"I-I'm telling you, this is in the town, not up in the remote hills. If you try to beat me up, bystanders definitely won't just stand by and watch," he stammered, trying to intimidate Zachary while his hand secretly reached for the door bolt."Relax. I didn't come to beat you today. I'm just curious—why are you so fixated on her?" Zachary asked calmly, fishing for information.He had already made up his mind before coming. If Charlie truly had a grievance with Sarah, he would find a way to send her away. Even if she ended up hating him, that would be better than leaving her in danger.When Charlie heard that Zachary wasn't there to beat him, he immediately relaxed, though his body language remained wary as he kept his eyes fixed on Zachary.Zachary had already figured out Charlie's personality. He knew that unless he revealed some information first, Charlie would never willingly explain his motives for kidnapping Sarah."Sarah is my ex-girlfriend. Our breakup wasn't what I wanted,
When Charlie heard the words "Wilson Factory explosion," he froze, his face showing a complex mix of emotions."Who are you?" he asked warily.Zachary displayed a hunger for money. "Don't be nervous. I'm just a private investigator. By coincidence, I got this big job—find the truth and get paid.""Who's the client?" Charlie's face was full of suspicion.Zachary suddenly gave him a cold look, his tone full of warning. "Charlie, in this business, many things are confidential when it comes to clients. We take the money and do the job, never asking too many questions."Seeing how serious Zachary was, Charlie began to accept that he might really be a private detective."Charlie, this is a genuine two million. Aren't you tempted? If I didn't think you knew a lot about what happened back then, I wouldn't even consider sharing this with you. If we succeed, that's two million—one million each."Charlie's heart trembled at these words. One million! How could he not be tempted?With that
This factory, sealed for nearly ten years, finally revealed its former glory to the people of the East Coast. Charlie confidently led Zachary through the valley. When they reached the innermost part of the mountain range, Zachary followed Charlie's lead and stopped.Weeds had completely covered the area. Charlie efficiently tore away the ivy that had grown over everything, revealing a rust-covered iron door.Time had left its mark on the iron door; the rust flaked off at the slightest touch. In the middle was a chain with a padlock. Charlie casually picked up a stone and smashed it hard against the lock. With a dull thud, the lock fell to the ground.The factory from ten years ago differed greatly from modern ones. It lacked sophisticated security measures, since all the equipment inside was too heavy to steal anyway.They stood before the massive iron door. Zachary reached out to touch the cold metal. "How do you know about this place?"Charlie looked solemnly at the valley befor
"Sign here."James Chancer’s cold, deep voice broke the silence as he slid the divorce papers across the table. Sarah looked up at him, managing a bitter smile.So this was it. No wonder he'd surprisingly called this morning to say he'd be home tonight, wanting to talk. She'd been happy all day, only to find out this was what he wanted to discuss... Three years of marriage, coming to an end.Sarah Sanders took the papers with trembling hands, her voice barely a whisper, "Do we really have to divorce?"James frowned as he studied the woman who'd been Mrs. Chancer for three years. She must have just finished cleaning - sweat still glistened on her forehead, exhaustion and confusion evident in her eyes behind those thick glasses. Gentle and modest, but utterly plain. This unremarkable woman had been Mrs. Chancer for three years.James put out his cigarette, his tone leaving no room for argument, "Just sign it. Charlotte's back, and I don't want her to get the wrong idea."Sarah felt
Sarah listened to the conversation outside the study, her eyes downcast.During her years as James’s wife, she had given everything to her mother-in-law and sister-in-law Lucy. When Lucy had her car accident, Sarah had stayed at the hospital for days. She'd always shown nothing but respect and care for Mrs. Chancer. Yet it seemed no amount of devotion could change how the Chancer family saw her.Shortly after, Scarlett Larson called, her voice tired, "Sasa, are you sure you won't come? You used to love hunting outdoors, and you'd get to race cars too."Sarah froze. Memories she'd buried deep came flooding back. Before marrying James, she'd loved hunting, racing cars, and good wine. Then she met James at the Larson estate and fell head over heels. After falling for him, she learned through others that James preferred gentle, trad wife. So she'd gradually given up everything she loved.Three years had passed, and she'd almost forgotten who she used to be.On the other end of the lin
Sarah left the Chancer mansion without looking back, wheeling her suitcase behind her. Outside, she found Scarlett leaning out of her car window, blowing her a playful kiss. "Get in, baby! Time to celebrate!"Though Scarlett called it a celebration, knowing Sarah was freshly divorced and likely down, she just took her to a music-themed restaurant. When she heard James's reason for the divorce, Scarlett couldn't help but scoff, "Charlotte Garnett again? What's so special about her that James is this obsessed?"Sarah stirred her coffee listlessly. "No idea..."She'd never actually met James's dream woman. Charlotte had already left for abroad when Sarah first met James. She'd only heard that Charlotte was gentle, accomplished, and understanding. When James had fought with his grandfather over her, Charlotte had been mature enough to convince James to let it go - which had led to Sarah's arranged marriage with James.Seeing Sarah's reluctance to discuss it further, Scarlett changed th
Sarah stopped in her tracks. Her expression remained calm, but she didn't take Charlotte's offered hand.As Charlotte's smile faltered, James stepped in to ease the tension, "Grandfather heard about us,” he said in a deep and restrained voice. “He wants you to join us for dinner tonight. Your phone was off, so I came to get you.""I see." Sarah checked her phone - it was indeed dead. She nodded. "I'll charge it and join you later."The message was clear- she wouldn't be going with them.James frowned. "I can wait while you-""No need," Sarah cut him off with a smile. "I'll make my own way there."When he fell silent, Sarah glanced at Charlotte. "And tomorrow at nine, if you're free, let's get the divorce papers finalized."For some reason, James felt unsettled. "Why the rush?"Sarah nodded firmly. “Cause it's urgent."James was taken aback, his expression darkening as he led Charlotte away.After a few steps, Charlotte whispered something intimately to James, then turned back
Lost in his thoughts, James felt a warm hand on his. He turned to see Charlotte looking at him with concern. "Are you feeling okay? Would you like some soup?"James shook his head.After greeting Richard, Sarah quietly took her seat, pointedly ignoring their interaction.Richard let out a scoff of disgust.Dinner at the Chancers' was traditionally eaten in silence. Sarah had little appetite but picked at her food to be polite.After dinner, Richard held her back. "I've heard about you and James. Don't worry, Sarah. You're the only daughter-in-law this family recognizes."He cast a cold look at Charlotte and James, their faces stiffening at his words. "If anyone should leave this family, it should be the homewrecker and this excuse for a man!"Sarah shifted uncomfortably.James's jaw tightened. Beside him, Charlotte clutched his hand, her eyes filling with tears, looking every bit the victim.Richard ignored them both, drumming his fingers on the table with a sigh. "Your father
This factory, sealed for nearly ten years, finally revealed its former glory to the people of the East Coast. Charlie confidently led Zachary through the valley. When they reached the innermost part of the mountain range, Zachary followed Charlie's lead and stopped.Weeds had completely covered the area. Charlie efficiently tore away the ivy that had grown over everything, revealing a rust-covered iron door.Time had left its mark on the iron door; the rust flaked off at the slightest touch. In the middle was a chain with a padlock. Charlie casually picked up a stone and smashed it hard against the lock. With a dull thud, the lock fell to the ground.The factory from ten years ago differed greatly from modern ones. It lacked sophisticated security measures, since all the equipment inside was too heavy to steal anyway.They stood before the massive iron door. Zachary reached out to touch the cold metal. "How do you know about this place?"Charlie looked solemnly at the valley befor
When Charlie heard the words "Wilson Factory explosion," he froze, his face showing a complex mix of emotions."Who are you?" he asked warily.Zachary displayed a hunger for money. "Don't be nervous. I'm just a private investigator. By coincidence, I got this big job—find the truth and get paid.""Who's the client?" Charlie's face was full of suspicion.Zachary suddenly gave him a cold look, his tone full of warning. "Charlie, in this business, many things are confidential when it comes to clients. We take the money and do the job, never asking too many questions."Seeing how serious Zachary was, Charlie began to accept that he might really be a private detective."Charlie, this is a genuine two million. Aren't you tempted? If I didn't think you knew a lot about what happened back then, I wouldn't even consider sharing this with you. If we succeed, that's two million—one million each."Charlie's heart trembled at these words. One million! How could he not be tempted?With that
"I-I'm telling you, this is in the town, not up in the remote hills. If you try to beat me up, bystanders definitely won't just stand by and watch," he stammered, trying to intimidate Zachary while his hand secretly reached for the door bolt."Relax. I didn't come to beat you today. I'm just curious—why are you so fixated on her?" Zachary asked calmly, fishing for information.He had already made up his mind before coming. If Charlie truly had a grievance with Sarah, he would find a way to send her away. Even if she ended up hating him, that would be better than leaving her in danger.When Charlie heard that Zachary wasn't there to beat him, he immediately relaxed, though his body language remained wary as he kept his eyes fixed on Zachary.Zachary had already figured out Charlie's personality. He knew that unless he revealed some information first, Charlie would never willingly explain his motives for kidnapping Sarah."Sarah is my ex-girlfriend. Our breakup wasn't what I wanted,
The room wasn't very large. Though Zachary had chosen a relatively nice place, the countryside had limited options—it wasn't possible to conjure up a luxury apartment out of thin air.The couch in the living area wasn't even half the length of Zachary's height.If he had to curl up in such a small space to sleep, it would obviously be uncomfortable.Although Sarah didn't want to be indebted to him, she couldn't find the right words at this moment.She could hardly say, "The bed is big enough, we can share it."In the end, she just responded with a simple "Oh" and said nothing more.In the middle of the night, Sarah suddenly felt a chill creeping into her body.When she awoke, she realized she had kicked off her comforter.At that moment, she heard deliberately softened footsteps coming from the other room.Was Zachary still awake?Was he unable to sleep, or was the couch too uncomfortable?Sarah moved her ankle slightly and found it wasn't as painful anymore. Just as she was
"I'll see what food we have in the kitchen. You stay here and don't move around," Zachary said gently. He raised his hand to ruffle Sarah's hair, but she ducked away. He left with a disappointed look.Sarah watched his retreating figure and muttered under her breath, "Is he treating me like a child?"The countryside rooms had poor sound insulation, and soon she heard clattering noises from the kitchen.Curious about what Zachary was doing, Sarah pressed her lips together and carefully eased herself off the bed, supporting herself against the wall.Just as she was about to hop a few steps, she lost her balance on one foot. Sarah let out a sharp cry as she tumbled to the floor.The pain from her ankle made her face turn pale, and her slender body curled up into a small ball.Hearing the commotion, Zachary rushed over. Seeing the scene before him, his pupils contracted in alarm. He hurried to her side and carefully lifted her back onto the bed.The doctors in West Ridge didn't make
Sarah was stunned into silence by his certainty.When she finally recovered, her words carried hints of embarrassed anger. "Don't flatter yourself. I—Ahh!"Her sentence transformed into a long, sharp cry before she could finish.Zachary held her ankle firmly with one hand while quickly and efficiently spreading the medicinal oil over her foot with the other.Sarah's pain receptors fired, bringing tears streaming down her face. In retaliation, she grabbed Zachary's free arm and bit down hard.A vein throbbed visibly at Zachary's temple.She really wasn't holding back.Zachary had no doubt that his hand was bleeding from her bite.By the time they finished this time-consuming, energy-draining, and the whole "procedure," both Sarah and Zachary had thin layers of sweat on their foreheads.After applying the medicine, Zachary stood up and stumbled slightly.His leg had gone numb from maintaining the same position for too long.Sarah opened her mouth and then closed it, swallowing
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.