The Murder Case 

Finally, Leo arrived at the end of the hallway and knocked on the door marked "Senior Associate Wall."

A deep voice called out from the other side, "Come in."

Leo opened the door and stepped into the office. It was even more luxurious than he had expected, with plush carpets and leather chairs. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with leather-bound books, and there was a large mahogany desk in the center of the room.

Seated behind the desk was a man in his late forties, impeccably dressed in a dark suit and tie. He looked up from his computer screen and greeted Leo with a cold sneer.

"If it isn't the hero of the week." he said, with a disdainful glare in his eyes.

"In the flesh." Leo responded coldly as he approached the desk. His eyes carried confidence in them, the kind of confidence that would piss Stephan off.

In response to this, Stephan could only flash a disdainful smile before picking up a file and tossing it to the other end of the desk.

Leo frowned as he picked up the file and read through the major details. The frown on his face deepened enough to form wrinkles on his forehead. He looked up at Stephan and hostility flashed in his eyes, becoming even more glaring than ever.

"I believe this case must be high profile." Leo said in an almost muffled tone. It felt like he was speaking to himself and not Stephan.

"Hahahaha! A high profile case for a hero like yourself. Our client has ties with some important people at the main branch. Make sure you don't mess things up." Stephan laughed hysterically but soon stopped as he noticed a confident smile on Leo's face.

'This kid…'

Stephan frowned as he felt like he had made a costly mistake that he may end up regretting.

"Thank you for this opportunity. I'll make sure not to let anyone down." Leo said in a frosty tone that sent shivers down Stephan's spine.

Did he make a mistake? Can this kid solve this case?

Stephan rubbed his forehead with his index finger only to realize he was sweating even though the room was cold.

Only now did he realize that Leo had gone through another change but this time it was physical. He gave off a more threatening aura now that made it hard for Stephan to look him in the eyes.

Without hesitation, Stephan briefed Leo on the contents of the case before sending him out of the office.

---

"How does a peaceful gathering between friends end in murder? Considering Lyson's record, he doesn't have a violent past, so there is more to it... Amusing." Leo said while in a cab looking at the file in his hand seating.

Leo's face was one of indifference as he looked out the window and frowned. What was more disturbing was that these events took place between three friends and not strangers.

To think a friendship like that would end overnight, but he was more curious to know why.

In the heart of a bustling city, nestled between two towering skyscrapers, there stood a quaint little café. Despite the chaos and noise of the surrounding streets, the café was an oasis of calm and tranquility, a place where one could escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world and unwind.

The café was situated in the middle of a busy road, with cars and buses rushing past on either side. But inside, it was a different story. Soft music played in the background, and the gentle aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. The walls were adorned with paintings and photographs, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

The café's interior was cozy and comfortable, with plush armchairs and wooden tables that invited patrons to sit and stay awhile. Soft cushions and throws were scattered around the room, adding a touch of homeliness to the space. Large windows overlooked the street, allowing natural light to flood in and offering a glimpse of the bustling world outside.

As soon as Leo stepped in, his Empathy ability allowed him to pinpoint his client. Leo could feel anxiety and uncertainty from one side of the room. He approached at a slow but stable pace.

Huh?

Leo frowned as he saw a fairly aged man in his mid-thirties. The man looked neat judging based on attire, but the bags under his eyes revealed exhaustion and his mustache remained unkempt.

"Mr. Lyson?" Leo approached the man.

"Welcome, Welcome Mr Wright."

Seeing Leo, the man hastily stood up and extended his hand.

Leo shook his hand and casually took a seat.

Mr. Paul Lyson's anxiety was proof that he had information he shouldn't have. One way or another he was involved and Leo is now in a situation where he is forced to defend him and probably cover up his mistakes.

"Are you the killer?" Leo asked casually as he went straight into business mode.

He picked up the cup of coffee right in front of him and took a mouthful of it, savoring the taste even though it was hot.

"Yes... Yes, but it was a mistake, believe me!" Mr Lyson said hastily and Leo nodded absentmindedly.

Leo then pulled out a small palm-sized diary and a pen before turning his attention to Lyson. The reaction of the man was that of someone who genuinely had no reason to kill his friend. The energy he exuded was that of deep regret and remorse but with a tinge of uncertainty and suspicion.

"Tell me what happened that night." Leo asked calmly.

His confidence and temperament began to take effect on Lyson, and slowly he began to calm down. After taking a few breaths he began narrating the story of how he was invited to a nightclub by his friends, Tyler and Jimmy.

According to Lyson, they had only taken a glass of beer, but Jimmy had already begun displaying strange behaviors of being intoxicated. During that time, Tyler kept asking him work-related questions to which Jimmy answered gladly so Lyson thought nothing of it.

Soon the mood changed when Jimmy turned aggressive and began acting strangely. He cursed at them and went as far as to say he once had an affair with Lyson's wife. Under the influence of alcohol, Lyson was overwhelmed by anger and fought Jimmy. He had landed a punch on Jimmy's face which sent him to the ground, resulting in his death.

Hearing the story straight from the client's mouth, even Leo was taken aback. The situation was far more messed up than he had expected. Leo finally realized why Stephan Wall passed this case over to him. Even a senior associate would have a high chance of losing such a case.

Since this man has a relationship with people in the headquarters of the firm, failing would be disastrous.

"Fucking bastard." Leo mumbled with a cruel smile.