Chapter 50 " Indeed . If Mr. Reynolds hadn't arrived in time , I would have become the adulteress in Mrs. Chancer's story . These days , it seems slander is effortless , all it takes is a loose tongue . " Sarah cast a cool glance at Mrs. Chancer . This mother and daughter pair seemed to have nothing better to do than take turns trying to destroy her reputation , stopping at nothing to spread rumors . Their relentless efforts were certainly eye - opening . Zachary moved closer , his tall frame beside Sarah . The subtle cedar wood scent of his cologne helped calm her nerves . His deep , resonant voice continued : " If I remember correctly , it was your son's lover who returned , after which he asked Sarah for a divorce . Our Sarah , being kindhearted , agreed to step aside so he could be with his old flame . " Sarah glanced at him in surprise before composing herself . Given Zachary's position , getting such information would be simple . He must have investigated her background when seeking her help with Mia's treatment . His knowledge wasn't surprising . Turning back to Mrs. Chancer , Sarah spoke firmly , her expression calm yet resolute . " Mrs. Chancer , your son was already involved with Miss Garnett before our divorce . So who was really unfaithful ? The Chancers seem quite skilled at art of shifting blame . " Sarah's gaze was steady as she continued : " Your son wasted three years of my life . He voluntarily offered that money and property as compensation . How is that extortion ? I'll say it again . If you or your son have complaints , we can settle them in court . " Mrs. Chancer's face drained of color . Since the divorce , this woman had become a different person - sharp - tongued and defiant . Staring at Sarah's composed expression , Mrs. Chancer felt an uncontrollable urge to claw at her face . Zachary watched Sarah's composed response with a subtle smile . She was exactly as before - never letting herself be bullied . This was the real Sarah . After a moment , Zachary turned to Mrs. Chancer : " Remember this , Mrs. Chancer - the Reynolds family is Adams ' largest shareholder . If the Chancers try to force the school to dismiss valuable faculty , don't blame me for being ruthless and revoking your family's shares . " Zachary's words carried an unmistakable authority that few would dare challenge . ( 1 Mrs. Chancer stiffened . She couldn't throw her weight around with Zachary present . If the Chancers had the Reynolds ' influence , they could have gotten Sarah fired with a single phone call instead of coming here . O Dean Larson quickly stood up : " Miss Sanders , the administration apologizes for this incident . We'll strengthen our forum monitoring to prevent such rumors in the future . " " It's fine , Dean Larson . Thank you and the administration for your trust . If there's nothing else , I should get back to work . " 1/2 Having cleared her name , Sarah wanted to leave . Mrs. Chancer's murderous glares were obvious to everyone . Zachary left with her - he'd come solely to help resolve this situation , otherwise he wouldn't have been there at all .