Verdict

The foreperson, a woman in her middle age with a serious face, stood to address the court. Her voice was firm, but the gravity of her words filled the room.

"As the foreperson of the jury, after reviewing all the evidence, we have reached a unanimous verdict," she declared. "We found the defendant, Eric Mariano, guilty of the intentional killing of James Vasquez."

A gasp rippled through the courtroom, followed by a heavy silence. James Vasquez's family members bowed their heads, their expressions a mix of sorrow and relief, emotions swirling within them.

Judge Ramirez nodded solemnly, acknowledging the jury's decision. She turned to Eric Mariano, whose expression remained stoic, revealing no hint of remorse or acceptance of his fate.

"Eric Mariano, you have been found guilty of the intentional killing of James Vasquez," Judge Ramirez pronounced. "The court hereby sentences you to the fullest extent of the law for this heinous crime. May justice be served."

The sound of the gavel echoed, signaling the end of the trial. As Eric Mariano was escorted away by the bailiffs, James Vasquez's family members exchanged quiet words of comfort, finding solace in the closure provided by the verdict.

Slowly, the courtroom emptied.

After the trial, inside the law firm 'Reyes-Castro Legal Firm'.

"Thanks for winning our son's case. We are grateful to you," the Vasquez parents said while looking at me as if their gratitude was genuine.

While tapping my fingers on the table, I didn't give them a single glance, instead, I chuckled after hearing their words.

"Grateful?" I murmured.

"Yes, you should be, especially after what your son did. Winning that case was a blessing for both of you," I said mockingly, with a smirk.

They looked at me blankly, as if they didn't grasp my meaning, which only made me chuckle again.

"Now, how do we settle the payment?" I asked in a mocking tone.

"We already made the payment in advance," they said in low voices, seemingly terrified of the aura I exuded.

"Don't make me spell it out," I gave them a side-eye.

Mr. Vasquez suddenly spoke up, "What do you mean, Attorney Castro? Are you threatening us?"

"Threaten? Maybe, I'm not sure. I'm simply making a deal right now." I shrugged.

"What kind of deal?" he asked.

"Hahaha," I laughed at his innocent act.

"Do you think I wouldn't find out the truth? We knew it wasn't an accident and it wasn't intentional. It was your son's fault, but who would have thought his actions would cost him his life? The irony..." I smirked.

"What are you talking about?" Mr. Vasquez's voice rose, sounding agitated.

"Don't act innocent with me. You may have deleted the evidence, but restoring it was easy. I saw the footage that captured the scenes where your son quarreled with Eric Mariano before the incident. Then, after their quarrel, they parted ways. But they met again at a gas station. While Eric was inside the store, your son James tampered with Eric's car."

"The most unfortunate part of their encounter was on the road. The same car your son tampered with ended his life."

Seeing the couple's expressions while I told them the truth, they simply bowed their heads, seeming afraid of what I'd say next.

So I continued... "You're lucky we won the court, and the Mariano name is now tarnished because of what happened. But what if I gave them the footage of your son tampering with the car?"

They trembled after hearing what I said.

"No, please don't! We will do whatever you want. We will give you what you want. Just don't ruin our reputation," Mr. Vasquez hurriedly begged.

Hearing those words, I simply smirked.

"Now, you're being honest with me. The deal is simple. I want you to work under me. I will make you the President in the upcoming election. With my connections, I could elevate you or bring you down. So now, tell me, are you going to work under me?" I asked in a serious tone.

They trembled and kneeled, "Please, we beg you. We will do everything you want. Just don't let our names and reputations be ruined. We will follow you and will never betray you."

Seeing their terrified expressions simply gave me delight.

As expected of people who care so much about their names. They were easy to manipulate when their reputation was on the verge of being destroyed.

Finally, I could now have control of the government. Money and power, I had these two now. Just a few more steps, and I would finally go back to Veilhaven and get my revenge. Wait for me, Mom, Dad, Bro, and Sis. I would get justice for all of you.

Clenching my fist while thinking about it, a knock at the door brought me back to my senses.

Attorney Reyes came in and walked towards me.

"Attorney Castro, the media wants to interview the Vasquez couple about the trial."

"Great. Tell them we accept the interview, but they have to wait for an hour."

"Okay, Attorney Castro, I will inform them," he said, bowing down before leaving.

Now looking back at the couple, "You know what to do and what to say, right? You managed to fool the people and make them believe in your act in the courtroom. Just like that, make sure to garner the people's sympathy. Now you may leave, but don't ever think of running away from me."

They got up and bowed down, saying, "We will never run away and will follow all your instructions."

Looking at their departing figures, I couldn't help but think about my next plan.

I was finally getting closer to my goal.

Veilhaven Country, I'd be back soon to get my revenge.

---

Back to the present.

I spent my time hacking into all the computers around Mr. Abad, searching for any possible evidence that would lead me to the truth of what happened back then.

But reality frustrated me so much.

"Damn it!"

"Where the heck could I find that evidence? Oh, right, the phone. I must get that phone no matter what."