Chapter 579
Chapter 579:
Gabriela’s answer was as swift as a gunshot. “One hundred million p>
She knew that for families like the Mosses and the Howards, a hundred million was a figure that stung, but would not cripple them.
Lauren’s gaze sharpened the moment the figure left Gabriela’s lips. To her, the woman standing there wasn’t brave—just a greedy little vulture.
Her tone dripped with contempt. “A hundred million dollars. And then you’ll drop this p>
𝗥𝖾𝗮d 𝘵𝗁𝗲 𝘭𝘢𝗍e𝘀𝘁 𝗍𝗿eո𝗱𝘀 o𝗇 𝗴а𝗹ո𝘰𝘷𝖾𝗅ѕ.𝗰𝗼m
Gabriela’s laugh was cold, slicing through the tension. “Of course not. You’ll also make sure Rebecca stays out of my life. Because if she so much as breathes in my direction, this evidence goes public.” Her voice did not waver. “I know you have money and power—the kind of influence that can crush people without a second thought. But I’ve got nothing to lose. No parents. No family. So if you think I won’t burn with the match I’m holding, try me p>
Her words rang out like steel on marble, but deep down, Gabriela’s pulse hammered.
She couldn’t truly afford to antagonize them, not with Truett in her life.
Still, she clung to the one truth she knew: people like the Howards hated scandals more than anything.
Matthew flinched at the words “No parents.” Something cold and unsettling coiled in his chest, a possibility he didn’t dare name. It left a bitter sting at the back of his throat.
Lauren, meanwhile, wore her disdain like a crown, but her eyes flickered with unease. This woman was dangerous.
“Fine,” Lauren said at last, her voice tight with reluctant authority. “You’ll have your money. Now hand over the evidence p>
“Not so fast.” Gabriela shook her head, her tone razor-sharp. “I don’t trust people like you. Wealthy, powerful, and utterly untrustworthy. The evidence stays with me. As long as Rebecca keeps her distance, it never sees the light of day p>
Lauren’s eyes narrowed, calculating. She wanted to push back, to cut the demand in half, anything to make this sting less.
One hundred million for nothing burned her pride like acid.
Before she could speak, Matthew cut in. “You’ll get the money. Give me your account number,” he said, his voice softer now. “I’ll have the transfer made immediately p>
Rage painted Rebecca’s cheeks crimson.
Her voice pitched high, sharp with disbelief. “Gabriela, you haven’t even been hurt, and you want a hundred million? That’s ridiculous p>
She whirled toward Matthew, frantic. “Dad, please, don’t! This is insane. It was just a harmless scare, barely anything happened. Why should she get a hundred million for that p>
Gabriela’s brow arched, her silence laced with mockery, while Rebecca trembled with frustration, still convinced she held the upper hand.
After all, even if Gabriela went to the police, what could they really do?
A fine? Maybe a warning. Nothing more.
“Shut up!” Matthew snapped. His glare bore into Rebecca, sharp enough to strip her to the bone. “Haven’t you humiliated this family enough? Not another word p>
Rebecca finally fell silent, not daring to protest further.
Moments later, Gabriela’s phone chimed. The transfer was complete.
Without another glance, she turned on her heel and walked out, Tyler falling into step beside her.
She was almost at the gates when Matthew’s voice rang out behind her.
“Miss Haynes p>
Gabriela stopped and turned slightly, her expression guarded.
“Mr. Howard,” she said evenly, “is there something else p>