126A few minutes later, a man in his late 50s arrived. He had a stern expression and a cautious demeanor. He greeted them politely, but there was an air of unease around him."Good morning, gentlemen," the owner said, his voice slightly shaky. "I have brought the land title, as requested. Let's discuss the details."Michael noticed the owner's nervousness but brushed it off, attributing it to the importance of the transaction. "Thank you for joining us," he replied, extending his hand for a handshake.The owner hesitated for a moment before shaking Michael's hand. "I must say, I wasn't expecting such interest in this property. It's been in my family for generations, you know."Robert smiled reassuringly. "We understand the sentimental value, but we believe this land has great potential. We're looking forward to making it a hub for our company's growth."The owner seemed somewhat relieved by Robert's words. "Well, let's get down to business then. I've prepared an offer for you."As the
"That's insane! Have you contacted the university? They need to investigate this properly and clear your name," Michael suggested, his voice filled with urgency.James let out a deep sigh. "I've tried, but it feels like they've already made up their minds. They think I'm guilty, and it's tearing me apart."A surge of determination coursed through Michael's veins. He knew he had to do something to help his friend."Listen, James, I won't let them destroy your future. We'll hire the best lawyer, gather evidence, and fight this injustice. You're not alone in this," Michael vowed, his voice filled with resolve.There was a brief moment of silence before James spoke again, his voice filled with gratitude and hope. "Thank you, Michael. Your unwavering support means the world to me. I don't know what I would do without you."A small smile tugged at the corners of Michael's lips. "We've been through so much together, and I won't let this situation break us. We'll uncover the truth and make thi
128Once Michael was escorted out of the office, the administrators inside the vice dean's office, Richard, Elaine, and George began to exchange amused glances. They couldn't believe that someone like Michael had the audacity to challenge their authority."Did you see the look on his face?" the vice dean chuckled, shaking his head. "He actually thinks he can intimidate us.""Can you believe the audacity of that young man?" Richard said, his voice filled with disdain. He was a stout man in his late fifties, with thinning hair and a perpetual frown on his face.Elaine, a woman of around the same age with sharp features and piercing eyes, chuckled. "A clown indeed. Threatening us with his father's connections. As if we should be scared."George, a tall, lean man with graying hair, joined in the laughter. "Look at him, thinking he can save his friend from his own mistakes. It's almost pitiful."The woman smirked, leaning back in her chair. "It's quite entertaining, isn't it? These emotiona
Over the next few weeks, the university was abuzz with the news about the disciplinary hearing. The slap was the talk of the campus, and Michael's audacity became a symbol of resistance against the administration's high-handedness. Vice Dean Oakley, stung by the public humiliation, was desperate to regain his authority. He was eager to conclude the re-investigation and prove that the disciplinary committee was right all along. Meanwhile, Michael, James, and Arthur doubled their efforts. They were aware that the reopened investigation could be influenced by the Vice Dean's eagerness to prove them wrong. In the confines of Arthur's office, Michael and James huddled over pieces of evidence, their faces illuminated by the glow of the laptop screen. "Michael, look at this," James pointed towards a code snippet on the screen. "This is a unique piece of code that I would never use. It's too risky and leaves a trace."Michael's eyes widened in realization, "So whoever did this wanted to f
130Michael stood there, stunned by the sudden confrontation. The construction site had fallen into an eerie silence as everyone watched the drama unfold. He cursed himself inwardly for not trusting his instincts when he first found the landowner suspicious.Summoning his courage, Michael raised his voice and commanded, "Everyone back to work!" His words lacked their usual confidence, but he couldn't let this setback paralyze their progress.As the construction crew reluctantly resumed their tasks, Michael reached for his phone and dialed the landowner's number. After a few rings, the owner answered, his voice devoid of emotion, "Hello?""It's Mr. Ventura," Michael began, trying to keep his voice steady. "We need to discuss the land we purchased from you."The owner's response was cautious, "What can I do for you, Mr. Ventura?""There's been a complication," Michael explained urgently. "A man showed up today and tried to stop the construction. He claims the land was sold to a Mafia-ba
131In a dimly lit room across town, the mafia was hatching a devious plan for revenge."We need to teach this Ventura guy a lesson," the wiry man said, a malicious smile playing on his lips. "Let's sabotage his supply chain. Disrupt the delivery of construction materials to the port. That'll slow him down."Another member of the group chuckled darkly. "And let's not forget the anonymous threats. We'll keep bombarding him and his crew with messages, making them feel like they're constantly being watched."A third man, with a cruel glint in his eyes, added, "We'll make sure his workers are too terrified to set foot on that site. Break their spirit, and the project will crumble."The room filled with sinister laughter as they reveled in their twisted plot.The next few days were a whirlwind. Threats and anonymous calls started pouring in, targeting not just Michael but his entire construction crew. Workers were harassed, their families threatened, and their lives turned into a living nig
132The tension in the air was palpable as Michael stared down the barrels of the guns pointed at him. His mind raced, searching for a way out of this dangerous situation. Suddenly, a mischievous smile played on his lips as an idea formed in his mind."Alright, alright," Michael said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "You win. I'll stop the construction. Just don't shoot!"Michael looked at the men, their faces twisted into ugly snarls, guns shaking slightly in their hands. But instead of fear, he felt a strange sense of amusement.The men exchanged satisfied glances, believing they had finally broken Michael's spirit. But little did they know, he had a trick up his sleeve.As they approached cautiously, guns still trained on him, Michael took a step back, positioning himself strategically. "But before we go any further," he continued, his voice dripping with false compliance, "I have a small request."The men exchanged puzzled glances but cautiously nodded for him to continue."Co
133 "The tension in the courtroom was palpable as the case unfolded. The mafia's lawyer, Mr. Russo, stood up, his voice dripping with contempt. "Your honor, my clients have been subjected to unimaginable torment at the hands of this troublemaker, Mr. Michael Ventura. He has vandalized their property, harassed their workers, and even physically assaulted them."Michael's lawyer, Mr. Thompson, rose to his feet, a determined look on his face. "Your honor, these accusations are nothing more than desperate attempts to vilify my client. Mr. Ventura has done nothing but follow the proper legal procedures in his construction project. If there have been damages, it is solely due to the mafia's interference and subsequent sabotage."But then, the mafia lawyer did something unexpected. "Your honor," he said, pulling out a USB drive, "I have video evidence of Mr. Ventura threatening me. Would you like me to play it for the courtroom?"Judge Johnson furrowed his brow, considering the arguments pre