Chapter 164: I Choose to Call the Police

Sixty million! You're quite ruthless, aren't you? You were planning to repay a fifty-million gambling debt and extort an additional ten million for a wager, weren't you?

Isabella had initially skimmed the information, missing this detail. The man's behavior disgusted her. Christopher, equally disgusted, vented his frustration in the group chat, spreading the unease among everyone.

Sixty million was nearly Scarlett's entire fortune, yet she felt compelled to pay. Danielle and the others initially believed the problem was limited to explicit photos, easily handled privately. However, the revelation of secretly recorded videos pushed Scarlett to the brink of suicide. The content of these videos was unimaginable.

While domestic internet authorities could quickly address the videos' release, they would still circulate briefly. This, combined with the blackmailer's vicious threats—including selling the videos to foreign websites—was more than Scarlett could bear. Her traditional values made the prospect of her videos becoming pornography unbearable.

A strong woman might have called the police, but Scarlett lacked the courage. She wanted to keep things quiet, and unable to reach Javier, she turned to her family, only to find them betrayers. Alone and despairing, she confronted the man who had caused her distress, unaware it was all a self-serving scheme to swindle money.

Javier, faced with interrogation, looked vexed. "I didn't know it would turn out like this. I truly didn't mean for this to happen. Lettie, I—"

"You good-for-nothing!" Freya rushed forward, slapping Javier twice, knocking him to the ground. Blood trickled from his mouth as he stared at her in shock; his mother had never hit him so hard.

"How could I have given birth to such a fool? Kneel before Scarlett!" Freya understood the gravity of the situation—it could ruin a person's life.

[The following paragraph is illegible and has been omitted.]

Chapter 164: I Choose to Call the Police

"Oh no, what a disaster! What are we going to do now!" Sienna cried.

Bartholomeo shifted his eyes. "So Scarlett, this is why you've been asking for money. But it's too late. We can't gather that much. Why waste time? Maybe maybe you should let it go. You're an artist; artists can act in anything. Consider it a breakthrough. It could even boost your fame. Aren't there celebrities abroad who've marketed themselves through such videos?"

"You seem to know quite a bit," Danielle mocked. "Why don't you star in one yourself? I'll help you make a name for yourself."

Bartholomeo choked, silenced by Scarlett's murderous gaze. "Isn't it that we're left with no other choice?"

Javier, forced to kneel, pleaded, "Lettie, you absolutely can't allow those videos to be released. I have no money; otherwise, I'd help. Please, think of other ways, like borrowing money." His gaze swept over Christopher and Isabella, marking them as potential targets.

They felt targeted. Do you have a death wish? Do I look like I have that kind of money? You dare to target me? You must be tired of living! Isabella's thoughts echoed Christopher's.

Before they could respond, Freya spoke. "My son caused this. If you proceed, I'll cover the expenses."

Freya didn't advise Scarlett to call the police; the outcome was uncertain. The culprit would be caught, but what if the videos leaked beforehand? As outsiders, they couldn't gamble with the future of those involved, but she would take responsibility for her son's actions.

Everyone looked at Freya in surprise. Javier hung his head, seemingly accepting her offer.

What a good son! First, he swindled his ex-girlfriend, now his mother. He'll deceive anyone to pay his debts, Christopher thought, echoing Isabella's thoughts. He had witnessed firsthand the heartlessness of gamblers.

If possible, Javier would have squeezed more money from his mother. Christopher suspected the sixty million was the maximum Scarlett could afford—Javier's calculated demand.

Now they knew the truth, but how should they proceed?

Chapter 164: I Choose to Call the Police

Christopher sought ideas in the chaotic group chat, filled with curses and insults. Only Alexander responded: "Since it's a setup, everything can be salvaged. The videos and photos should still be in his possession. Scarlett is likely to call the police. To prevent Javier from acting recklessly, locate all the files first."

Christopher searched Javier's phone, wondering about backups. I'm not sure to call it a stroke of luck or misfortune, but at least the videos haven't been disseminated. They're still on Javier's phone. He used tricks to disguise himself and send photos and snippets to scare Scarlett. If they arrest Javier immediately, everything will be fine. But if they can't, that would be a problem. Should we listen to Freya's advice? Should we establish a solid case of blackmail before making the arrest? We have to prevent this guy from getting desperate and selling the videos Or perhaps the simplest solution would be to destroy the phone first? But wouldn't that mean we would no longer have any evidence to convict him? Isabella's thoughts raced.

Christopher realized the information was on Javier's phone. Alexander wanted the files located, not destroyed, to ensure evidence. They needed to secure the phone before involving the authorities, but how could they avoid suspicion of prior knowledge?

Isabella pondered as Scarlett said, "No need. I've decided to call the police."

Christopher was distraught. Wouldn't this cause Javier extreme anxiety?

Danielle nodded. "It's best to report this. If there's one instance of blackmail, there's bound to be a second. But this could risk your future. Scarlett, have you really thought this through?"

Scarlett's eyes held sadness, but she nodded. "I'm sorry, Danielle, but I can't sign the contract with you for now." She refused to yield to those who wronged her.

"No!" Javier panicked. "My mom is even offering to help, so why can't you accept it? If those videos are disseminated"

"Don't worry, the camera angles in those videos couldn't have captured you," Scarlett assured, then seemed slightly taken aback.

"Is that what I care about? What I care about is you," Javier replied. "Since you attempted suicide, they wouldn't dare proceed. Let's just consider it as spending money to avert disaster."

Scarlett insisted, "I told you, I've tasted death once before. I don't care. All I want is for those who wronged me to pay the price!"

Javier's eyes held ferocity. "Maybe we should wait for more news. There might still be a chance to turn things around."

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