Richard slammed his teacup down, his voice heavy with disappointment. "Since the day she joined this family, your mother has done nothing but tear her down. Every time she got sick, she had to handle it alone. Whenever Lucy wanted the latest designer bag or jewelry, Sarah was the one footing the bill. Night after night, she'd wait up for you, keeping your dinner warm. And that time you made yourself sick pining over Charlotte? Sarah spent hours making you homemade soup, burning her hands raw in the process."

He sighed deeply. "Even when she lost her father and lived with the Larsons, she never had to do any of that. James, Sarah gave you everything. Charlotte brings you one bowl of soup, and suddenly she's the perfect woman?"

James's fists clenched as he listened, his eyes darkening like storm clouds.

Sarah knew nothing of this conversation. For once, she slept well that night.

The next morning at eight-thirty, she called James about finalizing the divorce, "Mr. Chancer, if you're available, could you meet me at the courthouse at nine? I’ll be waiting outside."

"I have a meeting," James replied flatly. "Let's handle it another day."

He hung up before she could respond.

Sarah stood there, stunned. She distinctly remembered reminding him yesterday.

Important people, busy schedules. After a moment's hesitation, she decided not to call back. The great Mr. Chancer could sort it out when he had time.

On her way back, she remembered Scarlett mentioning Professor Wells's condition and decided to give him a call about visiting.

At the Wells residence, the housekeeper led Sarah to the study.

Before she could enter, she heard Professor Wells speaking, "Zac, regarding your sister's case, I wish I could help. But psychological treatment requires consistency, and in my current condition, I'm afraid I'd do more harm than good."

Sarah paused as a deep, gentle voice replied, "Your health comes first. If you could recommend someone suitable, I'd be grateful."

Just as Professor Wells nodded, the housekeeper knocked and opened the door. "Sir, Miss Sanders is here."

"Sarah!" Professor Wells brightened. "Come in!"

Sarah looked up, finally seeing the man who'd been speaking. Her breath caught.

He had the kind of presence that filled a room - classically handsome with an air of quiet authority. His chiseled features and enigmatic blue eyes conveyed both sophistication and an underlying intensity. Even standing casually in the corner, he drew attention while appearing completely at ease, like an expertly placed piece of art.

Noting her arrival, he smoothly excused himself, "I'll visit another time."

Sarah's interest was piqued, though she had already guessed his identity.

Sure enough, she heard Professor Wells speaking softly, "It's a difficult situation for the Reynolds. If his sister's condition doesn't improve..."

Just as she thought. Zachary Reynolds, the well known third son of the Reynolds Empire.

The Reynolds family dominated the real estate market on the East Coast, their recent meteoric rise attributed to their CEO, Zachary. The business world buzzed with stories of his brilliance and ruthless deal-making, though he carefully avoided the spotlight. Everyone wanted to know more about the man behind the success.

Sarah hadn't expected to run into him here. She remembered Scarlett mentioning he'd be at tomorrow's hunting event. Looking at him, he seemed an unlikely participant in such activities.

Meanwhile, Professor Wells, hearing about her divorce, felt a mix of emotions. Sarah had been his star student in college before marrying young and abandoning her studies in psychology. He'd always regretted that. Seeing her now, divorced but unbroken, brought him relief.

"You were my most promising psychology student," he said. "If not for the interruption, you might have made significant contributions to the field. Now that you have time, have you considered returning to psychology?"

Sarah's eyelashes fluttered as she considered Professor Wells's words.

If she hadn't married James, she would've become a practicing therapist by now. Even though her knowledge was still intact, could she really return to her field after all these years?

Professor Wells sensed her hesitation. "There's no rush," he said kindly. "But if you're interested, I'm here to help."

"Thank you, Professor." Sarah felt a wave of warmth. Despite her absence these past years, he still cared about his former student.

After discussing his health and chatting for a while longer, he even invited her to stay for lunch. It was late afternoon by the time she left.

With tomorrow's hunting trip in mind, she picked up her prepared gear and clothing.

The next morning, Scarlett picked her up and drove them to the mountain lodge. They arrived early, finding only a few unfamiliar faces. Since the Reynolds family was hosting the event, it had drawn quite a mixed crowd. Sarah wasn't in the mood for small talk, so she headed straight inside to change and select her rifle.

As she was about to leave the lodge, she heard a familiar voice,

"James, Charlotte! I didn't expect to see you here. I thought this wasn't your kind of thing?"

"Charlotte heard the game hunting was good here. Thought we'd check it out."

Sarah's heart skipped a beat. She opened the door to find James's friend greeting the couple enthusiastically.

Seeing her, he blurted out, "Sarah! What are you doing here?" He immediately regretted it, watching James's face darken.

Sarah had pulled her hair back and wore no makeup. Without her glasses, wearing contacts instead, she stood in fitted hunting gear that gave her an air of confident competence.

James had never seen her like this. His brow furrowed. "What are you doing here?"

Scarlett, now changed into her own gear, shot James a withering look. "What's the problem? You can parade around with your side piece, but Sarah can't come here to change her mood?”

"James didn't mean it like that," Charlotte interjected smoothly. "It's just... they're divorced now. For Sarah to show up here, not knowing how to hunt, clearly following James... it's a bit inappropriate, don't you think?"

As Charlotte spoke, not only did James's expression turn disgusted, but whispers spread through the crowd. The other wealthy guests, all somewhat familiar with James and Sarah's situation, were drawing their own conclusions. James had never publicly acknowledged Sarah during their marriage, and now here she was, seemingly stalking him after their divorce. It looked desperate.

Scarlett exploded. "Listen here, you little-"

Sarah caught her arm, holding her back. She turned to Charlotte and James with a cool smile. "You've got it wrong. I'm here to hunt..."

She loaded her rifle with practiced ease, her tone casual but sharp. "Not only can I hunt, I'm quite good at it. If you don't believe me, just watch..."

Suddenly, the crowd fell silent except for approaching footsteps. Zachary walked toward them, a smile playing on his lips.

He took a state-of-the-art rifle from one of his staff and offered it to Sarah. "The latest model. I'm looking forward to seeing your skills, Miss Sanders."

His blue eyes held an intensity that matched his enigmatic smile, both captivating and dangerous.