Chapter 252
This is textbook emotional blackmail!” I declared, staring directly at the trio kneeling before me, putting on their little performance.
My life had been filled with too many experiences to be fooled by such obvious manipulation.
Since childhood, I had tasted both the sweetness and bitterness this world had to offer.
I had learned through difficult circumstances not to accept moral coercion from anyone–especially not from these shameless people who claimed to be my family.
Scarlett and David’s intentions were perfectly clear. They just wanted to extort more money from me. Nothing more, nothing less.
Even if I had millions at my disposal, I wouldn’t give a single cent to these beasts who barely qualified as human.
“Let me make something perfectly clear,” I announced, my voice cutting through the now–silent crowd. “I don’t care what any of you think of me. Your opinions mean absolutely nothing to me, so
you can’t manipulate me!”
My words sliced through the air like a blade. I stood tall, shoulders squared, eyes blazing with
intensity as I glared at everyone present.
The power in my demeanor was unmistakable–I was no longer that frightened little girl Scarlett had abandoned in the mountains.
Under my piercing gaze, the previously vocal onlookers fell silent. They exchanged uncomfortable glances, some still pointing and whispering, but no one dared to directly challenge me anymore.
Honestly, I couldn’t care less about their judgment. When your inner strength is sufficient, other people’s opinions cease to matter.
If you live constantly concerned with others‘ perceptions, your own identity has no place to exist. What a miserable life that would be./
Ignoring the whispers and pointing fingers, I turned my attention back to the three pathetic figures still kneeling on the ground. My eyes held nothing but contempt.
ing with
“Allow me to formally introduce this lovely family to everyone!” I announced, my tone di sarcasm. “This woman, Mrs. Hernandez, lost her husband–my father–years ago. After his death, she found this man.” I pointed at David with disgust. “And because he didn’t want the burden of raising someone else’s child, my dear mother abandoned me.”
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I looked directly at Scarlett, my gaze unwavering, “While they legally held custody, they never fulfilled any parental obligations.”
Scarlett’s face contorted with anger, but I wasn’t finished.
“Mrs. Hernandez, shall we discuss the transfer records? Would you like me to show everyone exactly how much money I’ve given you over the years? Aren’t you perfectly aware of the amount? If not two hundred thousand, it’s been at least one hundred and eighty thousand dollars!”
After the last time Scarlett caused a scene at my workplace, I had meticulously compiled all my transfer records. I was prepared for this exact scenario.
“If anyone here doubts me, I can post every single transaction online. You can verify them one by
one,”
My words had the intended effect. The entire crowd fell silent. Those who had been judging me moments before couldn’t even meet my eyes now. They were consumed by some kind of shame.
The man who had been my harshest critic suddenly turned his anger toward Scarlett and her family.
“Unbelievable!” he shouted, pointing accusingly at them. “You’re absolutely shameless! This young woman has been sending you money all along, yet you publicly accuse her of being unfilial? When you abandoned her, did you ever imagine this day would come? Divine justice exists–parasites like you deserve to be nailed to a pillar of shame!”
Another bystander joined in: “You used our good intentions, manipulated us into attacking an innocent young woman! Is this something a human being would do? You’re nothing but vermin! The world would be better off if you died sooner rather than later!”
“What kind of mother are you?” a woman shouted at Scarlett. “Your daughter was truly unfortunate to be born to someone like you!”
The tide of public opinion shifted dramatically. Everyone who had gathered to watch now rallied behind me, condemning my so–called family.
David, seeing the situation deteriorating, struggled to his feet, preparing to flee.
Daniel grabbed his arm, halting him.
“Dad, we haven’t gotten the money yet!” he hissed urgently. “How am I supposed to find a wife without money? Do you want our family line to end with me?”
In Daniel’s mind, this was all my fault. If I hadn’t severed ties with my family, he might have already met Henry by now. For someone as wealthy as Henry Harding, four hundred thousand dollars would be pocket change–practically insignificant.
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Henry could easily give four hundred thousand without blinking an eye.
Scarlett felt the same way–they couldn’t leave yet. She clutched David’s shirt, holding him in place. “Don’t go. Wait a little longer!”
After preventing David from leaving, she reached into her purse and pulled out a photograph, holding it up high enough for me to see clearly.
“Sophia, do you recognize who this is?” she asked triumphantly.
The photo showed Harper Davis. I recognized her immediately, and my heart nearly stopped beating.
“What have you done to Mrs. Davis?” I demanded, my voice tight with sudden anxiety.
Logically, Harper should still be in the ICU, scheduled to transfer to a regular ward in two days. How did Scarlett get this photo?
Seeing my panicked expression, Scarlett’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. “Want to know what happened to the old hag? Give me two hundred thousand first. Otherwise, there’s nothing to
discuss.”
The crowd had already identified these people for what they were, but their shamelessness had reached such extremes that even public condemnation seemed ineffective now.
Noticing my distress, Scarlett grew even more smug, waving the photo tauntingly. “Call Henry. He’s loaded—giving your brother a little money would be like plucking a single hair from his body.”
Her eyes gleamed with greed. “Once you do that, I’ll tell you what happened to the old woman.”
People like Scarlett were like toxic adhesive–once they stuck to someone, misery followed. As her daughter, I couldn’t escape her.
But Henry was different. He had no obligation to deal with such vile people. Besides, given our current relationship, there was absolutely no reason to call him or involve him in this mess.
“I refuse!” I stated firmly. “Let me make this clear: I don’t have money to give you, and I won’t sacrifice myself for you either! If you continue causing a scene here, I’m calling the police and having you all arrested!”
Seeing that I wouldn’t yield to either threats or emotional manipulation, David grew desperate. This ungrateful daughter was actually threatening to call the police?
If I wouldn’t acknowledge any familial bonds, then he had no reason to show restraint either.
As I pulled out my phone to call the police, David lunged behind me. In a flash of movement, he pulled a gleaming knife from his waistband and pressed it against my throat.
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“Sophia,” he growled into my car, “what’s it going to be your money or your life?”
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