Chapter 68
Chapter 68
Leah looked Ian in the eyes, nodded, and then shook her head. “How’s it possible? How can Charlie know Sasha?”
Leah had a theory but was unsure whether to share it with him. However, Ian appeared to have anticipated Leah’s thoughts. He frowned and paused before responding, “So you suspect that they staged the drowning incident ten years ago? Charlie had also planned to adopt you so that Sasha can be the White family’s daughter.”
Leah pursed her lips and sighed. “Although I don’t have any evidence now and it’s all based on my speculation, I think that this is too much of a coincidence.”
Ian wore a solemn expression as he tried to piece together the information. He tried to examine the matter from Leah’s perspective and realized that it made perfect sense. However, he refused to believe that it was the truth. After all, he had known Sasha since the Sanders family relocated next to the White family. He was fourteen years old back then, while Sasha was twelve. He initially thought that the latter was a timid girl. He soon realized, however, that she was an innocent, albeit a little spoiled, child. Ian had always treated her like a sister and did not believe she was capable of such deception.
“It’s all right. I don’t want to put you in a difficult position.” Leah sighed when she noticed Ian’s agonized frown. “This is just my speculation. I don’t have any evidence now. Perhaps I may have been wrong about Sasha.”
“No, something must be amiss for you to derive that assumption. Don’t worry, I’ll help you get to the bottom of the matter,” Ian assured.
“Thank you, Ian,” Leah said sincerely. In response, the man grinned. He was, however, visibly tired.
“I noticed that you have been up early and returning late at night. Did something happen?” Leah asked with a concerned look.
Ian shook his head and sighed. “It’s nothing serious. It’s just that ever since we brought Ron back to the Sanders family, he has been playing around all day long. I have been helping my father to run the company. He made a mistake and the Sanders family is now trying to salvage the situation.”
“What?” Leah frowned as she was reminded of Ron’s drunk state last night. She wondered, was he feeling troubled by this matter too? After regaining her senses, Leah probed, “What happened?”
Ian let out a sigh as he could finally have an outlet to vent his frustration and destress. He had been carrying the burden all by himself and was feeling exhausted. Hence, he explained, “Ron has a childhood sweetheart called Izzy. He offended some men and they kidnapped Izzy to take revenge. In the end, the poor girl was raped and killed. It was a serious matter and Izzy’s parents blamed it on Ron. They wanted him to atone for his mistake.”
Leah’s expression turned sullen as she thought to herself, why did this happen? I remembered that Ron was calling Izzy’s name when he held onto my hand in his sleep last night.
Ian said bitterly, “I have been at Izzy’s house these few days to settle the matter. Her family does not want monetary compensation. All they want is to send Ron to prison. I’m out of my wits.”
“How about Ron? What are his plans?” Leah inquired.
Ian replied, “As you can see, he has been using alcohol to numb himself. It’s clear that he doesn’t care about the matter.”
Leah continued, “Has the people who harmed Izzy been caught?” This is from NôvelDrama.Org.
Ian shook his head and said, “Nope. Things would not be so complicated if those perpetrators are caught. Her parents are now pinning all the blame on Ron.”
Leah asked quizzically, “Why weren’t they caught? Given the gravity of the matter, it should be taken seriously.”
Ian’s expression darkened as he explained, “There’s a powerful force behind them. It’s not as simple as it seems. The matter is becoming complicated. There are two ways to resolve this issue. First, Ron gives up his life to atone for his mistakes. Second, get hold of the culprits responsible for the kidnap. However…” The man lowered his head and continued dejectedly, “Both are difficult to accomplish.”
Leah sighed as she understood that they were facing a difficult problem. She could not do anything to help them either.
Leah thought to herself, if Han was dealing with this situation… That’s right! Han will definitely be able to think of a solution!
After having been married to Han for three years, Leah knew that he was a capable man. His abilities were far greater than they seemed. In fact, he had some power and control in the underground world. The episode at Euphoria Land previously was proof of his power.
Leah suggested, “Maybe you can ask Han for help. He should be able to think of a solution.” Ian cast a side-eye at her and his expression darkened.
After speaking to Ian for a while, Leah decided to head back to the White residence. Jane was exhilarated to learn of her return, but she was concerned by Leah’s pale looks. “Why do you look so troubled, Sarah?”
“Am I? It could be the flu.” Leah tried to think of an excuse.
“Is it serious? Do you want to go to the hospital for a check-up?” Jane asked worriedly.
“There’s no need to as I’m almost recovered. I’m still feeling weak. I should be fine after resting for a few days.” Leah tried her best to give an assuring smile.
Just then, Sasha skipped merrily into the house, humming a tune. Her smile froze when she saw Leah. However, she quickly regained her composure and gave a forceful smile. “You are back, Sarah.”
Leah felt uncomfortable after seeing Sasha’s fake smile. After the incident with Shyanne, she was averse to whoever gave similar smiles. Moreover, she was still unclear about Sasha’s relationship with Charlie.
Jane glared at Sasha and questioned, “Where were you? You were missing for the entire day.”
“Please forgive me, Mum.” Sasha walked toward the woman and clung to her arm. “Oh yes, I have something to tell you guys.”
Jane asked, “What is it?”
“The Lamere family has invited us to their engagement party. They called in the morning but I have forgotten to notify you about it when I left home.” Sasha giggled and stole a glance at Leah.
“Engagement party? Whose engagement is it?” Leah asked with a stunned expression.
Sasha said with a smug, “It’s Han and Molly’s engagement of course. It’s happening this weekend. Oh yes, Molly said that Sarah should attend the event. Will you be going, Sarah?”
Leah clutched her fist as she thought to herself, this day has finally come.
“It’s all right if you don’t want to attend, Sarah,” Jane reassured Leah while displaying concern.
“But Molly specified that Sarah should attend the event. If she’s not going… will it be a little disrespectful?” Sasha asked, clearly overjoyed that Leah was put in a difficult position.
Leah took a deep breath before replying, “All right, I’ll attend.” She thought inwardly, Molly just wants to humiliate me. Now that she knows of my identity, there’s no way she will let me off so easily.