Chapter 19: 1916

"Who are you claiming to be, Caroline Wells?!" Cynthia questioned, subconsciously. "How could I have such a common name? I am Wade's parent and daughter! I am Cynthia Wade, and I've been replaced by an imposter!"

Don Albertt coldly shouted, "You still dare to pretend? You've killed numerous people and bankrupted countless companies and individuals over the years. Do you have no self-awareness?"

Elaine Ma was dumbfounded.

Ten thousand thoughts raced through her mind: "What is going on? Who is this woman? Is she Charlie Wade's aunt or an international scammer?!"

"If she's Charlie Wade's aunt, why did Interpol accurately detail her prison sentence? Their information seems irrefutable."

"If she's an international scammer, why would she target me and try to have my daughter divorce Charlie Wade? And why would even someone like Donald believe she's Wade's relative?"

"Both explanations seem plausible. Either one could stand on its own…"

Don Albertt continued his tirade. "Caroline Wells, we've investigated your actions. We know why you contacted Elaine Ma. You want to use her to get revenge on the three women serving life sentences, don't you? You want to ruin Elaine Ma's family, right?"

Elaine Ma immediately recalled the three women who had harassed and tried to kill her in prison. One, a middle-aged woman with a facial scar, had claimed their arrests were Elaine Ma's fault.

Elaine Ma's suspicions shifted. Cynthia was more likely a liar.

Cynthia was stunned. "What are you talking about! I am not Caroline Wells! I am Cynthia Wade!"

Don Albertt sneered. "Still pretending? You scammers are so convincing; you sometimes forget your own lies and brainwash yourselves? Well, in that case, we’ll leave you no room. We’ve known your plan all along! You intended to use a bribe to convince Elaine Ma to persuade her daughter to divorce Charlie Wade, didn't you?!"

"What are you talking about?!" Cynthia blurted out. "The check I gave her was real!!!"

A smile played on the corner of Don Albertt's mouth, hidden by his mask.

Charlie Wade had anticipated his aunt's attempt to bribe Elaine Ma, so he'd deliberately allowed Don Albertt to discredit Cynthia. Elaine Ma's prison experience would make her highly sensitive to forged documents. Charlie Wade’s understanding of Elaine Ma was impeccable.

Elaine Ma exclaimed, "Comrade Interpol, she gave me a fake check for $100 million!"

Don Albertt nodded coldly. "Her intention was to first disrupt your daughter's marriage, then have you attempt to cash the forged check. The bank would report it, leading to your rearrest for fraud."

He paused. "You were fortunate last time. If you're imprisoned again, you won't be so lucky. You could face life imprisonment, just like those three women."

A chill ran down Elaine Ma's spine. She thought, My God! Thankfully, Mother was astute. She suspected Caroline's check was fraudulent. Mother is much cleverer than I thought! I nearly went back to prison!