152As Michael made his way through the crowded lobby, a swarm of reporters stopped him. "Mr. Ventura, how does it feel to be cleared of all charges?" one asked eagerly."Justice has been served," Michael replied simply. "This was quite a turnaround from the initial allegations. Any comments on that?" another pressed.Before Michael could answer, Robert stepped forward. "The truth prevailed as we knew it would. Congratulations, Michael.""Thank you, Robert. I must admit, I didn't expect such an outcome either," Michael responded with a smile.Robert chuckled. "You've always had a talent for beating the odds. I'm sure this is just the beginning."As they spoke, Douglas approached. "Well done, sir. I never doubted you for a moment.""None of this would've been possible without your discretion, Douglas. I'm forever in your debt," Michael acknowledged gratefully. Douglas nodded. "It was my honor to assist. Now, what's our next move?"Michael considered thoughtfully. "For now, we celebr
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 they left the station, Michael turned to Olivia. "We need to stay one step ahead. Wallas won't rest until he sees us broken."Olivia gripped Michael's hand, determination in her eyes. "We won't let them win."Michael nodded, a faint smile on his face. "I know it won't be easy, but I promise you, Olivia, I'll take care of all the reconstruction work."Olivia squeezed his hand, gratitude shining in her eyes. "You don't have to do it all alone, Michael. I can afford to contribute as well. We're in this together."Michael's smile widened, touched by Olivia's support. "Thank you, Olivia. But this is my way of making amends too. It's partly because of me that there was this fire. I want to take responsibility and make things right."Just then, Michael's phone buzzed, indicating an incoming call. It was his lawyer, Paul Griffin. Michael answered, his voice filled with anticipation. "Hello, Paul. What's the latest?"Paul's voice was serious but tinged with a hint of excitement. "Michael, t
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
156Wallas managed to catch his balance at the last moment, narrowly avoiding a face-plant. But the heavy iron bar slipped from his grasp, landing directly on his foot with a sickening crunch. "Agh! Son of a bitch!" he howled, hopping up and down clutching his injured foot.Maxwell hurled the useless gun at Michael in frustration but it bounced harmlessly off the pillar behind him. "Hold still so I can finish you!" he roared as he charged at Michael, throwing wild punches. But Michael dodged nimbly from side to side, a smug smile on his face. "Is that the best you've got? My grandmother hits harder than you two combined." Wallas limped over, still seething in pain. "I'll wipe that smirk off your face, Ventura." He swung clumsily at Michael, who easily stepped back out of reach. "Give it up, boys. You were never a match for me," Michael taunted. The brothers glared at each other, at a loss. "If that gun was loaded like you claimed, none of this would be happening!" Wallas snapped a
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
Michael opened the door to find Robert and Hilary standing there. He was surprised, but he tried to hide it. "Robert, Hilary, come in," he said, stepping aside to let them enter."We came to check on you, heard what happened!" Robert said.Edward stood up from the couch, looking uneasy. "I'll be going now," he announced, "I just Emily, will come to see me soon."Michael didn't respond, he just stood there, staring blankly at the floor. Edward hesitated, then quietly left the room.Robert cleared his throat, trying to lighten the mood. "We just came by to check on you," he confessed, looking over at Michael.Michael's eyebrows raised in question. "And why would you do that?" he asked, turning to look at Hilary.Robert let out a small laugh. "Well, Hilary here wanted to see you again," he admitted, scratching the back of his neck
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