News of Lee Sawyer's arrest for loan fraud dominated headlines, attracting considerable attention. Bad news followed bad news. Sawyer Group's stock plummeted to its daily limit for several days after market opening, threatening the company's survival. Bills, aware of the situation, pressured Charles to resolve the internal and external crises or face a dissolution of their partnership.

Faced with mounting emergencies, Charles faltered; Martina reacted with anger only; and Lee remained imprisoned, awaiting a guarantor's approval before trial. The pressure on Charles intensified. To make matters worse, he received a furious call from a Collins family member.

"Charles, what the hell? You promised this project was fantastic, a fortune-maker. Now your company's on trial for illegal activity? Are you trying to ruin my investment in Sawyer Group?"

"I'm working on it. I'll fix it," Charles replied.

"How? Be honest, did you use forged property certificates to secure loans?"

"I was tricked by Henry, a viper..."

"So it's true!" the caller exploded. "Idiot! How dare you?"

"I—"

"You were duped by a nobody? You've let me down!" Cutting Charles off, the caller declared, "Don't bother explaining. I won't help. Resolve this yourself, or you'll go down with Sawyer Group. And don't contact me again. You're on your own!"

"Mr. Collins—"

The call ended abruptly. Charles, hands trembling, clutched the phone. The Collins family's withdrawal would be his ruin. He would not surrender.

Immediately, he called Sarah. "Hi, Sarah," he said smoothly.

"Hi, Charles," she responded, her voice unenthusiastic. "I hear you're in trouble."

"I called to reassure you," he said.

"Are you alright?"

"Nothing serious. I can handle it. I'm just… I miss you so much," he added softly.

"At a time like this, your concern isn't your company, but me?"

"Sawyer Group is under control. Everything will be fine. But it's been a week since I've seen you. Don't you miss me? We were so compatible..."

"Oh, Charles," she murmured, blushing. Despite her initial reservations, she was flattered.

"I'll come see you tonight, baby."

"I'm in the capital," Sarah mentioned.

"I'll fly out after work."

"Why bother?" Sarah asked, though inwardly pleased.

"The thought of seeing you sets me ablaze. A plane trip is nothing compared to dying without you, honey."

"You're so sweet, darling."

"Wait for me tonight, sweetheart."

"No," she replied.

Charles' heart sank. Sarah was his last hope, and her refusal was unexpected. Desperate to avoid the Collins family's rejection, he redoubled his efforts to charm Sarah, Rowan Collins' favored daughter. As long as he secured Sarah's affections, Rowan would remain loyal. He had a particular way with women, but this time, she initially resisted. Then, surprisingly, she said, "I'll come to Kensbury City tonight. I've never been."

Thrilled, Charles exclaimed, "Seriously? You'll come? When's your flight? I'll pick you up. Honey, I miss you so much."

"Smooth talker," Sarah teased. "I'll text you the flight details after booking."

"Okay," Charles readily agreed. "Honey, let's not tell your father. He might object, and I can't bear not seeing you." This was an exaggeration.

"Dad's always busy. He won't notice," Sarah said, unaware of his true intentions. "I'll text you the flight information later."

"I'll be waiting, sweetheart."

After hanging up, Charles' expression hardened. He had no choice. He made another call. "Get some tabloid photographers to follow me tonight and take pictures."

"Got it."

A grim smile touched Charles' lips. This ensured the Collins family would protect him for Sarah's sake and their reputation. He'd preempted a crisis.

...

Hannah saw the morning news after Manuel mentioned it. The headline read: "Charles Dates Mystery Woman; Romance Goes Public!" The report showed Charles picking up a woman at the airport, taking her to his apartment, and spending the night. The next morning, he left her there. Hannah recognized Charles and, despite the disguise, Sarah Collins – the woman she despised. She hadn't expected this so soon.

A sneer touched Hannah's lips. Excellent. She could deal with Sarah, settle the score for what happened in their past lives.