Chapter 14 — Once I don't hold back, your whole family has to pay the price

His words… made even the mediator frown. Luc Trach stood next to him, his lips curled slightly... a cold smile. I looked at Chu Minh. Finally... spoke up. My voice is very light. But each word... fell clearly.

“Chu Minh, have you forgotten?”

“When I graduate… I have three options.”

“One is to join the top law firm in the country.”

“One is to continue studying abroad, with a full scholarship.”

“One more… is the 3,000 yuan office job you 'helped' me get.”

“Tell me… why did I choose the third one?”

That question... was like a key. Unleashing memories that he deliberately forgot. Chu Minh's face... stiffened. He remembers. That day, I took those bright opportunities... asked him for his opinion. He said... being a lawyer is hard, you will be heartbroken. He said... studying abroad is taking too long, I can't wait. He said... girls don't need to try so hard, just be safe and you'll raise me. He uses love. Use promises. Weave a soft net. Lock up a bird... which can fly very far. Then consider it... as my own merit. Consider my sacrifice… a favor he bestows. That net is torn. The bird... also flew. The feeling of "superiority" that he built at the expense of me... was completely broken. He opened his mouth. Face red then white... then blue. Finally... collapsed on the chair as if losing all strength.

“The settlement plan… will not change.”

Luc Trach stood up and looked down at him from above. His voice was cold and emotionless.

“Accept… or go to court.”

“Mr. Chu, your time… is running out.”

Having finished speaking, he pulled out a chair and signaled me. I stood up. Don't look at Chu Minh again. As I walked to the door— I heard a growling voice behind me, as desperate as an animal cornered.

“Lam Thu, you will regret it!”

“I won't leave you alone!”

Chu Minh's threat... did not make my heart waver. It's just the helpless anger of a loser, the more he struggles, the more pitiful he appears. Mediation failed, everything returned to the right trajectory of the law. The date for the trial... is set after one week. That one week, I almost threw myself completely into work. Luc Trach seemed to intentionally discipline me, assigning me another complex commercial dispute, letting me work as a lawyer's assistant. Every day... I read documents until my eyes are tired, piece together evidence, write legal documents until late at night. Being busy… is the best healer. It makes me no longer have time to remember things that make me uncomfortable. Life... gradually returns to orbit. And there is light ahead. I thought Chu Minh would wait quietly for the trial. But I underestimated his stubbornness and madness. It happened on a Wednesday night. That day I worked overtime until late because of an evidence detail. Leaving the company... it's past nine o'clock at night. The building is almost empty. Luc Trach went to meet guests so he left first. I went down to the underground parking lot alone. The lights are bright, but the space is too large... making each step echo clearly. I pressed the key. My white car flashed its lights in the distance. I opened the car door— suddenly, a dark shadow rushed out from behind the column. It's fast as hell. A strong force pulled my hand, forcing me tightly against the car door. The face distorted by jealousy and resentment... was Chu Minh. My heart sank. The cold spread from the soles of my feet to the top of my head. He was… drunk. Liqueur strong, mixed with the smell of cigarettes... makes people nauseous. His eyes were bloodshot... like a cornered animal.

“You bastard, finally appeared!”

His hand tightened on my wrist... the pain was numbing.

“Do you think hiding is enough?”

“You think if you have a big lawyer backing you... then I can't do anything to you!”

I forced myself to calm down. This is the parking lot. He didn't dare to overdo it.

“Chu Minh, let me go.”

My voice was cold as ice.

“You are illegally detained.”

“Detention?”

He laughed maniacally.

“We were husband and wife!”

“If you talk to your ex-wife… what is illegal!”

He leaned closer. Eyes... crazy.

“I asked you—”

“Three hundred thousand… you must get it!”

“Do you have to corner me to death to satisfy yourself!”

“It's not like I cornered you.”

“I'm just taking back the price you paid.”

I say every word clearly. My calmness… made him even crazier.