Chapter 3: B: Blackmail Backfire

👉 Previous decision: You chose to threaten notary Arthur Phelan directly at his real-estate office.

I dressed in my sharpest, albeit worn, business suit. My hand clutched my phone, the video recording a live wire in my pocket.

Arthur Phelan’s office was sleek, all glass and polished chrome. His receptionist gave me a dismissive glance.

“I need to speak with Mr. Phelan, urgently,” I said, my voice tight.

Eventually, Phelan emerged, his face a mask of practiced cordiality. “Ms. Hensley, what a surprise.”

I leaned forward, lowering my voice. “I have proof of your illegal activities. The offshore deeds. The forged documents.”

Phelan’s smile didn’t waver, but a flicker of something cold passed through his eyes. “Proof? That’s a serious accusation.”

“I have video,” I said, holding up my phone. “Of you and Julian. Stamping those fraudulent papers.”

He chuckled, a dry, dismissive sound. “Video? In this day and age, Ms. Hensley? That could be anything. A deepfake. A doctored recording.”

“I’m giving you a chance,” I pressed, my voice gaining heat. “Help me expose Julian, or I expose you.”

Phelan’s expression turned to ice. “My legal team will be in touch. Extortion is a very serious charge.”

By the end of the week, a process server handed me a stack of papers. A restraining order. A lawsuit for extortion.

My remaining bank balance, a meager $1,200, was wiped clean by the initial legal defense fees. I stood in my cramped studio, the weight of a legal battle crushing me.