Chapter 347 Personal Appraisal
Phoenix was getting anxious. She stepped forward and protested, "Mr. Russell, this is an official report from a reputable agency. How can you not believe it? Emma, she..."
"Enough!" Charles cut her off sharply. "Phoenix, I know exactly what you're up to. You don't have any evidence to prove this report is genuine. You kidnapped Lucas, and now you bring this out. What are you trying to do?"
Phoenix was intimidated by Charles' imposing presence and stammered, "I just want what's best for the Russell family."
Charles scoffed, "It's ridiculous. You kidnapped Lucas, almost got George killed, and now you're trying to sow discord. Is this your idea of what's best for the family?"
Scarlett, seeing the situation, started to panic.
She hadn't told Charles about Phoenix's actions. How did he know?
She knew about the abandoned factory because Phoenix had messaged her, but what about Charles?
Suddenly, Scarlett remembered seeing a group of bodyguards behind George when she went to the factory. She had assumed they were George's, but now that she thought about it, the lead bodyguard looked familiar, like one of Charles' twelve personal guards!
But hadn't Charles dismissed them? Could they still be working for him in secret?
Damn it, Charles must have a backup plan!
He had a backup plan but didn't use it, letting them suffer in this tiny house of just a few thousand square feet.
Charles, you were so cruel.
If you didn't care about me, didn't blame me for not holding back!
Scarlett snapped out of her reverie. "Dad, but this report..."
Charles raised his hand to stop her. "This matter ends here. When George returns, I'll handle it personally. As for you, Phoenix, from today on, you're not allowed to enter our house again!"
Charles then turned to Scarlett. "Stay out of Emma and Lucas' business. I trust her, and I believe Lucas is a Russell."
Scarlett's face twisted with rage. She stood up abruptly and shouted at Charles, "You damn bastard! Are you crazy? Phoenix is doing this for the good of the family, and you kick her out? Are you bewitched by that slut Emma?"
Charles' face darkened, and he glared at Scarlett. "Jack, you need to talk to your wife. This behavior is unacceptable!"
George's father, Jack Russell, stood by, looking uncomfortable.
He glanced at Scarlett, then at Charles, and finally spoke coldly, "Dad, I think Scarlett is right. You're getting old! That Emma is nothing but trouble!"
Scarlett, emboldened by Jack's support, continued, "Exactly! Charles, are you deliberately making things hard for the family? I know you have money and people. How could someone as shrewd as you not have a backup plan? But you let us suffer in this dump. You're heartless!"
Scarlett dropped all pretense and started cursing Charles directly.
Jack didn't stop her, watching Charles get humiliated with a hint of satisfaction. After all, Charles hadn't let him run the company.
When Jack came of age, eager to take over the family business, Charles had refused, saying he lacked business acumen.
Not only that, but Charles also forced him into a business marriage with a woman of his choosing.
Jack refused!
He couldn't control his career, but he would choose his own love!
So he married Scarlett, the woman he loved most.
He thought such a wonderful woman would win Charles' favor, but Charles despised him and Scarlett, even after she bore George. Charles maintained only a facade of politeness.
As George grew, Charles valued him more, while Jack felt increasingly left out in the family.
George was too smart, too talented, and the Russell Group thrived under his leadership.
Jack even felt a twinge of jealousy towards George.
But now, George had fallen because of a woman.
At this moment, Jack felt a secret joy. He thought, 'See, Charles' judgment isn't infallible. George has failed, and now the family will have to rely on me, Jack!'
Charles saw Jack's expression and knew what his son was thinking. Rage surged through him. "Are you trying to drive me crazy?"
"Drive me crazy? If you really cared about us, you would have used your resources! Stop pretending to be so noble!" Scarlett sneered.
Charles felt a wave of dizziness and almost collapsed. He clutched his chest, his face livid.
Just then, the door burst open, and George rushed in with Lucas. Seeing the scene, George quickly supported Charles. "Grandpa, are you okay?"
Lucas ran over and grabbed Charles' hand, his little face full of worry. "Great-grandpa, don't be mad. Daddy and I are here!"
Charles' expression softened slightly when he saw them. "George, take me away. I can't stay here anymore."
George nodded and helped Charles towards the door.
As they reached the door, Charles stopped and looked back at Scarlett and Jack. "Since you think I'm old and useless, I'll get out of your way. From today, I'll live in a retirement home. Take care of yourselves."
As George helped Charles to the door, Phoenix rushed up, her face full of a fawning smile. "George, you're finally back! I was too impulsive before and did things I shouldn't have. But I had my reasons. Can you forgive me? I really know I was wrong!"
George gave her a cold look, his eyes devoid of warmth. "Get lost."
George didn't want to waste another word. Was Phoenix out of her mind from spending too much time with Scarlett? She had schemed against him and kidnapped his children.
Now she thought a simple apology would make everything right?
Was she joking?
George couldn't help but think of Emma and Seraphine. Though Emma insisted Seraphine was Michael's, he didn't believe it. He knew Seraphine was his daughter!
She must have been conceived that night he forced himself on Emma before she faked her death.
She must be!
And the fact that Emma chose to have Seraphine meant she still had feelings for him!
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