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Chapter 13
“Mum,” Charlotte quickly intervened, “Sarah was James’s wife after all. We shouldn’t treat her like this. We have spare rooms-
she could stay if needed.” @
The security guards looked at Sarah’s modest outfit with barely concealed disdain. Just another gold–digger, they probably thought, clinging to a wealthy family.
“No need,” Sarah said firmly, ignoring their looks.
As she wheeled her suitcase away, the sky opened up without warning. Perfect timing, Sarah thought wryly, glancing at her phone’s dying battery. Just her luck.
With nothing but trees around and no shelter in sight, she was quickly soaked to the bone, standing helpless in the downpour.
shining
A Porsche Cayenne pulled up quietly beside her. Zachary stepped out, black umbrella in hand, every bit the knight in st armor. “We meet again, Miss Sanders.”
In a moment like this caught in the rain, rescued by a handsome man with an umbrella most women’s hearts would skip at
beat.
Sarah’s did, but only briefly. “Since it’s such a coincidence, could I trouble you for a ride, Mr. Reynolds?”
Instead of answering directly, his crystal blue eyes swept over her rain–soaked form. “Let’s get you in the car first.”
The warm car interior quickly chased away her chill. Zachary handed her a towel, politely focusing on some documents while she
dried off.
As she dabbed at her hair, Sarah found herself lost in thought. Such thoughtful gestures spoke volumes about his upbringing.
They’d only met a handful of times, but each encounter left her feeling oddly comforted by his subtle thoughtfulness.
Was all this just to convince her to treat his sister?
Lost in these thoughts, she barely noticed the car stopping outside an apartment building. “The storm’s getting worse,” his smooth voice interrupted her thoughts. “Why don’t you change into something dry before heading home?”
Looking up to meet his kind gaze, Sarah swallowed her refusal and nodded.
The apartment wasn’t far from the mansion probably why he’d brought her here.
Inside, she was surprised by the cheerful décor: sky–blue wallpaper with floating clouds that instantly lifted one’s mood.
Sarah blinked, struggling to imagine this as Zachary’s home.
A middle–aged woman emerged at the sound of the door. “Good evening, Mr. Reynolds! And who’s this?”
“Mrs. Maggie, this is my friend Sarah. She needs to shower and change.”
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“Come in, come in!” Mrs. Maggie hurried to find slippers. “I’ll get you some clothes and make some hot tea.”
dat
Zachary nodded at Mrs. Maggie before turning to Sarah. “This is my sister Mia’s apartment. She studies at Adams University nearby. Mrs. Maggle looks after her.” (1
Sarah nodded in understanding just as Zachary’s phone rang. “Excuse me.”
a
As he moved to the window to take the call, Sarah studied a painting on the wall.
It was oddly comforting: autumn leaves falling, warm light, two girls holding hands on a swing, their smiles radiating joy.
Sarah touched the painting gently. “My sister painted this,” Zachary’s voice came from behind her.
She turned to find his expression unguarded for once, filled with grief, before his usual calm demeanor returned.
Something clicked in Sarah’s mind. “Mr. Reynolds, is one of these girls your sister?”
“Yes,” he nodded. “She painted this when she was fourteen, before she got sick.”
“And the other girl…?”
