Chapter 83

**Sarah**

The darkness enveloped me, and I didn't know how long I was unconscious. When I finally woke up, I found myself in my bedroom. The first thing I saw was Josh, concentrating as he checked my pulse. Around him were worried faces: Amanda and Pepper, looking tense; and Jane, with tear-streaked cheeks. Even the usually stoic guards looked uneasy.

"Are you alright, Sarah?" Jane asked with concern.

"Ms. Sarah, you finally regained consciousness!" Amanda exclaimed.

"We were all so worried," Pepper muttered.

I tried to sit up, but my body felt heavy, and my mind was still spinning from the panic attack that had knocked me out.

"Yeah I'm sorry for worrying you..." I murmured.

"Mr. Benner called your phone while you were unconscious," she said, glancing nervously between me and the others. "We didn't answer, so we wouldn't say anything that might worry him," Jane informed me.

Jane had some idea about my true relationship with the Benners, especially since Amanda and Pepper were present.

"Thanks, Jane. That was very thoughtful of you. I'll call Amir later after I've calmed down."

Josh stood up from his position by the bedside. "It seems the news affected you," he said, sounding all professional yet caring.  "It's important to keep your stress under control. Doing things like exercising, meditating, or even talking to someone could make your panic attacks happen less often and be less intense."

"Good grief, Josh! You sound more like a doctor than a security staff!" Jane interjected.

Josh simply raised an eyebrow, not bothering to say anything in return. "Anyway, it's late. I need to get back to Serenity Pines. Your guard has been giving me the eye for a while now."

I glanced at the guard standing by the door. "Thanks, Josh!"

The guard escorted him out. I held Jane's hand and asked, "Are you alright?" noticing the tear stains on her eyes.

With the news that many had been victimized by Madam Cornell, it was a miracle and fortunate that Jane survived.

"Oh, Sarah! I was so terrified earlier. Do you think Madam Cornell did those awful things? Do you think she's trying to prevent my dad's mistresses from having another heir?"

A wave of sorrow washed over me. The memories of what I went through with my ex-mother-in-law came back suddenly, bringing back the pain and feeling of being betrayed. It made me realize that the accusations against Madam Cornell were probably true.

I also couldn't believe that the scandal about the Cornells would come from Philip. I chose to keep that a secret from Jane.

"Whether it's true or not, you are safe, Jane. Besides, this is the time for Madam Cornell to pay for her sins," I said, giving her a faint smile.

"My nanny once told me that my mother was Dad's favorite mistress. That's all I know. I was only three when I was brought to Cornell Mansion because my mother passed away. I can't confirm the truth of those rumors, but I'm grateful that Dad and Brother Philip both favor me."

I doubt my ex-mother-in-law will ever regain her status as Madam Cornell. The scandals in the Cornell family have been relentless: first Jane's cancellation of the Olsen marriage, then Madam Cornell's scandal. It's evident that the chairman is displeased with the current state of affairs.

"You should call your father to check on him. It might be a good time to gain his favor," I suggested to my friend.

"I'll do that. Let me know if you need anything, even the slightest thing, call me from the other room. okay?" she replied.

"I love you, loves!"

After Jane left, Amanda and Pepper followed suit, ensuring I didn't require their assistance for the day.

Glancing at my phone, I noticed a few messages waiting for me.

***Jakob:*** *Are you okay, Sarah?*

I decided to respond. He was the last person I spoke to before blacking out.

I tapped out a quick reply: I'm doing fine. Thanks, Jakob!

Next came a message from Amir: *The Luminary Production is in serious trouble. Their stock value is plummeting. Your ex-in-laws are going to suffer significant losses.*

This made me wonder about Philip's strategy in handling the situation.

Bronn's message came next: *I'm heading back to Dubai for a business trip. Let's try to meet up if your schedule permits.*

Since Bronn and I already had plans, I agreed to meet him. It's comforting to have someone to share my time and thoughts with.

The most surprising message was from Emily, my assistant. I had asked her to think again about quitting suddenly, feeling she might be acting on emotions rather than careful thought.

***Emily:*** *Sarah, I've decided to stay.*

The reasons she quit and then decided to stay puzzled me. But whatever it was, it made me happy. In the snake pit of high society, a trustworthy ally like Emily was worth more than gold.

I can only pray that my intuition doesn't fail me!

Throughout the night, a cascade of events unfolded, with the scandal surrounding the Cornells reaching a crescendo. Luminary's respected PR had been trying hard to manage the situation, but it seemed like their efforts weren't working. People's opinions may be beyond their control.

"The helper I spoke with last night informed me that Madam Cornell has gone missing. Allegedly, the police investigator visited the mansion to summon her due to implications made by Dr. Smith, who was apprehended in Saint Barthélemy. What's perplexing is that Brother Philip and his mother were also present there," Jane relayed.

I listened in silence, a mixture of melancholy and inquiry weighing heavy in my chest. It seemed Philip had indeed taken matters into his own hands, demonstrating to his mother how he ensnared the doctor.

"In other news, it seems Megan is on the lookout for a new residence. Brother Philip seems to be questioning her tenure at Serenity Pines Estate," Jane continued.

I pretended not to care, but the hurt in my eyes gave me away. It felt like looking in a mirror and seeing the broken pieces of my hopes staring back at me.

"Sarah, why can't you find it in yourself to forgive Brother Philip? Is it because you suspect he's involved with Megan? Is that why you two had that terrible falling out?" Jane probed gently.

"Absolutely not. Megan has nothing to do with this. Nothing at all," I replied.

The truth caught in my throat, begging to be spoken. Philip doesn't love me. He never did. But I choked back the words, feeling their bitterness. Saying them out loud would only reopen a wound that was still raw.

Later that day, a special invitation landed in my hands-a platinum ticket from Eternal Elegance, signed by Azuré. It gave me the chance to see her new collection before anyone else. Perfect timing, too. Rumor had it Azuré was in town, causing quite a stir among the socialites.

As our vehicle drifted past Serenity Pines Estate, my attention was drawn to a reserved young woman standing outside, her demeanor suggesting she was in her late teens.

'Who is she?' I pondered silently.

'Or could she be... Philip's mistress?'