Sarah froze in surprise. His elegant fingers held the cigarette, its ember pulsing in the dark, while an unconscious smile played on her lips."Mr. Reynolds, what brings you here?"Zachary exhaled his final smoke ring and crushed out the cigarette. "I came to see you.""Me?" Sarah felt momentarily dazed.Zachary nodded, offering her the same invitation she'd refused from Mia."I'm here to personally invite you to the Reynolds gala. You said you owed me a favor - I thought perhaps you could be my date. No pressure if you'd rather not."His voice was slightly husky, his deep eyes twinkling with amusement.Sarah took the invitation, her fingertips tingling.She'd already regretted refusing Mia. Since when did she care so much about others' opinions?Besides, there was nothing shameful about attending - no reason to hide."Miss Sanders?" His warm breath brushed her cheek. She looked up instinctively, finding his face inches from hers, his eyes drowning her in their gentle warmth.
"Mr. Reynolds, such words might scare me away. Then you'd be left without a date tonight," Sarah replied with a light smile, though her tone carried a hint of coolness.Her heart had fluttered at his words several times now, but she understood the vast difference between them.The car stopped at the hotel entrance. Sarah took Zachary's arm as they entered the grand ballroom, her heels clicking elegantly on the marble floor. The space was filled with wine displays, dessert tables, clusters of guests, and circulating waiters.Long tables lined both sides of the hall, laden with exquisite hors d'oeuvres and various wines, with champagne glasses arranged in pyramids at the ends.Women in designer gowns gathered in conversation while men in bespoke suits discussed business.Luxury permeated everything - only the elite attended Reynolds family events.Mia spotted them first, running over excitedly. “Zac! Sarah, you're here!"The ballroom fell quiet as all eyes turned to them. No one
"Look how smug that bitch is!" Lucy seethed.Charlotte quickly masked her earlier gaze with a polite smile. "Of course she's pleased, she's Zachary's date. Every young lady here wishes they were in her place."She wasn't the only one hiding jealousy; surely other women were silently cursing Sarah too.Lucy grew more furious. Why did Sarah get to stand beside Zachary? Why not her?Charlotte scanned the hall, noticing Old Mr. Reynolds wasn't present. Glancing at the second floor, she understood why.Her eyes glinted - surely Old Mr. Reynolds wouldn't accept a divorced woman.With that thought, Charlotte quickly left the Chancers' side.Mia excitedly chatted with Sarah, "You look stunning, even more beautiful than usual! I've never seen anyone wear evening wear so elegantly."Sarah admired Mia's designer ball gown, a custom piece that fit her perfectly. "You look lovely too, Mia.""Really? My brother picked it. I told him he had terrible taste," Mia stuck out her tongue.Upstair
Sarah relaxed as Mia diverted her grandfather's scrutinizing gaze. Mia's timing couldn't have been better.Being Zachary's date had certainly drawn attention, including from his family.Her divorced status wasn't a secret - she knew Old Mr. Reynolds must have heard the gossip."Let's join the others," he said.By the spiral staircase, Charlotte frowned. She'd deliberately started those rumors for Old Mr. Reynolds to hear.But unexpectedly, he hadn't reacted negatively!Her eyes found James through the crowd. He was staring, not at her, but at Sarah!Sarah's elegant figure in her evening gown was like a painting come to life. Even James couldn't help staring. Charlotte clenched her fists in fury - this was intolerable!Being the host, Zachary couldn't stay with Sarah all evening. After ensuring she was settled, his grandfather called him away, asking Mia to keep Sarah company.Sarah had never enjoyed such events, knowing she'd be scrutinized as Zachary's date.Once Zachary lef
Lucy approached with a smirk. "Oh dear, what a mess! I brought a spare dress - we look about the same size. Why don't you borrow it?"She saw an opportunity to get closer to the Reynolds heiress.But Mia shook her head. "No need. I have other dresses here."She grabbed her skirt and Sarah's hand. "Come with me, Sarah."She wouldn't leave Sarah vulnerable to bullying, especially after promising her brother.Just then, a waiter approached. "Miss Sanders, Master Zachary requests your presence."Hearing this, Mia released Sarah's hand. "Go ahead to my brother. I'll change quickly and find you. Don't let anyone bother you."She shot Lucy a fierce glare before hurrying upstairs.Sarah smiled and told the waiter, "Lead the way," ignoring Charlotte and Lucy completely.After she left, Lucy seethed. "What's so special about her? Zachary protects her constantly! The moment there's trouble, he summons her!""It wasn't Zachary," Charlotte said coldly, her eyes glinting.Lucy looked at h
Sickened by his words, Sarah's face went pale, her eyes blazing. "I'm warning you! Touch me and you'll regret it!""Stop fighting! We're alone in this garden, and I locked the door. Where do you think you'll go?" He yanked her arm, trying to pull her close, his aged, greasy face flushed with excitement as he reached for her shoulder.Sarah kicked him hard, earning a howl of pain as he doubled over clutching himself. "You'll pay for this!"But he maintained his iron grip on her wrist, struggling to stand despite the pain.Sarah fought desperately, her delicate wrist reddening in his vice-like grip.Desperate, she grabbed her dress hem, ready to tear it. To hell with appearances.The man recovered, raising his hand to slap her, but his arm suddenly stopped mid-air."Who dares interrupt—" His words died in his throat when he saw who it was.Seeing Zachary, Sarah's eyes welled up, her throat tightening."Let her go!" The icy command made the man release Sarah's wrist instantly.S
Something felt off about the whole incident - first Mia's dress gets stained, then she's lured out here.Without her having to explain, Zachary had already ordered security to check the cameras."I know. Don't worry, I'll find who's responsible. Let's get you inside - it's cold out here."Sarah felt warmed by his jacket, still holding his body heat. He always appeared when she needed him most, like a ray of light in darkness. She unconsciously moved closer to him.Her heart was still racing, the terrifying incident now transformed into anger, mixed with the warmth of Zachary's protection.She nodded, walking beside him. "Thank you. I owe you another favor."Zachary's eyes remained cold, still angry about the incident. Her sincere gratitude made him uncomfortable. "You're my guest. Your safety is my responsibility. This isn't about favors."When they returned to the ballroom, no one knew what had happened in the garden, except for two pairs of anxious eyes watching them.Lucy ha
Zachary's face darkened. "Who did this waiter interact with during the party?""He was serving drinks, sir. He probably contacted most guests.""No need to search further. I know who did it."A familiar voice made Sarah and Zachary turn around as Steven approached."Where were you earlier?" Sarah asked curiously."If I hadn't been late, I wouldn't have caught this." Steven held up his phone.He showed them a photo.It captured a man in the garden with a woman holding champagne, speaking to him.The man was Sarah's attacker, and the woman was Lucy!Sarah's eyes sharpened. Lucy had harassed her repeatedly, and now stooped to this level.Steven swiped to another photo, scoffing: "She’s not the only one involved.”The photo showed the earlier scene with Mia protecting Sarah. Behind them, a waiter carrying a tray of drinks was stumbling - someone's foot had deliberately tripped him.That's why the tray tipped, spilling wine on Mia's dress.The owner of that foot was now chattin
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