Chapter 118
“Mia is at the hospital, asleep for now. I was worried you hadn’t eaten, so I had Steven pick up some food for you,” Zachary
explained.
He hadn’t expected Scarlett to be here, let alone run into James just now.
Sarah’s face still carried a hint of discomfort from the awkward encounter. “Sorry you had to see that.”
It seemed like every time she had a run–in with the Chancers, Zachary was there to witness it.
“I used to think the Chancers had some dignity, but clearly, I was wrong,” Zachary said calmly. He rarely paid attention to gossip like this. When it came to stories about wealthy families, he had seen plenty of scandals over the years he just never expected to be part of one himself.
Scarlett, gnawing on a drumstick, chimed in sarcastically. “Oh, you haven’t seen the half of it. It’s like watching the most
ridiculous soap opera come to life!”
“Eat your
your chicken,” Sarah quickly interrupted, trying to shut her up before she said something worse.
Zachary chuckled but didn’t press for details.
As they sat together on the couch, Scarlett suddenly grabbed her bag and jumped up. “Oh shoot, I just remembered I have
something to do! Zachary, I’ll leave Sasa in your capable hands!”
She shot Sarah a very obvious look, her eyes practically screaming with mischief.
Zachary nodded, his expression calm. “Alright.”
“What are you talking about? Mr. Reynolds is busy,” Sarah said quickly, feeling both embarrassed and flustered. “I don’t need
anyone to take care of me, especially not him.”
“I’m not busy,” Zachary said smoothly, his deep voice carrying a trace of amusement.
Scarlett smirked knowingly and quickly made her exit, leaving Sarah gaping after her.
“I’m sorry about her,” Sarah said awkwardly. “Scarlett’s always like that. Don’t take it to heart. I can take care of myself. You
should get back to the hospital and check on Mia.”
“But I already promised Miss Larson I’d stay,” Zachary replied, his tone playful, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.
“She was just joking! You shouldn’t take her seriously. Besides, it’s just a burn–it’s not like I’ve broken an arm or a leg.”
“Close enough,” Zachary said, completely unbothered.
“Sarah was left speechless..
1/2
20 Bonus
At the Chancer Residence
James had just returned home when Charlotte approached him gently. “You’re back?”
Seeing her soft expression and clear exhaustion, James felt a pang of guilt. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have brought my parents to
the infirmary today. I didn’t mean to leave you to deal with them on your own.”
“It’s fine. You don’t need to apologize to me. We’re getting married soon, after all. And Lucy is like a sister to me–I’m worried
about her too.” Charlotte dropped her gaze, trying to hide the irritation in her eyes.
This was all Lucy’s fault. If she hadn’t caused trouble, there wouldn’t have been that awkward scene with Zachary, and her
parents wouldn’t be upset.
Lately, Charlotte had noticed James acting strange. He was often lost in thought, and sometimes when she entered his study, he
would flinch as if startled. He wasn’t as attentive to her as he used to be, and that made her uneasy.
“Where’s my mom?” James asked.
“She’s in her room. She’s been crying this whole time,” Charlotte replied, putting on a concerned expression as she followed
James into his mother’s room.
Inside, Mrs. Chancer was sitting on the bed, dabbing tears from her face.
“Mom, I’m back,” James said quietly.
“What did she say? She’s still not letting Lucy go?”
targeted Sarah in the
James sighed and nodded, his face dark with frustration. “Lucy brought this on herself. She shouldn’t have target first place. Now look–she tried to play a dirty trick and ended up in jail instead.”
Hearing this, Mrs. Chancer broke down in loud sobs again. “Why is my life so miserable? How did we end up with a disaster like this? I told you from the beginning that you shouldn’t marry that woman! And now she’s out to ruin us. She won’t be happy until Lucy is destroyed. A woman that cruel is bound to get what’s coming to her one day!”
