Bronn It's been months since I convinced Emily to come with me to Henderson. However, her commitments to Sarah's group often keep her in Highland Hills, which frustrates and intrigues me. Balancing our new life together and her ongoing responsibilities has been a delicate dance. We were both surprised to learn that Sarah frequently stays at Serenity Pines because she is pregnant, something she cannot disclose publicly. Tonight, as I prepared to attend a high-profile gathering while Emily stepped in as Sarah's representative, we were getting ready to leave the mansion together. "Daddy, can't I come with you and Mommy?" Willow asked as I put on my necktie. Emily was being attended to by three stylists in another room. "Come here," I said softly, beckoning her closer. As she rushed toward me, eyes wide with excitement, I realized how much my life had transformed. In an instant, I went from being alone to experiencing pure happiness. I scooped Willow up, relishing the weight of her
Emily I spotted Bronn and Jane, Philip Cornell's sister, slipping away from the bustling party into a secluded corner of the expansive open lounge. Curiosity gnawed at me, but I resisted the urge to follow. I decided to wait until their conversation ended. Turning my attention back to the party, I was approached by two assistants in Aspire Financial Group. The woman, Vivian, was a sleek blonde about Sophia's age, and the man, Derek, around his forties, exuded an air of smug self-importance. "Ms. Carter, how is Ms. Mitchell doing? We haven't seen her at several important gatherings lately. She hasn't been coming to the office either. There are some rumors that President Cornell is keeping her locked up," Vivian said. A waiter glided past with a tray of crystal flutes filled with bubbling champagne. I plucked one gracefully, using the moment to compose my thoughts. After almost a year of working closely with Sarah, I had become adept at brushing off rumors. Cautiously, I took a sip
Sarah "What are you doing here?" I asked Jane, my voice tinged with concern. I scanned the crowded lounge, wondering if she had come with anyone. "I'm alone. I heard Bronn married your executive assistant," she said sadly. Jane and I hadn't been in touch much lately, and I didn't realize how deeply she felt. Jakob told me that she had confessed her love to Bronn, but I hadn't grasped the gravity of the situation until now. I took Jane's hand and tried to console her. "Oh, love," I said softly, "Maybe it was just an infatuation. There are so many wonderful people in the world who would love you deeply." Her reaction was immediate and intense. "No, Sarah! I was in love with Bronn from the very first time you introduced him to me. He even saved me from Madam Cornell on the cruise! I worked hard to draw his character in LoveLogic because I love him!" Jane exclaimed, raising her voice. Studying her face, I sought signs of alcohol's influence. Her speech remained clear, yet her em
Sarah With my vision blurred, I tried to spot the person who snatched my phone. Wait… why do I sense a new presence? No! "Hello there, Sarah, darling! It's been a while since we last saw each other," said a familiar voice—definitely not Jane's. Darkness crept at the edges of my consciousness, threatening to pull me under. I fought against it, clinging to awareness with all my willpower. "W-wait a moment? Is she okay?" Jane's worried voice pierced through my foggy mind. I squeezed my eyes shut even though my mind was hazy. "Jane, you've played your part beautifully. Why are you hesitating? Isn't this what you wanted—to separate Sarah and President Cornell? After all, didn't you blame Sarah for your unfortunate encounter with Mr. Martin? Think about it. If they split again, she'll have no choice but to rely on you. You'll be her only true friend." "But I... I never meant for—" Jane's voice cracked, her sobs interrupting her words. "Oh, come now. Deep down, you've always hated her
Sarah Faint voices could be heard upon regaining consciousness. A sharp pain throbbed at my temples, and I felt weak all over. As my senses returned, I struggled to recall my last clear memories. Jane's face came into focus—she had handed me a drink. I was sure she had something to do with what happened to me. Blinking away the lingering haze, I looked around. The luxurious décor and familiar layout reminded me that this was Ethan Vanderbilt's house. Philip had brought me here months ago. "That lunatic! I couldn't believe that scumbag!" I heard Dr. Ruth exclaim outside the room. "Ruth, please, you need to calm down. This level of stress isn't good for you or the baby," came the voice of Dr. Ethan Vanderbilt. 'Baby? Is Dr. Ruth pregnant?' Summoning my remaining strength, I pushed myself up and staggered towards the door. As I opened it, both doctors spun around, their wide eyes and slightly open mouths revealing their surprise. "Hi! Uh, h-how did I get here?" I asked them. An
Jane A strange tightness gripped my chest as I sat by the window in my bedroom, looking out at the neatly trimmed gardens below. I haven't been able to think clearly since last night. Madam Cornell manipulated me in the past, and I couldn't believe I was still falling for it now under Madam Olsen's influence. It left a bitter taste in my mouth. I hate Sarah as much as I love her. A sudden knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Quickly, I wiped my eyes with a lace-edged handkerchief, trying to hide any trace of tears. Taking a deep breath to compose myself, I walked over and opened the door. Shock and fear must have been written all over my face. "Sarah…" The butler cleared his throat. "Miss Jane, Madam Sarah wishes to speak with you. Were you available at that moment?" My first instinct was to refuse, to slam the door and retreat into my solitude. But I knew I had no right to deny her this conversation. Sarah deserved answers, and it was my chance to voice the doubts that
Sarah Four years later... At the Serenity Pines library, I am holding an invitation from my father for his sixtieth birthday. Over the past four years, we had only met at a few business events, each one formal and filled with unspoken feelings. This gathering felt different. There were rumors that Father might announce the transfer of TerraTraxx Automotive's chairmanship to Amir, which would change the company's future. "Mommy!" I heard Rowan cry out. I went to the door to see what the commotion was about. As I opened it, I found my son with tears streaming down his chubby cheeks, his tiny body shaking with each sob. "Mommy, Iris ate my favorite snack. She finished all the cheese headstrings that were for me!" He cried even harder. Kneeling, I wiped his tears away with my thumb while my thoughts were consumed with the implications—Iris's tendency to overeat frequently led to stomachaches, causing me concern. Holding Rowan's small, warm hand in mine, I called out, "Iris!" T
Jane Seeking my brother Philip's advice, I came to Highland Hills, desperate for his support during this difficult time. For four years, I managed the modeling agency, a sub-company of Luminary Productions in London and Paris. Alongside my career, I continued therapy to address my past traumas. The weekly sessions, though often painful, have gradually cleared my mind. To atone for what I did to Sarah, I devoted myself to my work. My marriage to Brody Martin has been nothing more than a well-orchestrated charade—a typically arranged marriage designed to benefit our families rather than our hearts. He owns a chemical empire and is a cousin of the brothers Bronn and Jakob. Philip spoke after hearing my story. "You mean to say, after you returned from Paris, you found your husband in the apartment at The Strata with his secretary? And at that moment, you decided to end your four-year marriage? Now you're here, asking me to break the news to Dad that your marriage with Brody didn't wor