Chapter 128
Zachary continued answering softly, “Mia, it’s not too late. Look, I’ve brought you both out safely.”
“Sarah, are you safe now?” Mia suddenly asked, her tone laced with unease.
Sarah was taken aback but nodded reassuringly. “Yes, we’re all safe now.”
“Good!” Mia pulled her bowl closer and began sipping her soup quietly.
Zachary seemed momentarily lost in thought, his gaze distant.
As night fell, Zachary tidied up and left. Mia went to sleep, but Sarah lay awake, unable to settle her mind.
Her thoughts lingered on Zachary. There was no doubt he was a perfect man.
She could feel her feelings toward him shifting, evolving in ways she couldn’t control.
The more she tried to distance herself, the more she found herself drawn to him.
“Breaking news: Lucy Chancer, the daughter of the Chancer family, was caught cheating during Adams University’s psychology competition by stealing exam questions and framing another student. After being exposed, she threw boiling water at one of the judges…”
…She has been sentenced to ten days in detention and fined $3,000…”
The news was everywhere. Sarah didn’t even need to search for it; countless reports popped up automatically.
She knew that Lucy’s actions didn’t constitute a criminal case, but this level of public disgrace was likely a harsher punishment
for her than any legal consequences.
Lucy’s greatest pride was her public image–her reputation as a privileged and untouchable socialite. Now, she was the subject of endless articles painting her as a bully who abused her status to intimidate others.
It wasn’t hard to guess who was behind the flood of media coverage. Zachary. In East Coast City, only the Reynolds family could pull off such unrestrained reporting about the Chancers.
The past few days, Sarah had followed Jane’s advice, taking Mia to amusement parks, bookstores, and other relaxing places.
Zachary, not entirely trusting their safety, often accompanied them when he had free time. 1.
With her temporary leave from work, Sarah focused on helping stabilize Mia’s condition.
Thanks to medication and psychological interventions, Mia was slowly returning to her former self. Still, she clung to Sarah,
occasionally gripping the hem of her shirt during moments of anxiety.
Each evening, Zachary would show up with dinner. Knowing Mia was staying there, he made a point to bring meals from high-
end restaurants.
1/2
- 20 Bonus
“You really don’t have to bring food from Steven’s restaurant every day. It’s too extravagant,” Sarah said, glancing at the luxurious spread on the table. She knew how expensive the restaurant was, and while Zachary could afford it, she hated the waste.
Zachary placed the bag on the coffee table. “Mia’s here too. Bringing food is the least I can do.”
“Still, tomorrow, no more restaurant takeouts. It’s unnecessary. I’m not about to starve her, you know.”
“Does that mean you plan to cook yourself?” Zachary raised a brow.
Sarah nodded. “I can handle a few simple dishes.”
Her leg was healing well. The swelling had gone down, and she could walk without trouble now.
“Then I’ll bring the groceries tomorrow afternoon,” Zachary offered.
“That’s not necessary,” Sarah said quickly, surprised.
Zachary’s expression fell, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. “Does this mean you don’t want me to come over anymore,
Sarah?”
Why did he suddenly look so dejected? Sarah felt flustered. “No, I just meant… we could shop together. I want to make sure the produce is fresh.”
A small smile tugged at Zachary’s lips. “Then I’ll graciously accept.” He turned and resumed packing up the empty containers.
It wasn’t until then that Sarah realized what she’d just said. Her intention had been to go shopping alone.
“Sarah, can I go shopping for groceries with you too?” Mia’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Of course,” Sarah replied warmly.
