Chapter 345: The Gallagher Family, Are They All That?

Chapter 345: Chapter 345: The Gallagher Family, Are They All That?

Mr. Gallagher didn’t jump to conclusions just because of Mrs. Gallagher’s tearful complaints. Believing only what he could see, he turned to his son and asked in a low voice, "What exactly is going on? What were you doing in the parking garage for no reason? And... and acting so..."

Howard Gallagher hadn’t expected the cameras to have captured him furtively looking for the right moment to stage the accident in the parking garage.

According to his original plan, Melody Lynch was supposed to spot him as she drove around the corner, slam on the brakes in time, and just barely avoid hitting him. They would both be startled but ultimately unharmed.

Afterward, all he would have needed to do was act a little more understanding and reasonable, and he could have easily won her over. He might have even gotten her contact information, laying the groundwork for future interactions.

Who would have thought that Melody Lynch would step on the gas and not only ruin his entire plan, but because he was injured, the traffic police got involved and even pulled the surveillance footage from the underground garage. It left him completely on the defensive—he had truly shot himself in the foot.

"I... I was in the area to meet a friend. He told me to wait for him in that parking garage. That’s right, I was waiting for someone. I was running back and forth to see if he’d arrived yet."

"Did you hear that? My son had an arrangement to meet someone in the parking garage. There’s nothing wrong with him being there or acting the way he was."

"Who on earth arranges to meet in a pitch-black underground parking garage?"

"That’s none of your business. The fact is, you hit my son, so it’s your fault. You have to give us a proper explanation today."

"An explanation, is it? I’ve already called the police, and the traffic police have issued a liability report. I hold primary responsibility, and he holds secondary. The insurance company will cover his medical expenses. In addition, here’s one hundred thousand. Take it as compensation for him."

Melody Lynch took out the one hundred thousand in cash she had withdrawn earlier and tossed it onto Howard Gallagher’s hospital bed. It wasn’t that she thought it would humiliate him; she just felt that pulling out a bank card was too much of a nouveau-riche move.

Besides, bank cards are all registered to a person’s real name these days. Who knew what this idiot would do if she gave him her card? He might use it for something illegal and try to frame her for it. It was always better to be cautious.

Mrs. Gallagher and the others were momentarily stunned by Melody Lynch’s business-like and righteous demeanor. When they snapped out of it, their expressions darkened with growing dissatisfaction. "One hundred thousand? Are you trying to shoo away a beggar?"

"Then what do you want? I’ve already said we bear some responsibility for this, but your son isn’t entirely blameless either. Covering his medical bills and giving him one hundred thousand in compensation is the most reasonable, legally recognized way to handle this. Or are you saying you want more money?"

"Is this a question of money?"

"Then what is it a question of?"

"It’s a question of you hitting my son."

"..."

Zane Lynch was left speechless. He felt like he’d been talking for ages, but they were just talking past each other, making no sense at all.

After all that, they had just gone in a circle and ended up right back where they started. He couldn’t begin to fathom how Mrs. Gallagher’s mind worked!

"That’s right, we hit your son. We’re not denying it. So what is it you actually want?"

"What do I want? Didn’t I say so from the very beginning? I want her to get on her knees and kowtow to my son in apology."

As soon as Mrs. Gallagher said this, everyone in the room was struck speechless.

Arabella Donovan, who was hiding behind the group, had an expression that was difficult to put into words.

’As expected, no one in this family is normal except for Genevieve Gallagher. Actually, Genevieve isn’t quite normal either, but her issues were forced on her by this so-called family. She turns the blade on herself, tormenting her own spirit. But these people are different. On the surface, they act all sanctimonious and respectable, but their hearts are completely rotten. They only ever point their knives at the weak, bullying the meek and fearing the strong while acting all high and mighty.

What century are we in? Still threatening people and demanding they kowtow at the drop of a hat. They really think they’re still living in the old days, where a little money and power means they can do whatever they want. They’re about to learn a hard lesson today.’

The Lynch and Donovan families couldn’t agree more. If a tiger doesn’t show its claws, people will mistake it for a Hello Kitty.

"Impossible. You want me to kowtow and apologize to your son? Not in this lifetime, and not in the next. If you don’t accept this outcome, you can call the police or hire a lawyer to sue me. We’ll handle everything according to the law. I’ll always trust in the law."

"The law? You’re talking to me about the law? Just as I thought, a bunch of ignorant peasants who actually believe in that nonsense they use to fool you bottom-feeders. Let me tell you something. In Jarden, the Gallagher Family is the law! We can make you do whatever we want. Crushing you would be as easy as crushing an ant."

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Mr. Gallagher, at least, had some sense of proportion and knew how outrageous his wife’s words were. He tried to cut in and stop her.

Unfortunately, a certain someone was in the heat of the moment and completely ignored his less-than-authoritative rebuke, continuing to level threats at Melody Lynch.

"Do you understand? Get on your knees for my son right now. If you know what’s good for you and do as I say, I might let you have a place in Jarden, allow you disgusting insects to eke out a miserable existence. Otherwise, I’ll have your entire family thrown out of Jarden today."

"Such arrogance. In that case, there’s nothing more to say. I’d like to see just how the Gallagher Family plans to drive the entire Lynch Family out of Jarden."

"The Lynch Family?" Mr. Gallagher paused, suddenly realizing that the people before them might not be the ordinary, background-less individuals he and his wife had assumed.

Mrs. Lynch, who had been standing on the sidelines fuming for a while, saw her husband speak up and immediately stepped forward to address the two girls.

"Melody, Serena, let’s go. We’re not wasting any more breath on these brain-damaged humanoids. It might lower our IQ."

"Who are you calling brain-damaged?" Mrs. Gallagher couldn’t believe it. She had already played the Gallagher Family card, yet these plainly dressed "ordinary people," who looked nothing like wealthy socialites, weren’t the least bit afraid.

But rather than entertain the possibility that these people might have a powerful background, she preferred to believe that Melody Lynch and her group were simply ignorant and had never even heard of the Gallagher Family.

"Until this is resolved today, no one is taking a single step out of this hospital room."

"Mom, can you just say a little less?" Knowing the truth of the matter, Howard Gallagher was so embarrassed he could have dug a hole with his toes.

But Mrs. Gallagher was still wrapped up in her blind confidence. She paid no attention to his attempt to save the situation and even tried to comfort him in return.

"Son, don’t you worry. Mom will definitely get justice for you today. I’ll make every last one of these uncivilized insects kneel before you, atone for their sins, and beg for your forgiveness."

Howard Gallagher: "..." ’I’m so done with this. Just let the world burn.’

The Lynch and Donovan families were so angry they actually started to laugh. Just as they were about to teach this family a lesson they would never forget, a quiet question came from behind them.

"The Gallagher Family... are they supposed to be impressive?"