Chapter 197

"The Haynes Group disregarded human life! They're heartless!" a middle-aged man in mourning clothes shouted through a loudspeaker. More than ten people echoed his curses.

Joanna felt stressed and a headache coming on. It was clear they were professional mourners—a debt collection and extortion ring. They targeted companies, exploiting workplace accidents to extort exorbitant sums, splitting the proceeds with the victim's family.

"Miss Haynes, we can't let them continue this," Cora frowned. "Shouldn't we call the police?"

"Let's talk to the victim's family first."

The car pulled up to the gate. Security opened it immediately.

"Stop her! The person in charge is here!"

Security guards, wielding stun batons, blocked the protestors. Michael waited anxiously in the garage.

"Miss Haynes, you're finally here!" he exclaimed as she exited the car.

"Call the victim's family to the office."

Michael's expression was grim. "The family is uncooperative and demanding $1 million in compensation, plus $200,000 for emotional distress."

Cora gasped. "That's blackmail!"

"Exactly," Joanna agreed. "But with a fatality, they won't back down. This will have serious repercussions." Even with insurance, the family still wanted an additional $1.2 million from Haynes Group. "Bring them in. We'll discuss compensation."

"Right away."

"Mr. Brycen, how should we handle this?"

Mr. Brycen adjusted his glasses. "Let's negotiate privately. If that fails, we'll pursue legal action." Joanna frowned. Legal action would be slow, and the damage to the factory could far exceed $1.2 million. It was better to settle quickly, even if it meant paying more.

Half an hour later, Michael returned with the deceased's second uncle.

Joanna observed the man: about 5'5", with a protruding mouth and puffed cheeks. He wore a tattered black jacket, messy hair, and rolled-up pants revealing straw trousers underneath—the attire of a typical construction worker. Yet, his eyes held a shrewdness that belied his appearance.

She greeted him politely. "Hello, I'm in charge of Haynes Group. Please, have a seat."

"I'm the deceased's uncle. Let's get this over with," he said. "My poor nephew just graduated…" He feigned grief, but his eyes glittered with greed.

"This is our responsibility," Joanna said. "Please state your terms. We'll do our best to meet them."

"We want the $1.2 million we requested. My nephew's parents worked hard to raise him. Now they're sick with grief. This is a drop in the ocean for a company like yours!"

Joanna remained impassive. The company's insurance covered $76,000; they would offer additional pension benefits. She wrote a check for $400,000. "This is our condolence payment." She wouldn't let them extort an unreasonable amount.

The uncle glared. "$400,000? We want $1.2 million! Are you insulting us?"

Joanna's smile vanished. "Sir, this is heartbreaking, but the company has insurance. Logically, we don't owe anything further. However, out of compassion, we're offering $400,000." She added, with a hint of mockery, "I believe you're familiar with market rates, aren't you?"

The man's mouth twitched. "A little more… this is ridiculous."

"Not a cent more," Joanna stated firmly. "Settle privately, or we go to court."

"No. $1 million minimum!"

Joanna stood. "Then it's court. Even a judge wouldn't award more than $200,000. I have other matters to attend to. You may leave."

The man's tone softened. "If you don't pay, we'll protest daily. You won't work."

"Go ahead. It's the off-season. This won't affect us much."

"Don't be so naive. We'll disrupt your operations!"

Joanna frowned. "If the factory goes bankrupt, we won't have $200, let alone $400,000. You can sue me personally. Here's my lawyer's information. The court process will take six months at least."

The man's face fell. This woman wasn't easily fooled. A court case wouldn't be as profitable.