151Judge Walker's stern expression tightened. "Order in the court! This is highly inappropriate!"In hushed tones, Juror 1 leaned towards Juror 2, "I can't believe this! Is that really the mayor?"Juror 2 replied, "I never expected this. This changes everything."Whispers and gasps filled the courtroom as the explicit content persisted. Elisabeth's defense team looked stunned, desperately trying to figure out how to respond.Judge Walker banged the gavel. "Mr. Mayer, this is enough! We will not tolerate this sensationalism in our courtroom."Ignoring the judge's plea, Alan Mayer attempted unsuccessfully to halt the video. Panic set in as the shocking scenes played on the screen, leaving the once-confident defense team scrambling.Shouting over the chaos, Alan demanded, "Your Honor, I demand you see the truth about this man Ventura!"In a desperate attempt to end the spectacle, the judge ordered the video to be halted. However, the screen remained stubbornly lit, defiantly displaying

153Arriving at the smoldering remains of Olivia's store, they found firefighters wrapping up containment efforts. Michael called out to the fire chief. "Please, is there any way we can assess the damage?" he pleaded. Seeing Olivia's state, the chief nodded understandingly.The extent of ruin crushed them all. Olivia broke down in Michael's arms anew. He consoled her gently till sobs subsided to sniffles."Stay strong, my darling. This challenge shan't defeat your spirit," Michael soothed. Turning to the chief, determination sparked in his eyes. "I need to speak with the police. This fire was no accident," he declared. The chief agreed to arrange a meeting at once.At the station, Chief Reynolds warmly greeted Michael. "You've aided our city greatly. How can I assist you?"Michael explained the night's harrowing events. "I request your department conducts a thorough investigation. The culprits must be brought to light," he urged."You have my word we'll get to the bottom of this," R

As Michael pulled into the courthouse parking lot, a chilling voice from the back seat disrupted his thoughts.Wallas menacingly instructed, "Drive where I tell you, and don't make a sound."Michael, alarmed, resisted, "I won't comply."Wallas coldly threatened, "If you don't, Olivia dies. I've kidnapped her."Michael, panicking, insisted, "You're lying. I spoke with her yesterday."Wallas replied ominously, "Believe what you want, but if you don't obey, Olivia dies."Reluctantly, Michael agreed, worried for Olivia's safety. His phone rang – the investigator in charge of the fire case.Wallas snatched the phone, crushing it before tossing it out of the car.As they arrived in an old abandoned factory, Wallas forced Michael out of the car at gunpoint. Wallas prodded Michael out of the car with his gun. "Move it." They walked into the dilapidated factory, Michael's senses on high alert. That's when he saw him. "Maxwell? I should've known you were involved."Maxwell grinned sadisticall

157"I'm driving," Olivia insisted as they reached Michael's car. He smiled warmly. "Always looking out for me. I appreciate the concern, but I'm fine, really."Olivia frowned. "You were just kidnapped and beaten up. Humor me and let a doctor check you over."Michael chuckled. "Would if I could, but this case has gone on long enough. I need to see it through to the end."As they got in, Olivia's phone rang - it was their lawyer, Paul Griffin who was sent to court after seeing that Michael was fine. "Paul? What's the verdict?" she answered eagerly. Michael watched her face carefully for any reaction. After a pause, Olivia breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. Thank you for calling, Paul."She hung up, visibly relaxing. "Former Mayor Brown has been sentenced to ten years in prison."Michael grinned, satisfaction washing over him. "Justice prevails. All our hard work paid off."Soon they arrived at the courthouse, spotting the familiar crowd of journalists outside. "Staying for t

159Michael frowned thoughtfully, his mind filled with doubt. If the evidence was certain, Samantha could be the culprit. The inspector's words echoed in his mind as he tried to make sense of the situation."So, you're saying Miss Cooper claims someone gave her a suitcase to transport, and she had no knowledge that it contained drugs?" Michael asked, seeking clarification.The inspector nodded. "That's correct. She provided the usual formula that people in her situation give. She insists she doesn't know the identity of the person who gave her the suitcase."Michael sighed, feeling conflicted. Samantha's past behavior had left a bitter taste in his mouth, but he couldn't ignore her plea for help. "What will happen to her now? Can I see her?"The inspector leaned back in his chair and sighed. "She's been arrested on drug trafficking charges, a very serious offense. She'll be held in custody pending further investigation. As for seeing her, I can arrange a visitation, but under supervisi