2/2 Chapter 16 " Man , you've got some nerve , " Scarlett finished with disgust .. Sarah , amused by her friend's outburst , couldn't help but smile . James frowned . " My mother threw you out ? You were sick ? " Playing concerned now ? Sarah glanced at the courthouse doors , finding the whole thing ironically funny . " Yes , " she said flatly . " So , Mr. Chancer , if you care at all , handle the paperwork quickly . Let's avoid any more … misunderstandings . " She pulled Scarlett away before James could respond . As soon as she left , James called Charlotte about yesterday's events . " I wanted to let her stay , " Charlotte said , sounding apologetic . " But your mother … well , you know how she feels about Sarah . She called the security before I could do anything else . " James felt oddly uncomfortable . " Charlotte , that house was meant to be hers . " Meanwhile , Sarah opened her phone to find a flood of messages from Steven , " We could do $ 3,000 ? " " Even $ 2,500 works !!! " " Hello ??? " " You there ? " " Price is totally negotiable !!! " Sarah couldn't help but let out a laughter . At the Reynolds estate , Steven stared dejectedly at his phone . " Boss , she's not responding . I offered $ 2,500 ! Is that still too much ? " Zachary arranged roses in a vase , unhurried . " Give it time . " Steven studied him suspiciously . " What's your plan ? It's your apartment - why not just offer it to her directly ? If you like her , why pretend to be not involved ? " Zachary gave him a look , trimming excess leaves . " You wouldn't understand . " " Maybe not , " Steven muttered . " But she's divorced now . Didn't think you'd go for someone who was married …" 1/2 He stumbled mid - sentence , nearly face - planting . Looking up pitifully , he saw Zachary wiping his hands , elegantly passing by his side . " Talk too much , " his boss murmured , as his expensive leather shoes gleamed with a warm yet suspicious luster . (2 ) As Steven steadied himself , Sarah's reply came through , " Thanks , Mt. Miller , but let's stick to market rate . We can view the apartment whenever you're free . " Steven showed Zachary the message helplessly . " Boss , she wants market rate … " Zachary raised an eyebrow and then smiled tenderly , a rare sight . " Market rate it is , then . " Later that night at Mirage Lounge , James sat surrounded by his usual crowd , drinking silently . D His friends kept their distance , gossiping among themselves , " So he really got divorced ? Charlotte must be next , right ? " " Obviously . Her parents are already in town . " " Better match anyway . Sarah was … you know . No degree , no family background , just an orphan . " " Hey , that's not fair . Remember when James hit rock bottom ? Sarah pulled some big contracts for him . " James's head snapped up . " What did you say ? "