Sarah maintained an air of calm confidence, as if none of what had just happened involved her. William couldn’t help but give her a second glance. In contrast, he cast a look of disdain at Lucy, whose schemes seemed too much for someone so young. The Chancer family was truly in shambles, he thought.“This won’t do! We can’t involve the authorities! Lucy’s future will be ruined!” Mrs. Chancer’s face flushed with panic. Desperate, she turned to Sarah. “Sarah, you can’t do this to Lucy! After all, you were once her sister-in-law. Don’t be so heartless! Besides, you weren’t really hurt, were you?”Sarah’s gaze hardened as she stared at Mrs. Chancer. Her tone was sharp. “Did Lucy think about how well I treated her when she decided to do this? She made her choices, and I’ve already given her chances to stop.”Sarah’s unwavering determination sent a wave of panic through Lucy. She hadn’t expected her actions to be exposed so quickly or that Sarah would have recorded evidence. Tears streame
"Who's uncomfortable? I've never thought of her as...""Lucy, I understand you're upset and saying things you don't mean, but since Miss Sanders is ready to call the police, it's better for you to admit your mistake now." Charlotte quickly interrupted Lucy, cutting off her words.Lucy shot her a venomous glare but understood that Charlotte was giving her an out. Reluctantly, she looked at Sarah, her expression defiant even as she muttered, "Fine. It was my fault."Sarah could see through her act; Lucy's apology was anything but sincere. But given this was Zachary's event and she was here as his guest, Sarah didn’t want to blow things further out of proportion—especially since it was clear Old Mr. Reynolds was already displeased with the commotion."Since Miss Chancer has admitted her wrongdoing, I won’t pursue this for now. But let me make one thing clear: stay out of my way. If you provoke me again, this video will be handed over to the police," Sarah declared firmly.Zachary’s s
Everyone knew that the Reynolds family hosted this grand party - they were naturally the center of attention.Near the floor-to-ceiling windows on the west side of the hall, golden candlesticks cast a gentle glow. Sarah stood there with a champagne glass, Zachary beside her.He took a glass from a passing server and offered it to Sarah. "Try this instead - I think you'll like it."Sarah set her glass aside and accepted his offer. A faint scent of violets wafted up. "Is this Nebbiolo wine?""Good guess. Can you tell which region it's from?"Sarah took a sip, tasting rich violet and subtle cherry notes. "Is it from the Barbaresco vineyard?"Zachary nodded. Nebbiolo was only produced in two regions - Barbaresco and Barolo. They were easy to distinguish: Barolo was known for its powerful, full-bodied taste, while Barbaresco was more like an elegant seductress.Sarah took another sip. She wasn't a wine expert; she just remembered tastes, though she couldn't recall where she'd had thi
At the apartment building, Mia quickly shooed Steven out of the car.Sarah chuckled softly and got out too.Mia was seizing every opportunity to play matchmaker between Sarah and Zachary, pulling Steven aside."Mia, let's head up. Mr. Reynolds has been drinking and needs to rest," Sarah walked over to Mia and took her hand."But Zac…” Mia widened her eyes, giving Zachary meaningful looks.Zachary spoke gently, "Mia, Miss Sanders is tired. You should go rest too.""Oh, alright." Mia let Sarah lead her into the building.Zachary and Steven leaned against the car side by side, watching them go in."Want one?" Steven offered him a cigarette.Zachary took it but just held it between his fingers, not smoking."What about the Chancer family?""They need to be taught a lesson."As night deepened, they got in the car.After the party incident was settled, Sarah could focus entirely on the psychology knowledge competition.Just as she submitted the proposal, Mia brought over a stac
While Sarah was analyzing the student's situation, the counseling room door burst open."Sarah! Why did you do this?" Lucy stormed in, her face flushed with anger as she thrust her phone screen in Sarah's face.Sarah gave her a cold glance. "I'm working!"The student in session jumped up, startled. "Professor Shu, I'll come back another time."Once they were alone, Lucy spoke through gritted teeth: "I already apologized at the party yesterday. Why did you post this on the forum? You're so petty, Sarah!""I don't know what you're talking about," Sarah dismissed her, turning back to her work.Lucy's face reddened further, her voice growing agitated. "Don't play dumb. No one else knew about what happened at the party. Who else could have posted this on the forum except you?"Sarah glanced at the phone screen, finally understanding. "I had nothing to do with this. Before barging in here shouting accusations, find some proof that I did it. Now, get out! This is a counseling office
"Yes, all thanks to your help.""Then I want Sarah to have dinner with me tonight." Mia hugged her arm and swayed it playfully.Sarah thought for a moment - since the proposal was approved, she could spare the time. "Alright, my treat.""Yay!"After leaving the counseling office, Mia immediately made a call. "Bro, pick me up after school. I want you to join me for dinner.""What? A meeting? No way! Bro, you must come get me, or you'll regret it, remember?"Hearing his reluctant agreement over the phone, Mia smiled triumphantly.At Adams University's gate, a black Porsche Cayenne drew curious glances from students leaving school.Mia pulled Sarah along, searching around. "There!" she exclaimed, running over excitedly.Sarah's heart skipped when she saw the car - Mia had invited Zachary too.Zachary had already spotted Sarah, but before he could greet her, his sister bounded over and whispered in his ear: “Zac, I got her to come - now do your best!"She turned to Sarah with a
He turned to Steven: "Why don't you bring out all your recommendations?"Finally satisfied, Steven took the menu and first served the Australian blue prawns he'd mentioned. Mia's eyes lit up at the sight.At the Chancer house.Lucy came home in a terrible mood. "Mom! It's so humiliating! The school forum is full of posts about what I did at the party yesterday. Everyone at school was looking at me strangely!"Mrs. Chancer stood up immediately, her brows furrowed. "It must be that whore Sarah! She just won't let our family be!""It was her! I confronted her about it, but she denied everything. Then Mia actually claimed she did it herself. Sarah must have convinced Mia to target me - she just can't stand seeing me happy! What should I do? I don't want to go to school anymore!" Lucy began to cry.Mrs. Chancer, heartbroken for her daughter, immediately contacted school officials to remove the forum posts. But they soon discovered that as soon as one post was deleted, another would qu
"Let's not discuss that matter anymore. I'm looking into it. As for the sponsorship, I doubt she has what it takes to keep Zachary helping her," James said darkly, his expression souring further as he recalled what he'd seen at St. Ritz that day.At St. Ritz Hotel.A pleasant ringtone interrupted Sarah's conversation. She answered - it was someone from the activities department, anxiously discussing the sponsorship situation.Sarah hadn't expected the Chancer family to go so far as to warn most of East Coast’s prominent families against sponsoring them.The university board remained deliberately ignorant of the situation - after all, no one would risk offending the Chancer family for a teacher's sake.Even those who weren't afraid of the Chancers saw no reason to get involved."Alright, I'll figure something out."Sarah hung up, her brow furrowing.Zachary placed a slice of beef on her plate, asking with concern: "What's wrong? Who called?""It's nothing," Sarah shook her head
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