month ago, spending two full days in emergency care.Of course, Michael knew none of this from prison.Hearing this, Michael jumped up, his eyes reddening. "What happened to my father?""Mr. Luther, please calm down. The Summit Corp situation hit your father hard - he collapsed.""Summit... was it the Wilsons?" Michael asked quietly.Sarah nodded. It wasn't a secret - everyone with any influence on the East Coast knew."Do you have proof?" Michael still seemed doubtful.Sarah's eyes turned cold. "Mr. Luther, anyone could tell you your father's still in the hospital. Why would I lie about this?"She walked toward the door, leaving him with one last thought. "Think it over, Mr. Luther. Vivian isn't as simple as you imagine. Everyone knows she loves Zachary. If not for yourself, think about your father and the company.”She strode out, leaving Michael to be escorted back by guard
She placed her hand on Michael's shoulder and said softly, "Or perhaps... you loved her? A secret admirer?"Michael's breath caught noticeably, his breathing quickened, his chest rising and falling more rapidly.Sarah smiled. "Mr. Luther, even without your answer, your reaction tells me everything."Michael suddenly burst out laughing. "Sarah, that's just your speculation.""What did she tell you to make you help her so willingly? Did you think she'd be with you after this was all over?"Michael finally snapped, slamming the table. "Why are you really here? I won't answer any of your questions. The case is closed, everyone who hurt you has been brought to justice. I don't understand why you're suddenly visiting me."Sarah ignored his questions and said quietly, "Vivian is about to get engaged to the Reynolds family. Did you know that?"Michael's tense nerves snapped. He stared at Sarah in disbelief. "What? Wasn't Zachary in love with you?""Mr. Luther, I don't know what Vivian