Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 194

Emma Lockwood's words instantly silenced the crowd.

But it didn't take long for someone to start shouting again.

"People died on your property, and you want us to pay you damages? You're heartless!"

Emma's lips curved into a sharp smile. She knew people were recording her, but she didn't care in the slightest.

"We still have copies of the original compensation contract—the one you refused to sign. Even though your workers violated safety regulations, we were still willing to offer a massive payout. But you got greedy and tried to squeeze us for more. So tell me, who exactly is heartless here?"

Emma tilted her head, her smile turning dangerously sweet. "Three million dollars for the deceased. For those severely injured, Reynolds Real Estate will cover your medical bills for the rest of your lives, plus a two-million-dollar payout. One million for minor injuries. If any of you want to accept this settlement right now, step up and sign the contract."

"If you still aren't satisfied, then sue us. We'll fight you to the bitter end. Whatever the court orders us to pay, we'll pay."

Emma's gaze swept over the crowd. A few people were visibly wavering.

"My husband only has minor injuries, I—"

"You what? If she's offering millions upfront, it means they know they're guilty! Why else would they be so generous?"

A woman wearing mourning clothes violently yanked back the person who had started to cave, hissing in a low voice, "She's playing mind games! If we hold our ground, we can bleed them for more!"

Many of the families started doing the mental math, but Emma's patience had run out.

"I'll take that as a refusal to settle privately. We'll wait for your lawsuits."

Emma raised an eyebrow, turning gracefully to face Travis.

"Let the legal department handle this. If they want to keep their makeshift memorials here, let them. Worst-case scenario, we turn this plot of land into a memorial garden to beautify the city, and use the money we saved on settlements to buy a new piece of land entirely."

As long as the opposing party was guilty of safety violations, no matter how the lawsuit played out or how humanitarian the court tried to be, the judgment would never exceed the astronomical settlement they had just offered.

Since they refused to accept the olive branch, she would leave them to the consequences of their own greed.

Emma's intervention completely smoothed over Travis's explosive temper. Upon hearing she was heading back to the capital, he handed the site over to the project manager and decided to go back with her.

"According to domestic law, the construction crew Reynolds hired was outsourced. Since their negligence caused the collapse, if your legal team is sharp enough, you could actually countersue for property damages."

Carter spoke up thoughtfully in the car, "Though I wouldn't recommend it. Once the media gets hold of it, articles taking the situation out of context will manipulate public opinion and hurt the market value of Reynolds Real Estate."

Emma nodded, leaning her head back against the car seat. She reached down to gently massage her ankle. "I know. Even though the Reynolds family's true power comes from being the nation's top medicinal herb supplier, there's no need to damage their other ventures over this. Travis knows what he's doing, and his board will keep him in check. I don't need to worry about it."

Watching her rub her ankle, Carter suddenly reached out and firmly grasped her lower leg.

Emma reflexively tried to pull away, but Carter held on with just enough pressure to keep her in place. "I brought the medicine. The doctor said your ankle hasn't been healed for long, so you need to be careful and stay off your feet."

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