Chapter 55

"What's wrong?" "Why would someone try to extort 500 thousand dollars from a college student who hasn't even graduated yet? It doesn't make sense," I said, frustrated by the sheer absurdity of it. Alex, however, looked like he had it all figured out. "Because they're confident you can come up with the money." "Confident? How could they possibly believe that? I don't have that kind of money," I exclaimed. "They believe you'll find a way." "And how am I supposed to do that? Steal it? Rob a bank? Honestly, at that point, I'd rather just deal with the online hate," I scoffed, finding the entire notion laughable. "Or maybe, I'm the way they think you'll get it from," Alex said, his gaze steady and full of certainty. "You…" I started to argue but then froze, realizing what he meant. "Back then, you were practically invisible. No one cared enough to pay attention. That's why they held onto the video, waiting for the right moment to strike. But now that I've helped clear your name, t