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
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
"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
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
As Zachary approached slowly, Sarah wanted to escape, but unfortunately, she had the will but not the ability.The hillside was damp, making the dirt path slippery.She had no strength to resist as he lifted her up in his arms. "Put me down, Zachary! Let me go!""You can't walk," he replied, carrying her with steady steps."Even if I can't walk, I don't need your help! Don't forget, you have a fiancée now!"Zachary's eyes darkened. She really knew how to bring up the most uncomfortable topics.The man had just been in a fight, and his clothes were somewhat disheveled, which only added to his wild nature. His entire presence radiated a dangerous charm.Sarah couldn't help stealing several glances at him. Though she kept telling herself not to fall for him, her heartbeat still involuntarily lost its rhythm.Back at the dormitory, Zachary carefully placed her on the bed and arranged the blankets for her.Sarah frowned, staring at him as she voiced her suspicion. "I never told you
Charlie was now recovering his senses. He pushed himself up from the ground, feeling a sour, aching pain in his stomach."Zach, why did you hit me?" Charlie asked, his eyes wide with disbelief."Hitting you is getting off easy," Zachary replied coldly.Charlie ignored him and lunged toward Sarah.In that split second, everything changed. Sarah fell to the ground, her foot slipping badly, twisting her ankle.She cried out in pain as she sat on the ground, gripping her ankle tightly. Beads of sweat broke out across her forehead."Sarah, what happened? Did you twist your ankle?" Zachary asked anxiously.He immediately rushed to Sarah, crouched down to examine her ankle, and reached out to touch it."Don't touch me!" Sarah jerked away instinctively, sitting on the ground clutching her ankle.Charlie gave the two of them a long, searching look. He had long suspected there was something unusual between them.Zachary's expression darkened, looking rather menacing in the gloomy weath
Her story seemed fine on the surface, but when examined closely, there were major holes. Sarah began to feel uneasy and was about to stop.The little girl immediately looked panicked and avoided Sarah's gaze. She clutched the edge of her shirt tightly and asked cautiously, "Are you not going to take me home anymore?"Those clear, innocent eyes were enough to make Sarah waver, and indeed, she felt her resolve weakening."Sweetie, tell me exactly where on the hillside your home is," she suddenly asked.The little girl's eyes darted around nervously. She lowered her gaze for a long time, thinking hard before looking up with tears in her eyes. “Missy, we're almost there. Look over there—where there's smoke rising, that's my home."Looking into the distance, Sarah could indeed see a wisp of smoke rising from partway up the hillside. Through the dense forest, she could only make out a faint white shadow.It wasn't too far from where they stood, but it wasn't particularly close either.
Even when mealtime arrived, not a single worker put down their tasks."Alright everyone, take a break. Today I'm treating you all to something special," Sarah called out, clapping her hands as she walked through the doorway. Several food carts loaded with sandwiches, pasta, and fresh salads followed behind her.The delicious aroma of hot food drifted through the air. Only then did the workers realize how hungry they were. They jumped up excitedly, shouting, "Thank you, Miss Sanders!"Seeing the joyful atmosphere in the factory, Sarah felt the tension she'd carried all day begin to ease.She wasn't very hungry, so she decided to step outside for some fresh air.While looking around aimlessly, she unexpectedly spotted a pair of timid eyes peering at her from behind a rock.Sarah walked over curiously.Behind the rock was a little girl with a dirty face and clothes that had been torn in several places by tree branches."Hello there, little one. What are you doing here?" Sarah crou
Sarah's lips curved into a slight smile. "Oh right, I almost forgot to tell you. I'm moving to the dormitory near the factory today, so you won't have to worry about me anymore.""You're moving out?" Charlie's eyes widened in surprise."No way." After processing what she said, he rushed over and forcefully grabbed the suitcase from her hands."What are you doing?" Sarah glared at him angrily. "Give me back my suitcase."Charlie laughed coldly. "I can give it back, but nothing in this world is free. You've lived here for so long—you should at least pay some rent."Hearing this, Sarah calmed down. "How much do you want?"Charlie thought Sarah had agreed, so he quickly held up five fingers. "At least this much."Sarah asked, "Five thousand?"Charlie shook his head. "At least fifty thousand."Sarah covered her mouth and laughed."What's so funny?" Charlie threw the suitcase to the floor, angry and impatient. "I'm telling you, don't think I'm joking. Today, if you don't pay up, yo
Zachary smirked as he watched Charlie, amused by his outlandish claims. The poor fool was so wrapped up in his fantasies of wealth that he completely missed the mockery in Zachary's eyes.But as they say, no plan survives contact with reality.Charlie never imagined his schemes would collapse before they even got off the ground."How could I lose?" Charlie stared blankly at the dice on the gambling table, unable to believe what was happening.The noisy sounds of the gambling den faded away as his mind blocked them out. His ears heard nothing, and everything around him became a blur."Hey, are you playing or not? If not, get out of the way. You're blocking the table," someone shoved him aside.Charlie was like a mad dog now, ready to snap at anyone.He turned around angrily, about to lash out, when he saw Zachary standing calmly in the crowd as if nothing had happened.That made sense—after all, it was his money that was lost.Realizing this, Charlie couldn't contain the anger
"Six million… Where the hell am I supposed to get six million?!"The factory’s demand had nearly scared Charlie senseless. But even faced with that staggering number, not once did it cross his mind to end it all. Guys like him—the ones who never took responsibility—were always the ones clinging to life the hardest, like their sole purpose was to drag others down with them.Suddenly, his bloodshot eyes lit up like he'd just grabbed hold of his last lifeline. He muttered to himself, voice shaky but growing in conviction, “Wait, no... there’s still one person. We’re brothers. He wouldn’t just leave me like this.”Zachary had seen this coming from a mile away—he just didn’t think it would take Charlie this long to show up.Now here he was, on his knees, groveling.Zachary leaned forward slightly, one brow raised, voice cold enough to cut glass. “Charlie. Give me one good reason I should help you.”Some people only learned when they were shoved to the edge. And with someone like Charl
After hanging up the phone, Manager Sullivan carelessly packed up a few of his things and left the factory.East Coast. Melvin sat in his office, staring at the email Mr. Lambert had just sent. The entire timeline was laid out—every detail, every suspicion, all the context. He read it twice, barely blinking.He never imagined his mother would go this far behind his back, meddling in the West Ridge factory like this.Then again, maybe he should’ve seen it coming.Three years ago, when Sarah handed him control of the Sanders Group, his mother had already started revealing her true intentions—dropping hints, making comments, all nudging him toward taking over. But there was no need to seize anything. Sarah never wanted power. From day one, she’d made it clear she had no interest in running the company. She wanted to be a psychologist. The company had been a burden she was more than ready to pass on.So what was the point? Did it really matter who held what shares?He’d fought bit
“Stop right there.” Manager Sullivan raised a hand, cutting Sarah off. “Miss Sanders, you can twist a story all you want, but you don’t get to throw around accusations like that. Damaging company property? That’s a serious charge—I won’t stand for it. I’ve worked at this factory for years, always by the book. You really think I’d sabotage the company’s equipment?”Sarah didn’t reply right away, but Mr. Lambert stepped forward, his tone sharp. “So you’re saying you had no idea this happened? That Charlie made it all up to frame you?”Manager Sullivan nodded eagerly, latching onto the narrative. “Exactly! Charlie’s got a long history in this factory. Always looking for shortcuts, always stirring up trouble. He’s hated me for years. I’ve been trying to fire him forever. It makes perfect sense that he’d want revenge. That man’s a mess—gambling, drinking, drugs—you name it. He’s up to his neck in debt. He begged me for money and I said no. So now he’s spinning lies to take me down? Please