Everything that was happening felt oddly coincidental, but could there truly be such a thing as coincidence?

Peter sensed that all of this somehow connected back to Charlie. With that realization, he found himself kneeling before Charlie, no longer concerned about his own dignity.

Claire, unaware of what had transpired during Peter’s phone call, was taken aback. “Peter, isn’t your company doing well? What are you talking about? Even if you’re facing bankruptcy, how does that involve Charlie?”

Still kneeling, Peter pleaded, “Claire, I’m really sorry for how I treated you earlier! I acknowledge my mistakes and I’m begging for your forgiveness. My company just informed me that one of our largest clients has terminated their contract. On top of that, the banks are demanding repayment for my loans. I’m finished… please, could you say something nice to Mr. Wade? I don’t know how I can survive otherwise!”

Claire was taken aback and replied, “I think you might be mistaken, Peter. I don’t believe Charlie has that kind of influence.”

Charlie responded calmly, “Peter, every action has its consequences. Asking me for help won’t do you any good. You need to reflect on your actions.”

With that, Charlie helped Claire into the car before getting in himself.

As Charlie drove away, Peter remained on his knees at the roadside, his expression blank.

A crowd had gathered, watching him with a mix of curiosity and shock. They began to whisper among themselves, but Peter was beyond caring.

Once a highly esteemed and successful individual, he now faced the grim reality of becoming a beggar on the streets – if he could even manage that.

In fact, he had no money and owed hundreds of millions in damages.

Suddenly, Peter’s phone rang again, and his assistant’s frantic voice came through the line.

“Mr. Murray, the loan shark has called to inform us that their interest rates will skyrocket tenfold, and they expect repayment tomorrow. If you can’t pay, they threatened to chop off your right hand…”

“Also, the landlord of our office building just called. He’s raised the rent twentyfold, and if we don’t accept, we’ll be evicted tomorrow!”

“Mr. Murray…”

Peter dropped his phone and stared blankly at the ground.

After a few moments, he suddenly shouted, “Oh my god! Who did I offend?”

Frantically, he pounded the ground with his fists and began banging his forehead against it, causing blood to flow.

Overwhelmed by the crushing weight of his situation, Peter suffered a mental breakdown. He started foaming at the mouth, his eyes rolled back in his head, and he collapsed.

…

Meanwhile, Charlie maintained a calm demeanor as he drove.

Claire, deep in thought, began to feel something was off. She turned to Charlie and asked, “What did you do to Peter? He seemed terrified of you!”

Charlie replied nonchalantly, “I didn’t do anything to him. I was just waiting for you outside. The way he is now likely stems from all the enemies he’s made throughout his life. He has no one to blame but himself!”

Though still a bit skeptical, Claire found some sense in Charlie’s words. It seemed likely that Peter had crossed paths with someone powerful, and now he was deflecting the blame onto Charlie.

Feeling a mix of frustration and indignation, she said, “Honestly, Peter is shameless. He deserves to go bankrupt!”

Charlie smiled, agreeing with her sentiment. Peter had brought this upon himself; bankruptcy seemed a fitting consequence for his actions. Otherwise, he would continue to misuse his influence over others.

Claire sighed and said, “Looks like I’ll need to find a new business partner for our collaboration.”

Hearing her words, Charlie made a mental note to tell Doris to ensure the Emgrand Group provided ample collaboration opportunities for Claire’s studio.

Upon arriving home, Claire was still discussing her studio’s future plans with Charlie.

As they entered the house, Jacob approached them, rubbing his hands together nervously. He glanced at them awkwardly before speaking. “Um… Claire, your mother wants you to return to work for Wilson Group tomorrow.”

“What?” Claire exclaimed, shock written all over her face.

Charlie frowned and asked, “Didn’t we agree to cut ties with the Wilson family?”

“Oh!” Jacob looked embarrassed and explained, “I’m not sure what’s going on with your mother, but she’s insisting that you go back to Wilson Group. So…”

Before Jacob could finish, Claire interrupted angrily, “Mom! The Wilson family mistreated my father and even tried to take Charlie’s villa from us. Why should we return to work for them?”