Chapter 403

Sure enough, his next words confirmed her speculations.

“How about this?” he said. “We’re not looking for trouble. Give us the money for the twenty sets of fast food, plus $5,000 in damages. After all, some of us have already started eating. Who knows if the rest of those lunchboxes are infested with bugs?”

As he finished, several others surrounded Grace, attempting to intimidate her.

Grace surveyed her surroundings. They were in a semi-open space rented for the shoot. A surveillance camera was positioned to the front left, but she didn't know if it was operational. Further ahead, a gate blocked off a few fans who were squatting. Some rested; others held up their phones, hoping to glimpse their idols.

“Well, it’s not up to a delivery girl like me to decide,” Grace said, fumbling for her phone. “Let me talk to my boss.” She called Kyla Corbyn, but didn't put the call on speakerphone, so those around her couldn't hear Kyla's response.

“All right,” Grace replied, ending the call and pocketing her phone. However, she stealthily activated its recording function.

“So, when are we getting paid?” the apparent leader demanded.

Grace chuckled. “Do you know that $5,000 is a significant amount for fraud? A conviction could land you in prison for up to three years.”

The group’s expressions turned ghastly. “What do you mean? Are you saying I’m committing fraud?”

“Whether it’s fraud can be proven with evidence,” Grace replied. “Look, there are many fans with their phones around. Maybe someone accidentally took pictures. Besides, this order wasn’t free. As for the lunchboxes, we can leave that to the police to investigate. That’s fair to everyone.”

The crew exchanged glances. The leader glared at Grace. “I’m warning you, get your boss to pay us. Otherwise, your restaurant can think about closing down.”

“Is that a threat?” Grace asked.

“It is,” the man said bluntly.

It was clear to Grace they were attempting blackmail.

“I’m just an employee. There’s no need to threaten me. As for the lunchboxes, you can keep them for the police, and…” Grace paused, looking at them coldly. “If you attempt anything irrational with a small restaurant like ours, we’ll sue. Then, it won’t just be $5,000.”

She knew Kyla Corbyn wasn't wealthy. Nelson's cochlear implant, and subsequent speech therapy, would be expensive.

As Grace prepared to warn them further, she resolved to seek Jason's help if necessary.