The Sacrifice

The Sacrifice: chapter 2

Charles was momentarily stunned, then shook his head. It must be that Charlotte saw it wrong. The death certificate of that woman was something he had witnessed himself.

He picked up the scattered luggage and briskly walked towards the exit, Charlotte hurriedly catching up, persistently talking into Charles's ear, "Brother, please believe me! I'm not lying. She looks exactly like Sister-in-law."

Ignoring her, Charles handed the suitcase to the driver, opened the back door, efficiently helped her into the car, and then got in from the other side.

Observing from a corner, Sandra finally breathed a sigh of relief as Charles Robert's car drove away.

On the side, Harry caught up with her mother. Panting, he leaned against the wall. He found his mother really strange; wasn't it normal to encounter familiar faces in their hometown?

It wasn't until he followed his mother's gaze and saw the man who looked like an enlarged version of himself that he also froze!

That uncle looked exactly like him.

"Mommy, who were those two just now? Why did you avoid them?" Harry finally had the chance to voice his confusion.

"Bad people, they used to bully Mommy. Remember! In the future, when you encounter those two, stay far away, you hear?" Sandra turned around, earnestly instructing Harry.

"But..."

Nothing to worry about, just listen to Mommy, alright?" Sandra interrupted Harry.

Her son had been exceptionally clever since he was little, wise beyond his years. She truly feared he might ask questions she couldn't answer.

"Okay!" Harry casually replied to his mother's words.

Deep down, he was secretly thinking: No rush! He would investigate it himself. Once he and his mother settled down, he would clarify the relationships around her. Such trivial matters wouldn't be difficult for him!

Seeing Harry not pressing further, Sandra, holding her son's hand, hailed a taxi and headed towards the once-happy community where she used to live with her mother.

On the other side, Charles escorted his sister, Charlotte, back to the villa, instructing the driver to head straight to the company.

As he walked, Charles pondered over Charlotte's words. Although he had firmly believed that Sandra had died five years ago, an inexplicable restlessness lingered in his heart.

Descending the elevator with determined strides, Charles, in order to dispel his doubts, immediately summoned his assistant, Tom Ryan, upon returning to the office.

With a deep and magnetic voice, he commanded, "Investigate whether there was a woman named Sandra Robert who died during childbirth at the Life Care Hospital five years ago!"

Charles's tone was cold, devoid of warmth, and his handsome face was shrouded in an unshakeable gloom.

Could it be? Did that woman truly not die but played a trick on him?

The thought of being played by a woman sent a chill through him, and his icy expression turned frosty, seemingly lowering the air pressure around.

Assistant Tom Ryan stared at the CEO in astonishment.

Wasn't the young madam supposed to have died in childbirth five years ago? He remembered the CEO's unwavering belief back then. Why investigate now, after all these years?

Could it be that something happened to the CEO today?

Yes Sir," Tom replied, setting aside his doubts.

Charles approached the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the rising skyscrapers outside, perfectly aligned like soldiers, while the bustling crowd below resembled ants on the move.

His handsome face remained cold, devoid of any warmth.

Suddenly, a smirk played on his lips.

Sandra, I'd like to see if you have the courage for this!

......

Shortly after, Assistant Tom Ryan knocked and entered. Standing respectfully beside Charles, he reported:

"CEO, I just checked. Indeed, there was a woman named Sandra Robert who died in childbirth at the hospital back then."

At these words, even Charles himself didn't realize that his gaze instantly darkened, and an inexplicable sense of loss crept into his heart.

Seeing the CEO's unsettling expression, Tom silently cursed himself for not controlling his breath.

Hastily, he added, "However, when I showed them a photo of the young madam, they shook their heads, saying it wasn't her. I double-checked, and they insisted that no such beautiful woman had sought treatment at their hospital in recent years, let alone in a special case like childbirth-related death!"

As the words fell, Charles's sharp eyes mercilessly glanced at Tom, and his icy tone cut through the air, "Report like this again, and you'll be sent to mine in Gateville."

At these words, Tom Ryan couldn't help but shiver, feeling a wave of post-fright.

Joking aside, Gateville was a desolate and barren desert where nothing grew. Going there would be akin to a fate worse than death.

He remembered the CEO's former assistant, punished to spend a year there for making mistakes. In that time, the person turned as dark as a lump of coal. When he saw him again, he almost didn't recognize him.

Just the thought sent shivers down his spine. Tom Ryan nodded cautiously and replied, "Yes."

After speaking, he quickly exited the room.

Alone in the vast office, Charles was consumed by anger. His sharply defined face now bore a mask of cunning.

Indeed, he had been played by Sandra!

This woman was audacious beyond belief. How hadn't he noticed her daring nature before?

Charles sneered. There was one thing he could be sure of—this woman was in deep trouble!

………

After settling her son, Sandra decided to visit her mother's grave.

Seeing her son peacefully napping after lunch, she securely wrapped herself up and stepped out. Passing by a flower shop, she bought a bouquet of lilies, her mother's favorite, and arrived at her mother's grave with an uneasy heart.

Looking at the overgrown weeds around, Sandra felt a sense of discomfort. Her ruthless father had driven her mother and her out of the house because of that woman and her daughter. If it weren't for her mother saving Charles's grandmother's life, she might not have known how they would be tormented now.

Regaining her composure, Sandra's eyes welled with tears. With a "thump," she knelt down, continuously murmuring, "Mother, your daughter has been unfilial. I haven't been able to visit you these past years."

As Sandra repented and kowtowed, she shared her struggles and promised to bring her son, Harry, to pay respects next time.

After clearing the surrounding weeds, she bid farewell to her mother, preparing to head back home.

Suddenly, several men wearing black uniforms and sunglasses approached her. Sensing trouble, Sandra was about to turn and run when more identically dressed men appeared behind her.

"Miss, could you come with us, please?" Tom Ryan removed his sunglasses, offering a polite smile.

Looking at the familiar face of Tom, Sandra's expression turned desolate. Despite her carefulness, she had been exposed.

What kind of people are you? Why should I go with you?" Sandra regained her composure, feigning calmness.

"Madam, please come with us. We're a group of rough men, afraid we might accidentally hurt you," Tom said emotionlessly.

Internally, he mourned for the lady in front of him. After all, she managed to play the CEO like a puppet—a feat unprecedented in history.

I'm sorry, but you've got the wrong person," Sandra attempted a last-ditch struggle.

In jest, if she fell into Charles's hands, she'd likely be skinned alive! With Harry to protect, she certainly didn't want an untimely demise!

As the words fell, Sandra attempted to leave, only to be directly blocked by one of the black-clad men.

"Madam, we don't mind escorting you more forcefully if needed. We just hope you won't mind," Tom said casually.

With no other options, she reluctantly gave up resistance and walked in the midst of the group, surrounded by them.

Escorted into a luxurious car by a group of strong bodyguards, Sandra soon arrived at their destination.

Looking at the unfamiliar yet opulent mansion, she felt a twinge of confusion. How did she not know about this villa of Charles's before? But considering her timid and humble nature back then, it was normal not to inquire about such things.

Tom Ryan led the way, and she was given a push forward, stumbling as she walked.

Upon reaching the second-floor study, everyone's footsteps came to a halt. Tom Ryan knocked on the door, and a low, magnetic voice from inside signaled them to enter.

Tom Ryan opened the door, gesturing for Sandra to go in.

Hearing the familiar voice, Jones Sandra felt goosebumps all over her body.

This is it! It seems she's about to meet her end. She clung to the door, unwilling to go inside.

At that moment, someone forcefully pushed her. She stumbled and fell to the ground, ending up in a kneeling position directly in front of Charles Robert.

Angry, she glanced back, only to find no one there, just a cold, imposing door.

Turning back with a face full of resentment, Sandra noticed Charles sitting in a black rocking chair. He seamlessly blended with his black suit, exuding an air of noble arrogance.

From the moment Sandra entered in this unconventional way, his gaze remained fixed on her face.

"Is this your way of seeking forgiveness?" The man looked down at the woman before him with a disdainful attitude, a hint of mockery playing on his lips.

Seeing his arrogant and haughty demeanor, Sandra's anger surged instantly.

She stood up from the ground, clapped her knees, and spoke firmly, "Seek forgiveness? What nonsense! If I committed a crime, the police should handle it. No need for Mr Robert to bother.

"But speaking of crimes, Mr Robert, isn't this illegal detention?" Frustrated, Sandra shouted angrily at Charles, expressing her protest with a contorted expression.

This man had been extremely indifferent to her five years ago, always adopting a condescending attitude. Even now, though they were practically strangers, he still treated her as if she owed him millions.

However, the current Sandra was not the same as the meek and powerless one from before. Now a mother, she had to bravely stand up and say no to the evils of capitalism!Charles looked at the infuriated Sandra, a cold smirk playing on his lips.

Is she playing the victim now? Did she forget what she did to him?

Hmph! She used to be as obedient and dull as a puppet, utterly uninteresting.Little did he expect her to be a prickly little hedgehog now! Was she pretending all along when they were together?

Charles suddenly stood up, approaching Sandra step by step, looking down on the small woman before him.

"Sandra, don't play games with me. How do you justify scheming against me five years ago and faking your death to escape responsibility?" Charles spoke with icy detachment.