Chapter 18 " Mom , James just pities her , " Charlotte soothed . " No career , no degree . He wanted a clean break , so he threw some property her way to leave quietly . " Her mother's perfectly penciled eyebrows drew together . " I don't like it . Are you absolutely certain James isn't harboring feelings for her ? " Charlotte laughed , all sugar and honey . " Mom , please . James never even slept with Sarah . He spent three years waiting for me . " " Well , that's something . Let me handle this house situation . " After hanging up , Mrs. Garnett speed - dialed Mrs. Chancer . - The news left Mrs. Chancer reeling . Her son had given that woman prime real estate ? Sarah hadn't even produced an heir what claim did she have to Chancer property ? Her calls to Sarah went straight to voicemail - blocked . Unable to reach Sarah and hesitant to confront James - fearing it might jeopardize the engagement - she let the situation simmer . Meanwhile , Sarah nestled into her new apartment , buried in psychology journals , refreshing her expertise . ( 1 Monday found her in her new office at the university counseling center . Student traffic was light , and she hadn't spotted Zachary's sister yet . Instead , various student groups kept dropping by to plan events . The campus buzz quickly centered on the stunning new counselor . Sarah welcomed the laid - back atmosphere , reminiscent of her own college days - reading , mentoring students . That afternoon , while advising the Psychology Club about their semester plans , Steven called . " Sarah ! Settled in ? Free tonight ? We're thinking housewarming party ! " Having grown fond of his earnest nature through the moving process , Sarah agreed . Instead of hitting the faculty lounge , she headed to Whole Foods . After she left , Lucy Chancer stood frozen , blinking in disbelief . She frantically called her mother . " Mom , you won't believe who I just saw on campus . Sarah ! What's she doing at my university ? " Her mother's voice sharpened . " Maybe meeting someone ? Where is she ? Keep her there ! I'm coming ! " " She's gone already . Why are you so desperate to find her ? " " Your brother gave her the Riverside property ! We need it back ! " 1/2 " Has he lost his mind ? " Lucy exploded . " Why not give it to me ? Mom , if I find her , I'll make her explain everything ! " Meanwhile , Sarah loaded her cart with party supplies and gourmet snacks , texting Scarlett to join . She hadn't expected Steven to bring not just himself , but Zachary and his sister Mia too . Standing in her doorway , seeing the shy , pretty young girl beside her polished brother , Sarah suddenly felt naive . Steven's housewarming party was clearly a setup . " Bumped into the boss and Miss Steven grinned . " Thought we'd make it a proper party . That Mia on my way okay ? "