Chapter 7

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, so she headed straight inside to change and select her rifle.

As she was about to leave the lodge, she heard a familiar voice,

"James, Charlotte! I didn't expect to see you here. I thought this wasn't your kind of thing?"

"Charlotte heard the game hunting was good here. Thought we'd check it out."

Sarah's heart skipped a beat. She opened the door to find James's friend greeting the couple enthusiastically.

Seeing her, he blurted out, "Sarah! What are you doing here?" He immediately regretted it, watching James's face darken.

Sarah had pulled her hair back and wore no makeup. Without her glasses, wearing contacts instead, she stood in fitted hunting gear that gave her an air of confident competence.

James had never seen her like this. His brow furrowed. "What are you doing here?"

Scarlett, now changed into her own gear, shot James a withering look. "What's the problem? You can parade around with your side piece, but Sarah can't come here to change her mood?”

"James didn't mean it like that," Charlotte interjected smoothly. "It's just... they're divorced now. For Sarah to show up here, not knowing how to hunt, clearly following James... it's a bit inappropriate, don't you think?"

As Charlotte spoke, not only did James's expression turn disgusted, but whispers spread through the crowd. The other wealthy guests, all somewhat familiar with James and Sarah's situation, were drawing their own conclusions. James had never publicly acknowledged Sarah during their marriage, and now here she was, seemingly stalking him after their divorce. It looked desperate.

Scarlett exploded. "Listen here, you little-"

Sarah caught her arm, holding her back. She turned to Charlotte and James with a cool smile. "You've got it wrong. I'm here to hunt..."

She loaded her rifle with practiced ease, her tone casual but sharp. "Not only can I hunt, I'm quite good at it. If you don't believe me, just watch..."

Suddenly, the crowd fell silent except for approaching footsteps. Zachary walked toward them, a smile playing on his lips.

He took a state-of-the-art rifle from one of his staff and offered it to Sarah. "The latest model. I'm looking forward to seeing your skills, Miss Sanders."

His blue eyes held an intensity that matched his enigmatic smile, both captivating and dangerous.