Chapter 46
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
She swipes it again. The robotic voice keeps repeating: “Your card has been deactivated p>
“That’s impossible p>
Gemma’s eyes go wide.
The couple glances at me, relief flooding their faces. “Thank god you stopped us. Otherwise we’d have nothing and that animal would walk free p>
Gemma’s face flushes red. She yanks at her hair, flustered, and dials Hayes.
A young guy’s voice comes through the speaker:
“Mom, you still not done? Dad and I are starving here. Those hairy crabs we just got are gonna go bad if you don’t hurry up. You’re taking forever p>
“Did those broke-ass people try to squeeze more money out of you? Fuck. They really saw their chance, huh p>
“Put your father on. Now p>
Then I hear the voice-HIS voice.
My fists clench so tight my nails dig into my palms. My heart’s bleeding out.
After a brief talk, Gemma hangs up, smug again:
“You’ll get your money. Just later. So go ahead and sign p>
But this time, the couple shakes their heads firmly.
“We’re not signing. We’ve made up our minds. That monster needs to pay for what he did p>
The mother wipes her tears, her voice breaking:
“Why is it that my daughter’s fighting for her life while that bastard is talking about eating fresh hairy crabs p>
“Yeah, we’re not rich, but my daughter is a HUMAN BEING too! She’s our whole world p>
Every word hits me like a hammer to the chest.
I also want to scream the same thing-Why?! Why do they think having money gives them the right to shit all over people p>
I squeeze the mother’s shoulder gently. “Don’t worry about the medical bills p>
Gemma snorts:
“Fine. You want to play hardball? My lawyer’s on his way. When he gets here, you’ll get nothing. Your kids can DIE waiting p>
Even the teachers chime in:
“Look, just take the money while Ms. Serling’s still offering. You really believe this woman’s crazy talk? When your kids need treatment and there’s no money, her empty promises won’t mean shit. You’ll ruin their futures p>
19:40
You Traded Our Son for Her? Your ‘Happy Ending Just Crashed, Asshole!
Chapter 3
The mother’s shaking with rage:
“I’ve never seen that much blood in my entire life-and it was all pouring out of my daughter p>
“Do you have any idea how that felt? Can you even begin to understand a mother’s rage p>
Her eyes lock on Gemma, bloodshot and wild with fury:
“That monster’s gonna pay. BLOOD FOR BLOOD p>
As she speaks, I see the same images flashing in my head.
Swallowing my tears feels like swallowing razors.
Just then, a polished-looking man in glasses knocks on the door.
“You must be Barrett Lyle, Apex’s top legal counsel.” Gemma lights up:
She quickly shoots us a triumphant look. “My lawyer’s here. My son won’t face any consequences. And you won’t see a dime p>
The couple’s fists clench. They glare at the man.
I glance over and smirk coldly. “Is that so p>
My people should be here any minute now.
The man addresses Gemma:
“I’m here on behalf of Mr. Hayes. But I’m not Mr. Lyle-he’s legendary, of course. Though I’ve heard he only takes orders from the real boss of Apex Holdings. But don’t worry. Aside from him, I can handle anyone p>
Gemma nods, satisfied, and immediately pulls out her phone. “Cut off medical funding for those three girls in critical condition. All of them p>
Then her eyes lock on mine. “Now you can’t sign even if you want to p>
The couple’s faces twist with fury and fear.
“Honey… our baby’s not really gonna die, right p>
Gemma laughs like a maniac. “Oh, now you’re scared p>
The ass-kissing teachers pile on:
“Big talk earlier, huh? Now the lawyer’s here, medical bills cut off, and suddenly you’re quiet p>
“Poor people. All bark, no bite. Can’t tell what actually matters. Their pride’s worth jackshit p>
Gemma turns to the lawyer, grinning: “Your name please p>
“Avalon Zane”
“Ok, Mr. Zane. I don’t just want my son to walk free. I want THEM to pay US p>
“After all, my son’s Porsche got damaged. Even a scratch costs a hundred grand to fix p>
Mr. Zane pauses for a second. “Difficult. But doable. Leave it to me, Mrs. Serling p>
19:40
You Traded Our Son for Her? Your ‘Happy’ Ending Just Crashed. Asshole!
35.19%
Chapter 3
The mother’s eyes go wide with tears. She slaps her thigh, walling:
“Is there no justice left in this world p>
Gemma points at me, sneering:
“Blame her. You idiots believed her. You deserve this p>
Then she steps right up to me, smirking with pure arrogance:
“Because of you, your daughter and those two other girls are as good as dead. Hope they don’t get reborn into families as pathetic as yours next
time p>
“Now-better start planning funeral for your useless brat p>
I stare straight into her eyes. “I’d rather plan your son’s p>
As I finished, Gemma laughs so hard tears stream down her face:
“Holy shit, I’ve actually met a real psycho today! Where the hell does your confidence even come from? You’re still talking big p>
“My husband just said he’s coming over. He’s bringing Barrett Lyle with him! Together with Mr. Zane, my son’s gonna walk free and you’re all gonna be fucking bankrupt p>
My smile is ice-cold. “Perfect p>
Just then, the sound of heavy, synchronized footsteps echoes down the hallway.
Seconds later, dozens of men in black suits come jogging in, hauling enormous cases.
They line up and snap the cases open in perfect unison.
Stacks and stacks of crisp pink bills fill every case.
Twenty million dollars.
In cash.
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Mark Twain