Lucy nodded. "Alright, I understand."When Lucy and Lindsey reached the school gate, they found James waiting by his Maserati.“James, you came to pick me up?" Lucy excitedly pulled Lindsey toward James. She felt nervous, fearing he might say he was here for Sarah. After being embarassed last time, she was determined to make sure he took her home."Yes. Is this your classmate?" James nodded, greeting Lindsey.Lucy's pride swelled instantly. She told Lindsey smugly, "See? I told you my brother was coming for me. We'll give you a ride home too."“She’s my classmate. Can we drop her off on the way?" She looked at James hopefully, afraid he'd refuse.James frowned slightly but nodded.Once in the car, Lindsey looked around, touching everything - she'd never been in such a luxury car before.Lucy was too busy complaining, “Who would have expected that Sarah got Mr. Reynolds to help her. The whole school is speculating about their relationship. Students are guessing all sorts of thin
Charlotte leaned close to Lucy's ear and whispered something. "This trick is called 'luring the enemy in.'""An early birthday party? Will she come?" Lucy repeated blankly.Mrs. Chancer protested, "I don't want to see that woman, let alone invite her to Lucy's birthday party. Absolutely not!"But Lucy wasn't concerned. She thought about what Charlotte had said - if Sarah came, Zachary might come too. And if he didn't, there'd be no one to protect her.Once Sarah was at the party, everything would fall into place exactly as she wanted.Besides, her birthday was only a few days away - holding it a couple days early, before the competition, wouldn't matter."Mom! I've decided to have my birthday party early. Charlotte, you need to help me plan - she might not come otherwise," Lucy's face clouded with worry."Lucy, think about what she needs most right now. Maybe you can use that," Charlotte suggested softly.Lucy fell into thought. "What she needs most?""I've got it! I know what
After Lucy finished speaking, Sarah didn’t reply for a long time. Just as Lucy was about to speak again, Sarah finally broke the silence.“Lucy, I think I’ve made myself very clear. I don’t have feelings for James anymore. We’re divorced, and I don’t want anything to do with him. Keep that in mind—if you bring him up again, you’ll regret it.”Sarah’s gaze was icy, piercing through Lucy with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.Lucy suppressed the anger bubbling inside her. She thought about what Charlotte had advised her and clenched her fists tightly to stay calm.“Even if it’s not for my brother, shouldn’t you go for Jane’s sake? Don’t worry, I’m genuinely inviting you. I just want you to see how well my new sister-in-law treats me so you can finally let go. If you come, I’ll believe you don’t care about my brother anymore.”Sarah froze. Jane was attending Lucy’s birthday party?Why would she invite Jane? Could Lucy have found out Sarah wanted Jane as a judge for the
After school, Mia rushed to find Sarah and noticed she seemed distracted."Sarah, what's wrong?" Sarah had always appeared calm and collected to her.Sarah smiled faintly. "Nothing serious.""You're lying. Is it about what everyone's discussing on the forum? Who would spread such rumors? Sarah, are the school leaders pressuring you?" Mia asked with concern.She'd heard plenty of talk, even from the faculty office."Nothing gets past you. The school leaders aren't pressuring me. Lucy invited me to her birthday party - Jane Lawrence will be there."Mia's face scrunched up. "She invited you to her birthday party? That's definitely suspicious. Sarah, don't go. If you want to meet Jane, I'll tell my brother. He can arrange it."She looked proud - to her, her brother could do anything."No need. I've already decided to go. Meeting Jane isn't just about the competition," Sarah declined. She didn't want to rely on Zachary every time.Mia's eyes widened. "Not just about the competition
Charlotte quickly took the gift from her. "Miss Sanders, welcome. Lucy is getting ready upstairs. Please, come in and make yourself comfortable."Inside, Sarah found the party already crowded. She had to admit Charlotte had done an excellent job hosting - just as good as when she used to plan these events when she was still married to James.The guests were all connected to the Chancer family, and many knew Sarah. Her entrance drew numerous glances and whispers.She ignored them, scanning the room only to find Jane wasn't there yet. With about fifteen minutes until the party officially began, she'd probably arrive soon. The other guests were already mingling and chatting.Sarah stood alone to one side until Mrs. Chancer noticed her and came over."I can't believe you actually came. I thought you wouldn't show up. Let me warn you - behave yourself today, or else!" Mrs. Chancer said with barely concealed hostility.With no familiar faces around, and Mrs. Chancer walking away, Charl
Mia casually quipped, “That doesn’t stop me from missing you, doesn’t it?”Zachary chuckled lightly. “That’s right, Mia.”Sarah couldn’t help but laugh at their exchange, her smile radiant like a burst of fireworks.The guests at the party were abuzz with excitement as they watched Zachary. Although the Chancer family’s guest list was filled with notable figures, very few truly prominent individuals attended, and someone of Zachary Reynolds' stature was almost impossible to invite.These guests had likely never encountered someone like Zachary before. Many spent their lives trying to break into high-profile circles, hoping for a chance to connect with a man of his influence.James hadn’t expected this himself. He sent invitations to all the major players out of habit, never thinking Zachary would actually show up.Seeing Zachary laughing with Sarah made James’s eyes burn with jealousy, his expression darkening into something almost frightening.Charlotte noticed his reaction and
Lucy approached Zachary with a glass of wine, attempting to clink glasses with him. But Zachary sidestepped her gesture and said calmly, “Apologies, Miss Chancer. I’m here because of Sasa.” Lucy’s face turned pale. Her free hand clenched her dress tightly while the other awkwardly held the glass, unable to move forward or retreat gracefully. Humiliation washed over her. She regretted approaching Zachary to start a conversation. Sasa. That intimate nickname stung deeply. And to think Zachary would publicly brush her off in front of everyone! Struggling to maintain her composure, Lucy pulled the glass back. “Please, Mr. Reynolds, make yourself comfortable.” With that, she retreated quickly, her embarrassment trailing behind her. Sarah couldn’t help but chuckle, her amusement spilling over. “Mr. Reynolds, that was quite the snub. I bet Lucy is seething.” Zachary shrugged indifferently. “I just told her the truth.” Mia chimed in teasingly, “I haven’t even mentioned
The screen lit up, showing a dimly lit scene where a man was tugging at a woman.Everyone froze in shock. Flashbulbs fired relentlessly as reporters eagerly captured what they assumed would be the next big scandal in high society.Lucy didn’t even turn around to confirm; the reaction from the crowd told her all she needed to know. Bursting with excitement, she pointed at Sarah and announced, “That woman in the photo is Sarah Sanders, Adams University’s school counsellor and my former sister-in-law! I’m exposing her for the shameless woman she is—cheating on her husband and seducing men!”She could already imagine Zachary’s anger as he pushed Sarah away in disgust. The vision thrilled her, and she turned to gauge Sarah’s reaction.But instead of fear or panic, Sarah sat there calmly, her lips curved in a faint smile. Zachary showed no trace of emotion, his face impassive as he watched the screen. Even Mia looked amused, her face lit up with excitement as if she were enjoying a show.
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