Chapter 476: The Game (19) Revenge Herself

The Sawyer Group's loss of half its shares left it vulnerable to takeover. Charles couldn't afford to lose his family's legacy. His worry grew with each passing moment; he was unsure how to protect both the company and his own interests.

"Charles," Hannah said, a complacent smile playing on her lips, "I don't want to cause you undue hardship, considering our long acquaintance. You have three days to decide. If you can't repay the debt, I'll pursue legal action."

Charles's fists clenched, his body rigid with barely suppressed rage. Hannah's amusement at his distress was palpable. He'd believed his alliance with Sarah and the Collins family would provide sufficient protection, but Hannah's actions proved otherwise. The three-day reprieve wasn't an act of kindness; it was a calculated extension of his suffering. His destruction would be a mercy compared to this prolonged torment.

Turning to Edward, Hannah said, "Edward, apologies for the interruption. I must leave."

"Let me give you a ride," Edward offered kindly, silently hoping Susan would learn from Hannah's composure. He felt a profound disappointment in Susan's frivolous nature, recognizing Hannah's superior demeanor and suitability as a daughter.

"Thank you, Edward," Hannah replied with a friendly smile, the stark contrast to her earlier demeanor leaving Charles utterly bewildered. He was struck by her newfound air of pride and dominance. What had happened to her?

As Hannah exited, Edward sighed, watching her go. "To marry such a woman would be a man's greatest blessing."

Charles's resentment simmered. Had his scandal not been exposed, he would have married her, and Oscar would have missed out on his unexpected fortune. Edward's interruption brought him back to the present. "Shall we continue?" Edward asked, smiling.

Charles hesitated. He refused to pay, yet failure to settle the two billion debt was inevitable. Gritting his teeth, he agreed to pay Phillips Bank. He left the room, seething with anger.

At the entrance, a throng of journalists surrounded him. He recalled the media attention surrounding his attempts to rectify his loan fraud. However, burdened by the two-billion debt to the Cooper Group and the imminent collapse of his family business, he had no energy for public relations. He brushed past them.

"Mr. Sawyer," one journalist shouted, "it's said you owe the Cooper Group two billion, and Hannah just demanded repayment!"

Charles glared at his bewildered assistant. He should have bribed the journalists, he realized.

"Hannah mentioned the two-billion debt to the Cooper Group," the journalists pressed, "and hopes you'll settle it after paying Phillips Bank."

Charles, trembling with fury, clenched his fists. Hannah! Again! She was deliberately sabotaging him, ensuring a barrage of questions he couldn't answer. He pressed on, ignoring them.

"Mr. Sawyer!" the journalists persisted.

Charles, finally losing control, shoved a journalist to the ground. The crowd erupted in chaos. He stormed past them, his gentlemanly facade shattered, his face livid with rage. Back in his car, Rowan called.

Rowan's disappointment was evident. "I'll consider the one billion a lesson," he stated flatly. "Leave Sarah alone, Charles. If you approach her again, I'll cripple you. I mean it." He hung up before Charles could respond.

In a fit of rage, Charles smashed his phone against the car window. Silence descended upon the two senior executives. He yearned to destroy Hannah. She had pushed him to the brink.

Meanwhile, at Phillips Bank, Henry watched Charles's humiliation from the conference room window. He'd once relied on Charles for advancement, but now saw his vulnerability under Hannah's assault. He decided to sever ties before Charles's downfall dragged him down. Manuel became his new target.

…

Breaking news headlines flashed: "Sawyer Facing Financial Crisis Amid Two-Billion Debt." "Gentleman Charles Assaults Journalist." "Sawyer Group's E-commerce Stagnates; Bills Group Ends Partnership."

Hannah smiled, reviewing the negative news. The image of Charles's enraged face fueled her satisfaction. Revenge was sweet.