The scene hit like a tidal wave, overwhelming in its intensity. Charles''s foot instinctively eased off the gas pedal, causing the car to noticeably slow down. Sandy noticed this and felt a flicker of hope. Deep down, she knew her father loved her. He couldn''t possibly leave her behind. Seeing her love for him, seeing her hurt trying to catch up, surely he would be heartbroken.


    Sandy''s hopes, once dashed, were rekindled. Even though Charlie was his biological daughter and was now gone, Sandy was alive. She wasn''t his by blood, but she knew how to charm him, to say all the right things. What could Charlie possibly do topete with that?


    Though utterly exhausted, Sandy found a new reserve of strength. She crawled with every ounce of will she had toward the car, tears streaming down her face. She ignored the sting of her scraped hands and knees, focusing solely on closing the gap between her and Charles''s car.


    "Daddy... look at Sandy... Sandy hurts so much... Daddy..." she cried, inching closer. The distance between them slowly shrank.


    Charles could clearly see the injuries on Sandy''s hands and feet-raw, bleeding abrasions that were hard to ignore. Sandy couldn''t see his face, but she was sure he was watching her, tears pouring down her cheeks as she reached out like a wounded bird seeking protection.


    Sandy felt every ounce of pain, but she knew that without appearing pitiful, her father wouldn''t soften. It was always the same: her mother would make her fall ill or get hurt, and only then would her father show concern. Sandy knew how well this tactic worked on Charles, so she endured the pain. If it meant he would forgive her this time, it was worth it.


    Inside the car, Charles''s emotions were a whirlwind. Over the years, his affection for Sandy had been genuine. He truly cared for her. Sandy was sweet and attentive, always knowing how to make him smile.


    If he hadn''t truly cared, he wouldn''t have stayed involved with her after discovering Dahlia wasn''t Debbie.


    These feelings made it difficult et


    see he crying, chasing the car, and injured. He couldn''t deny the stir of emotions. But the moment he nced at the little charm with Charlie''s name, it all vanished.


    The scene he had just witnessed reyed in his mind. Toward Sandy, all that remained was a cold indifference. How could he feel sorry for someone who had cursed Charlie so viciously? She didn''t deserve his sympathy.


    What he saw and heard was undeniable His past affection and defense of Sandy now filled him with regret and self-disgust. Knowing her true nature, if he still showed her any leniency, how could he face Charlie''s memory?


    Charles''s face hardened, his heart freezing over. He could pity anyone, but not Dahlia and her daughter. Any softness made him despise himself. Even a trace of sympathy felt like a sin.


    the car. Instead, he


    He didn''t stop the


    pressed the gas pedal, the car regaining speed and quickly


    widening the distance from Sandy. Her cries faded into the background. The car soon sped past Greenfield Rose Estate. Once out of the neighborhood, Charles elerated even more, disappearing into the night.


    Left behind, Sandy no longer had the strength to chase. Shey on the ground, watching Charles drive away, her body growing colder, panic and helplessness filling her eyes.