Micah found himself with an opportunity to draw nearer to her. A thought that brought a provocative smile to his lips. With a newfound determination, he spun on his heel and strode towards the villa. Arthur, his loyal attendant, trailed behind him, careful not to overstep his boundaries with unnecessary chatter.

The master suite of the villa was a grand affair, bathed in the soft hues of the evening sun that filtered through the French windows. Micah discarded his suit jacket and loosened his shirt, making his way to the balcony with a highball glass in hand. He settled into an ivory-white lounge chair, his gaze wandering to the neighboring villa.

Before long, the sliding door of the adjacent villa creaked open, revealing a familiar figure. She was barefoot, her long hair cascading freely over her shoulders, her body draped in an elegant silk dress. Her relaxed demeanor was a stark contrast to her usual aloofness, reminding Micah of the simple and innocent Sadie of the past.

"Mr. Clemens, you seem to be in high spirits!" Sadie teased, mirroring his position on an identical lounge chair. She accepted a cocktail from Arya with a graceful lift of her hand.

"Both the beautiful scenery and the beautiful woman are worth appreciating!" Micah retorted, a playful smirk playing on his lips.

"Are you always this flirtatious, Mr. Clemens?" Sadie countered, her smile frosty. "This is quite different from the serious and cold demeanor you're known for!"

"It depends on the person I'm talking to," Micah replied, his gaze unwavering.

He studied her, noting the subtle changes time had brought. Her face was as he remembered, untouched by makeup, her hair loose and free. Her eyes, however, had hardened, revealing a newfound sharpness. With her elevated status, Sadie had found her power.

"Mr. Clemens, are you trying to flirt with me?!" Sadie scoffed, her laughter tinged with mockery. "I heard you're already married!"

"You look a lot like my wife..." Micah ventured, testing her reaction. "She's been missing for two years. Could it be you?"

Sadie laughed again, her amusement evident. "Mr. Clemens, your seduction tactics are rather crude!"

"Do you really not recognize me?" Micah inquired.

Micah was very puzzled.

Sadie's response was perplexing. Her reaction seemed genuine, devoid of any pretense. There was no sign of panic, no hint of longing for the past. It was as if she truly didn't know him, as if they were merely competitors. "Why would I know you?" Sadie retorted, her smile icy.

Her outward indifference masked a whirlwind of emotions. His insinuation that she resembled his wife had struck a nerve, reopening old wounds. It left her questioning their shared history.

"Sadie..." Micah was about to speak when suddenly a commotion came from downstairs. "How dare you! Are you blind? Don't you know who I am? I'm here to replace Micah."

The voice sounded familiar. It was Amelia. Micah hadn't interacted with her in two years. Why would she choose to appear now?

"Probably here on behalf of the Lingston Group for the event, and knowing that you're here, she wanted to come and see," Andrew whispered. Micah gestured for him to handle the situation promptly.

By this time, Sadie had taken notice and couldn't resist a jibe. "Mr. Clemens, you're quite popular, huh? I wonder if this one resembles your wife?"

"Miss James..." Micah began, but Sadie had already risen and retreated into the house.

Her bodyguard promptly closed the balcony door and drew the curtains, obstructing Micah's view. A promising opportunity had been squandered, leaving Micah with a furrowed brow.

However, he soon realized that Amelia's arrival might not be entirely unfortunate. Surely, Sadie wouldn't be able to maintain her facade in front of an old adversary?

"Mr. Clemens, the situation has been handled," Andrew reported, approaching him. "Ms. Amelia has returned to her room, but I suspect she will attempt to disturb you again tonight. Shall I intervene?"

"No need," Micah responded. He was curious to see how Sadie would react upon encountering Amelia later that evening...

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