Chapter 180

Two days later, the hospital reported that Deborah's death was not natural. After a few days in the morgue, her body showed unusual dark purple livor mortis. The autopsy revealed she died from asphyxiation.

All fingers pointed at Charlie.

Isabella was eating when she heard the news. She felt sick and threw up everything she had eaten. She couldn't believe Charlie would kill his own mother, Deborah!

Nina's divorce was finalized, and Sebastian produced the $80,000 IOU that Charlie owed Casino No. 1. With infidelity, Deborah's murder, and gambling debts, Charlie was in deep trouble.

But when the police arrived, Charlie had already fled! Vanessa was missing too.

Zaire's people had been watching Vanessa for over two weeks but still lost her.

That evening, everyone gathered to discuss.

"With Charlie and Vanessa missing, we can't be sure they won't retaliate. Nina and Isabella are in the most danger," Zaire said. "I've increased security around Nina. Charles and Sebastian have arranged security around Isabella's villa. Don't worry."

"But for safety, it's best if you don't go out."

Nina stood up slowly. "I know Charlie. He's scared and won't come out. You can protect us for a while, but not forever. As long as Charlie isn't caught, the danger will always be there."

Everyone fell silent. They couldn't guard forever. Charlie wouldn't come out while things were tense. If he stayed hidden, he'd always be a threat.

Sebastian said, "I agree with Nina."

Zaire frowned. "I agree too, but Charlie knows the whole city is after him. He won't fall for a trap."

"He will!" Nina said firmly. "I have a way to lure him out!"

It snowed all night, and the temperature dropped. The weather forecast warned of the first cold wave of the year.

The basement was freezing. Vanessa, dressed thinly and wrapped in a man's coat, was still cold.

Footsteps approached, and the lock turned. Vanessa looked at the door, hoping it wasn't Charlie.

The key turned, and Charlie walked in. Vanessa slumped down.

"Damn, it's really coming down out there!" Charlie cursed, taking off his snow-covered hat. He pulled a sweet potato from his pocket and tossed it to Vanessa. "Eat."

Vanessa picked it up and frowned. "Sweet potato again? I'm sick of eating it every day!"

Charlie glared at her. "You know our situation. Be grateful you have anything to eat. I risked getting caught to buy this. If I get caught, it's over!"

Vanessa threw the sweet potato aside in anger. "If you hadn't dragged me here, I wouldn't be suffering like this!"

She had a new place lined up after her lease at Pine Hill Residences ended. It was spacious, bright, with heating, hot water, and a bustling mall downstairs. But before she could move, Charlie dragged her here.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. She tried to leave, but the door was locked.

Charlie caught up, grabbed her collar, and slapped her. Vanessa stumbled and fell, her coat slipping off to reveal her thin, bruised body. She was only wearing pajamas when Charlie dragged her out in the middle of the night.

She had asked to go back several times. Charlie had killed someone, but what did that have to do with her? She didn't want to stay in this dirty, smelly basement with him!

At first, Charlie coaxed her gently. Later, he got impatient and started hitting her. Once he started, he didn't stop. After hitting her, he'd apologize and slap himself.

Vanessa had seen Charlie's terrifying side and learned to be obedient. She tried to pick the lock a few times when he went out for food, but he always caught her. He locked three locks from the outside, so she couldn't escape unless he allowed it.

Being locked in this dark place for days had taken a toll on Vanessa's mental state, and she finally broke down. Charlie didn't coddle her, punching her a few times. When she was silent, he picked her up and threw her on the bed. He picked up the sweet potato, wiped it off, and handed it to her again. "Eat. As long as you're willing to share my hardships, I won't let you starve."

Vanessa hugged her knees, her body aching, unable to cry. When the sweet potato touched her lips, she turned her face away. Charlie grabbed her face and shoved the sweet potato into her mouth. Her struggle was futile, and she ended up with a mouthful of sweet potato.

At that moment, a news bulletin appeared on the TV. "Breaking entertainment news: the Jose Group has found their long-lost daughter and will hold a banquet for her in three days. The grand event is already being meticulously prepared."

Vanessa stared at the TV, eyes wide in disbelief. She pushed Charlie's hand away, unable to speak with her mouth full of sweet potato. She pointed at the TV, making muffled sounds and tearing up from choking.

"What is it? Why are you so surprised?" Charlie turned around.

The news was still on. The host was revealing some details, and Charlie was staring at the small screen. Even though the face in the photo was pixelated, he recognized it immediately. It was Nina!