Chapter 471: The Game (14) – Charles's Tricks

Afternoon news on Hannah's phone announced Charles's new girlfriend: Sarah Collins, daughter of the Collins family. A secretly taken photo, depicting Sarah playfully interacting with Charles in his apartment the previous day, confirmed their relationship. Hannah stared at the image, not feeling anger, but rather impressed by Charles's cunning. He'd found refuge with the Collins family, ensuring their support once his relationship with Sarah became public. No one, she mused, could be as shrewd as Charles.

Sarah's radiant smile in the photo betrayed her complete enchantment. Hannah couldn't deny Charles's skill at captivating women; otherwise, she reasoned, her past wouldn't have been so miserable after his betrayal. Her thoughts were evident on her face; even Rose hesitated to deliver her work report. Rose, too, knew of Charles and Sarah, unsure if Hannah still harbored feelings for him. It seemed illogical, though; Oscar was undeniably superior.

Charles received a furious call from Rowan, immediately berating him about the exposed affair. The torrent of accusations left Charles deeply distressed, yet he endured it stoically.

"Charles Sawyer, I know your game. How dare you manipulate me? You leaked this at this specific time to force my hand!"

"No, Mr. Collins. My love for Sarah is genuine, as is hers. If you believe I'm unworthy, I'll leave her."

"Stop the pretense! Now that your relationship is public, will you tell everyone I'm a cruel father trying to break you up? Or that Sarah has given you her body and soul? You're ruining her future!" Rowan roared. "Charles Sawyer, I could kill you!"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Collins, but I love Sarah deeply."

"Enough!" Rowan could bear no more. The affair's exposure forced his hand; he'd initially intended to abandon Charles, but now felt constrained.

Charles waited patiently, letting Rowan cool down. Finally, Rowan conceded, "I'll give you one last chance. Ruin this, and I'll abandon you, regardless of Sarah."

"Thank you for acknowledging my love for Sarah, Mr. Collins," Charles replied smoothly, maintaining the image of a pure, unselfish love.

"Drop your fraudulent loan defense. It's a fact, and further deception will only worsen things," Rowan countered. "A family member must take responsibility, and I've chosen your father, Lee Sawyer."

Charles already anticipated this. Though Lee was unaware, using his father as a scapegoat was Charles's best escape route.

"But my father faces imprisonment for one to three years for fraud, even with compensation! He's not young…"

"Great things aren't achieved by dwelling on details. Explain the situation to your father; he'll understand what's at stake," Rowan urged impatiently.

"I understand."

"The crucial thing is returning the one billion to settle the loan; otherwise, the international e-commerce project is dead. It's vital for your family's future."

"I know. But we lack the funds. We've invested heavily in the South Bay New Town project, but there's a capital crunch. Everything's mortgaged except my father's 50% shares, and even if a bank accepted them, we're vulnerable to exploitation."

"What caused your family's downfall?" Rowan snapped.

"Hannah…"

"Stop blaming others! You're a loser!"

"Yes," Charles admitted. "It's my fault. I'll do better."

"I'm tired of your excuses!" Rowan's voice was icy. "I'll provide the one billion. This is your last chance. Fail, and I'm done."

"Thank you, Mr. Collins. I promise it's the last time," Charles responded eagerly.

"You handle this. And you're forbidden from seeing Sarah until this is resolved. My men will collect her."

"Yes," Charles mumbled, the call ending abruptly. A malevolent smile spread across his face. He'd played the Collins family perfectly. Immediately switching gears, he called Sarah. "Sarah, your father's taking you home. Don't go."

Sarah, equally reluctant after their short time together, agreed.

"Wait for me. I'll be back soon," Charles said, heading to his apartment. His plan shifted; winning Sarah Collins completely was now the best way to secure the Collins family's assistance.