Chapter 35: Pushed to the Edge
Charlotte froze. Maria, pale and trembling, said, "They saved him, but he's in bad shape! Charlotte, please help me find a way to visit him! His health has always been fragile, and this setback is overwhelming for him!"
Maria covered her face and started sobbing.
Charlotte's mind was in turmoil. She couldn't believe her strong, mountain-like father would attempt suicide. He seemed fine the last time she saw him. She immediately called Michael, begging him to let them see William.
Michael had also received the news and was about to discuss it with Charlotte. He asked her to come to his office.
Charlotte comforted Maria, and they hurried to the office. Michael looked serious.
He made several phone calls in front of Charlotte and Maria. Finally, he put down the phone and shook his head. "He's stable, but he can't be bailed out. He has to receive medical treatment in prison."
Due to Oliver, Michael added gently, "Charlotte, your father's case involves the Cooper Group. Maybe you should talk to Mr. Cooper and see if there's anything that can be done."
Ethan!
Charlotte closed her eyes in pain. She should have guessed it was Ethan. He had done so many terrible things just to force her back to him.
But how could she go back?
If she became Ethan's mistress, her father would be furious even if he got out of jail. But if she didn't give in, what would happen to her father and Maria? Would their family really be destroyed?
Charlotte sat there, dazed.
Michael, feeling a bit sorry for her, handed her a glass of water and said softly, "Maybe you should talk to Frederick. I heard from Oliver that you two have been close lately."
Charlotte felt a sharp pain in her heart.
That pain was deep and constant.
Michael continued in a gentle tone, "Frederick isn't that heartless. The other day, he had taken..."
He suddenly remembered Frederick's instructions and stopped himself from saying more.
What if Frederick changed his mind? He didn't want to give Charlotte false hope.
Charlotte nodded at his suggestion.
As she left, she hesitated to call Frederick. She had just turned him down last night. Would he even want to talk to her now if she called for help?
Charlotte wasn't sure.
But for her father's sake, she gathered her courage and dialed. The call didn't go through; Frederick's phone was off.
Charlotte felt a wave of despair. She could hardly face Maria.
Where was Maria?
Charlotte thought Maria had gone to the restroom. She looked around but couldn't find her.
Feeling uneasy, she called Maria's phone, murmuring, "Please, pick up."
The phone rang, but no one answered.
Suddenly, Charlotte realized something. She ran to the elevator, frantically pressing the button. As she stood in the enclosed elevator, she was trembling all over.
Maria, please, don't do anything rash.
Charlotte was a step too late. When she reached the Cooper Group's CEO office, it was a mess inside.
Ethan was leaning against the desk, clutching his abdomen, blood seeping through his fingers.
The scene was horrifying!
Maria was holding a knife tightly, muttering something that Charlotte couldn't make out.
Charlotte called out in a trembling voice, "Maria!"
Maria spoke, "I killed Ethan. Now he won't hurt William or you anymore. Charlotte, I told you he wasn't right for you."
Charlotte's face was covered in tears.
She gently hugged Maria, choking back sobs, "Maria, don't be afraid. I'm here!"
Ethan, clutching his wound, blood dripping down, pushed Gemma away as she tried to bandage him. He looked at Charlotte and asked, "Can't you see I'm bleeding? Charlotte, do you not care if I live or die?"
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