Mr. Lambert suddenly asked, "Do you notice anything?""The workers are predominantly older," she observed, noting most had gray hair.In most factories, workers were typically young. Rarely did you see older employees.These weren't just in their fifties - most appeared to be in their sixties. The production line also moved considerably slower than standard ones."Over the years, many factory policies have been discontinued, but one remains: this production line dedicated to the elderly. It's still running today. Your father established this rule to ensure they had income," Mr. Lambert explained.He paused before continuing, "I've fought to keep this line operational. I'm telling you this because, while you needn't trust me completely, we can work together. I just want to preserve this line, which Manager Sullivan wants to shut down.""Mr. Lambert, even without cooperation, I would protect this production line. My father was right - if the factory uses West Ridge's land, it shoul
”I can’t leave yet, Melvin," Sarah insisted. "Let me handle this one more time." She wasn't even sure about Zachary's involvement, but seeing him in West Ridge had sent her emotions spiraling.Melvin sighed, well aware of his cousin's stubbornness. "Just keep yourself safe.""I will," Sarah promised before hanging up.By six that evening, as Sarah was leaving work, the Wesler household had erupted into chaos."Give me the money, you useless woman! Didn't you learn anything from last time? Hand it over!" Charlie shouted.Mrs. Wesler collapsed onto the ground, sobbing. "You've gambled away everything! There's nothing left! Search the house yourself if you don't believe me. Kill me if you want – it would be a mercy at this point!"Her voice trembled with tears, but she spoke the truth. Early in their marriage, they'd had enough, but Charlie's gambling addiction had drained them completely. She'd even borrowed from her parents, who now refused to lend more and wouldn't take repayment
"Miss Sanders, this is a family matter. Mind your own business!" Charlie snapped. "She's my wife - I'll do whatever I want with her. If you want to stay here, go lock yourself in your room and don't look or listen. Or I'll beat you too!"Sarah approached him slowly, completely unfazed. "If you dare, do it now. I want to see if you have the guts to hit me."Charlie stepped back, humiliated and furious. Of course he wouldn't dare! Sarah was Melvin Sanders' cousin, and the whole factory belonged to her family.He fell silent as Sarah turned to the battered woman on the ground. "How long are you going to lie there?" she asked, her voice cold. "Are you waiting to be beaten to death? Do you want to spend whatever's left of your life under this man's fists, barely surviving? Or would you rather just die now?"Something flickered in Mrs. Wesler's eyes - a spark replacing the despair. She looked at Charlie, her gaze complex and searching.Charlie sensed the shift and grew uneasy. "What are
Sarah's expression turned serious. Though she didn't fully understand their conversation, she suspected it might be connected to Zachary's investigation.Charlie knew he wouldn't get any money from Sarah, but with Manager Sun's deadline looming tomorrow, he had to find four thousand dollars tonight. He stubbornly retreated to his room to continue his desperate search.Before leaving, he couldn't resist one final threat: "Watch your mouth."Mrs. Wesler wiped blood from her lip. Her face was swollen and marked with slap prints. She tried to push herself up from the floor, but her body trembled from the beating. Unable to rise, she collapsed back down, weakly tapping the ground.Sarah approached and extended her hand. "Let me help you."Mrs. Wesler looked up with a complex expression but finally placed her hand in Sarah's. "Thank you."Sarah helped her to her room, then retrieved a medical kit from her suitcase.Mrs. Wesler stared curiously at the contents—iodine, disinfectant, ant
Sarah barely noticed the sting of alcohol on her wounds, her mind distracted by the conversation. She had almost forgotten the pain of disinfecting, too focused on the words just spoken.As Mrs. Wesley sat lost in thought, Sarah asked casually, "You mentioned earlier that Charlie had caused many deaths. What exactly did he do? Did he really kill people?"Mrs. Wesley snapped back to reality, her face filled with regret. She looked at Sarah apologetically. "I'm sorry, it's something from many years ago. He wasn't working at the Sanders factory then, he was..." she hesitated, her voice trailing off before offering Sarah a sheepish look. "Apologies, I don't remember all the details. Miss Sanders, are you particularly interested in this?"Sarah smiled faintly. "I just overheard and thought it sounded serious, so I couldn't help but ask."Seeing the defensive look in Mrs. Wesley's eyes, Sarah smoothly changed the subject. "What do you plan to do now?"Mrs. Wesley sighed heavily. "I have
Mrs. Chancer handed the gift box to Mrs. Sanders. "Take this with you. These are items I purchased overseas—things you can't find here. As for the matter you mentioned, I'll give it serious consideration. Don't worry, our goals align."Mrs. Chancer escorted Mrs. Sanders to the door, and just as she was about to close it, she bumped into her son, James.Mrs. Sanders gave James a complicated look, nodding slightly in acknowledgment."James, this is Mrs. Sanders visiting today," Mrs. Chancer explained gently.James smiled warmly. "Hello, Mrs. Sanders."Mrs. Sanders, with a hint of suggestion in her voice, said, "Mr. Chancer is truly impressive. Our Sarah doesn't have that kind of luck."Mrs. Chancer quickly interjected, "What good is saying that now? James is already married. Besides, our children's affairs shouldn't involve us. We should maintain our relationships as usual. After all, East Coast is quite small.""Of course," Mrs. Sanders replied with a smile. "I'll take my leave n
The next morning, Charlie handed over the last two thousand dollars he had managed to scrounge from his house to Manager Sullivan. After groveling and pleading, it took quite a while before Sullivan finally decided to let him off the hook.Sarah sat in her office, her eyes fixed on the computer screen displaying an email reply from headquarters. The report about the equipment malfunction had been approved, and the request for new devices granted. The board of directors hadn't opposed it, which came as a surprise.Outside the office, Charlie passed by the door, his mind still reeling from Sullivan's earlier warning."You've got one more chance. Sarah Sanders is sharp. If you fail again, pack your bags and leave!"He clenched his fist, determined not to fail this time.At six in the evening, Sarah was about to leave for the day when, to her surprise, Charlie was waiting outside, calling her over. "Hurry up and eat! My mom made dishes specially for you. I know I messed up last time,
"Zachary, you're here?" Charlie greeted with a sycophantic tone. Indeed, it was Zachary, who frowned slightly. About twenty minutes ago, Charlie had called him, claiming Sarah was in danger and that he needed to hurry over. Zachary had rushed here as quickly as possible, but now couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Why did Charlie's smile seem so... unsettling?"What's wrong with Miss Sanders?" Zachary asked, his gaze serious.Charlie, sensing he had played his cards right, pointed toward Sarah's room and said meaningfully, "Miss Sanders is in that room. She's in critical condition right now. Hurry, go save her."He even gave an expression that implied men would understand.Zachary's unease grew. He walked into Sarah's room, only to find her lying on the bed, seemingly unconscious."Sasa?" He rushed over, his voice full of concern.From outside the door, Charlie's voice rang out. "Zachary, time is money. I've given you what you wanted. Go ahead and take it."Zachar
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