Sarah's eyelashes fluttered as she considered Professor Wells's words.If she hadn't married James, she would've become a practicing therapist by now. Even though her knowledge was still intact, could she really return to her field after all these years?Professor Wells sensed her hesitation. "There's no rush," he said kindly. "But if you're interested, I'm here to help.""Thank you, Professor." Sarah felt a wave of warmth. Despite her absence these past years, he still cared about his former student.After discussing his health and chatting for a while longer, he even invited her to stay for lunch. It was late afternoon by the time she left.With tomorrow's hunting trip in mind, she picked up her prepared gear and clothing.The next morning, Scarlett picked her up and drove them to the mountain lodge. They arrived early, finding only a few unfamiliar faces. Since the Reynolds family was hosting the event, it had drawn quite a mixed crowd. Sarah wasn't in the mood for small talk,
Taking the rifle from Zachary, Sarah couldn't help but note how striking he was.After Zachary changed and everyone got their gear, the instructors directed the hunters to their positions. Many guests who'd come just to catch a glimpse of Zachary Reynolds stayed back at camp to watch, including James and Charlotte.The Reynolds family had provided binoculars, refreshments, and even kept a small deer sanctuary nearby for entertainment. Still, most spectators were focused on the hunt, peering through their binoculars.James, remembering Sarah's earlier words, picked up a pair.The hunting ground opened into a vast field. Against the crisp morning sky, Sarah sat astride her horse as the wind whipped past her. She felt a surge of excitement, as if something long dormant inside her had finally awakened. Her eyes sparkled with life - the same spirited look she'd had in her younger days.Lowering his binoculars, James fell into a brooding silence. He'd never imagined that the quiet, unre
Sarah looked up to find a handsome man with bright, playful eyes. Though striking, his manner was gentle, with a boyish charm when he smiled.Sarah didn't recognize him, and Scarlett looked equally puzzled.Steven Miller made himself right at home, setting down the prepared goose with a friendly smile. "I'm Steven, Mr. Reynolds' chef. He asked me to prepare your goose specially for you ladies. Please, try some."Chef? Sarah raised an eyebrow. What chef wears a watch worth hundreds of thousands?"Steven," Scarlett blurted out, "do all of Mr. Reynolds' chefs wear such expensive things?"Steven grinned as he served them the goose. "Let's just say Mr. Reynolds pays well."Both women couldn't help but laugh.Their laughter carried over to where James sat, stirring something dark in his chest. From his angle, he could see Sarah delicately picking at her food, smiling as she listened intently to the handsome man beside her, her eyes sparkling.Suddenly, his own food turned tasteless i
The barbecue lasted well into the afternoon, with drinks flowing and laughter filling the air, creating the kind of warmth that makes strangers feel like old friends.Sarah slipped away during the festivities to claim her prize, accompanied by a staff member. As the winner, she had her choice of either the horse she'd ridden or any other animal from the estate's collection. Though drawn to the horses, she chose a young deer instead, believing horses weren't meant to be kept as pets.As she finished making her choice, a security guard approached. "Miss Sanders? Mr. Reynolds would like a word."There was only one Reynolds who commanded that kind of respect - Zachary Reynolds.Upstairs, she found him lounging by the window while Steven mixed drinks, purple liquid catching the light as ice clinked against crystal.Steven's eyes sparkled with mischief when he saw her. “You must be special - boss never shares his private collection with anyone."He wasn't even trying to hide what he wa
Though Steven had worked for Zachary for years, his mysterious role as private chef kept him out of James's social circle. He greeted Sarah and Scarlett warmly before brushing past the others. "It's getting cold out here. Let me give you ladies a ride home."Scarlett brightened immediately. Any chance to spite James and Charlotte was worth taking. "That's so sweet of you!" she gushed.Sarah couldn't help but smile, knowing that easy-going Steven wouldn't have offered without Zachary's instructions.As she followed Scarlett into the car, her gaze lingered on the shadowy building, remembering Zachary's request."Professor Wells tells me you're quite accomplished in psychology," he had said. "I have a patient I'd like you to help with."She'd refused immediately. Maybe if she hadn't married James, she would have become a successful therapist. But now, treating patients felt beyond her reach."I'm sorry, but I can't help. You should find someone more qualified."In the sunset light,
The house was part of James's divorce settlement, with the paperwork still in process. Even if he wanted to play the dutiful son by housing his in-laws, he should have asked for her consent first.Besides, this was the only home they'd shared before marriage.But it all came down to one simple truth: James had never seen her as a person worth considering.Not a person. Just a... pet.As the group excitedly discussed wedding plans, Mrs. Chancer spotted Sarah and her face darkened.The others turned to look.“Geez,” Lucy sneered. "What's she doing here?"Charlotte stepped forward smoothly, masking her discomfort. "What a surprise, Sarah. What brings you here?""Not a surprise at all," Sarah replied coolly, taking in their hostile faces. "I'm moving in."Mrs. Chancer stared at her like she'd lost her mind. "Have you gone crazy? James divorced you! This is Chancer property - you have no right to be here."“How shameless,” Lucy spat. "Still hanging around after the divorce."Thei
"Mum,” Charlotte quickly intervened, "Sarah was James's wife after all. We shouldn't treat her like this. We have spare rooms - she could stay if needed."The security guards looked at Sarah's modest outfit with barely concealed disdain. Just another gold-digger, they probably thought, clinging to a wealthy family."No need," Sarah said firmly, ignoring their looks.As she wheeled her suitcase away, the sky opened up without warning. Perfect timing, Sarah thought wryly, glancing at her phone's dying battery. Just her luck.With nothing but trees around and no shelter in sight, she was quickly soaked to the bone, standing helpless in the downpour.A Porsche Cayenne pulled up quietly beside her. Zachary stepped out, black umbrella in hand, every bit the knight in shining armor. "We meet again, Miss Sanders."In a moment like this - caught in the rain, rescued by a handsome man with an umbrella - most women's hearts would skip a beat.Sarah's did, but only briefly. "Since it's such
Zachary was quiet for a long moment. When Sarah thought he wouldn't answer, he finally said softly, “A friend."Something in his tone made her change the subject quickly. "If you don't mind, could you tell me more about your sister's condition?""She has severe reactions to blood. Episodes of memory loss. Panic attacks around unfamiliar men - severe enough to cause physical symptoms. In certain situations, she completely breaks down."His professional demeanor returned as he spoke, creating distance.Sarah considered this carefully. Classic signs of severe trauma. Whatever happened must have left deep psychological scars.Before she could respond, Mrs. Maggie returned with clothes. "The shower's ready, dear. These should fit - they're Mia's."Sarah thanked her, but after showering and changing, she realized she'd caught more than just rain. Her face was flushed, her eyes glassy with fever.Zachary noticed immediately, touching her forehead with a frown. "You're burning up."Thr
Perhaps due to her extreme emotional state, Charlotte quickly fell asleep.She had a dream.In her dream, she had just gotten off a plane and spotted James in the distance, elegantly leaning against his car waiting for her. In that moment, his eyes were fixed only on her.Charlotte ran toward him happily, wanting to throw herself into his arms and hold him tight.However, halfway there, she saw another woman appear from the side who ran straight into James's welcoming embrace.She could clearly see that James's eyes were filled with affection, without sparing even a glance in her direction."No, this can't be real. Who is she?" Charlotte shook her head in disbelief as she walked closer step by step. When she saw the woman's face, she instantly fell apart."Sarah Sanders, why is it you again? Why do you keep haunting me? James is mine. Don't you dare try to take him away." Charlotte lunged forward like a madwoman, trying to separate them.A mist enveloped the couple, and the scen
The guard at the door was easy to convince. She made up a simple excuse about having a stomachache or needing to see a doctor.The police still sent someone to follow her to the building entrance. When they arrived, the officer blocked her path. "Ms. Garnett, please go back. Without approval, you can't see anyone except your doctor.""Not even my husband? My stomach hurts terribly. I need to see my husband to feel at ease," she pleaded.But the officer wouldn't budge. "Ms. Garnett, please return!"Just then, the officer received a phone call. After listening for a few moments, the officer stepped aside.Charlotte walked in confidently, wearing sunglasses with her head held high.The receptionist greeted her politely, "Miss, who are you here to see? Do you have an appointment?"Charlotte removed her sunglasses, frowning slightly with an annoyed tone, "I'm here to see your CEO, James Chancer. Do I really need an appointment?"The receptionist was new and didn't recognize Charlotte
As Mrs. Sanders kept talking, not only did Sarah stay silent — she actually started laughing.Mrs. Sanders frowned. “What are you laughing at?”Sarah’s gaze turned cold. Her voice was calm but sharp. “Shouldn’t matters between us younger people be handled by us directly? Wouldn’t it sound bad if word got out that you’re getting involved like this?”She paused for a second, then added with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Besides, no matter what, I’m still the biggest shareholder in Sanders Group. Firing an employee is well within my rights, don’t you think?”Right now, Sarah was actually glad Mrs. Sanders had finally dropped the act and shown her true colors. At least it saved Sarah the trouble of pretending to be polite.Mrs. Sanders still wore the kind, gentle smile of an elder, but her voice turned colder underneath. “So what, you’re using your position to pressure me now?”Sarah laughed softly. “You’re joking. How would I dare?”Without bothering to continue the
Later that night, Sarah went downstairs with her empty glass to get some water. But just as she passed by the living room, she overheard a conversation between Melvin and Mrs. Sanders.“You’re really impossible to talk to, you know that?” Mrs. Sanders sounded both angry and disappointed. “It’s not just me — everyone in the family has been trying to convince you. Sarah studied psychology, not business. She has no experience at all. The entire Sanders Group is depending on you.”Melvin’s voice, on the other hand, was clearly filled with impatience. “I’m pretty sure I told you a long time ago, stop bringing up anything about Sarah.”Mrs. Sanders snorted coldly. “How can I not bring it up? It’s just that you’re willing to work like a fool without asking for anything in return. If you’re just going to be a tool to manage Sanders Group for someone else, I really don’t understand why you’re doing all this.”She paused, then added, “By the way, your aunt hinted to me earlier — she wa
Melvin forced a small smile.He honestly didn’t know how his mother could scold him so viciously over the phone just a few days ago… only to turn around tonight and act like nothing had happened, praising him in front of everyone.Mrs. Sanders finally seemed to notice Sarah as well. She smiled politely and nodded. “Sarah, you’re here too? Come on in.”Many of the Sanders family elders were there tonight. When Uncle Shawn saw Sarah, his face lit up with joy. He quickly pulled her over to sit at the main table beside him.“Sasa, you must have had a rough time in West Ridge. Later, I’ll ask the kitchen to make all your favorite dishes, just for you.”Sarah’s heart warmed at his words. Uncle Shawn really did treat her like his own daughter.But when she glanced to the side, she noticed Mrs. Sanders looking at her coldly — like she was staring at an enemy.Tonight’s birthday banquet wasn’t just a family gathering. Even members of the White family were there.The moment Madam White
Zachary still didn’t respond.Vivian straightened up and slowly walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window. Her voice was calm, but every word was filled with accusation.“Zachary, let’s not pretend. We both know perfectly well — while you were gone, Sarah disappeared too. Are you really expecting me to believe that the two of you weren’t together?”She paused, her eyes fixed on the distant view outside.“I always thought that since you agreed to get engaged to me, you’d take responsibility. I believed you wouldn’t be out there tangled up with her. Was I wrong?”Zachary let out a soft, mocking laugh.“You believed.” His voice was low and cold. “But just because you believe something… does that automatically make it true?”Vivian froze — then suddenly let out a loud, crazed laugh, like she had completely lost control.She turned around, her eyes burning as she pointed at him. “Then tell me! Tell me whether it’s true or not! Where exactly did you go? Who were you with?”She to
Vivian smiled sweetly, though her words were sharp underneath.“Like you said, I’m Zachary’s fiancée. Of course, I wouldn’t say anything reckless. Out of responsibility, since this contract was signed by both of us, I have an obligation to make sure things are handled properly.”Her words sounded kind and reasonable on the surface, but everyone in the room could hear the meaning behind them.Mr. Robertson, who had been quietly watching this back-and-forth, already understood exactly what kind of person Vivian was. But between Zachary and Vivian, it was clear where his loyalties lay — with Vivian.“Mr. Steven, why don’t we call Mr. Reynolds over?” Mr. Robertson suggested calmly.Steven’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Zach…”But before he could finish, a deep, cold voice rang out from the doorway.“Mr. Robertson, have you ever thought about the possibility… that these parts aren’t from Reynolds Corporation at all?”The conference room door swung open.Zachary walked in slowly, calm
Melvin's expression grew unusually serious, a rare sight for him. It was clear he was holding back his anger.“Sasa,” he said, his voice low, “I don’t think you should go this time either. Even if you want to go back… I’m afraid there are people who don’t want you to.”Sarah’s face paled slightly. “Melvin, are you talking about…” She didn’t finish the sentence — she didn’t want to say that person’s name in front of him.But how could Melvin not know who she meant? His face became even more stern.“Sasa, honestly, neither of us needs to say the name out loud — we both know exactly who we’re talking about. I’ve told you before, I’ll always protect you. No matter who tries to hurt you, I’ll stand by you.”His eyes were sharp. His voice was calm but full of strength.“And you’ve done nothing wrong,” Melvin continued. “Some people are just too greedy. That’s why they keep setting traps, again and again, willing to do anything to get what they want. But I’m not that kind of person. I’l
James walked back home, looking completely defeated, only to find his mother in the middle of a phone call.Ever since he discovered that his mother had some kind of secret connection with Mrs. Sanders, he had been extra cautious about any of her phone conversations. And today, sure enough, he happened to overhear her mentioning Sarah.“This time, Sarah won’t be able to get away for sure. We’re allies, I wouldn’t lie to you.”“Don’t worry, just leave this matter to me. Mrs. Sanders, once your son gets control of Sanders Group, don’t forget…”Mrs. Chancer casually glanced toward the doorway — only to spot her son standing there. She immediately cut herself off, “I’ll talk to you later. James just got home.”After hanging up, James walked in, pretending like he hadn’t heard anything. “Mom, who were you just talking to on the phone?”Mrs. Chancer brushed him off lightly, “Don’t overthink it. Just a friend of mine… my card-playing buddy.”James obviously didn’t believe that excu