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
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
Right in front of all these people, they dared to pull this stunt. Old Lady White shot Amanda a cold glare. “Or perhaps the Sanders never wanted us here in the first place? Let’s go.” Amanda rushed forward, trying to smooth things over. “No, this was our fault. Please don’t leave over such a small matter. It’s really nothing—if word gets out, people will only laugh at us.” Sydney cast Sarah a smug look before putting on a sweet, understanding smile and stepping toward Old Lady White. “Grandmother, Aunt, everyone is having such a lovely time. I don’t want this to ruin the mood. But she did hit me, and actions have consequences. How about this—she slaps me, so I get to slap her back. A small punishment, nothing more. Would that be fair?” Old Lady White pressed her lips together, then turned to Amanda. “Amanda, what do you think?” Amanda hesitated and looked at Sarah. “Sasa…” “I refuse.” Sarah’s voice was cold, sharp enough to slice through the tension in the room.
Sydney smiled innocently, as if none of yesterday’s events had ever happened. Sarah frowned. “Grandor Theatre?” Why there again? The last time Mia had an accident, it happened at Grandor Theatre, and they never found the real culprit. Sydney beamed. “That’s right! Mr. Ferguson’s performances are legendary. So, are you coming? Aunt insisted on getting these tickets for you—she really wanted you to join us.” Sarah had never been to Grandor Theatre before, but with everything going on with Tina, she had been meaning to check it out. Not just to review the surveillance footage. She wanted to see what kind of act Sydney was playing, too. Sydney’s eyes flashed with excitement. “The show starts at four. Farewell My Love—you’re in for a treat.” She clapped her hands, then pulled Sarah toward the closet. “Go get changed! Wear something nice. Or better yet, let me help you pick something out.” Like she owned the place, Sydney strode straight into Sarah’s walk-in clo
The boutique owner instructed an attendant to bring out several dresses. Sarah examined them one by one before selecting one and stepping into the fitting room. The fitting room was small and dimly lit, with heavy curtains blocking the window. These dresses all looked similar on the hanger; she needed to see how they fit on her. Layer after layer, the process was tedious. By the time she peeled off her original outfit, sweat dotted her forehead. She slipped into the dress, the silky fabric cool against her skin. Just as she reached for the ties— The curtain behind her was yanked open. Sarah gasped. “Who’s there?!” She instinctively crossed her arms over her chest, stepping back until her hand found the door handle. “Don’t move.” The voice came from behind her. Her heart raced. She turned her head just enough to see a man standing there. He wore a mask and gripped a knife, the blade glinting faintly in the dim light. “Who are you?” she demanded, tryin
Sarah tilted her head slightly, her smile laced with mockery. “All I know is that he somehow tripped and knocked himself out. You weren’t even here, yet you immediately assumed I did it. Why is that, Sydney?” “You—!” Sydney’s face turned red with anger. She scoffed. “So, you’re saying he harassed you, failed, and then somehow managed to knock himself unconscious?” Sarah beamed. “That’s exactly what happened.” Sydney opened her mouth to argue, but then—her eyes darted to a shadow in the corner. Someone was there. “Who’s there? Show yourself!” The moment Zachary stepped into the light, Sydney’s breath hitched. Of course she recognized him. “Mr. Reynolds…? Why are you here?” Zachary ignored her, his expression unreadable. “I have things to do. I’ll be leaving now.” Sydney's eyes flashed, and she quickly stepped forward. “Mr. Reynolds, can you help me take my cousin to the hospital?” Her voice was soft, almost pleading. A face like hers—pale as sno
"Ah!" Sydney let out a shriek, immediately crossing her arms over her chest to cover herself. She shot Sarah a furious glare, her face burning with humiliation. Then, she turned to Benjamin, looking utterly flustered. "I-I need to go to the restroom." She had barely taken two steps before twisting her ankle, nearly collapsing to the floor. Benjamin reacted quickly, grabbing her just in time. "Here, wear this." He shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Sydney practically melted into his arms, sneaking a glance at Sarah as if embarrassed. But beneath her expression, there was a glint of something cold and calculating. "Benji, I'll go fix myself up. You stay here and keep Sarah company, alright?" Her voice was delicate, laced with hidden meaning. Benjamin’s gaze flickered darkly. “Alright, go on then.” The moment the door clicked shut, Sarah calmly took a sip of tea. Benjamin wasted no time. He moved closer, his fingers deliberately brushin
Sydney’s eyes flicked back to the diamond brooch with a mixture of greed and resentment. She sighed, her voice soft and pitiful. “Melvin treats you so well. I wish I had a big brother like him.” Sarah gave her a sweet, almost innocent smile. “Well… you might as well keep dreaming. Your mom can’t just pop out a brother for you. Unless… maybe your dad…” She paused dramatically, then widened her eyes as if she’d just said something scandalous. “Kidding! Just joking!” Sydney’s temples throbbed with anger. How dare she say that about my father? Sarah had never talked like this before. But that was fine. Sydney told herself that Sarah would get what was coming to her soon enough. While Sydney was still fuming, Sarah ducked into the fitting room to check the gown she was wearing. The stitching along the waistline had been tampered with. It looked fine now, but in about thirty minutes, the seam would burst wide open—humiliating her in front of everyone. Sarah’s eyes dar
Sydney smiled innocently, as if none of yesterday’s events had ever happened. Sarah frowned. “Grandor Theatre?” Why there again? The last time Mia had an accident, it happened at Grandor Theatre, and they never found the real culprit. Sydney beamed. “That’s right! Mr. Ferguson’s performances are legendary. So, are you coming? Aunt insisted on getting these tickets for you—she really wanted you to join us.” Sarah had never been to Grandor Theatre before, but with everything going on with Tina, she had been meaning to check it out. Not just to review the surveillance footage. She wanted to see what kind of act Sydney was playing, too. Sydney’s eyes flashed with excitement. “The show starts at four. Farewell My Love—you’re in for a treat.” She clapped her hands, then pulled Sarah toward the closet. “Go get changed! Wear something nice. Or better yet, let me help you pick something out.” Like she owned the place, Sydney strode straight into Sarah’s walk-in clo
Right in front of all these people, they dared to pull this stunt. Old Lady White shot Amanda a cold glare. “Or perhaps the Sanders never wanted us here in the first place? Let’s go.” Amanda rushed forward, trying to smooth things over. “No, this was our fault. Please don’t leave over such a small matter. It’s really nothing—if word gets out, people will only laugh at us.” Sydney cast Sarah a smug look before putting on a sweet, understanding smile and stepping toward Old Lady White. “Grandmother, Aunt, everyone is having such a lovely time. I don’t want this to ruin the mood. But she did hit me, and actions have consequences. How about this—she slaps me, so I get to slap her back. A small punishment, nothing more. Would that be fair?” Old Lady White pressed her lips together, then turned to Amanda. “Amanda, what do you think?” Amanda hesitated and looked at Sarah. “Sasa…” “I refuse.” Sarah’s voice was cold, sharp enough to slice through the tension in the room.
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