Chapter 253 Mr. Yates' Calm Confrontation
The crowd, who had been all loud and rowdy, went dead silent the moment Ethan spoke. No one could figure out where his commanding vibe came from.
Jimmy, not backing down, yelled, "Alright, go ahead and talk. Tell everyone how you kicked us out and stiffed us on the payout!"
Ethan let out a cold laugh, his smile turning icy and sinister like he was covered in frost, giving off a seriously chilling vibe.
Jimmy, feeling the heat from Ethan's presence, took a couple of steps back but still shouted defiantly, "What's so funny? With all these cops and media here, let's see how cocky you can be. Scared yet? Cough up the money, or you'll regret it."
"$1.15 million, or you can forget about tearing down my house!" Jimmy added.
Ethan raised an eyebrow, totally unfazed, "You think you can negotiate with me?"
Jimmy was so mad he couldn't even talk.
Right then, a bunch of cars pulled up, and some sharp-dressed guys got out, heading towards Ethan but were stopped by Diannel.
Ethan said coldly, "You attacked people in the street, causing five serious injuries and ten minor ones. You also took women and kids hostage. Those two crimes alone are enough to lock you up for life! What good is the money if you can't spend it?"
"Mr. Yates, the government officials are here," Diannel pointed out.
Following Diannel's gaze, Ethan saw a few men in sharp suits standing nearby. He gave them a polite nod.
Ethan called out, "Bring the documents."
Diannel handed him a file, "These are the demolition contracts and compensation agreements for the residents of Market Street. Everyone except you has signed."
Ethan pulled out the documents, and one of the men, gathering his courage, stepped forward to check them out. Ethan continued, "According to the compensation rate per square foot, we're offering more. Except for you, no one is unhappy."
"But you keep causing trouble!" Ethan's voice turned stern, "Your house is over a hundred square feet. Based on the market rate of $3,000 per square foot, the compensation should be $300,000."
"But you're demanding $1.15 million. The Yates Group is a business, not a bank. What makes you think we'll give you that kind of money?" he questioned.
As Ethan spoke, the government officials finished reviewing the documents and nodded to each other, confirming Ethan was telling the truth.
Jimmy, all fired up, shouted, "You're lying! My house is self-built, with over a hundred square feet on the first floor and four floors in total. Each floor is over a hundred square feet. Based on the market rate, it should be at least $1.15 million!"
Ethan sneered, "Did you get government approval for your self-built house? You don't even have a land deed. I have proof here. I've been more than fair in offering you compensation. You're the one being unreasonable!"
"I'm done talking to you. Let them go, or don't blame me for being ruthless!" Before coming, Ethan had already told Diannel to bring all the evidence, including how Jimmy had made crazy demands and all the proof of their illegal construction.
At first, everyone blamed Ethan.
But now, after the showdown, everyone could see the truth.
After checking the evidence, one of the government officials said, "Mr. Yates, we get it now. This guy made false accusations, endangered the public, and took your wife and a kid hostage. Don't worry, we'll have the police rescue Mrs. Yates ASAP!"
Jimmy's legs went weak, and he almost collapsed.
He had planned to use extreme measures to force the Yates Group to pay more, but he didn't expect them to have so much evidence. Now the cops were onto him.
In his panic, he realized the person he had taken hostage was Ethan's wife!
Jimmy laughed maniacally, "So the woman is your wife. No wonder you're so nervous. Don't blame me for being ruthless then!"
Jimmy turned and left.
Ethan's pupils contracted, and his heart pounded in his throat, "Damn it, he's going to hurt Ashley!"
Just as he was about to rush in to save her, a scream suddenly came from the café.
The scream was so loud it startled the birds and animals around.
The crowd was shocked, "What happened?"