Chapter 169

Sarah's POV

I was lounging on my Italian leather sofa, flipping through the latest issue of Vogue, when my phone rang. Caroline Gluck's name flashed across the screen. I hesitated momentarily before answering-Caroline was useful for information, but her endless chatter could beexhausting.

"Sarah. I just saw Robert walking into Howard's office!" Caroline's voice bubbled with excitement and conspiracy. "They were in there together for quite a while. It looked like they were discussing business."

"What?" Iimmediately put down my magazine, sitting up straight. "Are you certain it was him?"

"Of course," Caroline replied confidently. "I wouldn't mistake your ex-husband.He was wearing that charcoal gray suit, and he looked much better-not as defeated as before."

I gripped my phone tighter, feeling an unexpected surge of irritation.Robert had gone to see Howard without telling me? After his family's company went bankrupt, he'd been wallowing in self-pity for months. I hadn't expected him to pull hímself together so quickly.

"He must be trying to start a new business," Caroline continued,her voice dripping with that fake sweetness I'd come to recognize. "You know how these trust fund boys can turn their fortunes around as easily as drinking water. Sarah, you're so clever! I used to think you were wasting your time staying entangled with him, but now I understand how wise you've been!"

I didn't respond to Caroline's flattery. Instead, I rubbed my temple,feeling a headache forming. "I have some bad news to tell you." "What is it?" Her tone immediately shiftedI to concern-likely fake.but useful nonetheless.

"Just two or three days ago. I had a huge fight with Robert. I said a lot of hurtful things." I closed my eyes, recalling that night. I had completely lost my patience with him, saying cruel words I knew would cut deep, even telling him I had never truly loved him.

"Is that all?" Caroline's voice lightened instantly. "I thought it was something serious! Everyone knows Robert is still hopelessly devoted to you. If you're willing to say a few sweet words to him, he'll undoubtedly rush back to your side and continue adoring you."

"I hope so," I sighed. Caroline didn't understand. Robert had his pride and dignity. Although he loved me, I doubted he would easily forgive this latest wound.

After hanging up, I walked to my floor-to-ceiling windows,my thoughts drifting to Robert. I had to admit, of all the men I'd known, if anyone had genuine feelings for me, it was Robert. Even after our divorce, he still appeared in my life from time to time, hoping for reconciliation.

I needed to find a way to make amends with him. After all, if my plans with Howard didn't succeed, I needed a reliable backup plan.

Just as I was contemplating how to reconnect with Robert, my phone rang again. This time, it was the person I'd hired to monitor Annie.

"Annie is alone in a room right now!" His voice sounded excited, almost breathless.

I immediately became alert, my heart racing. This was exactly the opportunity I'd been waiting for! Annie was usually inseparable from Howard; finding a moment when she was alone was incredibly rare.

"Where? What's the exact address?" I asked urgently. I wasn't planning to go there myself-I just needed to confirm if the location was suitable for my plan.

There was a hesitant pause on the other end. "Didn't you promise me a bonus when I told you she was alone?"

I silently cursed this greedy fool, but maintained my generous façade."Of course, I keep my word." Without hesitation, I took out my phone and transferred two payments totaling $100,000. It meant nothing to me-as long as my plan succeeded, this amount was insignificant. However, if he proved useless in the end, I would make him pay back double.

"She's at a printing factory in Brooklyn, in a small book signing room," he finally said, then sent me a photo. "There's only her in the room."

"What?" His answer was like a bucket of cold water dumped over my head."When you said 'alone in a room,' you meant in a room at a printing factory?"

"Yes,just like in the photo I sent you," he answered thoughtlessly. "There's definitely only her in that room."

I struggled to contain my fury while maintaining a calm exterior. "But there must be many other workers and staff in the printing factory,right?"

"Uh, yes," he admitted sheepishly. "It is a large printing factory, after all..."

"You idiot!" I finally exploded. "Even if we could enter that room,how could we possibly take her through the entire factory without being seen?Do you think this is some low-budget action movie?" In my mind,I knew -environment completely free from suspicion.

"What are you planning to do to her?" he asked naively.

I immediately realized I'd said too much. "That's none of your business!"I quickly shifted my tone, appearing more controlled. "You just need to follow instructions. Next time, only call me when there's absolutely no one around her, understand? Like when she's alone at home, or somewhere without surveillance and personnel." I couldn't reveal too many details of my plan, but I had to make my requirements clear.

"Understood," his tone carried a hint of resentment. "I called you thistime because you weren't clear before. You only said to notify you when she was alone..."

"Well. I've made myself clear now, haven't I?" I slowed my speech,ensuring he fully understood. "If this happens again, I'll find someone else!I have plenty of money, and if you can't help me properly, someone else certainly will!" In truth, findinga suitable replacement wouldn't be easy,but threats were always effective.

His attitude changed immediately. "Don't worry, I'll follow your instructions exactly. I'll continue monitoring her and notify you when the right moment comes."

"Good," I said, then ended the call.

I tossed my phone onto the sofa and took a deep breath to calm myself.This fool had wasted my time and money, but I couldn't let this minor setback affect my plans. Annie Baker, you won't be lucky forever. Someday,I'll find an opportunity to make you pay, to expose your true nature to everyone. My thoughts returned to Caroline's news about Robert. I stared at my phone screen for a long time, recalling the days I spent with him.He had always adored me. even at my worst. When everyone else abandoned him after his family's bankruptcy. I chose to stay-primarily to maintain my lifestyle. but I did give him hope and support.

Perhaps it was time to leverage this relationship again. If Robert truly could turn his fortunes around, he might once more become a valuable resource. More importantly, if he established a business relationship with Howard, he could serve as my bridge to getting closer to Howard.

Having made my decision, I dialed Robert's number. After several rings, he answered.

"Why are you calling me?" His voice sounded surprised, lacking the warmth and eagerness I was accustomed to hearing.

I took a deep breath, preparing to begin my performance. I needed to appear both sincere and vulnerable, to make him believe I truly regretted my actions. Whatever it took, I would bring Robert back to my side. At the same time, I wouldn't abandon my plans against Annie. No one takes anything from Sarah Johnson-whether it's wealth,status, or the man I deserve.