Chapter 192
James took a deep breath. “Yes, they took her daughter.”
“What now?”
“Head back first.”
James was at his wit’s end. At home, his mother would question him endlessly, and even if he stayed away, her calls were
constant.
Worse still, he’d discovered the Reynolds were making moves, even targeting Chancer company stocks.
Everything seemed inevitable. He put down his phone.
At the university counseling center, Professor Wells brought flowers, and Dean Larson offered congratulations. Sarah’s paper in the Psychology Journal was a milestone for the university.
As she carried the flowers out the main gate, Scarlett and Steven joined her.
“Sarah, let’s go to the resort!” Scarlett waved some tickets excitedly.
Sarah knew the place – Scarlett had mentioned it at least five times before. The resort was less than a year old but already popular with VIPs and international guests.
Sarah glanced at Zachary, knowing he must have arranged the tickets.
Seeing her hesitate, Mia pulled her toward the car. “Come on, Sarah! Let’s celebrate your paper!”
Sarah laughed helplessly as Mia dragged her in. Scarlett rode with Steven, following behind.
They’d booked a five–bedroom villa suite, practically a house with a pool–facing garden where staff had set up a barbecue. 1
Servers brought platters of food and various drinks. Scarlett opened all the bottles, placing one in front of everyone except Mia. After her pleading, Zachary relented and allowed her some fruit wine.
“Sarah, you missed drinking with us last time because you were sick. No escape today!” Scarlett clinked bottles with her and took two big gulps.
Sarah smiled and took a sip. Unlike spirits, the wine started bitter but finished sweet, though the large gulp still burned her chest.
1
Sarah laughed at Scarlett’s enthusiastic drinking. Mia tried to copy her, while Zachary and Steven stuck to proper glasses.
Scarlett snatched Steven’s bottle. “What kind of man are you! Look how we women drink! Stop being so prissy – drink from the bottle!”
She glanced at Zachary but backed off – she wouldn’t dare tell him what to do. As they enjoyed the barbecue and drinks, Zachary
Chapter 192
watched Sarah taking swigs worriedly. “Slow down.” 1
Sarah’s cheeks were flushed. “I’m not drunk.”
She grabbed a beer, opened it, and drank half after a few sips.
Zachary wanted to stop her but didn’t want to spoil her rare moment of relaxation.
Sarah swayed unsteadily but insisted she wasn’t drunk, encouraging others to drink more.
+15 Bonus
Mia had passed out red–faced on the table, while Steven and Scarlett were playing drinking games, empty bottles piling up. “That’s enough.” Zachary took the bottle from Sarah’s hand.
