Chapter 448: Kill Her Father

Tears blurred my vision as sweat poured down my forehead, but I couldn't break down. I had to carry Grandma through the final stretch. I wanted to tell Grandma she was wrong. How could I ever forget any of them? The Sanders had their flaws, their coldness, but they once showed me kindness. I couldn’t erase the good they did just because of their faults. And I could never forget the care she gave me, even though the Carlyns had suffered so much. As I walked, memories of my childhood flooded my mind. Kate and Josh were silent as I shared those memories with Grandma. Josh’s legs were soaked in blood. Kate was visibly shaken, dreading what was to come.

We reached the Carlyns' cemetery. Kate’s face tightened in fear as she stared at the gravestones. When they noticed that all the items around Ronald’s grave came from the Sanders, their faces drained of color. I carefully lowered Grandma to the ground. When she saw the rusty lighter, she understood. “When did you…” she murmured.

I never had a strong memory of Grandpa; most of what I knew came from family gossip. Now, I began to suspect his death wasn’t straightforward. Some said he died from illness, others claimed it was an accident. Dominic continued, “He was just a useless drunk, wasting his life on women and alcohol. It didn’t take much to trap him. The president of Sander Group, dead from a stroke? Ridiculous!”

I froze. Now it made sense why Grandpa’s death had never been fully explained; it was too shameful to be acknowledged. Dominic continued, “Wasn’t he fond of women? I injected him with ten times the usual dose and let him die in the arms of a woman. It was the perfect ending for him. But you, old fool, were too clever. Back then, the Carlyns hadn’t yet risen to power, so I couldn’t strike too hard. That’s why you survived all these years.”

Now it made sense why the Sanders had remained safe for so long—it was thanks to Grandma’s cleverness. But as her health weakened and Wisteria began infiltrating the Sanders, everything changed. “Your descendants are so foolish. Loving the daughter of your enemy while treating your own flesh and blood terribly. You deserve this. Chloe, you’ve already died once. I won’t harm you again. You should hate them, like I do. Come here.”

Dominic beckoned to me. Grandma looked at me and said, “Chloe, come over.”

“Grandma…” I whispered. “Think of Carter. He’s still waiting for you. Didn’t you want to have children with him? Chloe, sever your ties with the Sanders.”

Her words struck deep. My life had been a gift from Carter, hard-earned and precious. We had one lifetime of regret—perhaps this would be our last chance. He was still waiting for me. But the frail, pale woman before me—she had loved me more than anyone else. Why was fate so cruel?

Someone pulled me away, and I looked up to see it was Whitney. “Chloe, go. Take care of yourself.” She wiped my tears gently. “You’re no longer a Sanders.” But as she pulled me away, she stood with the Sanders, choosing to share their fate. She looked at Dominic with steady eyes. “I’ve had enough of this life. The Sanders owe the Carlyns, and I’m here to settle that debt.” She gripped a dagger. My heart clenched. “No, Whitney!”

Dominic seemed to expect this. “I don’t want your life, Anna. If you’re alive, you can still save your mother.” Whitney stopped. “What did you say?” “Debt must be repaid. Your mother isn’t a Sanders. I’ll spare you both, but if you choose death, I’ll bury her with you.” The Carlyns were skilled manipulators.

Whitney looked at Kate, whose hair had turned completely gray, the once-dyed strands now gone. She had once been vain, but now, she was a shadow of that person. Her clothes, once pristine as Whitney had instructed, were now stained with blood and dirt. Yes, she had nothing to do with the Sanders anymore. She had lost her children. She was the most innocent of all.

Whitney’s lips quivered as she glared at Dominic. “Chloe died once. The Carlyns owe a life. My son has loved you, protected you all these years, but your filthy blood cannot be changed. So now, you must choose between your father and your brother. Kill one of them to cleanse your blood.”

Both Whitney and I stood frozen. Dominic continued, “As for the other, I will spare him.” Whitney trembled, her rage barely contained. Josh’s legs were severed, and Greg still had a chance to survive. If someone had to die, Josh seemed to be the target. Dominic wanted her to kill her father. And Grandma was forced to witness it all. It was cruelty beyond words.

“Old hag, this is what you deserve. Watch as the Sanders fall. Feel the same pain I did when I collected my father’s body.” Grandma broke down. “Dominic, kill me! Kill me!” “Don’t rush. After your son and grandson are gone, you’ll be next.”

“You demon! You deserve hell!” “Do you think I care? I’ve made it this far because of revenge! Death doesn’t scare me. Even if I fall into eternal hell, I won’t regret it!” Wisteria toyed with the knife, flashing a wicked smile at Whitney. “What’s wrong? Can’t bring yourself to do it? Want me to help? If I do, I’ll kill them all! Hahaha!”

I clenched my fists, trying to hold on to my remaining sanity. The Carlyns were beyond reason. If I intervened, I’d only make things worse for myself. I whispered Carter’s name over and over in my mind. Carter, Carter, where were you? What would you do if you were here?

Josh looked at Whitney. “Anna, kill me. I won’t blame you. Spare your brother.” Whitney shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “No, no, I can’t. You’re my dad. I can’t kill you.” Josh slowly crawled toward her. “I wasn’t a good father. I didn’t protect you, and… I hurt Chloe. I dragged Greg into this. You need to live. Protect your mother.”

Kate sobbed, holding Josh’s battered body. “Honey, if you die, I don’t want to live.” Josh caressed her cheek. “Live, for the kids. I’ve had an easy life. My only regret is not being better to you and the children.” “Josh…” “Live well. Take care of the kids. The Sanders need you now.” He pushed Kate away and crawled toward Whitney. But in her wedding dress, she tripped on the long train and collapsed to the ground. She supported herself, moving backward.

“Whitney, you know how to kill, don’t you? Like this.” Wisteria pressed the knife against Greg’s throat, and Whitney quickly spoke, “No! I’ll do it. I’ll do it, just don’t hurt my brother.” Greg was the last male of the Sanders. Whitney would do anything to protect the family’s last hope. Even if it meant killing her father.

She gripped the dagger, her entire body trembling. Josh looked at her. “My poor daughter, live well. I won’t hate you. I love you…” “Dad, Dad…” Her hands shook uncontrollably. Then, without warning, a blade pierced Josh’s back, blood splattering onto Whitney’s wedding dress. Everything around her went quiet. Her pupils dilated as she screamed in agony. “No!” Josh fell, and Taylor’s face flashed before her eyes. Whitney was shattered. She coughed up blood. “Dad…”