Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 428: Checkmate

Chapter 428: Checkmate

"That bastard!" Saul grunted. He still couldn’t believe what he had just heard from William. For years... this lie had gone unnoticed! For twenty-four years!

"We assume Carla was aware of this, it’s the only explanation for why she would be willing to poison Aunt Summer and put her in a coma," William continued.

Saul crumpled the papers as tears fell from his eyes. Carla... He was in a whirlwind of emotions right now. He loved Carla, but this... How could she do something like this, especially to his daughter, Summer, who loved her dearly? He could have spared her if she hadn’t hurt Summer and had also been a victim, even though she was Tim’s child. But she had been colluding with Tim all these years or at the very least, since she found out the truth.

"I guess Tim’s blood runs deep in her... for choosing him and hurting our family like this in the end," Saul weakly uttered.

"We hesitated to tell you all this so soon because of your health, but Uncle Arlan decided it’s best that you don’t stay in the dark, knowing how determined you would be to protect Carla," William hummed.

Saul simply nodded in understanding. He was still at a loss for words after learning the truth like this.

"I have good news, though. We believe Aunt Summer can come back to us soon. The doctors are now formulating an antidote for the drugs keeping her in a coma. I know this is a lot, but you have to stay strong. Get well soon, and focus on the fact that Aunt Summer will recover and that your real granddaughter is safe. Let us handle everything on our end," William informed him at length.

After a few more discussions with the President and William explaining their plans, he immediately left to allow the elderly man to get proper rest.

The President’s assistant walked him outside, and before getting into the car, William said, "If the media starts pressing you once things become chaotic, just tell them that you will let the prosecution handle everything. Let the President focus on his health and his duty to the country. Uncle Arlan will soon release a press conference, and you can direct the media to the Lancasters for details."

"I understand," the assistant said with a curt bow.

William then got into his car and drove back to his office. He was honestly drained, but he wasn’t willing to stop until everything was wrapped up. His brother, Alexander, was returning today to take over the major aspects of the case, and William wanted to ensure everything was in proper order before his arrival.

As he drove away from the White House premises, he shook his head at the sight of reporters crowding almost every exit. Carla’s case had become a global sensation due to her public status and the high-profile names connected to her, including the President and the Field Marshal of the country.

He was still on the road when he received a call from the detention center.

"Carla’s manager visited her just a while ago. They just talked, and he whispered something to Carla."

William frowned. He had instructed his men to closely monitor whoever visited Carla and to double-check that any visitor wouldn’t bring anything except their presence. Even Carla’s meals were strictly checked and tested.

It was because he knew well how cunning Tim could be...

"They hugged and..." his man on the other line hesitated.

"Dammit, just say it!" he complained, annoyed.

"Well, they are kissing..."

William’s grip on the steering wheel tightened as his frown deepened. Something about this didn’t sit right with him. A kiss? In the middle of a high-security detention center?

"Keep an eye on her," he ordered. "Check the cameras. Make sure there was no exchange of anything, no pills, no notes, nothing."

"Already on it, sir," his man responded. "But... the way she acted after he left was odd. She looked too calm. Almost... smug."

William’s unease only grew. He knew Carla was manipulative, but this felt different.

"Fuck! Stop that kiss and have someone check her mouth right now! I’ll be there soon," he muttered before ending the call and stepping on the gas.

******

"Take the drug, and it will make you fall into a coma. He’ll handle the rest and keep you safe..." That was what Renzo whispered before his lips crashed onto hers.

Carla barely had time to react before she felt the capsule slip into her mouth, transferred seamlessly through the kiss. Her pulse pounded, but she didn’t hesitate... she tilted her head back and swallowed it dry.

She would do anything just to get out of that damn detention.

Just then, a police guard rushed toward them.

"Stop!"

The sharp command cut through the air, but it was too late. She already swallowed the capsule.

The guard seized Carla, gripping her jaw as they pried her mouth open to inspect. But Carla only smirked, her eyes glinting with mockery.

"Hey, bitch," she sneered. "How dare you touch me?"

The guard’s grip tightened as she forcefully tilted Carla’s head to the side, scanning for any remnants of the capsule.

"What did you just swallow?" the officer demanded, her voice sharp with urgency.

Carla let out a breathy chuckle, her expression filled with twisted amusement. "Oh, wouldn’t you like to know?" She licked her lips, eyes flicking toward Renzo, who had already taken a step back, feigning innocence.

"I said don’t touch me!" Carla jerked back violently, making it look as if she were being assaulted.

Two more officers stormed in. "Restrain her!" the guard barked.

"No, please don’t hurt me!" Carla shrieked, her voice trembling as she darted behind Renzo, clutching his arm like a lifeline. She pressed herself against his back, using him as a shield, her body shaking as if she were terrified.

The officers froze, their expressions shifting from suspicion to unease.

"Please... I don’t want to be hurt... I didn’t do anything wrong!" she whimpered louder, peeking out from behind Renzo with wide, glassy eyes.

She was enjoying this, seeing the hesitation in their eyes, the way they glanced at each other uncertainly. She had missed this... acting, manipulating, controlling the scene.

She swallowed again, over and over, ensuring the drug dissolved completely into her system. She just needed more time. The longer they hesitated, the better.

Renzo stood still, his jaw tight, his hand twitching slightly at his side. But he didn’t shake her off.

One of the officers took a cautious step forward. "Enough of this. Move away from him."

Two officers grabbed Carla by the arms but before they could do anything else, Carla’s body suddenly wavered. A cold sweat broke across her forehead, her limbs trembling as the drug took effect faster than she had expected.

Her vision blurred. Her breath hitched.

"Shit!" one of the guards cursed. "She’s going down! Get a medic in here, now!"

Carla’s smirk didn’t waver, even as her knees buckled and the world tilted around her. She collapsed into their hold, her last coherent thought filled with satisfaction.

Checkmate.

Renzo’s eyes welled up as he stared at Carla’s unconscious form. His heart pounded violently in his chest.

More guards stormed in, grabbing him by the arms, forcing him down, but he didn’t resist. His gaze remained locked on Carla.

She looked so fragile lying there, so helpless.

His breath hitched.

He would do anything for Carla... anything.

Even if it meant destroying