Charles had little choice but to plead with Ferry, "Hey, I'll pay the money back! Please allow me a few days' leniency. I will compensate you as soon as I receive money from my wife.
Charles remembered the chest of wedding presents that the Monroes had sent. Although the Monroes eventually admitted that it was a mistake and that the items were not betrothal gifts but thank-you gifts for his loser son-in-law, Claudia never returned them to Ethan and kept them hidden somewhere. He need to find those gifts inside the house where they were hidden.
When I return, I must force Claudia to tell me where the money is concealed. Then, I'll steal half of the funds to pay Ferry Mason. This is what was playing on Charles's mind. This is his plan.
"No, you must return it to me immediately. You've already indicated in the IOU that you must return the money by midnight today! You cannot back down on your words, Mr. Reed," Ferry insisted vehemently.
What a joke. I did not lend him the money for charity. This was the moment Ferry had waited for. Because Charles could not return the money, he forced Charles to trade his daughter to satisfy the loan, allowing him to obtain what he desired. This is his ultimate plan. To toy with her daughters. Her beautiful gorgeous daughters.
Charles was exceedingly nervous, but at this point, a decent-looking man wearing the distinctive uniform of the Grand8's manager led several strong men over and said to Charles, "Charles Reed, you still owe us five and fifty grand. It's time to repay it!"
When Charles heard these words, he exclaimed in frustration and horror: "What?! Since when did I owe you $550,000? "I only borrowed $76!"
The decent-looking manager of the Grand8 replied, "It's true; you borrowed $76 thousand at first, but the interest rate is stated on the IOU." If you deny and refuse to pay the money, don't even consider leaving the club alive! This is the rule here."
The club manager raised his hand, and a muscular man stepped forward and kicked Charles in the thigh. This was only the beginning of the penalty Charles would have to pay.
Charles yelled and quickly slumped to the ground. He clutched his thigh and sobbed violently.
The individuals around him took a few steps back but showed no fear in their expressions. Instead, they all appeared to be accustomed to seeing people like this and gloating. For them, this is normal.
It was standard procedure in this gambling den to beat up anyone who did not pay their enormous debts. This is their standard policy for the unpaid debts.
Ferry scowled as he watched the situation from the side.
These people suddenly showing up to collect their debts would likely derail his plan.
Charles was now wholly horrified. He was aware of the hefty interest rate when he borrowed money. Yet he signed the papers to get the loan.
But he expected to be able to return it shortly, so he didn't take it seriously. However, he was horrified when debt collectors arrived. They need to be earlier to ask for payment! Oh my goodness!
However, he would never be able to repay $550,000!
Charles kneeled and hugged the club manager's leg. "Please, sir, give me a few more days. I vow to go to my mother-in-law immediately as I return home and reimburse you as soon as I have the money! Just allow me to go home and collect the money for my debt payment."
"You want a few days' grace?" "Do you take us for charity?"
The club manager lifted his foot and booted Charles with all his strength. Although he appeared civilized, he was incredibly vicious. Otherwise, he would not have been appointed manager of this team.
He reached down, grabbed Charles' hair, and said menacingly, "If you don't pay the money today, I'll cut both of your hands off. If you don't pay by tomorrow, your feet will also be gone. Do you understand? That is our play here that you need to follow."
Charles was so terrified that he trembled constantly and nearly wet his pants! He cannot imagine that his hands will be cut off today and his feet by tomorrow.
However, he was also aware that this was a rare opportunity. He nodded frantically. "Yes! Yes!" I will pay you back today! I promise! I will now call my daughter and ask her to deliver the money! Just give me a few minutes."
At the time, Anastasia was teaching Sophia to draw at home while Ethan watched them both with a sympathetic gaze and a smile.
Anastasia's phone started ringing, disturbing the silence in the room.
She was astonished to find out that the caller was her father. As soon as she responded, she heard his startled and impatient voice. "Anastasia! Hurry and bring money to save me! Or else I'll have my hands and feet amputated!"
Anastasia's expression changed dramatically, and she rose abruptly. Her first reaction was that her father had been taken.
Anastasia hurriedly inquired, "Where are you, Dad? "What is going on? Tell me everything."
Charles' phone was in the hands of another person, and an unfamiliar voice spoke at the other end. "You're Charles Reed's daughter, correct? You have one hour to prepare. If you do not appear with the money within an hour, his hands and feet will be severed. "Don't blame me then!" The man hung up before Anastasia could say anything.
Anastasia stopped on the spot, her face pale and her body frigid. Did she heard it correct? He's father's feet and hands will be severed? What's going on?
Ethan grabbed Anastasia's shoulders and asked, "What happened? Talk to me, Anastasia."
Anastasia clutched Ethan's wrist as if she had discovered a pillar of support. Her eyes were crimson, and she was on the edge of crying. "Ethan, my father's in trouble! That gentleman just told me my father owes the Grand8 Club several hundred thousand dollars. If we don't return the money within an hour, they'll... slice off his..."
Anastasia gritted her teeth and fell silent, aware that Sophia was still around and scared of scaring her. However, Ethan immediately understood what she meant. She doesn't need to speak another word to explain everything. Ethan is now aware of what is happening.
Such clubs were advertised as entertainment venues but were more like dirty places. If they stated they were going to cut off someone's limbs or kill them, they would do it with no second chances.
"But how does my father suddenly owe so much money? He goes out to drink and play poker. How come he owes so much money? "Ethan, do you think my father was kidnapped? I don't think he will lose such an amount." Anastasia inquired eagerly and distractedly.
Ethan comforted Anastasia by patting her back and saying, "Don't worry. Because they're asking you to pay money to the club to get him out, it shouldn't be an abduction. Leave this to me."
Ethan had already made a few assumptions. Charles had recently started going out early and arriving home late in a drunken daze daily. Sometimes, he didn't come home. Something must have happened outdoors. He was curious to know if Charles had been led there or if he'd gone on his own. However, the debt needed to be more straightforward. He needs to understand what the real deal is.
"Um, my father... w-what are we…" Anastasia was really anxious.
Ethan comforted her. "Do not panic. Stay at home with Sophia. I will go have a look. "