Chapter 9 — Mother-in-law Slaps Me, I Make The Whole Family Pay

The day of trial has finally arrived. The courtroom was so solemn that the atmosphere seemed frozen. I sat on the plaintiff's side, next to my mother and lawyer Vuong's team. On the opposite side, Co Vi and his lawyer. Truong Thuy Hoa was also present, sitting in the front row of the audience, her vicious eyes fixed on me. The trial begins, the other side still tries to struggle one last time. Their lawyer stood up, his voice eloquent, trying to portray Co Vi as a model of starting a business from nothing. As for me... I was portrayed as a greedy person who took advantage of marriage for personal gain.

"My client, Mr. Co Vi, with his excellent ability and strategic vision, founded Sang Vi Technology. During their marriage, plaintiff Lam Van did not hold any positions, nor did she make any substantive contributions to the company. In essence, she was just a housewife..."

I sat and listened. Not angry. Not sad either. It just feels... ridiculous. It's my turn. Lawyer Vuong stood up, slowly but each sentence was sharp. He presented evidence one after another. The first version, all original design files of key products. Creator name, edit history, timestamp… it all points to me. The second version, concept articles I posted on design forums many years ago. The time is much earlier than the products announced by the company. The third version, the testimony of Chu Hao and his former colleagues. They clearly stated that I was the one leading the design, while Co Vi was just the one taking the credit. The fourth version, the entire plan and video "upside down" at the launch. Each piece of evidence… Stacked on top of each other like rocks. The pressure was so heavy that Co Vi could no longer breathe. His face went from trying to stay calm... to annoyed... then turned pale. In the audience, Truong Thuy Hoa began to fidget, muttering curses. But it's not over yet. Lawyer Vuong adjusted the microphone and looked straight at the judge's chair.

“Next, we would like to present evidence related to the defendant's criminal behavior.”

He pressed the play button. The recording echoed in the courtroom. Co Vi's voice was cold and threatening.

“Either withdraw the application, return everything... or die together!”

Co Vi jerked his body. Immediately after that, a string of evidence of commercial appropriation, secret disclosure, bribery and threats were presented one after another. Transfer statement. Photo of the message. Intermediary testimony. Not a single loophole.

"No! It's not! It's all fake!"

Co Vi completely collapsed, jumped up from the chair, screaming like he had lost his mind.

"It's you! You're the one who harmed me! It's you who forced me!"

The sound of hammers rang out.

"Arrest her! This woman is a fraud! Judge, you must not trust her!"

Truong Thuy Hoa also lost control, stood up, cursed and rushed forward. Two police officers immediately held her tight and pulled her out. A deafening scream echoed in the room. Co Vi looked after him, as if he had lost his last support. He sat down. Empty eyes. Mouth mumbling. Then burst into tears.

“Van Van… you were wrong…”

“Can we do it again… go back to how it was before…”

“I love you…”

I looked at that man. The person I loved with all my youth. Now... just like a lost person. There is no more hatred in my heart. No longer hurt. There was only... a cold void. It's too late. Everything… it was too late. The judge pronounced the sentence.

“Accept my request for divorce Plaintiff Lam Van.”

“Considering the value of assets, sixty percent of Sang Vi Technology belongs to the plaintiff.”

“The defendant must compensate for mental damages of one hundred thousand.”

"At the same time, acts showing signs of crime will be transferred to the investigation agency for handling."

The hammer sounded. Everything ends. I won. Win thoroughly. Stepping out of the court gate, the sun was beautiful. I took a deep breath, feeling like the rock that had been weighing me down for three years... had finally been lifted. I'm free. Co Vi, with a series of accumulating charges, was finally detained in criminal detention. Waiting for him... are long years of imprisonment. Truong Thuy Hoa, after hearing the results, could not bear the shock and suffered a stroke on the spot. Saved my life... but left behind paralysis of half my body and unclear speech. The woman who used to be overbearing, got whatever she wanted... Now she can only lie in a hospital bed, unable to even take care of basic daily activities. She asked her relatives to convey the message that she wanted to meet me once. I refuse. There are people... not seeing each other again is the best ending. I took over “Bright Tail Technology” — A pile of ruins. Debt is piling up, people's hearts are fragmented. I'm not trying to save. Something built on lies and exploitation... is not inherently worth keeping. I hired a professional team to conduct bankruptcy and liquidation. After paying off all the debt, the remaining amount... is not a small amount. I used that money to expand "Studio Lam Van", renting an office in the most expensive central area of the city. I extend an official invitation to Chu Hao and his technical team. The remuneration level is higher than the average, along with founding shares. They agreed immediately. My new career… has the strongest foundation. One time, I drove past the hospital where Truong Thuy Hoa was lying. Somehow… I stopped. I didn't go into the room. Just stand outside, looking through the thick glass. She lost a lot of weight, her hair turned white, and her eyes were cloudy. She also saw me. The whole person was agitated, trying to sit up, his mouth emitting distorted, unclear sounds. The nurse quickly held her back.