Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 2078

Although Jenson was Chandler's brother, their businesses operated separately. Raising such a large sum of money at once would likely lead to serious cash flow issues for him.

Given that both parties had been drugged that day, Salome should bear some of the responsibility. Lucy felt there was no justification for demanding such an exorbitant amount.

But Salome didn't see it that way. This was her only chance to break into a higher social class, so naturally, the more money, the better.

She had done her research—Jenson's company was valued at nearly 400 million dollars. She was asking for just under 200 million, leaving him with the majority. So, in her mind, there was little room for negotiation.

"Lucy, whose side are you on? 30 million Ameridia dollars isn't too much. This is my reputation on the line! He violated me—doesn't he owe me that?

"You know my exes—they were all worth billions. Even if my body hadn't been tainted, wouldn't my future husband be wealthier than any of them? Do you really think I'd settle for less than 30 million just because he's your friend?

"I'm asking for so little, and yet you're helping him cheat me out of what's mine. Do you think I'm worth so little?"

Salome's words hit Lucy hard, leaving an uncomfortable knot in her chest. She had considered Salome a friend, but it seemed Salome saw her as nothing more than a two-faced opportunist.

Lucy had made these concessions with Salome's future in mind, believing it was in her best interest. Taking the money wouldn't ensure Salome's survival—there was no way it could.

What Salome didn't seem to realize was just how difficult it was to hold on to wealth and status.

While there were instances of ordinary people suddenly rising to riches and joining high society, those who vanished just as quickly were far more common.

If Salome pushed Jenson too far and provoked him, did she honestly think the Newton brothers would let her go without repercussions?

Sometimes, it was wiser to show mercy. Giving others a way out also meant creating a path forward for oneself. Didn't Salome understand that?

Straightening her back, Salome turned toward Jenson. "You've got Chandler, the Newton family, and your future father-in-law. 30 million Ameridia dollars isn't much to secure your future. If you're a real man, you won't keep haggling over it."

"You've done your homework on me, I see," Jenson sneered, casually leaning back in his chair. He crossed his legs, fixing her with a scornful look. "But here's the thing—I never confessed to anything. So if you're trying to extort me, you'd better be sure I'm going to play along."

"What's that supposed to mean? Are you really trying to back out now?" Salome's eyes darted to the report pinned under Germaine's hand, a sly smile creeping onto her face. "You don't honestly think there's only one copy of that report, do you?"

With a defiant air, she mirrored Jenson's posture, reclining on the couch with her arms crossed. Her demeanor radiated an unwavering confidence, clearly signaling that she wasn't someone who could be easily intimidated.

"I'm not that naive. I've made copies of the report—dozens, in fact. Don't think you can silence me by getting rid of the evidence. If anything happens to me, that report will be all over social media and in the hands of the police. You'd better think carefully about how you plan to deal with this."

Germaine chuckled in disbelief. "Is your imagination getting the best of you? Do you really think we'd take such a risk for someone like you?"