Scarlett winked. "Of course, and if you happened to share some of that wine again, even better."Mr. Sadberry immediately put down his taco. "I knew it!""Just kidding, just kidding. Please, enjoy your food," Scarlett laughed.After chatting briefly with Mr. Sadberry, Sarah and Scarlett left.In the elevator, Sarah was still puzzled. Remembering Mr. Sadberry's comments about his wife while they danced, she wondered if he'd helped because she reminded him of Mrs. Sadberry in her youth.Sarah hadn't forgotten about last night and continued pressing Scarlett for more details.Meanwhile in Mr. Sadberry's office, someone emerged from the rest area."Thank you, sir."Mr. Sadberry enthusiastically munched on his taco, waving dismissively. "No need for thanks. After all, you're the one who went to such lengths to get me to sign with the Sanders. Though I'm curious - was it because of that girl?"Zachary didn't answer, just tapped the desk lightly. "Sir, I hope you can keep this confid
Melvin was already expanding on the idea in his mind - they could even add actors playing wild men, or maybe zombies for extra thrills."Sasa, great idea, but safety has to be our top priority."Sarah nodded in understanding, then pointed to an area she'd had reserved next to the resort. “Melvin, guess what I want this space for?"When Melvin looked confused, she continued, "A wellness center - I want to build the best therapeutic facility on the East Coast. Not just counseling, but stress relief zones too. Many people suffer because they can't release their emotions. This center would help with that.""Your ideas never cease to amaze me," Melvin smiled. "This is your forte - it's all yours."She nodded, checking the time. It was 9:20 - Joel was twenty minutes late without any sign of showing up.“Melvin, is Joel still coming?" she asked, frowning.Sarah found it odd too. Even if something came up, they should have received a call.He reluctantly tried calling, but there was no
The previously hopeful team now felt deflated."Don't lose heart," Melvin told them. "He's just one designer."There were plenty of renowned international designers - surely the Wilsons couldn't have them all in their pocket.At the prison, Michael was escorted out. “Michael Luther, you have a visitor."He'd been here a long time; even his father hadn't visited lately.There was only one person he kept thinking about - but could it be her?He stared at his blurry reflection in the glass. His unshaven face looked haggard.Prison life meant early nights and morning exercises - he stayed relatively healthy, especially with all the "arrangements" his family had made with the warden for special treatment.He walked nervously to the visiting room, took a deep breath. The guard opened the door, and his eyes turned cold when he saw who it was. Not her."Mr. Luther, you look disappointed. Who were you expecting?" Sarah smiled, perching on the visiting room table.Michael shook his h
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
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
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
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
"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
After Shawn and Amanda left, Melvin warned, "Sasa, Sydney won't let this go. Be careful.""I will. Heading to the office?"“Yep. See you at home." Then he left too.Alone at last, Mia threw herself into Sarah's arms. "I've missed you so much! I've been trying to see you, but my grandfather wouldn't let me out. I finally found a way!""Did you sneak out?" Sarah asked, getting some coconut pudding from the fridge."Not this time!" Mia said proudly. "I made a deal with my new therapist.""A deal?"Mia nodded. “My grandfather and brother keep finding therapists, but I couldn't work with any of them. This one's different - I agreed to treatment if he'd bring me here."Sarah looked at her with concern. "Still having nightmares?""Yes. Without you, I'm always panicking. Even at home, my heart races. I just want to lock myself in my room, avoid everyone. But with you, I feel safe. I can talk again." Mia took a bite of pudding.Sarah had always known Mia depended on her - it seemed es
"Sydney," Mia said mockingly, "if you want Sarah to forgive you, it's simple - get on your knees and apologize. Right here, in front of everyone. And promise you'll never bother her again."On her knees?Sydney's eyes widened. Kneel before Sarah? Before that bitch?"Never! I won't kneel to her!"Sarah stepped closer, with a cool smile. "Fine. Then I'll personally see you to a cell. The last person like you is already in prison, and your cousin won't escape either.""You're threatening me!" Sydney's face flushed.Mrs. Blanco turned tearfully to Amanda. "Amanda, look at your niece! We're family - how can she demand Sydney kneel?"Before Amanda could speak, Shawn pulled her back. "Mrs. Blanco, where was this 'family' talk when your daughter was plotting? Since Sarah wants an apology on knees, that's what she'll get. Unless you want Benjamin back in detention? How would Lady White take that?""Uncle! I'm your niece too! Why protect only her?" Sydney's tears started falling."Sydne
"I see." Old Lady White fixed Sydney with an icy stare. "Benjamin, is this true?""No! Grandmother, please believe me! I'd never do something like this. Sarah's framing me - it's all her plot!" Sydney looked at her grandmother desperately.Benjamin pressed on, "She even warned me on the way to the hospital not to mention her involvement.""You're lying! Benji, look carefully at who's really trying to destroy you!" Sydney turned on Benjamin like a cornered animal."Look at yourself, Sydney," Mia said coldly. "You're acting unhinged. Your cousin's confessed - what's left to deny?""You Reynolds have no place here! This is Sanders family business. Anyone can see Sarah's manipulating everything behind the scenes!"Benjamin shook his head fiercely. "Grandmother, Sydney did this! Now that everything's blown up, she's trying to pin it all on me when she's the real mastermind."Old Lady White's expression grew colder. Finally dropping her facade, she said, "If this was Sydney's scheme
After multiple kidnapping attempts, her nerves were shot. She couldn't relax.Even walking down the street, any man would trigger her fear.Seeing Mia's furrowed brow, Sarah recognized the signs of PTSD. She made a silent decision.When Melvin brought Benjamin in, Old Lady White rushed to her grandson, distressed. "Benjamin, you've lost so much weight in just three days!"Sydney crowded in. “Benji, did they hurt you in detention?""No, no," Benjamin's unusual panic showed as he glanced nervously at Sarah, desperately denying everything.Sydney caught on. She whirled toward Sarah. "What did you do to him? Grandmother! Mother! I just remembered something!"She stared at Sarah in shock. "Mom! Don't you remember what she said when we first confronted her? She said she'd find a way to make Benjamin confess. Now I understand - she had him beaten into a confession!"Amanda looked at Sarah in disbelief. "Sasa, is this true?""Aunt Amanda, you've already decided to believe her. Why ask
Weighing the costs, they'd decided to cut Sarah loose."And what if Benjamin really is guilty?" Melvin challenged the lawyer. "What consequences will he face?"Old Lady White scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous. Benjamin is a White - any discipline will come from us, not you. Even if you are Amanda's son, you don't get to lord it over us."Before things escalated, Sarah cut in. "Melvin, please get Benjamin from detention.""Fine."Outside the detention center, Melvin leaned against his car, cigarette in hand, eyes hard with impatience.When the doors opened, two officers brought Benjamin out. Melvin remembered him from family events - once polished and confident, now disheveled and defeated. His sunken eyes told the story of his time inside.Oddly enough, the White family hadn't pulled any strings to get him out earlier, despite their influence.Benjamin's eyes darted nervously when he saw Melvin, almost afraid to approach."Where's my family?" He looked around anxiously.He'd neve
Sydney tensed. "What? How dare you accuse me?""Why not? Am I wrong?" Sarah's smile was cold."Stop slandering us!" Mrs. Blanco erupted. "We shouldn't just take your word for it. If you're so confident, release Benjamin and let's hear both sides!"Sydney spat, "Not everyone's as shameless as you! You've already been divorced once. You know what the Chancers say about you? That you cheated during your marriage, then tried to social climb your way into the Reynolds family. But that plan backfired, didn't it? So who's really the shameless one here?""Shut up!" A sharp voice cut through the room. Everyone turned to see Mia Reynolds standing in the doorway.The room shifted - everyone knew the Reynolds heiress, the girl they'd all tried desperately to curry favor with."Mia? How did you get here?"Sarah had heard Mia was basically under house arrest lately, her grandfather even stopping her therapy sessions.Instead of answering Sarah, Mia walked straight to Sydney. "Say that again.
"Not necessary." Sarah brushed past her without a glance.Sydney stomped her foot in anger. How dare she ignore her!"Don't get cocky! Let's see how calm you stay when my grandmother brings the family lawyers!"Sarah stopped and turned back with a mocking look. "My attitude is none of your business. But I know you won't be smiling for long.""Sarah! What's that supposed to mean?" Sydney shouted.But Sarah was already in her car, leaving Sydney red-faced with rage.Three days after Benjamin's arrest, Old Lady White arrived at Melvin's house with the family lawyers and board members, including Shawn and Amanda.In the formal living room sat two senior partners from the family's law firm.Old Lady White sat with a dark expression, while Mrs. Blanco stood tearfully beside Amanda. Sydney stared at Sarah with wild eyes.Shawn stood to the side, his expression grave. Melvin positioned himself next to Sarah, watching her protectively.The senior lawyer spoke first. "This situation is
In the sitting room, Mia studied the new therapist. Something about him seemed different from the others.After a long silence, he spoke. "Hello, Miss Reynolds. I'm your new therapist."Mia gave the butler a look, and he tactfully left.She studied the man curiously, keeping her tone polite but distant. "Look, I know my grandfather sent you to treat me, but I should tell you - I already have a therapist. Don't waste your time. Keep your fee, but you can't help me. I'm beyond that."Unlike the others, this therapist didn't get angry. Instead, he looked at her with interest. He'd heard about the difficult Miss Reynolds before coming. Her file showed they'd tried every known treatment method with little success. Her current stability was credited to that famous Decker Competition champion."Miss Reynolds, I understand your position, but hear me out. Your grandfather clearly has reservations about Miss Sanders, or he wouldn't have brought you home and gone to such lengths to find you
Amanda seemed satisfied. Now that Shawn had promised to handle it, she could relax.At Sanders Group headquarters, a woman in a dress walked into the elevator. Oddly, no one stopped her.The elevator went straight to the 35th floor. She used her fingerprint to open an office door and walked in. “Melvin.”Melvin turned to face Sarah. "Sasa, what brings you here?""Can't I visit my dearest cousin?” Sarah glanced at the Sanders Group stock prices on his screen."Sasa, I heard about yesterday," he said worriedly. "Did Grandmother and Aunt make a scene at home today? Don't worry about them. Benjamin had no right to touch you - and when he gets out, he'll have me to deal with!""I'm fine, really."Sarah told him everything that happened. "But I need your help with something.""Name it."Sarah stood on tiptoe, whispering in his ear.Melvin smiled. "Look at my clever sister!""I'm counting on you!" Sarah beamed."Don't worry." A cold glint passed through Melvin's eyes. "I won't go