Chapter 469: The Game (12) Driven Mad

Suddenly, silence fell in the meeting room. All heads turned to the officials at the door. Three entered, presenting their credentials. "Mr. Sawyer," one said, "please accompany us. We require your assistance."

Lee's face turned crimson. He glanced at his son, Charles, who looked stricken. Why had the judicial authorities suddenly revived this case? Had someone filed a complaint? He could think of no one who knew about it besides his father, Henry, and himself. Charles, too, racked his brain, finding no answer.

Before escorting Lee away, the officials addressed Charles and Martina: "As you are both involved, you may not leave Kensbury City before the trial. We may question you at any time."

Charles and Martina remained silent, their faces grim. Lee was taken away without a word, leaving a tense atmosphere in the room.

On the video call, Mr. Jones’s voice was sharp. "What's happening? Why was Lee taken away?" He clearly suspected a legal transgression.

Charles maintained his composure, replying, "Mr. Jones, there seems to be a misunderstanding. We'll explain everything once we understand the situation."

Bills' face hardened. "I hope our cooperation doesn't falter now. If it does, the Sawyer family can't afford the consequences!" Hannah, witnessing this unprecedented display of anger from the usually unflappable Bills, felt a chill.

"Rest assured, our cooperation will not fail," Charles said, fighting back panic.

"We'll see," Bills retorted, abruptly ending the call.

Charles looked at Hannah, who calmly gathered her papers. "It seems my report will have to wait until your company resolves its internal issues," she said smoothly, her gaze unwavering. The casual tone felt like a mocking dismissal. He suspected her involvement, though lacked proof.

What was Hannah's game? While Cooper received public praise for the project, the true beneficiaries were Bills Group and Sawyer Group. Charles had privately scoffed at Hannah's seeming naiveté, as Cooper's profits were minimal. He had endured numerous insults lately but restrained himself; the incentive money was far more crucial to Sawyer Group than reputation at this point. Yet, he refused to be a puppet in Hannah's hands and was determined to uncover the truth.

Charles immediately left the meeting room, followed by Martina, who shot Hannah a furious glare before exiting. "This is nothing to celebrate! Our family will be fine!" she declared. Hannah shrugged indifferently, her unconcern infuriating Martina.

"Just wait," Martina vowed. "My brother will ruin her."

Only Hannah and her team remained. Rose asked, "Ms. Hannah, what's happening with Sawyer Group? Why was Mr. Sawyer taken away?"

Hannah smiled faintly. "He's involved in a significant case."

Rose looked perplexed.

"We will wait and exploit the situation," Hannah said with a knowing smile.

Rose and Tan remained confused, but Tan trusted Hannah's judgment. He sensed a game was afoot.

…

Charles, having requested leave for the meeting, was driving away from Sawyer Group. He called Henry. "Good morning, Charles," Henry answered.

"What the hell? My father was arrested for loan fraud! What were you doing?" Charles exploded.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Henry denied.

"Henry!" Charles's fury was immediate. He instantly suspected Henry's involvement.

"You dared to plot against me!" Charles hissed.

"I don't understand. Regarding your billion-dollar loan, I can inform you that your property certificates were forged. Our company discovered this and reported it to the authorities. For further details, you can contact them officially."

"Don't make me kill you!" Charles threatened.

Henry, acting out of self-preservation, continued, "Charles, murder is illegal. I advise you to distance yourself from this, otherwise, every family member involved will face legal consequences."

"Don't threaten me!"

"Just a suggestion, Charles."

"Henry, do you know I have proof you forced Susan to have an abortion? Since you've harmed me, I'll expose your crime. Believe me," Charles said fiercely, the rage burning within him. He hadn't anticipated Henry's audacity and lacked sufficient evidence to implicate him.

Henry frowned. "Then we're even. If you choose mutual destruction, sacrificing your future, I, an ordinary man, will go down with you. Do you think that's a better outcome for me than for you?"

"Henry!"

"You decide. I've given my advice. Think carefully and avoid ruining your future." He hung up.

Charles threw his phone down in a fit of rage. How dare he hang up?

His hands trembled on the steering wheel. He had believed the e-commerce project would revitalize Sawyer Group and the industry. Now, he felt disillusioned.

"Hannah, don't let me find out you were behind this!" he thought.