Chapter 163

Sarah's POV

The moment I opened my eyes. Robert's words from last night pierced my heart like a dagger: "I hope you live well without me."

I slammed my fist into the pillow,fury threatening to consume me whole.The shattered pieces of my phone from last night's rage still littered my imported marble floor, a painful reminder of my humiliation. That bankrupt waste of space had actually refused me? After everything I'd done for him? I had offered him the perfect opportunity-help me get rid of Annie, and we could start over. But he chose to betray me instead.

I retrieved my backup phone from the drawer and walked to the window,coldly analyzing my situation. From the beginning, my target had always been Howard Thompson. He had status, wealth, looks-everything I wanted in a partner. Unfortunately, that country girl from Boston, Annie,had somehow managed to capture his attention before I could.

My strategy needed reconsideration. Until now, I'd relied on others to eliminate Annie and get closer to Howard, but that approach clearly wasn't working. Philip was too afraid of his mother to act decisively; Robert had proven himself utterly worthless, incapable of completing even the simplest task. Depending on these weak men had only led to repeated failures.

"Perhaps I should change tactics," I murmured to myself, my fingers tapping lightly against the window glass. "What about approaching Howard directly?"

After all, I, Sarah Johnson, had never lacked charm. In my experience, men were simple creatures,easily conquered with beauty and sweet words.Even Howard couldn't be completely immune to flattery and seduction.If I could just get his attention, make him doubt Annie.I could slip right in.

I returned to the sofa, picked up my phone, and carefully composed a message:"How much do you really like Annie?" The question was direct yet thought-provoking.

After sending it. I stared at the screen, checking for a response every few seconds. Strange-no reaction whatsoever. Had he blocked me? Impossible.

Howard was a businessman, far too professional for such childish behavior.

I tried again: "You haven't known Annie for very long, have you?"

Surprisingly. I received an almost immediate reply: "Does the reason matter? Or rather,does loving someone require a reason?"

A mocking smile curled my lips as anger flashed in my eyes. How ridiculous-Howard using such romantic excuses to mask his blindness.My fingers flew across the screen as I replied: "Of course it does." Love always has reasons, doesn't it? Wealth, status, appearance, family background... everyone has their calculations. Howard's naivety both surprised and disgusted me.

"But I don't think so," came his reply. "As long as she's right for me, and I m right for her, that's enough."

Every word felt like a slap to the face. Why did every successful,handsome,wealthy man prefer Annie? What special charm did that ordinary illustrator possess?

I changed tactics, typing a new message: "Are you sure Annie is the right person for you? Hasty decisions often lead to regret."

After sending this message. I smiled with satisfaction. I knew Howard's past-he had been quite the playboy until Lucy's parents died in that yacht accident. Only then did he abandon his carefree lifestyle to raise his niece. This sudden relationship was likely just the result of his long-term loneliness. Under normal circumstances, how could an elite like Howard fall for someone as ordinary as Annie at first sight?

There was a momentary pause before his reply: "Do you know why I never tried to be with anyone else?"

I casually responded: "Oh?"

His response came methodically: "I've been surrounded by women of all types-intelligent ones, naive ones... beautiful ones, elegant ones. But among all these women, I never felt the urge to fall in love. Including you."

These words hit me like a physical blow. Was he implying I wasn't good enough? My chest tightened painfully.

He continued: "Only with Annie do I feel that spending a lifetime together is worthwhile."

Every word dripped with his love for Annie. I couldn't bear to read anymore, turning off the phone and tossing it onto the sofa cushion.I couldn't understand it. Why did all the unremarkable men pursue me,while the successful ones only showed interest in Annie? What did she have that I didn't?

"Mom, I'm going to be late!" Max's voice called from the bedroom,interrupting my thoughts.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. Howard's response was just a temporary setback; I couldn't show any negative emotions in front of my son.

"Coming, darling!" I made my voice sound light and cheerful.

On the way to drop Max off at school. I kept replaying the conversation in my mind. Howard's attitude was more resolute than I had anticipated.making it clear that directly approaching him wouldn't work. But his rejection only fueled my determination-I had never been one to give up easily.

As the driver opened the door for Max to get out, I watched my son run through the school gates. and suddenly inspiration struck me like lightning.If I couldn't directly change Howard's mind, then I needed to address the root of the problem.

Some things I could no longer rely on others to handle. I touched the diamond necklace around my neck, purchased with the alimony Robert had given me. Money-that was the real power. Why hadn't I thought of it before? Money makes the world go round, and with the right price,anything could be accomplished.

I could hire someone-not some half-baked helper, but a true professional who could permanently solve the Annie Baker problem. The thought sent a rush of excitement through me, like seeing a glimmer of light in the darkness.

"Wait a moment before heading back to the office," I told the driver,pulling out my phone from my purse. This plan required professional assistance. I dialed the number directly.

"I need you to monitor someone," I said when the call connected. "Who?" the voice on the other end asked.

1 emphasized each syllable clearly: "Annie Baker."

"Why do you want to monitor her?" the person inquired.

"That's none of your business," I replied dismissively. "Just let me know when she's alone. Once you've done that, your job is done."

After hanging up. I checked my bank account balance on my phone and smirked. I had almost forgotten that I was now a wealthy woman. With money, everything was possible. If I was generous enough, there was nothing in this world I couldn't accomplish.

Annie Baker, you'll soon understand that no one takes what belongs to Sarah Johnson. Whatever the cost, I will reclaim everything that should have been mine.