What do you want to get out of this? What do you think you can get out of this? What are you expecting to get out of this? It seems to me based on that most

What do you want to get out of this? What do you think you can get out of this? What are you expecting to get out of this? It seems to me based on that most recent email that you will get no more money. Let's create a decision tree ... + Assuming you can get more money (probability 10%? Probably less given the racist rant) ++ You can only get more money by negotiating and handing over the original files. What are they worth to you? Yes, you have invested time, but that's a sunk cost. It seems to me that they are of no value to you except for the money you can get for them. Options: +++ Ask for your $273 and refuse to budge. You will get nothing, they will be angry. Return=$0 +++ Accept their offer of $150. You have a 10% chance of getting it. Return=$15 +++ Ask for $100. They'll be surprised and try to bargain you down. Stand firm. You'll get $100 with 20% chance. Return=$20. Best option. + Assuming you will get no more money, are the files of value to you? I doubt it. ++ Keep the files. The bastards won't get anything, will be angry, will do what they can to damage you. Return is less than 0. You need to assess how much damage they can do to you. ++ Give them the files. They'll be shocked, feel righteous and vindicated, but are unlikely to take further action. Return=$0 ++ Give them the files and state that you would like them to settle, but they have no obligation to do so. Say that they offered $150, but for the possibility of parting without too much rancour you will accept $100. Probability they pay? Hmm. 20%? Return=$20 Personally I'd write a "more in sorrow than in anger" email that you (plural) have reached such a position, and that as a gesture of good-will you will hand over the files without obligation. State that the time spent on them was worth $273 to you, but acknowledge that they will never accept that. Say that you will acccept any payment they deem suitable for the entire project, and having done so, that you will consider the matter settled in its entirety. You won't get $273 - decide what is the likely best outcome, and close the issue. I'd seriously consider giving them the files as a good-will gesture and walking away.