"What brings you here?" Forrest asked politely.

Though he fully expected Pearson's visit, he still pretended to be surprised.

Pearson got straight to the point.

“The recording reveals your mother's involvement in a murder. If you want to protect her from going to jail, you must pay one billion to resolve this."

Forrest, eyes cast down, asked, "Who's making this demand? Isn't the figure astronomical?"

"I think so too, but we're left with no choice. A life was lost, after all." Pearson was determined to coax Forrest into covering the expense.

"Dad, I think the cost should be shared between our families. If I alone bear the burden, it's simply beyond my means.”

“Forrest, what are you suggesting?"

Forrest found himself in a predicament.

"It's not that I'm unwilling to pay, but I don't have access to such a large sum of money.

Besides, the recording implicates you, not me. Why should I be burdened with such an unfair demand?"

Pearson stared at him for a long time, but he couldn't say a word.

Because he had nothing to refute.

"So, how much are you willing to contribute?" Pearson finally asked.

"A maximum of a hundred million," Forrest responded.

"That's far too Little!" Pearson could barely keep his frustration in check.

"I suspect the person who recorded it intended to extort us. It's only a recording, it can be managed." Forrest regarded Pearson, adding, “A billion is an overreaction."

Pearson fell silent, reluctant to say anything further.

Because in the blackmailer's possession was more than just a recording.

And the multiple crimes he had committed over the years.