Chapter 7 — Last Hope

No money, no home, no support. Tran Loi's goal—has been achieved. He cornered me. I walked in the middle of the cold street. Vehicles pass by. People are in a hurry. Like being abandoned by the whole world. What should I do? Just as everything fell apart— my phone rang. I hesitated a bit. Then still picked up the phone.

“Excuse me... is it Ms. Tran Hi?”

On the other end of the line was a calm male voice.

"My name is Ly, I'm a lawyer."

"I was entrusted by Ms. Luu Van, there is a part of the file that needs to be delivered to you."

Sister-in-law's trust? I stood still.

“But… she's in a coma…”

“Yes. This trust was created a week before the incident.”

One week before it happened! My heart skipped a beat. I held the phone tightly. I almost couldn't believe my ears. Sister-in-law… prepared in advance?

“May I ask... what file is that?”

My voice trembled.

“It's not convenient to talk over the phone.”

The lawyer's voice was still calm and trustworthy.

“It's best if we meet in person. Do you have time?”

“Now! I'll be right over!”

I can't wait any longer. He sent me an address. A lawyer's office is located in a luxury building in the center of the city. I took a taxi and read the address. Sitting in the car— my heart was still pounding. Did you know already? Have you seen through Tran Loi's personality? Did you... silently prepare a retreat for me? Half an hour later— I stood in front of the door of "Tinh Anh Law Office". Luxurious reception desk. Neatly dressed people with cold temperaments walked back and forth. The exact opposite of my struggles right now. I reported my name. Quickly led into the reception room. A moment later— a man entered. Flat vest, gold-rimmed glasses, about forty years old.

"Tran Hi, hello. I'm Ly Minh."

He held out his hand. I quickly stood up and shook hands. His hand was warm and firm.

"Hello, lawyer Ly."

“Please sit down.”

He gestured, then sat down opposite me.

"I'm sorry to have to meet you in this situation. I've also heard about Ms. Luu Van's story."

His eyes darkened a bit.

"Lawyer Ly, you said... my sister-in-law entrusted you a week ago?"

I can't wait, ask now. He nodded. Then took out a thick, brown file bag. The bag is sealed. The outside has Luu Van's handwritten signature.

“One week ago, three days before the incident, Ms. Luu Van came to our office.”

“She said... she wanted to make a will, and at the same time asked me to handle something.”

"At that time, she was mentally unstable. Very worried, very scared."

"She said... she suspected that her husband, Ms. Tran Loi's brother... wanted to harm her."

My breath caught. really knew it all.

“She said, Tran Loi has another woman outside, and secretly transferred their shared assets.”

"Recently, he also forced her to drink some supplements of unknown origin. After taking them, she felt dizzy and tired."

“She secretly had those things tested, but the results are still not available.”

“She had a very strong feeling… that something was about to happen.”

“So… she made this will.”

Lawyer Ly pushed the file bag towards me.

“The will clearly states, if she had any ‘accident’ that resulted in death or incapacitation—”

“Her entire private property before marriage, including an apartment, a share of shares company, and the legacy left by our parents—”

“will be your sole heir, Tran Hi.”

"Tran Loi... is not entitled to a single penny."

I was stunned. I never knew— my sister-in-law had so much property. In front of me, she is always simple and humble. As if… there was nothing in hand.

“She said…”

Lawyer Ly's voice lowered.

“Tran Loi… has been targeting these assets for a long time.”

“This… is also his biggest motivation.”

Lawyer Ly said, his voice lowered.

“In addition, she also entrusted me with something.”

His expression became much more serious.

“If something really happened to her, at all costs... you must be found.”

“And give this to you.”

He opened his briefcase and took out a small security box.

“She said, in here... is all the evidence she collected, related to Tran Loi's adultery and property transfer.”

“She believes... she will definitely get justice for herself.”

My tears... can't be held back anymore. Even in the most desperate moment— the person you think of... is still me. She placed all her hopes... on my shoulders. How could I let you down?

“The password is your date of birth.”

Lawyer Ly said. My hands shook, entering each number. The box opened. a USB. A bunch of keys. And a letter. On the envelope was written: Dear Tieu Hi. I opened the letter. The familiar handwriting—pierced straight into my heart.