The overflowing suitcase of cash practically blinded everyone.
They had never seen so much money packed into a single case. To them, it was an absolutely spectacular sight.
The chaotic, screaming mob went dead silent in an instant.
Lillian scoffed, letting out a cold, mocking breath. Just as she suspected—these people were bloodsuckers who only answered to money.
Lowering the megaphone, Lillian used the sheer weight of the cash to completely paralyze the crowd.
Celia Bennett sat inside the factory office, watching the scene unfold through the front gate's security feed.
Seeing them like this only made her blood run colder.
These were her parents, her siblings, her own flesh and blood. Every single person rioting out there shared some degree of DNA with her.
She never expected them to push her to the absolute brink, abandoning every last shred of human decency just for a payout.
Emma stayed by Celia's side, strictly following Lillian's instructions to keep her company.
She was worried that Celia wouldn't be able to handle the crushing psychological pressure. If she suffered a breakdown now, it would be a devastating loss for all of them.
"I can't believe a single box of cash shut them up after all that screaming," Emma murmured. "It's... it's unbelievable."
"Money is all they see," Celia said, her voice hollow. "Every single one of them is a leech. They're psychotic parasites."
It was hard for anyone else to truly grasp the depth of Celia's despair.
"It's okay," Emma said, trying to soothe her. "Ms. Mercer will handle everything. Don't worry too much. As long as Ms. Mercer is here, this is nothing."
Celia nodded silently, keeping her eyes glued to the security monitor.
Outside, Lillian raised the megaphone again. "I wasn't wrong to do what I did last time. You are Miss Bennett's family, and I couldn't just stand by and watch you suffer. Sending you to rehab was for your own good, so you could live healthy lives.
"And even though you burned my car today, I'm willing to let it slide.
"As long as you've successfully gotten clean, you can bring your completion certificates right now and collect this cash.
"From here on out, as long as Miss Bennett works for me, I will pay you every single month.
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