Chapter 472: The Game (15) – The Tragic Fate of Lee

Charles rushed home, only to find Sarah in a foul mood. Her impending return home had angered her; she sat silently, sulking. Charles immediately attempted to pamper and cheer her, showering her with attention. But Sarah remained unaffected. Spoiled since childhood, she was impervious to appeasement when her will was thwarted, even by her father. Charles knew this well; he'd once striven to win her affection. Seeing that sweet words failed, he lifted her from the sofa and carried her to their bed.

Sarah, accustomed since childhood to people fawning over her, especially when she was unhappy, had grown weary of such insincerity. For Charles, the only recourse was to conquer her in bed. Initially, Sarah showed little enthusiasm, but soon succumbed to temptation and found pleasure in their intimacy. Only Charles held sway over her.

Afterward, nestled against his chest, she murmured sweetly, "You're bad!"

Charles inwardly sneered. Sarah was a scheming woman, feigning innocence while secretly craving male attention—a fact that had facilitated his conquest.

"I couldn't control myself when I saw your face... I'm sorry to have hurt you," he said, feigning guilt.

Sarah pretended anger. "I won't speak to you if you hurt me again," she declared.

"I won't. I promise to control myself next time," Charles swore, knowing he would act even more fiercely next time, for he knew she loved his intensity.

Sarah remained in bed until a phone call from her father summoned her. She left with the waiting driver, Charles' red-rimmed eyes betraying his reluctance to see her go. Their parting was bittersweet; Sarah didn't want to leave either, whispering, "Come get me when everything is settled."

"Sure," Charles nodded. "Wait for me."

"I will."

He watched her leave, following her to the car and even walking alongside it for a few steps as it pulled away, his desperation palpable. Sarah, deeply moved, wept.

Once the car was out of sight, Charles' face hardened. A sneer played on his lips. No woman, except Hannah, had escaped his charm—a fact that soured his mood. He drove to the lockup.

Calling Leon, he asked, "Have you secured the guarantor and stayed the trial for my father?"

"No, sir, but his release is expected today."

"Stop it," Charles commanded.

"Sir?"

"Do as I say."

"...Yes, sir."

Charles hung up, disturbed. His father was his only option, and he didn't want him imprisoned. He pulled over near the lockup and went to see Lee.

His father was in solitary confinement, in poor condition but free from conflict. Lee, expecting his release, greeted him with displeasure. "Why are you so late? I can't stay here!"

Before Lee could leave, a police officer locked the door. Lee's face registered shock. "What's going on?"

"You need to stay here for now, Dad."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"I negotiated with Rowan. He'll give us one billion in exchange for someone taking the fall. He needs this resolved, it's public knowledge. We have to fix this."

"What do you mean?" Lee was agitated.

"I mean you masterminded the fraudulent loan application with the fake real estate certificate. No one else knows but you."

"Are you crazy? You want me to go to jail?" Lee raged.

"You have to take the blame if we want a future for the company. I considered Martina, but she can't manage a relationship with Phillips Bank. It wouldn't make sense. Besides, you signed the loan agreement!"

"Charles, you planned this, didn't you? To have me take the fall if you failed!" Lee felt betrayed.

"Dad, this is the only option for our family. It's not easy to regain the Collins family's trust, and I don't want this to jeopardize the business. You need to understand what's at stake. I'm sorry, but my lawyer says you'll be released in a few years with good behavior. I'll compensate the bank."

Lee was furious, unable to accept it despite knowing it was the best course. The thought of being known as a disgraced head of the Sawyer family was unbearable.

"Don't worry, I'll build the company. You'll see our success when you're free!"

Lee sneered. His fate was sealed. Charles, needing to handle the Sawyer Group's public relations crisis to secure the international e-commerce project and recoup the losses, left without another word. Lee, watching him go, seethed with rage. His son had orchestrated his downfall—a bitter and shameful end to his life.