Chapter 24

Jenny POV:

I woke up at four am to the sound of silence, the darkness outside my window a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. I got out of bed, my feet padding softly on the floor as I made my way to the shower. The warm water cascaded down my skin, washing away the fatigue. I dressed in a simple black dress, the fabric soft against my skin, and grabbed my purse, filling it with my essentials.

I knocked on Tasha's door, and she emerged, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "I'm leaving now," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Let me escort you," she replied, following me to the gate. The cool morning air carried the scent of blooming flowers as we walked. Tasha hugged me tight before turning back, leaving me to continue my journey.

I boarded a bus, the engine roaring to life as we pulled out of the station. I watched the city give way to rolling hills and eventually, the bustling town of Flakes. I bought some gifts for my dad along the way, the smell of fresh fruit and baked goods wafting from the bags.

As the bus pulled into the station, I felt a mix of emotions: excitement, nervousness, and a hint of sadness. I called Tasha, updating her on my arrival, before dialing my dad's number. "I'm here, Dad," I said, using Google Maps to guide him to my location.

As I waited, I took in the transformed town. Gone were the bushes and houses, replaced by a mini city. The government had indeed tried to revamp the area.

A car pulled up, and my dad stepped out, a warm smile spreading across his face. I dropped my luggage and rushed into his arms. "I've missed you, Dad," I said, my voice muffled against his chest.

"You too, my dear daughter," he replied, his voice filled with emotion.

We pulled back, and I eyed the car. "Dad, did you buy a new car?"

He chuckled. "Yes, and stop looking. We need to get your things in the car."

I stowed my luggage in the boot before getting in, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me as we drove off into the evening.

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The next day, the courtroom buzzed with anticipation as the two parties, flanked by their lawyers, stood before the judge. Mr. Alex's lawyer, Michael Fonds, began, his voice confident and clear. "Good morning, Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury. I represent the plaintiff in this case, and over the course of this trial, we will present evidence and arguments to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that our client is entitled to justice."

The argument between the two parties commenced, with Lawyer Michael stating, "We have witnesses who were paid by Mr. Rugard to burn one of Mr. Alex's warehouses, storing medicinal products, a crucial source of income."

The judge nodded, "Bring them in."

As the witnesses entered, Mr. Rugard's face paled. "My Lord, Mr. Rugard paid us $500,000 to burn the warehouse," one witness testified.

Mr. Rugard's lawyer countered, "That's a lie. Show us your evidence."

Lawyer Michael smiled, "I will." A video played, showing a Lexus stopping in front of a house, and the witness exiting with an envelope. The video ended, and Lawyer Michael continued, "We traced the car to Mr. Rugard's ownership, and he used it to come to court today."

Mr. Rugard's lawyer, Frank, shifted uncomfortably before speaking, "But Mr. Alex kidnapped a boy..."

Lawyer Michael interrupted, "Don't change the topic, Mr. Frank."

"I'm not," Mr. Frank replied. "I'm highlighting the illegal activities of your client. As we speak, the boy is in Mr. Alex's house."

Lawyer Michael objected, "My client never did such a thing. We have evidence that the boy's Father entrusted Mr. Alex with his care." Documents were presented, and the judge reviewed them before returning them to Lawyer Michael.