Falling for the Goddess

Sara, Come Here

Anyone with knowledge of craftsmanship would recognize that double-sided embroidery is an exceedingly rare skill. The technique is difficult to master, and the artisans capable of producing such work are few and far between. It's not something that money alone can buy.

The smug expressions on Madam Smith and her daughter's faces stiffened. The jewelry they had gifted the Old Madam wasn't cheap by any means, but their presents suddenly felt shallow and ordinary compared to the meaning behind Sara's gift.

The Old Madam's smile deepened, her eyes filled with warmth. "Sara, you've truly put your heart into this. I love it."

It wasn't just the rarity of the double-sided embroidery that pleased her; it was the thoughtfulness of the design — the jasmine garden and the scenic pavilion from the family's estate held special sentimental value for her.

Sara responded with a gentle smile. "I'm glad you like it, Grandma."

Standing to the side, Amy Carter's smile looked forced and brittle. No matter how hard she tried to gain the Old Madam's favor, she was never treated with such kindness. But that didn't matter anymore. She had Blake Jin. In her eyes, the future of the Blake family belonged to her son.

The gathered ladies continued to eye Sara with curiosity. She was clearly young, but her calm demeanor and quiet grace left an impression. She radiated a natural elegance, unaffected by the scrutiny around her. No matter the situation — whether being confronted by Madam Smith's barbs or receiving praise — her composure remained intact. It was rare to see someone so poised, especially someone from outside their social circle.

Xenia Graves arched a brow, amused by the scene. I worried for nothing. These two are more than capable of handling themselves.

Just then, an elderly lady sitting beside the Old Madam spoke up. Her hair was silver, but her eyes were sharp and lively. "Ah, so this is Adrian's wife. I've heard that you're still studying. Tell me, do you know any nice young girls you could introduce to my grandson? They don't need to be as outstanding as you — I just want someone with good character."

Sara blinked in surprise.

The Old Madam chuckled and introduced her. "This is Eric's and Kyle's grandmother."

"Nice to meet you, Madam Thorne," Sara greeted politely.

The elderly lady beamed at her. "What a sweet girl! You know, your husband's already settled down, but my Eric is still single. He's older than Adrian, and yet he refuses to go on blind dates. It's driving me crazy!"

Off to the side, Xenia Graves's posture stiffened momentarily.

Sara stood quietly, listening respectfully. There were so many wealthy heiresses in South City — they certainly weren't asking her to play matchmaker. She figured it was just a bit of harmless venting from the old lady.

After a few more grumbles about her grandson, Madam Thorne finally noticed Xenia Graves. Her expression softened. "Xenia, you're here too! It's been ages since you've come over for dinner."

Xenia Graves pulled a face. "I've been swamped with work, Grandma Fu. I'd love to come over more often! Maybe you can convince my brother to take over the family business so I can take a break."

Madam Thorne shook her head, amused. "That troublemaker of a brother? Nobody can keep him in line!"

They shared a laugh before Xenia Graves linked arms with Sara and gently led her away. "Let's get out of here. My head's spinning from all the gossip."

Sara chuckled softly, finding Xenia Graves's straightforward personality refreshing. She liked how easy it was to be around her.

As they walked through the courtyard, a familiar voice called out, "Sara."

Sara turned to see Sam Lewis approaching. "Sam."

Sam Lewis greeted Xenia Graves with a polite nod. "Ms. Graves."

Xenia Graves glanced between the two and smirked. "Alright, you two chat. I'm off to grab a drink."

"Thank you, Xenia. I'll find you later."

Once Xenia Graves left, Sara and Sam Lewis stood in comfortable silence for a few moments.

"You—"

"You—"

They both spoke at the same time, then paused, laughing softly.

Sam Lewis's gentle demeanor felt like a warm breeze in early spring — calming and pleasant.

"What were you going to say, Senior?" Sara asked.

"I heard you mention before that your marriage happened quite suddenly. I've been meaning to prepare a wedding gift for you," he said.

"There's no need to worry about that." Sara smiled apologetically. "We didn't really tell anyone in advance. It all happened so quickly. I hope you're not upset with me."

Sam Lewis's expression remained gentle. "There's no need for an apology. It's your life, and you should share it when you're ready."

His warmth reminded Sara of Ella's intentions to pursue him. She was curious about how things were progressing but decided it wasn't her place to ask directly.

"When I have time, I'll bring your gift by."

"Thank you, Sam."

They continued their conversation in the courtyard, unaware of the gaze fixed on them from a nearby doorway.

Standing by the doorway, Karla Carter — Amy Carter's niece — watched the scene with clenched fists. Her manicured nails dug into the wooden frame as her expression darkened.

"Karla, what are you staring at?" a friend asked, peeking out to follow her gaze. She gasped in excitement. "Oh my gosh, isn't that Sam Lewis? Who's the girl with him?"

"That's Adrian Blake's wife," Karla Carter replied, her tone flat but loaded with disdain.

The friend's eyes widened with surprise. "Her? She doesn't look like much."

Karla Carter chuckled coldly. "Exactly. I don't see what's so special about her. But somehow, she's managed to get both Adrian Blake and Sam Lewis's attention."

Her words dripped with jealousy and bitterness. Sam Lewis had always maintained a respectful distance from her, but with Sara, he seemed far more relaxed and warm.

After chatting for a while, Sara decided to head back inside to find Adrian Blake and Xenia Graves. However, as she stepped into the hallway, two well-dressed women blocked her path.

"You're Sara, right?" one of them sneered.

The other crossed her arms. "Weren't you the girl caught up in that scandal not long ago? The one about the promiscuous college student?"

Sara's gaze remained calm. "Is there something you need?"

"You're lucky you married into the Blake family. But don't think that makes you one of us," the first woman spat. "You're just a nobody from a backwater town. You have no place here."

Sara remained quiet. She had no interest in petty arguments, especially during the Old Madam's birthday celebration. She turned to leave, but the second woman approached her.

"What's the rush? Did I strike a nerve?" the woman taunted. "What trick did you use to seduce Adrian Blake? Do you think he'll keep you around forever? Men like him get bored easily. Let's see how long you last in South City when he's done with you."

Their voices grew louder, drawing the attention of nearby guests.

The two women seemed pleased with the attention. One of them snickered. "Look at her — she doesn't even belong here. What a disgrace."

Before Sara could respond, a deep, authoritative voice echoed from the entrance.

"What did you just say?"

The crowd turned to see a group of men entering. Leading them was a refined gentleman with a calm yet imposing presence. His suit jacket was draped casually over one arm, exuding effortless elegance.

He locked eyes with Sara, his gaze softening. His lips curved into a faint smile as he said gently, "Sara, come here."