Though Zachary didn't understand why she brought this up, he nodded - it happened to him occasionally."I just experienced it. Walking with you by the sea, watching the stars, feeling the sea breeze on my face - I feel like this has happened before, more than once." Sarah's eyes held a trace of confusion.Déjà vu wasn't enough to describe what she felt. The phantom memory wasn't just visual but emotional - she could even feel the warmth of that hand and catch whiffs of cedar fragrance from her memory.An indescribable feeling lingered in her chest, like a hungry person finding bread - simultaneously empty and full, hollow yet complete.She laughed behind her hand, "Maybe it's because it's you walking beside me. This is my first time walking with you by the sea, so it feels familiar."Zachary tried to speak several times but couldn't find the words.Sarah pulled him along to continue walking, while he could only grip her small hand tightly, watching her back guiltily as time stret
She dimmed the living room lights to a warm glow and tried to help Zachary to the bedroom, but she was too weak to lift him.After struggling until her forehead was sweaty, she gave up. She found hangover medicine in the hotel's first-aid kit, got him a glass of warm water, helped him take the medicine, and covered him with a blanket. Just as she was about to return to the bedroom, he grabbed her wrist."Don't go..." Zachary whispered.Sarah sat back down on the sofa. He kept mumbling something, and when she leaned closer, she finally heard it clearly: "Sasa, Sasa, I'm sorry..."Sorry?Why was he apologizing again?He'd already apologized during their walk after dinner, and now again?She leaned close to his face. His handsome features seemed troubled by something deep, his eyelashes trembling. His hand was so warm it almost burned her skin.The smell of alcohol lingered, but his unique scent remained.She tapped his lips gently with her finger, "What are you hiding from me?"
Even worse, someone leaked gossip about Sarah and Mr. Reynolds, which became the biggest bombshell."How did someone like her catch Mr. Reynolds' eye? She must have used underhanded methods.""Agreed! The bride was kind enough to invite her divorced ex to the wedding, yet she tried to seduce her former husband and tore up their marriage certificate. Shameless!""Oh no, not Mr. Reynolds! I can't believe it!""Believe it! My friend was at the wedding - Zachary showed up and left with her, holding hands!"Sarah placed her phone face down. No wonder some students had been looking at her strangely at school today.During break, Mia burst into the counseling office."Sarah, I'll have my brother track down whoever posted this immediately!""No need to investigate. Only Charlotte and Lucy would do this," Sarah said coldly.Mia fumed, "We let Lucy off so many times, yet she still dares to do this! And that Charlotte - Sarah, what should we do?"She couldn't bear to see Sarah being sla
She wanted to see just how far they would go. As for these rumors, she never cared about them anyway. She had no interest in playing games with these clowns.Late that night, one of the main players finally responded. Charlotte posted a short message on social media: "Seeing all these news stories these past few days has made me anxious. I don't know where to begin. I just hope everyone can be more rational. Miss Sanders meant no harm - I haven't taken any of her actions to heart. She just loved James too much before. She's quite pitiful, so please stop talking about her."The comments were full of people consoling her, as if Sarah was some unforgivable villain.“Babe, you’re so kind, still defending that person?""Compared to Charlotte, Sarah really is completely shameless.""Exactly! The nerve to call Charlotte the other woman. I'd choose Charlotte too!"Sarah was in Zachary's arms when she saw this post. She put down her phone, "Hah, what an act."Zachary's face darkened, "Sa
"Never do that again, Sasa. You'll make me angry," Zachary said firmly.Sarah nodded solemnly and pulled him to look at her computer, showing a post she'd just written. "What do you think? Is this okay?"Zachary read it through, nodded, and pressed send.In her room, Mia was on the phone, working to make the post go viral.Within just an hour, it had millions of views. Her post was extensive, covering everything from James asking for divorce to Lucy's false hot water attack accusation, the birthday party setup, and the teacher's coerced kidnapping attempt. Every incident was documented with photos, videos, and recordings.Her evidence was comprehensive, without a single gap.At the Chancer house.Crash!A glass shattered on the floor, making Lucy and Charlotte jump."Who posted all this? Why won't you admit it?" James demanded.Charlotte spoke tearfully, "James, it wasn't me. I only just saw this news, that's why I posted that clarification. I didn't want Miss Sanders to be m
After hanging up, Charlotte asked worriedly, "James, what's wrong?""The company's in trouble."James left with just those words, unable to calm down, desperate to get back to the office.He knew this wasn't coincidence. Yesterday he'd wondered why Zachary hadn't acted, and today this bombshell dropped.Charlotte watched James's retreating figure anxiously. Seeing him so flustered, the situation must be serious.Back in her room, Charlotte angrily punched her pillow. She couldn't understand how things had escalated this far. She'd only wanted to teach Sarah a lesson, but now James clearly didn't trust her.The storm from Sarah's post hadn't passed when Chancer Corp was hit. As soon as James reached the office, his secretary rushed to him in panic. Not only were their business partners terminating contracts, but their stock was also falling.James started calling partners, but they all said the same thing - they'd found new collaborators and would accept the deposit penalties.B
Lucy collapsed on the bed. Her brother wasn't just threatening - she could tell he was serious this time.She took the tablet, hands trembling as she copied and pasted the text, then posted it.James immediately called Zachary, "Mr. Reynolds, Lucy has apologized. Could you show some mercy?"The voice on the phone was ice-cold, "Not enough. If Mr. Chancer wants to apologize, he should show more sincerity."After the call ended, James thought briefly, then made his decision.He called a press conference in the Chancer family's name to apologize to Sarah and clear up all misunderstandings publicly.Before the conference, James specifically called Sarah to ensure she would attend. After getting her confirmation, he invited numerous media reporters.On the day of the press conference, James waited with Charlotte and Lucy, along with many reporters, all anticipating Sarah's arrival.Ten minutes later, Sarah arrived - with Zachary behind her.All spotlights turned to Sarah and Zachar
Under the spotlights, Charlotte's panic was unmistakable. Even James couldn't cover for her.Sarah smiled faintly, "Charlotte, you staged that scene with the torn marriage certificate and wedding photos at your wedding. You were also behind these recent news stories, weren't you? Including bribing someone to threaten me.""You're lying! I would never do such despicable things. Miss Sanders, what did I ever do to you? Just because I married James, you shouldn't treat me like this. You have Zachary now - why go to such lengths against me? How does ruining my reputation benefit you?"Tears rolled down her face as she played the victim."Officers, don't let us delay your work. Take her away," Zachary said coldly.As Charlotte was led away, she tried grabbing James, "James, you must believe me!"At the press conference, Charlotte's arrest became the biggest story, overshadowing the original purpose.In front of so many reporters, James couldn't react strongly, forced to maintain a co
The scenery here had a unique charm. The entire villa complex was surrounded by lush greenery that blended naturally with the surroundings. The designer's bold vision was enough to make anyone feel a sense of wonder.The driver turned off the engine and said dutifully through the rearview mirror, "Miss, we've arrived. Would you like to get out?"Vivian stared silently at these homes that even a fortune couldn't buy, then nodded.The driver got out and opened the rear door for her.Stepping onto the ground in her high heels, Vivian noticed the uneven cobblestones covering the entrance to the villa and immediately thought the designer must have been out of their mind.She tried taking a few steps and nearly twisted her ankle.With no choice left, Vivian had to take off her shoes and carry them, continuing forward carefully.She couldn't help wondering if she had made a mistake. How could Zachary possibly live in such an odd place?However, halfway there, she saw a black Range Rove
The vineyard manager frowned when he heard this, walking over to ask, "What did they say?"Seeing his manager, the worker quickly embellished the conversation, raising his fist indignantly. "Sir, don't worry. If they dare cause trouble, we won't back down. We'll make sure they regret coming here."The vineyard manager, "..." What a jumbled mess—he could barely understand what the worker was saying.Still, Vivian had a point. Even if they chose not to continue the partnership, there was no need to burn bridges completely. That wouldn't benefit him either.With this in mind, the vineyard manager calmed down his overly excited worker. "That's enough. Send them a message and tell them five o'clock this afternoon, River Café. Don't be late."Finally meeting the vineyard manager, Vivian got straight to the point, "Mr. Mendeson, I won't play games with you. Before deciding to work with you, the Wilson Group researched your public information. I have some understanding of your character. B
At the front desk, Sarah watched seven or eight people standing in line, all holding identical discount vouchers. This was likely a company team-building activity.She listened to their chatty discussions, which included some crude language as they made no effort to hide their rough backgrounds."This place is so luxurious! The company really splurged to send us somewhere this fancy. I've never stayed in such a nice hotel in my life.""Me neither, but let's not forget why we're actually here and pretend we're just on vacation!""Oh, come on, who's going to forget?"Sarah's ears perked up. These people's conversation seemed suspicious, almost as if they wanted others to notice them.After about fifteen minutes, when everyone ahead had finally checked in, Sarah presented her VIP custom invitation and completed her member registration. She lay on the spacious bed in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered views of the beach and ocean.It was noon, and sunlight spilled onto
"Mr. Sanders, I believe I was very clear in my email. With the current uncertain situation, cooperating with me is the most rational choice," Zachary said seriously.Melvin burst out laughing. "I might have believed you if you'd said this a few years ago, but times have changed. Zachary, do you remember what you promised me before? Have you kept any of those promises? Neither three years ago nor now have you delivered."When Melvin mentioned three years ago, Zachary's eyes filled with gravity and shame. No one understood better than they did what had happened—that horrific scene was too painful to even think about.He moved his lips. "People can't always live in the past."Even he couldn't believe his own words.Melvin said with self-mockery, "Listen to yourself. How absurd that sounds. People indeed can't live in the past forever, but Sarah has been trapped in that darkness for three years. Do you dare to face it? To uncover it?"After being wounded, a bleeding injury slowly form
Vivian exhaled deeply and said anxiously, "Grandfather, what happened last time upset Zachary, and he won't see me now. But I'll handle it properly."Old Mr. Wilson gave Vivian a meaningful look. "Good. I certainly trust your abilities."After seeing Old Mr. Wilson into his car, Vivian returned to her office and made a mysterious phone call, giving some instructions.After hanging up, her face broke into a satisfied smile, as if she was already enjoying the sweet taste of victory.At the Sanders Group."Smack." Sarah hit Melvin hard on the head.Melvin winced in pain. "Are you doing this on purpose? Taking personal revenge? I haven't even bothered you lately."Sarah shrugged, looking innocent. "Didn't you say your right eyelid keeps twitching? The left means money coming, the right means trouble. I'm just using an old folk remedy to ward off the bad luck."Melvin couldn't help rolling his eyes. "I don't know if the bad luck is gone, but I almost got a concussion from your 'remed
"Don't any of you have something to say?" Old Mr. Wilson sat in the chairman's exclusive seat, leaning back with an expressionless face as he surveyed the room.Some shareholders had come just out of respect for Old Mr. Wilson. They exchanged glances for a moment before Mr. Jefferson finally broke the silence, "What if we lower our prices or add more package deals?"As soon as he finished speaking, several members of the company's management team eagerly agreed. "Mr. Jefferson makes a good point."Old Mr. Wilson twirled the dragon-headed cane in his right hand, his expression revealing neither approval nor disapproval.Vivian, who had remained silent since the start of the meeting, finally spoke up, "I don't think that's appropriate."She looked at everyone present, her tone serious, "First, the Sanders Group's revenue has already exceeded the projected line by over a billion. If we lower our prices, even if we attract more customers, the overall result will be the same."By this
Vivian never expected that despite her orders to keep the detained shipment a secret, the board of directors would somehow catch wind of it.As soon as the meeting began, the middle-aged man sitting in the first seat on the right frowned and questioned her, "Ms. Wilson, are you hiding something from us?"Mr. Jefferson had the largest shareholding in the Wilson Group after Vivian and her grandfather. Compared to others, his words carried more authority.Naturally, Vivian had to show him some respect, given that she was the younger generation."Mr. Jefferson, by seniority, I should call you Uncle. You've watched me grow up. Do you think I would hide anything from you?" Vivian decided to play dumb first. She was certain these people had only heard rumors and hadn't yet gathered evidence.This was indeed the case. Mr. Jefferson narrowed his eyes, his expression unchanged, speaking in a tone that was half-joking, half-threatening, "Ms. Wilson, please don't say that. When it comes to bus
Charlotte ignored her, still peering behind the caretaker.The caretaker patted her chest and smiled as she approached. "Are you looking for Mr. Chancer? He went back to work. He asked me to take care of you. I thought you might wake up soon, so I went out to buy some nutritious soup for you.""You're saying he left? He left before I even woke up?" Charlotte struggled to open her dry lips, her voice raspier than ever before.Hearing this, the caretaker quickly set down the thermos and handed her the cup of tea from the table. "Please drink some water to soothe your throat, but don't drink too much. You've just given birth, so try to stay in bed and rest as much as possible."Charlotte found the water being offered to her ironically bitter.She had endured excruciating pain to give birth to James's child, yet he couldn't even spare a simple "thank you" for her efforts. Was this the marriage she had schemed so hard to get?Did she regret it? If someone asked, she might answer yes, b
"Answer me. Do you most hope it's heads or tails?" Sarah's voice carried an undeniable authority.The woman finally spoke. "Tails."Before Sarah's hand moved, the woman hurriedly corrected herself, "No, no, no—heads."Her indecisiveness reminded Sarah of her former self. Choosing between reason and emotion was often the hardest decision. It had once taken her several days to make up her mind.Sarah opened her palm. The woman's eyes widened, staring as if trying to burn a hole through Sarah's hand. But quickly, she discovered that Sarah's palm was completely empty. There was no coin at all.No heads or tails—there wasn't even a coin to begin with.Seeing the woman's confused expression, Sarah smiled and said, "In the moment I opened my hand, your heart already had the answer. I can't tell you how to solve your problem, nor can I make the decision for you. But you should know that you only have one life, while love can be found more than once. The fact that you're troubled by this s