Chapter 235: What Value Do You Place on Diana's Future?

The phone remained eerily silent, amplifying Harrison and Melissa's discomfort as they waited for a response. The moments stretched, each second increasing their unease. Finally, Vivienne broke the silence. "What value do you place on Diana's future?" she asked, her question cutting to the core of the matter.

Relieved by her engagement, Harrison and Melissa exchanged a faint smile. "We think it best to discuss the details face-to-face," Harrison said. "Would you be open to a meeting?" He suggested a personal encounter to navigate the sensitive discussion.

Despite the gravity of their situation, Harrison and Melissa held a quiet hope that their past relationship with Vivienne might inspire some leniency. Aware of the Mitchell family's penchant for manipulation, Vivienne braced herself for their likely emotional pleas.

"If a meeting is necessary, perhaps we should end this discussion," Vivienne replied.

"Please, don't hang up," Harrison interjected quickly, sensing Vivienne's intent. "We have ten million ready to compensate you. Would that resolve the issue, Miss Hayes?"

In reality, no funds were prepared; it was a ploy to gauge Vivienne's reaction and buy time.

"Mr. Mitchell, do you really think I'm after your ten million?" Vivienne asked coldly. "You might want to save that for a decent lawyer for your daughter instead."

She started to disconnect.

Harrison urgently replied, "Miss Hayes, surely we can still negotiate."

Vivienne hesitated, then returned the phone to her ear, prompted by his desperation. "Please, just tell us what you're looking for," Harrison pleaded.

"Let's start with five percent of the Mitchell Group's market value," Vivienne said smoothly, "and the Mitchell family's land in the southern commercial district."

Shock etched itself onto Harrison and Melissa's faces as they processed her words. Given the Mitchell Group's current market value of 1.3 billion, five percent was a staggering amount. The land in the southern commercial district was valued at fifty million. In total, Vivienne's demands reached well into the hundreds of millions. It felt like extortion.

"Vivienne, this is exploitation!" Melissa exclaimed, snatching the phone. "You must be dreaming if you think we'll just let you take advantage of us!"

"This request is steep, so I'll see you in court," Vivienne retorted, ending the call.

Harrison stared at the dead phone, his face hardening.

Overcome with anger, Melissa exclaimed, "That Vivienne is ruthless! Does she have no fear of karma for making such exorbitant demands during our crisis?" She vehemently opposed surrendering such a massive sum without any guarantee of return.

After a tense pause, Harrison set his jaw. "I need to check if we can liquidate enough assets." The decision regarding the land in the southern district would ultimately rest with Warren, as he now led the Mitchell Group.

Melissa's eyes widened in alarm. "Are you seriously considering meeting her demands?" The amount was substantial; even if they could raise it, it could severely damage the Mitchell family's financial health.

Harrison's expression had darkened since Vivienne hung up. Melissa's anxious question only deepened his frown. "What other choice do we have? If you know another way to save Diana, I'm all ears."