Jason was stunned. He had been a bit irrational in his anger. Now, he realized they hadn't even met Henry yet, so why prepare 2 million?
Besides the household money, Jason had his own stash, far exceeding what Avery knew.
He realized Avery was taking advantage of him!
It made sense. If he had financial or professional difficulties, Avery would support him without hesitation.
But this was about a relationship issue, with someone holding blackmail material. She would seize the opportunity to control his finances and, by extension, him.
"Honey," Jason smiled, "We haven't even met Henry yet. How do you know he'll ask for 2 million?
Besides, that's the price for Erick's life. Do you think Henry would kill for money?"
Avery explained, "It depends on luck. He might help us for free or ask for more and still not solve the problem.
Since you're asking me to handle this urgent matter, I need to be fully prepared.
If he doesn't want money but tests our generosity, we might need his help in the future.
If we haggle over this, he might think we're too small-minded, and money alone won't solve it."
Jason agreed. Even if Avery's real motive was to find out how much money he had, she couldn't appear stingy to Henry.
If Henry asked for 2 million and they couldn't pay, he might think they were too small-minded and unreliable.
Erick was desperate and dangerous, looking to eliminate Henry. Henry might not help them if he was in danger himself.
If they had more time, they could wait for Erick and Henry to weaken each other.
But Erick needed the 1 million today. Kevin and Ruby had made it clear they wouldn't help. Jason had no other option but to take a risk.
"Alright," Jason said, "I'll try to borrow money from the contractor who built our villa. You contact Andrew or Emily and..."
Avery glared at him, "Are you afraid your dirty secret isn't known enough? If Andrew and Emily get involved, it might make things worse. Emily might keep quiet, but Andrew could spread it or use it against us."
"So, what do you suggest?"
"I'll contact Henry directly!"
Jason looked puzzled, "Will he listen to you?"
"Don't forget, I'm a woman and a beautiful one. Do you think I'm old?"
Jason understood. Avery's words had two meanings. One, if Jason could play around, why couldn't she have a man?
Avery had never had any scandals, so this was mostly a provocation.
She was the deputy director of the development zone office and had high standards. She wouldn't be interested in someone like Henry, a rural ex-con.
Second, despite their issues, she was willing to do anything for him.
She would use all their savings and even sacrifice her dignity and reputation.
Jason awkwardly laughed, "Who said you're old? Henry has never seen a woman as beautiful as you."
"Hey," Avery picked up her chopsticks, "I'm serious. If he asks for that, should I agree or not?"
Jason couldn't meet her eyes, feeling embarrassed, "Why don't you contact Henry first? Don't you have an important meeting this afternoon?"
Avery knew Jason was desperate. His reluctance to answer directly was a tacit agreement, fearing she would get angry if he openly suggested selling her out.
If she didn't handle this, he would be helpless.
Seeing his pathetic state, Avery felt a bit vindicated.
She put down her chopsticks and took out her phone, dialing Henry's number, but it was busy.
When she tried again, it was still busy.
As she resumed eating, Jason worriedly asked, "Is he avoiding your call?"
Avery asked, "Have you contacted him about this?"
"No."
"If not, he doesn't know why I'm calling. Why would he avoid me?"
Jason decided not to hide anything. If Avery met Henry, this would come up.
Better to come clean now than have Henry reveal it, leaving Avery unprepared.
Jason said, "I don't know where Henry heard it, but he suspects I have designs on Emily and even threatened me in my office."
Avery widened her eyes, "Even Emily..."
Jason solemnly said, "I swear..."
Avery waved her hand, "Forget it. Don't curse your son. I knew you were hiding something."
"There's nothing else, and Emily's issue is a setup!" Jason paused and said, "Try calling again."
Avery dialed Henry's number again, still busy.
She then tried a WeChat video call, but there was no answer.
She sent a WeChat message: "Brother, I urgently need to talk to you. Please call back when you can."