Chapter 906:

Upon hearing his daughter mentioned, Charlie's expression hardened. "Why involve my daughter?" he responded with displeasure. "She's unharmed. Moreover, this matter concerns only us. Leave her out of it."

Jayden remarked, "Had I not known you better, I might have been deceived." He clenched his jaw, his eyes betraying deep-seated rage and murderous intent. "Your true intent was clear from the start," he revealed, "driven by Enzo's orders to dismantle my power and assets. You both agreed to divide my assets, right?"

Caught off guard, Charlie finally voiced his lingering question. "Knowing our intentions, why then did you agree to marry my daughter? Was this a calculated move? What is it that you truly desire?"

"Curiously enough, Aarya posed the same question," Jayden replied. "But I didn't give her an answer; I chose to save my response for you, her dad."

Jayden pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and inhaled deeply. "Why not step into the open? I know your hiding spot. Show yourself, and I'll let you see your daughter."

Charlie's heart skipped a beat. "What—what have you done to her?" he stammered.

With a sly chuckle, Jayden taunted, "Why not come out and see for yourself? I'm at the fountain, waiting. Don't bother with any tricks. You're already encircled."

Through clenched teeth, Charlie demanded, "Release my daughter. She harbors no resentment towards you."

Exhaling a cloud of smoke, Jayden replied calmly, "She might not, but she is not innocent either."

Charlie swore under his breath. "You scoundrel! How is my daughter to blame?"

"Do you really need reminding?" Jayden countered. "Wasn't it you who delivered Elyse into Aarya's care, effectively sealing her fate? You've wronged my beloved, and now it's time for retribution."

Charlie gasped as realization dawned on him. Jayden had somehow uncovered the secret transfer of Elyse. How could Jayden possibly know about that? After a brief pause, he understood—there was a betrayer in his household.

Remaining calm, Jayden stated firmly, "Charlie, this is your opportunity. If you wish to see your daughter again, you must comply with my demands."

Charlie knew defeat was inevitable. His power was crumbling, and even survival today couldn't prevent his downfall. After hanging up the phone, he rallied his few remaining men, announced his surrender, and proceeded to the meeting alone.

Arriving at the fountain, Charlie noticed Jayden lounging on the ground, casually holding two cigarettes, resembling a sunbather. Disheveled, Charlie approached without formalities and requested a cigarette. Without hesitation, Jayden handed over the entire box.

Charlie lit his cigarette, took a deep drag, and felt a momentary relief from his stress. . . .