He left the meeting room without another word.But he knew those people wouldn't give up just because they'd failed this time.Melvin hadn't been home for the past two days, which made Sydney incredibly anxious. She'd come here to get close to Melvin, but now she couldn't even see him.Plus, the job Melvin had arranged for her wasn't at headquarters but at a branch office, so she had no chance of running into him.When Mia and Sarah got home from school, they caught Sydney staring at them."What are you looking at?" Mia said with disgust."Melvin's so good to you. That necklace he just got at the auction - he had it delivered to you right away," Sydney's voice dripped with jealousy.Sarah caught her meaning and picked up the necklace from the table. "Yes, it is quite beautiful."Sydney barely contained her envy, her words dripping with sarcasm. "Who knows what shady tactics you used to get Melvin to treat you so well. People might think you're a couple!""Think before you spea
"These files need to be archived. Some of the classic cases I found are from overseas.""Alright." Professor Letito rubbed his temples and stood up to collect the files from his desk.He was always such an honest, serious person that Sarah couldn't help asking again, "Professor, is something wrong?""Really, I'm fine."Sarah left the office with doubts, having other matters to attend to.After classes ended, a crowd had gathered at the school entrance. When Sarah and Mia went to look, they saw Professor Letito was one of two people at the center.Opposite him stood a woman holding a child.Professor Letito's face was ashen with anger, while the woman was crying out, "How did someone like you become a university professor? You don't even care about your own child! Tell me who this mistress is that you're having an affair with!"As Sarah watched in confusion, a hand touched her shoulder. She turned to find Professor Wells."Poor Henry’s gotten himself into quite a mess," Profess
The man spoke softly, but his words were cruel. "It's fine if this attempt failed. We'll try something more drastic next time. If all else fails, we'll use the child."The woman didn't even get angry. "Aren't you worried about hurting your own child?""Once we get the money, we can leave. If we're seen, it's all over."Sarah watched them walk away, feeling furious on Professor Letito's behalf.She knew they wouldn't give up until they got what they wanted.Early the next morning, Sarah released the recording she'd made.Vivian was holding a press conference at Wilson Headquarter, with many media reporters present, drawn by the Wilson name.Vivian sat at the head of the table, speaking confidently. "The inspiration came from overseas resort islands. I incorporated some interesting concepts..."A reporter stood up. "Miss Wilson, there are rumors that Wilson Industries stole Sanders Group’s designs. How do you respond?""That's false. Wise people don't believe rumors. Wilson Indu
At six in the evening, Sydney was heading to her car in the parking lot when she spotted a familiar Ferrari. Before she could place whose it was, the door opened.A woman stepped out, her face cold and emotionless, her eyes staring at Sydney as if she were looking at a corpse.After a long moment, Sydney finally came to her senses and asked uneasily, "Miss Wilson, what brings you here?""What? Am I not allowed to see you?" Vivian looked at her with contempt.She suddenly moved closer to Sydney and said coldly, "Tell me, what's the deal with that recording?"Recording?Sydney hadn't processed what she meant. She'd been busy with work all day and hadn't seen any news.She had no idea what had happened at Wilson Industries, let alone about any recording. Vivian's eyes held pure malice as she took out her phone and played the recording.Hearing the familiar voice, Sydney's eyes widened. That voice... it was hers.She stared at Vivian in shock. "This... this recording...""Did you
Vivian gave her a cruel smile. "How naive of you to believe everything I said."Sydney was terrified. She'd seen Vivian's ruthless methods before and knew the consequences of crossing her.Avoiding Vivian's gaze, she stammered, "You can't do this. I don't have money. How am I supposed to get that much?"Vivian said casually, "The Blancos can't be that broke. Your family can pay your debt - unless they refuse to help. Then you'll have to take the fall alone.""Vivian, aren't you afraid I'll...""You'll what? Who are you going to tell? What are you going to do?"Vivian said quietly, "Shut up. I'm warning you - if you don't have the money in five days, you'll see what happens. Or... there's one small favor. If you help me with it, I might forget about all this."Sydney grabbed at this lifeline. "What favor?"A glint flashed in Vivian's eyes. "It's simple..."...At Adams University, Sarah thought it was over, but one incident pushed everything to a climax.The whole school was
Sarah's gaze turned cold as she looked at Amy. Despite her hateful expression, Sarah caught a glimpse of sly satisfaction in her eyes - the smirk of someone who thought they'd won.The crowd began buzzing with gossip, from both teachers and students."I can't believe it. Professor Letito seemed so honest - how did he end up with Sarah?""I'm shocked someone as beautiful as Sarah would go for someone like Henry Letito. Though given how many men she's supposedly been with, maybe it's not so surprising.""Really? I always thought Miss Sarah seemed nice.""How naive. You never know what someone's really like. Anyone can act sweet and proper in public. Who knows what they're like behind closed doors."...Sarah couldn't help but glance at the people gossiping about her - some were friendly acquaintances, others she'd never even spoken to.Mia stood beside Sarah, glaring angrily at the judgmental stares. "What are you all looking at? Just look at Sarah and look at Professor Letito! H
Sarah tried to move closer, but Amy stepped back. "Stay away! One more step and I'll jump!"Sarah stopped, speaking sharply. “Miss Gabble, you don't really want to die, do you? Otherwise you wouldn't be asking for money. I can give you the two hundred thousand - it's nothing to me. But I want to know who sent you. Who told you to frame me like this?""I don't know what you're talking about." Amy's eyes darted away.Something had felt off to Sarah from the start. When Amy was first arguing with Professor Letito, despite the crowd, she kept glancing at Sarah, as if confirming her target.Today's scene felt even more staged - so obviously planned that it barely needed analysis."I don't know anything. Don't push me." Her eyes were red as she started losing her balance.Suddenly, Henry, who was also at the edge, lunged at Amy and the child, tackling them to the ground.Security guards immediately grabbed both Henry and Amy, preventing another suicide attempt."Let go of me! Henry,
Sarah was silent for a moment before finally agreeing. "Alright."After hanging up, Michael breathed a sigh of relief. At least she'd agreed to help.Back in his cell, his anxiety finally began to subside.At Adams University, just after resolving the chaos with Amy and Professor Letito, Sarah rubbed her temples. One problem after another."Hurry up! That's her! Stop dawdling and do it!""Quick, faster! She's about to walk past!"...Sarah walked normally beneath the residential building that housed school staff and a few students' parents.Something felt odd today. The street was unusually quiet when it shouldn't have been.Before she could process what was happening, danger struck from above. Ice-cold water poured onto her head, bringing both the pain of being struck and a bone-chilling cold.Before she could even react, she was soaked through. Her hair clung to her scalp, and her clothes were drenched from top to shoes.Sarah only heard giggling from above, but when she l
“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
Hearing Charlie’s threats, Manager Sullivan only laughed harder.“You really think someone like you could take me down?” he sneered. “I told you before—I’ve got people backing me. Did you really think I’d go into this without covering my own ass? Even if Sarah knows, so what? I’ll just laugh at your stupidity. You don’t even know who’s behind me, and you still dared to snitch? Don’t worry—you’ll find out soon enough. Some people aren’t to be messed with.”Charlie’s grin disappeared. “We’ll see.”Manager Sullivan gave him one last cold glance. “Here’s a piece of advice—watch your back. If you’d kept your mouth shut, you’d only have Sarah and Mr. Lambert gunning for you. But now? You’ve pissed me off too. Tell me—how do you expect to survive in West Ridge after this?”With that, he turned and strode back toward the factory, leaving Charlie standing there in the dust, rattled by what he’d just heard.Because the truth was… Charlie had no idea who Manager Sullivan’s backers were. And
“Did you tell them about me or not?!” Manager Sullivan’s voice dropped, sharp and cold.But Charlie didn’t answer the question. He just clung to him desperately. “Boss, you said you'd protect me! You promised! You have to help me! Sarah and Mr. Lambert are making me pay six million for the damages—six million! I can’t pay that! You have to save me!”“Six million?” Manager Sullivan’s face tightened. Even he had never touched that kind of money. His entire net worth wasn’t even half of that. Where the hell was he supposed to get six million for Charlie?Charlie’s eyes were pleading, frantic. His lips were dry and cracked from the panic, already bleeding slightly, and tears shimmered at the corners of his eyes. “Please, Boss. If I go to jail, it’ll be for ten years. I can’t survive that. Please…”He gripped Manager Sullivan’s arm like his life depended on it, fingers white from the force of it. But Sullivan pulled away coldly, avoiding eye contact.“I don’t have that kind of money,”
Charlie's hands were shaking uncontrollably. He couldn’t go to jail—he wouldn't go to jail.No. No, this wasn’t how it was supposed to go.Manager Sullivan had promised he’d protect him. He’d said everything would be fine.But Sarah and Mr. Lambert weren’t bluffing. Everything they’d said had sounded terrifyingly real. What if Sullivan couldn’t actually help him?“I’m not going to jail,” Charlie muttered, more to himself than anyone else, cold sweat running down his back.Sarah let out a cold snort. “Oh? And who told you that? Let me guess—you wouldn’t have dared pull a stunt like this on your own. So why don’t you just tell me who put you up to it? Unless you really believe they’ve got the power to save you. Don’t forget—everything that person has came from the Sanders family.”Charlie froze. The way she said it made it clear—she already knew who was behind it.“So… if I tell you, does that mean you’ll drop the charges?” Charlie asked, eyes wide with desperation.Sarah walked
Charlie shook his head, his face pale, still refusing to admit it. “It wasn’t me! I don’t know what you’re talking about. Even if that video shows me, so what? How can you be sure I was doing anything wrong? I came in at 2 a.m. to check if the machines could still be fixed. I did it for the good of the factory!”Sarah let out a cold laugh. “Wow. That’s the best you could come up with? You really expect me to believe you were being noble at two in the morning? Don’t forget, we’ve got more than just one camera. You think we only set up one? Every step you took was recorded—and more than that, someone saw you. We’ve got video and a witness. You’re not getting out of this.”Charlie’s face twisted in disbelief. “No way! There was no one there last night—I checked! You could’ve bribed someone just to frame me!”Sarah’s expression didn’t budge. “If you’re that desperate to keep lying, feel free to tell it to the cops. I’m done listening to your nonsense. Mr. Lambert, call the police.
Holding onto the cash, Charlie couldn't stop thinking: if he brought this to the gambling den with Zachary by his side, they could easily multiply it. All he had to do tonight was take one more risk.Before long, it was past midnight—2 a.m. to be exact—when Charlie crept into the factory. Everyone was asleep by then, including the guard out front, slumped over in exhaustion.The workshop was dark and quiet. Spotting the three machines almost immediately, Charlie felt a wave of relief wash over him. He quickly got to work, removing the last screw and prying open the outer shell. With a wrench in hand, he began fiddling inside—until something felt off.He paused.A couple nights ago, he'd gone out of his way to destroy these machines. He'd been shocked when the technician said they could still be repaired, but he brushed it off. Maybe the guy was just good. Maybe tech was just that advanced now.But now he realized—these machines had never been broken.They hadn't been repaired. Th
Upon hearing this, Manager Sullivan's face changed, and he glanced at Charlie, standing among the crowd, with a severe look of malice. Charlie, for his part, was clueless about what was happening. He was sure he had sabotaged the machinery effectively, given his years of experience in the factory and his knowledge of the equipment.But why hadn't it worked this time?He looked towards the technician with a puzzled expression, but the technician's confident gaze only increased his panic.After the meeting, Manager Sullivan called Charlie into his office and immediately started berating him as soon as the door was shut. "What happened? Weren't you supposed to have completely destroyed the equipment? Why does the technician say it can still be fixed? What did you do?"Charlie was even more baffled. He reflected on how he had damaged the equipment, unable to figure out what went wrong. "Manager, I was sure I had completely wrecked it. I even checked again after damaging it to ensure it
Before Sarah could speak, Manager Sullivan blurted out, "Miss Sanders, if I catch whoever did this, they won't get away with it!"Mr. Lambert sarcastically interjected, "What if it's a case of the thief crying catch the thief?"Manager Sullivan became defensive, "Mr. Lambert, you should think before you speak! I'm the manager of this factory. Every day the factory is down, I'm the most anxious of all! Are you really accusing me now? Miss Sanders, if you're going to suspect me as well, you might as well have headquarters fire me."Sarah quickly tried to defuse the situation, "Manager Sullivan, what are you talking about? You're the manager of this factory; of course, I trust your commitment to it. It’s just that this situation is serious. The old equipment that was destroyed in the last batch was due for an upgrade anyway, so that wasn’t a loss. But this time, it’s different."She paused before continuing, "This equipment was ordered from Germany by our headquarters half a year ago.
Fresh from the gambling den, Charlie was ecstatic, clutching a bundle of cash and laughing wildly. "Zach, we won thirty thousand! Can you believe they just let us walk out?"He found it unbelievable, but Zach seemed unfazed. They hadn't just taken the house; they'd also won a considerable amount from other gamblers, and even helped the house make a profit. It was no wonder they weren't stopped.Holding the money, Charlie mused, "Zach, you wouldn’t believe it. The rich just keep getting richer. Today, our factory received a shipment of equipment, and I heard just one machine costs millions. Compared to them, this thirty thousand really isn't much."Zach casually mentioned, "It seems like the Sanders factory is the only big one left around here."Charlie quickly retorted with a smirk, "Actually, in West Ridge, Sanders isn’t the biggest."Zach raised an eyebrow, "Really? I thought I knew West Ridge pretty well. Apart from Sanders, I haven’t seen any factory bigger than theirs."Char