Chapter 18
“Mom, James just pities her,” Charlotte soothed. “No career, no degree. He wanted a clean break, so he threw some property her way to leave quietly.”
Her mother’s perfectly penciled eyebrows drew together. “I don’t like it. Are you absolutely certain James isn’t harboring feelings for her?”
Charlotte laughed, all sugar and honey. “Mom, please. James never even slept with Sarah. He spent three years waiting for me.”
“Well, that’s something. Let me handle this house situation.”
After hanging up, Mrs. Garnett speed–dialed Mrs. Chancer.
–
The news left Mrs. Chancer reeling. Her son had given that woman prime real estate? Sarah hadn’t even produced an heir what
claim did she have to Chancer property?
Her calls to Sarah went straight to voicemail – blocked.
Unable to reach Sarah and hesitant to confront James – fearing it might jeopardize the engagement – she let the situation simmer.
Meanwhile, Sarah nestled into her new apartment, buried in psychology journals, refreshing her expertise. (1
Monday found her in her new office at the university counseling center. Student traffic was light, and she hadn’t spotted
Zachary’s sister yet.
Instead, various student groups kept dropping by to plan events. The campus buzz quickly centered on the stunning new
counselor.
Sarah welcomed the laid–back atmosphere, reminiscent of her own college days – reading, mentoring students.
That afternoon, while advising the Psychology Club about their semester plans, Steven called.
“Sarah! Settled in? Free tonight? We’re thinking housewarming party!”
Having grown fond of his earnest nature through the moving process, Sarah agreed. Instead of hitting the faculty lounge, she
headed to Whole Foods.
After she left, Lucy Chancer stood frozen, blinking in disbelief.
She frantically
called her mother. “Mom, you won’t believe who I just saw on campus. Sarah! What’s she doing at my university?”
Her mother’s voice sharpened. “Maybe meeting someone? Where is she? Keep her there! I’m coming!”
“She’s gone already. Why are you so desperate to find her?”
“Your brother gave her the Riverside property! We need it back!”
1/2
“Has he lost his mind?” Lucy exploded. “Why not give it to me? Mom, if I find her, I’ll make her explain everything!”
Meanwhile, Sarah loaded her cart with party supplies and gourmet snacks, texting Scarlett to join. She hadn’t expected Steven to bring not just himself, but Zachary and his sister Mia too.
Standing in her doorway, seeing the shy, pretty young girl beside her polished brother, Sarah suddenly felt naive.
Steven’s housewarming party was clearly a setup.
“Bumped into the boss and Miss Steven grinned. “Thought we’d make it a proper party. That
Mia on my way
okay?”
