Chapter 24

**Sarah**

I clenched my fist in a surge of anger so intense that it felt like it was suffocating me. The symptoms I frequently experience-difficulty breathing, dizziness, shortness of breath-are all manifestations of panic attacks. They don't signify heart failure.

As I stood on the balcony, desperately gasping for air amidst the storm of emotions raging inside me, the glass door suddenly slid open, unveiling Bronn. The unexpected encounter caught us both off guard.

"What a surprise, Sarah! Hang on, are you crying?" Bronn's concern was evident.

I hastily wiped away my tears, attempting to dismiss them with a wave of my hand. "It's nothing! I'm just pissed!"

Rage consumes me like a blazing inferno! It's as if I've learned absolutely nothing from enduring three agonizing years of manipulation!

"By the way, you look good in green!" Bronn offered a compliment.

"Thank you," I managed to say, though tears threatened to spill once more.

For a year now, I've worn black as a constant reminder of the grief from losing my baby. At this moment, I was engulfed by a mixture of sadness, anger, and self-pity, a departure from the familiar grip of panic attacks that haunted me, serving as a stark reminder of my tumultuous past.

Josh advised against the medication prescribed by Dr. Morgan, suggesting the concept of self-healing, a notion I find myself aligning with. At this juncture, my trust extends solely to myself, and I intend to heed Josh's counsel and attempt to pursue this path of self-reliance.

"Can I take a vacation for just five days?" I asked, my voice trembling as I brushed away fresh tears.

Concern flickered in Bronn's eyes. "Did something happen to Grandpa Mitchell?" he inquired, his mind racing to find a reason behind my sorrow.

I shook my head. "But I do miss him."

"Alright! When are you coming back?"

"I might return for Amir's engagement. I'll continue working even if I'm not here; I just need to clarify something," I replied simply.

"Okay! I have a business in Dubai, too. You can join me on my private jet."

I'm still unsure of my destination. It hinges on my ability to locate Dr. Morgan at this moment.

"That's awesome! Thank you! I'll just message you the details of my vacation," I responded to Bronn.

"Did something happen, Sarah?" he asked, still sensing my unease.

"Nothing specific. I just need peace of mind, something that adults rarely get."

At present, I must grant Josh's request to return to work and discuss it with Philip. Moreover, I need to focus on reducing my reliance on the medication Dr. Morgan prescribed. With resolve, I made my way back to the office I shared with Jakob.

"Did you find anything?" I inquired.

Earlier, I had tasked him with hacking into Dr. Morgan's computer. I want to uncover who the doctor has been communicating with over the past year, as it may shed light on why he sabotaged my recovery.

Dr. Morgan remains oblivious to my true identity. His only knowledge is that Amir brought me to his clinic in Emirates Hills.

"Yes! He exchanged emails with Ms. Jessica Woods, Amir's fiancée. Based on their conversation, your brother's girlfriend inquired about your situation, and Jessica concocted the story that you're Amir's mistress. That woman is insane! Tsk!" Jakob explained, shaking his head.

Jessica is one of the individuals I'm contemplating confronting. I'm eager to expose her true colors to Amir.

"Did you uncover anything else?" I inquired.

Jakob met my gaze squarely before responding, "He regularly received a hundred thousand dollars from an account in Highland Hills, which he intends to visit this weekend."

"He's heading to Highland Hills?" I exclaimed.

"Yes!"

Three individuals came to mind who might have connections to me in Highland Hills: Megan, Madam Cornell, and Philip.

"The account name is Serena Blake. Do you know anyone in Highland Hills by that name?" Jakob asked.

I wracked my brain, but no one by that name came to mind.

"She might be one of Dr. Morgan's clients. It wouldn't be unusual for him to receive payments through electronic transfers from various accounts. I attempted to find someone named Serena Blake in Highland Hills, but my search yielded no results," Jakob added.

"Could it be a pseudonym?" I furrowed my brow, questioning Jakob.

He shrugged in response.

"Whoever it is, I'll confront Dr. Morgan this weekend, wherever he may be. He's crossed a line, Jakob."

"Has he harmed you in any way?" Jakob asked, his concern evident as he rose from his seat.

"He tampered with the medication he's been prescribing me. That's why I enlisted your help to investigate him. I barely know Dr. Morgan; he was introduced to me by Amir. I can't recall ever having any issues with him. If he's done something to harm me, it suggests someone has ordered him to do so. I'll get to the bottom of this, and if Serena Blake is the mastermind, whoever she is, I'll uncover it!"

Upon arriving at apartment number 5, I immediately noticed Philip's presence, thanks to his opulent car stationed outside. Stepping inside, I found my ex-husband seated on the floor in the living room, engrossed in his laptop on the central table.

"Why are you still here?" I queried, arms folded, upon crossing the threshold. "Regardless, I need something from you."

My abrupt request piqued his interest, prompting him to close his laptop. Setting my luggage aside, I took a seat opposite him.

"I see you've already retrieved your luggage. How did you manage that?" Philip inquired.

"That's beside the point. Listen, I have a debt to Josh, your driver-bodyguard. I'm here to ask you to lift the punishment you placed on him. Last night, I promised him that if he saved me from the intruders, I'd grant his request. So, bring Josh back to work because that's what he desires," I insisted.

His gaze narrowed, and to my surprise, he disregarded the table, leaning in to kiss me abruptly. Despite my reluctance, he held my head in place, leaving me unable to evade his advance. It took several moments before he released me.

"You son of a b-" I clenched my teeth, attempting to shield my flushed face with my hand. This scoundrel! He's becoming more audacious with his kisses!

"Seems my wife has taken a liking to my bodyguard," he taunted.

"You lunatic, prickin' bastard! I'll sue you for sexual harassment if you dare continue with such behavior!" I snapped in retaliation.

"I'm just marking what's mine! I glanced away for a moment, and you've already formed a connection with Josh? Sarah, do I need to lock you up so that you could seduce no man?" Philip's accusation stung.

"I did nothing! You fvckin' bastard! Besides, if I have a relationship with anyone, it's none of your damn business! You are my ex!" I emphasized the word 'ex,' but he seemed to disregard any categorization I had for him.

"All I'm saying is, you don't need to suspend Josh from his job! He's performing excellently! I owe him a favor, and what he asked of me is not to be suspended because he can't afford not to work. I can easily compensate him with money if that's his concern. But what he wants is his salary! Since something related to me happened last night, that's what I'll ask of you," I explained patiently.

Philip's face remained etched with irritation as he massaged his temples. It bewildered me to see him jealous of his bodyguard. What a d!ck?!

"Fine! But since I'll be reinstating Josh for a month, you'll also be shadowing me for a month. You'll adhere to every word I say. How does that sound?" Philip's ultimatum caught me off guard.

My eyes narrowed at his proposition. I didn't want to comply with Philip's demands, but I owed Josh a lot. What would be my plan now?