Chapter 553: Ask for a Divorce

Sarah glared at Charles, her desperation palpable. Charles knew he had irrevocably alienated her, his lies exposed.

"Why didn't you let me tell my father? Why?" Sarah demanded, furious at his interference in her quest for revenge. "Was it because of Hannah? You still love her, so you don't want her to die? Charles, you've been lying to me from the beginning! I'll divorce you! I'm leaving for the capital immediately!" She was beside herself.

She should have known his love was a pretense. His affection for her was a sham; he would have remained with Hannah if not for the scandal. She had fallen victim to his deceptions. Martina had been right: she was no match for Hannah in any aspect, overshadowed by her in every way, a fact she now bitterly acknowledged.

"No!" Charles denied it instantly. He hated Hannah in that moment, trapped by the fallout from Sarah's miscarriage. His feelings for Hannah were pure hatred. He realized Hannah had been playing them against each other, and his rage was barely contained. He had to maintain composure, however, lest the Collins family learn of the miscarriage before Oscar's sentencing. He needed to preserve their trust.

"It had nothing to do with Hannah," he said, carefully choosing his words. "I don't think she's capable of something like that. Don't overthink it."

"Charles, how can you be so sure without investigating?" Sarah pressed.

"I know Hannah well."

"Really? Then why are you so conflicted? Charles, are you deceiving yourself or simply lying to me?"

"I'll find out," Charles said. "I swear I'll kill her if she did it."

Sarah scoffed. "God knows how long that will take. I don't need you to do that. I just want my father!"

"Stop it," Charles said impatiently. "Leave it to me. You need to rest."

"Charles!" Sarah protested.

"You'll know what I'm doing, I'm doing it for you," Charles said, adopting a falsely sweet tone, regardless of her belief.

At that moment, Sarah's phone rang. Charles visibly tensed.

"Let go of me! I have to answer the phone!" Sarah cried.

Charles winked at Martina. Martina took the phone, glancing at it. "It's Sarah's father."

"Let me answer the phone!" Sarah shouted.

But Charles prevented her, snatching the phone and leaving the room. Sarah tried to follow, but Martina held her down.

"Behave yourself, bitch. Do as Charles said!" Martina commanded.

"Let go of me! Martina! Let go!" Sarah screamed, hysterical.

Martina smiled coldly. They were estranged; she no longer felt obligated to appease her. With a sharp snap, Martina slapped Sarah.

"Shut the hell up, or I'll kill you!"

Sarah's face contorted in pain.

Outside, Charles took a deep breath before answering the phone. "Father," he began.

"Where's Sarah?" Rowan asked.

"She's asleep," Charles replied.

"Asleep? I heard Sarah was in a car accident. How is she?" Rowan's concern was evident.

"Yes, we're at the hospital. But don't worry, Father. It was minor. No one's injured. Sarah's fine, just frightened. I've put her to bed. I'll take good care of her."

"Charles, this is crucial. You know what will happen if you fail."

"Yes, Father. Don't worry. I love her dearly."

"Don't let her down. Take care of her."

"Sure," Charles replied.

"When's the next hearing?" Rowan asked.

"It's next Monday. Oscar will be sentenced, regardless of his tricks."

"No more mistakes. I've spoken to Melvin. Tell the judge not to be too harsh. Make it reasonable, or Melvin won't intervene."

"Got it."

"Fine. Rest now. Take care of Sarah."

"OK."

Charles was relieved the miscarriage hadn't been revealed; if Rowan learned of it, he would be ruined. Returning to the ward, he found Sarah and Martina fighting. He pulled Martina away. Sarah seized the opportunity to slap her repeatedly.

"Fuck you, bitch!" Sarah screamed.

Martina fought back.

"Enough!" Charles roared.

"She slapped me!" Martina cried, furious.

"I'll fucking kill you!" Sarah retaliated, continuing her assault.

Martina, enraged, lashed out.

"I said enough!" Charles shouted, forcefully pushing Martina to the floor. Tears welled in her eyes, as she stared at her brother in disbelief.

"Apologize to Sarah," he commanded, maintaining his facade of a devoted husband.

"No way!" Martina refused.

"I don't need it," Sarah said defiantly. "I'm disappointed in you and your family, Charles! I'm leaving for the Capital now! I'll divorce you! Wait for my lawyer's call!"