Chapter 269 Blackmail

Chapter 269 Blackmail
Amelia's POV:
I arrived at Sweet Amber's main store early in the morning, breathing in the sweet scent of butter and vanilla that filled the air. Emily was in the back kitchen, focused on decorating a three-tiered wedding cake with incredible precision. I pushed the kitchen door open gently, not wanting to disturb her creative flow.
"Good morning, Emily. That cake looks amazing," I said, leaning against the counter with my coffee.
Emily looked up, her face lighting up with a bright smile. "Amelia! You're here early today. I just finished the final touches on this engagement cake for that couple."
"It's perfect. They're going to love it," I said, moving closer to admire the delicate sugar flowers. "How are the numbers looking for our branches lately?"
Just as Emily was about to answer, Olivia pushed open the door, arms full of documents. Olivia was my right hand, managing the Sweet Amber branches with impressive efficiency.
"Morning, boss," Olivia handed me a report. "The new Maple Heights branch saw a 15% increase in sales last week, and customer traffic is steadily rising. Ruby's doing great there—her ability to handle rush hours is truly impressive."
I flipped through the data, nodding with satisfaction. "This is better than I expected. Looks like our promotional activities in that community are working well."
"They definitely are," Olivia added. "And those three food bloggers you specifically selected are scheduled to visit for tastings next week, just as you arranged. They've all confirmed their appointments and promised to provide honest feedback."
"Perfect," I closed the file. "Honest reviews are more valuable to us than fake praise. By the way, how's the new seasonal menu coming along?"
Emily wiped her hands and led me to another workbench. "I stayed up late finalizing the last few recipes. This is the orange lavender mousse, and here's the caramel apple tart..."
She detailed the features of each dessert as I carefully tasted each one, noting where minor adjustments might be needed.
By noon, I drove to the Maple Heights branch for an inspection. This store held special meaning for me, located in the neighborhood where I once lived. Pushing open the glass door, I saw Ruby enthusiastically serving customers, everything running smoothly.
"Amelia!" Ruby exclaimed, quickly walking over. "Didn't expect you today."
"Surprise inspection," I joked, looking around. "Everything seems to be running well."
"Very well! Our weekend brunch sets are especially popular," Ruby said excitedly. "Oh, and a customer just came in specifically to thank us for her son's birthday cake—said it was the best chocolate cake she'd ever tasted."
"That's the best reward," I smiled. "How are those food blogger reviews going? I specifically selected some reliable bloggers to taste our new items last week."
Ruby nodded. "Yes, according to your arrangement, two have already visited. They were very professional, thoroughly tasted all the new items, and gave constructive feedback. The third should arrive this afternoon—supposedly a blogger with quite a following."
"Good. I deliberately invited some influential food bloggers hoping for genuine feedback to improve our products," I said, helping to organize the counter. "Real reviews are more valuable than fake praise—that's the business philosophy I stand by."
Ruby looked at me admiringly. "That's why Sweet Amber has gained so many loyal customers in such a short time. You always focus on true quality."
I smiled and continued organizing, feeling the satisfaction that came from seeing my small dream grow into something substantial.
At 2 PM, Ruby was packaging macarons for a customer when the door chime rang. A fashionably dressed man in sunglasses walked in. Around his early thirties, his demeanor exuded arrogance. Without waiting for service, he sat down by the window, removed his sunglasses, and surveyed the entire shop.
Ruby whispered to me, "That's the food blogger scheduled for today—Marcus Wright, with over 500,000 followers on Instagram."
I straightened my apron and approached the blogger. "Good afternoon, Mr. Wright. Welcome to Sweet Amber. I'm Amelia Wilson, the owner."
Marcus looked up, giving me a once-over with a surprised expression. "Oh, didn't expect the owner herself. I've heard your desserts are quite popular in Ivywood, so I came to try them personally."
"We value every customer's experience, especially opinions from professionals," I replied politely. "What would you like to try first?"
"Bring me your signature dessert," he said, leaning back with a hint of disdain. "Also, I need a quiet environment for filming, and perhaps some 'special arrangements.'"
I felt uncomfortable but maintained my smile. "Of course, we have a designated tasting area. As for 'special arrangements,' we welcome honest reviews, good or bad."
Our signature desserts were served: raspberry white chocolate mousse and vanilla caramel pudding. Marcus barely tasted them before gesturing for me to sit down.
"Ms. Wilson, let's talk business," he lowered his voice. "Do you know how many new customers a good review can bring you? One recommendation from me could double your sales."
I looked at him calmly. "I believe quality products speak for themselves."
Marcus gave a cold laugh. "How naive. In this industry, no promotion means no business. I can publish a glowing review on my account, but it requires some... promotion fee."
"Promotion fee?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Exactly, consider it my creative fee," he said arrogantly. "Five thousand dollars, and I guarantee your shop will go viral on social media. If you think that's too expensive..." he paused, his gaze sharpening, "I could also honestly report how bland your cakes are, or even... unsanitary."
I took a deep breath, looking at Marcus's arrogant expression, and decided not to allow this extortion to continue.
"I think you've misunderstood, Mr. Wright," I said coolly, my voice clear and firm. "I invited you for an honest review, not to be blackmailed."
"Blackmail?" Marcus feigned surprise, though his eyes wavered. "This is just standard cooperation in the industry, Ms. Wilson. Everyone does it."
"Well, I want to inform you that Sweet Amber doesn't participate in this kind of 'standard cooperation,'" I pulled out my phone, showing a recording app that had been running for nearly ten minutes. "I started recording when you first hinted at needing 'special arrangements.'"
Marcus's expression instantly changed from smug to terrified. "You... you can't do that!"
"I absolutely can," I said calmly, my eyes not leaving his. "Threatening to publish false negative reviews for money constitutes extortion in any state. Whether against a small business like Sweet Amber or any establishment. I'm betting your influencer career crashes and burns long before my bakery even feels a scratch."
Marcus began to panic, his eyes darting around. "Listen, Ms. Wilson, I was just... just suggesting a collaboration, no ill intent..."
"Five thousand dollars in exchange for not publishing negative reviews—that's what you call 'no ill intent'?" I raised my voice slightly, drawing attention from nearby tables.
"Shh... keep it down!" Marcus nervously looked around, sweat beading on his forehead. "I was just joking... don't take it seriously..."
"Unfortunately, Mr. Wright, I'm very serious," I placed my phone on the table, screen up, recording still running. "I have sufficient resources and energy to deal with this behavior. If you want to test my resolve, go ahead and publish those false reviews. I promise, before your 'influencer career' ends, you'll receive a letter from my lawyer."
Marcus turned pale, his hands visibly trembling. "Please, Ms. Wilson, delete that recording... "
His voice cracked as he leaned in. "Look, my situation at home is really tough right now. My mother's medical bills are piling up, and I'm three months behind on rent. I wasn't always like this—I just got desperate. I know it's wrong, but I didn't know what else to do. Please, I swear I'll never do this again..."