Chapter 338 Escape
Sunny, the fluffy little cat, was sprawled out on Sterling's lap, snoozing away.
Its tiny body rose and fell gently with each breath, occasionally making soft little noises, a sign of its contentment and comfort.
Sterling's hand tenderly stroked Sunny's back, each touch filled with warmth and affection.
His movements were so gentle, as if he feared disturbing the tranquility, or maybe he was conveying some unspoken emotion through Sunny.
This scene was something that would have been impossible in the past.
After Bella left, Sterling's world seemed to lose its color, everything becoming dull and lifeless.
In his sorrow and pain, he developed an unprecedented fondness for Sunny.
It wasn't just because of Sunny's cuteness and docility, but also because it was a little life that Bella had once loved, a testament to his deep affection for her.
Sterling's gaze shifted to the window again, where the Windsor Villa looked even more serene and mysterious in the night.
His phone, lying beside him, suddenly buzzed, the screen lighting up with a new message.
Sterling picked it up, his eyes quickly scanning the text, a barely noticeable smile tugging at his lips.
He swiftly replied: [Get back to work at the store tomorrow. Do your job well and don't let any guy get close to her.]
After sending the message, he gently set the phone down and looked back out at the night, a wave of indescribable emotions washing over him—deep longing for Bella and a strong sense of determination.
Sterling knew that even though the distance between them seemed to grow, his care and protection for Bella had never waned.
He sighed softly, carefully placing Sunny on a soft chair. Sunny remained in its dreamland, showing no signs of waking. Sterling smiled lightly and headed downstairs.
Zoey had already set the table with a variety of delicious dishes, all of Bella's favorites, but Sterling sat alone, the scene feeling somewhat lonely.
He picked up his utensils and silently tasted each dish, his mind filled with countless thoughts.
Just then, Owen stood behind him, reporting in a low voice, "Mr. Windsor, Caleb has fled the country. Finding him might be quite challenging."
Sterling paused, his brow furrowing.
Caleb had finally chosen to run.
But Sterling knew that Caleb's escape wouldn't end things; it might actually cause more trouble.
He set down his utensils, pondering for a moment before saying, "Owen, immediately arrange for increased security. Also, contact international intelligence agencies. We must track Caleb down. As long as he's out there, I won't have peace."
Owen nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He knew Sterling's decision was wise and necessary.
Caleb's escape posed a significant threat to the Windsor family, and they needed to find him quickly to eliminate this danger.
Sterling picked up his utensils again but found he had lost his appetite.
"I've been too lenient," Sterling said quietly. "I shouldn't have given him the chance to escape. Every time I think about dealing with him once and for all, my father's words on his deathbed echo in my mind, telling me to spare that illegitimate son. But the truth is, he's been courting death, repeatedly crossing my line. Owen, what do you think? What should I do?"
Owen lowered his eyes, deep in thought, before slowly replying, "If he had done nothing from the start, Mr. Windsor, you could have spared him. Everyone deserves a chance to change. But now, his actions have been malicious and relentless, showing no signs of restraint. In this situation, you don't need to hold back. Your father's wishes are important, but you also have to consider the future of the Windsor family."
"Mr. Windsor, I know this is difficult for you. Your father's last words are significant, but so are the future of the Windsor family and your safety. Caleb's actions have crossed the line, harming not just you but also the family's reputation and interests."
"So, Mr. Windsor, do what you need to do. I'll support you fully and ensure that the Windsor family remains unaffected by Caleb's actions."
Sterling nodded, a hint of resolve in his voice. "Thank you, Owen. I know what I need to do."
In the days following Bella's departure, Sterling initiated a series of actions against Caleb.
These actions, both overt and covert, aimed to gradually dismantle Caleb's financial base and influence.
Using his business acumen and resources, Sterling conducted thorough investigations into Caleb's companies.
He uncovered operational flaws and weaknesses, including evidence of drug trafficking, and used market fluctuations and policy changes to strategically target these companies.
Caleb's businesses began to falter, with plummeting performance and low employee morale.
Simultaneously, Sterling employed various tactics to erode Caleb's standing and influence in the industry.
He forged alliances with companies competing against Caleb, collectively resisting Caleb's business expansion.
Ultimately, under the combined pressure from Sterling and law enforcement, Caleb's companies went bankrupt one after another.
In despair, Caleb sold off all his assets for a meager sum to fund his escape abroad.
During this period when Caleb was temporarily unable to make a comeback, Sterling knew he couldn't let his guard down.
He had to ensure the Windsor family remained firmly at the pinnacle of the business world, leaving Caleb no chance for retaliation.
Meanwhile, Bella and Anna, having completed a major order on the 2nd, decided to take a break.
On the eighth day of the new year, Bella and Anna decided to officially reopen their store, but they still slept in until eight and leisurely headed to the store at ten.
They thought they would be the first to arrive, but to their surprise, Lily was already there, having cleaned the place until it sparkled, the floor so spotless it reflected their images.
"Lily, why are you here so early? You should be resting during the New Year," Bella said, feeling a bit guilty.
Lily looked up with a warm smile. "It's no problem. I'm used to getting up early. Plus, the store needs cleaning and preparation. If I come early, I can start work sooner and give you both a bit more rest."
Anna walked over and patted Lily on the shoulder. "You're amazing, Lily. But don't overwork yourself. Make sure to take breaks, or you'll wear yourself out."
Lily nodded.
Under Lily's lead, the three of them got busy.
They organized the shelves, arranged the merchandise, and cleaned the store, preparing to welcome a new day of customers.
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