Chapter 310: Extortion
Emily took a deep breath and addressed Zoey's parents. "Regarding Zoey's case, the police have a complete investigation report. If you don't believe it, you can check with the police station. If you think their investigation was flawed, you can also file a lawsuit against me in court. But causing a scene here won't solve anything."
Zoey's father, Soren King, sneered coldly. "How can poor people like us fight wealthy and powerful folks like you in court? You've got money and influence—how could we possibly win against you? We came here today to let everyone know your true face! Emily Johnson is a murderer!"
Soren's wife, Remy Porter, chimed in with her shouting. "That's right! Let everyone know! Emily killed my daughter! You're a murderer!"
As she spoke, she pulled out a photograph from her purse and held it high above her head.
The photo showed a young woman—it was Zoey.
"Everyone, look! This is my daughter Zoey! She was only twenty years old! And Emily killed her! God will punish her for this!"
People around them began taking photos and recording videos.
Kate grew agitated and wanted to snatch the photo away, but Emily stopped her.
"Emily, this is slander!" Kate's eyes reddened with anger.
"I know, but we can't use force. If we do, we'll be in the wrong even though we're not," Emily said quietly.
She turned to Zoey's parents, her voice remaining calm. "What is it that you want?"
Soren and Remy exchanged glances, a flash of greed flickering in their eyes.
"We want compensation! You have to compensate us!"
Remy added, "That's right! Compensation! Five million dollars! Not a penny less!"
The crowd gasped in shock.
"Five million dollars? Isn't that way too much?"
"So they're here to extort money after all."
"Still, their daughter died, so asking for compensation seems normal, right?"
"Normal my ass! Ms. Johnson didn't kill her, so why should she pay anything?"
Emily looked at them, her gaze turning cold. "If Zoey really died because of me, I'd pay not just five million, but fifty million dollars. But the fact is, she committed suicide out of guilt. It has nothing to do with me. I won't pay you a single cent."
Soren's face turned purple with rage. "You're abusing your power! Think money makes you untouchable? My daughter is dead, and you don't have an ounce of sympathy?"
Remy started wailing again. "Everyone look! This is what rich people are really like! She killed my daughter, and now she's slandering her memory!"
Kate couldn't hold back anymore and shouted, "Stop putting on this act! When Zoey was at boot camp, you constantly called her demanding money, never caring about her wellbeing! Now that she's dead, you just want to cash in!"
Remy shrieked, "You're lying! How could we not care about Zoey? We worked so hard to raise her, and now she's dead—don't we deserve compensation?"
Soren also yelled, "That's right! Do you know how much money and effort we spent raising her? Now she's dead—I've lost my child, I've lost my world! Emily, you have to pay today! If you don't, we'll come here every day and make sure everyone knows you're a murderer!"
Looking at their greedy faces, Emily felt a wave of sadness wash over her.
With parents like these, no wonder Zoey's heart had turned so dark.
"I won't pay you anything. If you continue causing a disturbance here, I'll call the police."
Soren laughed coldly. "Call the police? We're not afraid! Our daughter is dead—we're the victims here! The cops can't arrest us for that!"
Remy joined in, "That's right! We're not scared!"
Just then, Charles emerged from the elevator.
He'd heard about the commotion downstairs and immediately came down.
Seeing Charles, Zoey's parents hesitated for a moment, but then steeled themselves again.
"Perfect timing, Mr. Windsor!" Soren said. "Your wife killed my daughter Zoey, and we demand a reasonable explanation and compensation!"
Charles walked over to Emily's side, took her hand, and stared coldly at the couple. "Zoey's case has already been thoroughly investigated by the police. If you continue causing trouble here, I'll sue you for disturbing the peace and defamation."
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable authority.
Everyone around them fell silent.
Zoey's parents felt somewhat intimidated, but thinking about that five million dollars, they mustered their courage again.
"Go ahead and sue!" Remy shouted. "We're not afraid! Our precious daughter Zoey is dead—what do we have to fear anymore?"
Soren added, "That's right! We're not afraid of anything! You, rich people, think you can bully us poor folks—well, it's not happening!"
Charles's gaze grew even colder. "Since you're not afraid, then expect to receive a cease and desist letter."
He turned to the security guards. "Escort them out. If they refuse to leave, call the police."
"Yes, Mr. Windsor." The security guards immediately stepped forward.
Seeing the situation turning against them, Zoey's parents started wailing again.
"Rich people are bullying the poor! Everyone, come and see!"
But this time, the crowd wasn't buying it.
"Alright, alright, stop the act."
"Obviously just here to extort money."
"Ms. Johnson has been patient enough—I would've called the cops ages ago."
"Just leave already, stop embarrassing yourselves here."
The security guards escorted the couple out, their cries gradually fading away.
Charles addressed the remaining crowd. "The matter has been resolved. Everyone can disperse now. Regarding today's incident, I hope no one spreads false information, or Windsor Group will pursue legal action."
The crowd dispersed.
Charles squeezed Emily's hand. "Emily, are you alright?"
Emily shook her head. "I'm fine. Just... a bit sad."
"Sad about what?"
"Sad that Zoey had parents like that, and sad that... she might really have been silenced by someone."
Kate walked over, still fuming. "Emily, you shouldn't have stopped me earlier! I really wanted to punch them!"
Emily smiled bitterly. "Kate, violence won't solve anything. Besides, they are Zoey's parents after all—despicable as they are, they're also pitiable."
"Pitiable? They don't give a damn about whether Zoey lived or died—they only care about money. When Zoey was at boot camp, they constantly called demanding money, claiming the family was struggling and telling Zoey to find ways to get cash. Part of the reason Zoey turned out the way she did was because of them."
Charles frowned. "This incident isn't that simple. Zoey's parents showing up to cause trouble suddenly—there might be someone pulling the strings behind the scenes."
Emily nodded. "I think so too. Zoey's case happened so long ago—why are they only making a fuss now? And how did they even know I work at Windsor Group?"
Kate's eyes lit up. "Emily, you're saying... someone incited them?"
"Very likely. Someone wants to use her death to come after me."