“Benjamin harassed me in public. I did what anyone should’ve done. What exactly did I do wrong?” Crash! Old Lady White slammed her teacup onto the floor, shattering porcelain across the polished surface. “You’ve certainly got a way with words!” she spat. Mrs. Blanco hesitated, then quickly chimed in, “Maybe Sarah just never liked Benjamin and decided to hit him. Now she’s turning the whole thing around, accusing him of harassment.” “That must be it!” Sydney echoed, eyes gleaming with malice. Sarah let out a cold laugh. “He’s already in custody. If you really believe he’s innocent, then go find the evidence. I won’t stop you.” “Enough with this nonsense!” Mrs. Blanco snapped, face twisted with fury. “You’re going to go down to the station right now and tell them to release him! Or do you want to turn this whole situation into a public scandal? You shameless, ungrateful thing!” “You’ve got it all wrong,” Sarah said, voice low and sharp. She met Mrs. Blanco’s glare
With reddened eyes, she clutched Old Lady White's arm. "Mother, how could Sarah be so vicious at such a young age? Sydney's grown up by your side, always such a good girl. You must stand up for her!""Hmph!" Old Lady White glared at Sarah. "Nonsense! Get Benji released immediately and apologize to your cousin!"A cold glint flashed in Sarah's eyes. "Releasing Benjamin? Not happening. And I won't apologize. If Sydney won't admit it, Benjamin will - there are ways to make him talk."Mrs. Blanco jumped up in outrage. "You'd force a false confession? Touch one hair on Benji's head and the whole White family will come after you!""Is that a threat?" Sarah's eyes narrowed.The tension froze as a strong voice cut through, "What's going on here?"Sarah’s uncle, Shawn, walked in frowning, taking in the scene - Sarah surrounded, Old Lady White's blazing eyes, Sydney's theatrical tears, and Sarah standing her ground."What happened?"Amanda quickly pulled her husband aside to explain.He
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
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
"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
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.
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
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
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