After dealing with important matters, Michael assigned some trivial tasks for Eric in the evening and instructed the driver to take him to the yacht.
Michael frequently glanced at his watch sitting in the back seat, his brows furrowed, and urged the driver by saying, “Drive faster.”
He felt compelled by guilt and responsibility knowing that he had taken advantage of her that night and caused her pregnancy although the voice message made him nauseous. He was eager to see her.
Screech.
The tires screeched as the car stopped suddenly, causing Michael’s broad frame to lurch forward.
Once he stabilized, he snapped, “What happened?”
“Sorry, Mr. Goodman. Someone darted in front of the car. I don’t know if we hit them,” said the driver nervously, more afraid of Michael’s anger than the potential accident.
“Get out and handle it!” Michael’s tone was impatient.
“Yes, sir!” The driver quickly got out and saw a woman lying on the ground, clutching her leg and moaning loudly.
Emma glanced at the luxury car and pretended to be in extreme pain.
The car’s owner must be rich. Now’s the opportunity to extort some money.
The driver, familiar with such scams, looked at the distance between the car and Emma and then at her exaggerated act.
“Miss, are you alright?”
“Do I look alright?” Emma snapped, glaring at the driver.
“I’ll arrange for someone to take you to the hospital for a full check-up if your leg is injured,” said the driver, reaching for his phone to make a call.
“Hey, hey.” Emma quickly got up, pretended to limp, and tried to snatch the phone away. “No need for the hospital. Just give me money, and I’ll handle it myself.”
“Are you done?” Michael, growing more impatient, called out.
Emma dashed to the rear seat and scrutinized Michael’s attire before the driver could respond, from his custom suit to his limited-edition watch, both of which could buy a villa.
Michael rarely appeared in public due to his health issues, so Emma didn’t recognize him.
“Your driver hit me, and now my leg is injured. Don’t you think you should compensate me?” Emma demanded, confident that such a wealthy man wouldn’t be stingy.
Michael had seen her expression clearly when she rushed over. It was an obvious attempt at extortion.
The driver, sweating nervously, rushed forward. “Mr. Goodman, I can handle this.”
As Michael’s driver, he knew his boss’ patience was gone. It was the calm before the storm.
The driver grabbed Emma’s arm and tried to drag her away, but she clung to the car window. “You hit me and won’t compensate me?”
“Help! Look at this! A big shot in a luxury car hit someone and is trying to drive off! Is there no justice?” Emma’s loud cries attracted a crowd, and Michael’s expression grew darker.
“Call the police and let them handle this,” ordered Michael.
He had never been threatened in business, let alone by an extorting woman.
Emma tried to snatch the phone but failed as the driver called the police.
The driver restrained her wrist while the call connected. “Hello? There’s a situation here…”
“I’ve never seen such people!” Emma scoffed, glancing disdainfully at Michael before grabbing her bag and fleeing.
“It’s resolved now. Sorry,” said the driver, hanging up.
Michael, not wanting to say more, waved him off.
The driver continued driving.
The yacht was empty when Michael reached his destination.
Meanwhile, Emma returned to the Bennett Residence.
“Where have you been?” Emily grabbed her wrist. “Luckily, Clara has left. Otherwise…”
“What happened?” Emma asked, confused by Emily’s unfinished sentence.
“Did you have anything to do with Clara’s grandmother’s death?” Emily was still uneasy, recalling Clara’s aggressive visit.
Emma, recalling the incident, couldn’t hide her satisfaction.
“Yes, it was me. I couldn’t stand Clara, so I told her grandmother about Clara’s marriage. It felt so good.”
“By the way, are you pregnant?” Emily suddenly focused on Emma’s abdomen.
Emma thought of the man she met at the hospital and caressed her belly.
She had worried about the pregnancy, but it turned out to be a blessing, potentially leading her to a wealthy marriage.
“Yes, Mom.”
“Why are you so happy? Get rid of the baby! Your father will skin you alive if he finds out!”
Dylan would be furious about such an embarrassing scandal.
“Mom, we can’t abort the baby. Do you know who the father is? He’s a big boss. He even took me to his yacht for rest and he sends me a million every month.”
Emma showed off the card.
Emily was skeptical listening to Emma’s words. She didn’t believe something good would happen so easily.
“The card already has a million,” said Emma.
“Really?” Emily’s eyes shone with surprise and joy.
“I feel great with Clara’s grandmother dead and my lucky break!” Emma lounged on the couch, putting her feet up, completely forgetting the earlier incident.
Emily sat beside her, troubled. “We lost the fund, and Clara wants to hold her grandmother’s funeral here.”
She told her daughter what had happened, except for the affair with William.
“What? Mom! How could you give her the funds? That’s my dowry!”
“She threatened me with your pregnancy. How could I refuse?” Emily avoided her gaze.
Emma gritted her teeth in anger. “Mom, we don’t have to agree! My pregnancy isn’t a secret shame. Marrying into a wealthy family is a glorious thing.”
Emily stopped her. “We can’t take the risks. You’re not married yet. What if something goes wrong? Besides, life in a wealthy family is complicated. We can’t gamble with your reputation. We can deal with Clara easily once you’re married.”
Emma considered her mother’s words and found them very reasonable.