Chapter 12 The house was part of James's divorce settlement , with the paperwork still in process . Even if he wanted to play the dutiful son by housing his in - laws , he should have asked for her consent first . Besides , this was the only home they'd shared before marriage . But it all came down to one simple truth : James had never seen her as a person worth considering . Not a person . Just a… pet . As the group excitedly discussed wedding plans , Mrs. Chancer spotted Sarah and her face darkened . T The others turned to look . " Geez , " Lucy sneered . " What's she doing here ? " Charlotte stepped forward smoothly , masking her discomfort . " What a surprise , Sarah . What brings you here ? " " Not a surprise at all , " Sarah replied coolly , taking in their hostile faces . " I'm moving in . " Mrs. Chancer stared at her like she'd lost her mind . " Have you gone crazy ? James divorced you ! This is Chancer property - you have no right to be here . " " How shameless , " Lucy spat . " Still hanging around after the divorce . " Their arrogance made it clear they knew nothing about James giving her the house . " Sarah , " Charlotte said gently , " if you need a place to stay , I can ask James to find you another house . My parents will be staying here , so it's not really convenient . " " Whether it's convenient for you doesn't matter . This is my house , " Sarah said dismissively . " James gave it to me . " " Nonsense ! Why would James give you anything ? " " Right ! My brother's not an idiot . You're just desperate for money . " Mrs. Chancer and Lucy couldn't believe James would do such a thing . He'd never cared for Sarah - why would he give her property ? Mrs. Garnett joined in with a cold laugh . " Some women these days have no shame , trying to squeeze more out of their ex- husbands . " Sarah remained calm , pulling out her phone to call James . She put it on speaker . " Ask him yourself . " When he answered , Mrs. Garnett spoke up sweetly . " James , dear , it's Charlotte's mother , Janet here . We were just getting settled when your ex - wife showed up , claiming you gave her this house . She's trying to force us out ! Surely you wouldn't give her the house and upset Charlotte like this ? " 1/2 James rubbed his temples , suddenly remembering the pending property transfer . The house was meant to be Sarah's . After a pause , he said , " Auntie Janet , please stay for now . I'll talk to her . " Mrs. Garnett beamed . " Of course , dear . You set her straight . " But hearing Sarah's voice , James hesitated , caught between saving face for Charlotte's family and acknowledging Sarah's rights . Finally , he said carefully , " Sarah , could you let them stay until after the wedding ? They'll leave right after . " Sarah felt a chill in her heart . Looking down , she replied flatly , " Fine . Since you're getting married , make time to finalize our divorce papers . She hung up . Charlotte's eyes flickered with interest - so they weren't officially divorced yet . Mrs. Chancer's smugness reached new heights as she called security . " Don't let this … person back in , " she said with venom . " Show her out . Immediately . "