Chapter 34 Sarah didn't care what Charlotte might say after leaving , but just thinking about her earlier performance made her agitated . In her sour mood , instead of returning to the private dining room , she decided to settle the bill at the front desk first to calm herself down . After paying , she turned around - only to come face - to - face with the leading lady of that earlier drama , Charlotte , and her fiancé , James . Sarah hesitated . Just her luck She'd planned to walk past pretending not to see them , but James suddenly spoke up : " Sarah , we need to talk . " He'd just learned that the extravagant meal Sarah had been treating them to at St. Ritz cost over four thousand . And it was all for the sake of impressing Zachary Reynolds ? He suddenly realized Sarah wasn't putting on a show for him - she might actually be trying to climb the social ladder through Zachary . But how could she so easily throw herself into another man's arms right after their divorce ? Did their three years together mean nothing ? James's expression darkened . " What is there to talk about ? " With people watching , Sarah had to stop , but her eyes held nothing but irritation and indifference when looking at James . This only fueled James's anger . " You know exactly what . " Charlotte noticed James's changing expression and bit her lip , knowing she couldn't push too hard right now . She released James's arm , appearing gracious . " James , I'll wait in the car while you talk with Miss Sanders . " After Charlotte left , James dropped his act , dragging Sarah to a quiet corner of the restaurant . " How do you know Zachary Reynolds ? What are you after ? Money ? Power ? " His interrogating tone made Sarah laugh . " Do I owe you any explanations ? " She knew everyone who saw her with Zachary would make the same assumptions as James , but he was the last person she wanted to explain herself to . For three years , he'd never tried to understand her . Her passionate love had been doused with cold water countless times , for three whole years . Now , she had nothing left to say to him . But James wouldn't let it go . " I gave you eight million for the divorce to improve your life , not to go after powerful men . Do you 1/2 even know who Zachary is ? Eight million is pocket change to him , and this four - thousand - dollar dinner means nothing . " " Half the women on the East Coast are lining up to date him . His watch costs dozens of times more than this dinner . Instead of scheming for shortcuts , you should use the money to build a proper life for yourself . Start a business if you want , but this ? Sarah , Zachary is out of your league . Back out while you still can , before you go down the wrong path ! " If Sarah remembered correctly , he hadn't spoken this many words to her during their entire three - year marriage . Now after the divorce , he was suddenly full of concern and advice . Too bad none of it was what she wanted to hear . T For three whole years , this man had never understood her character , and now he was lecturing her like he knew best . How laughable. " Sarah's entire demeanor turned icy . " What gives you the right to dictate my life ? " James faltered but pressed on . " We were married - I care about you . If you need help , come to me . I may not be as wealthy as the Reynolds family , but anything Zachary can do , I can do too . We have history - I can do even more for you . Think about it ! " Sarah had never realized before how talkative James could be .. Zachary had appeared behind them at some point , watching James with amusement as if he'd heard a joke . " Mr. Chancer , aren't you being a bit presumptuous ?