Chapter 7 — Post-Divorce Rebound: Claiming My Daughter and Starting Over

Concealing and misappropriating joint marital assets.

He paused for a brief moment. His gaze, framed by sharp spectacles, fell precisely upon the deathly pale face of Chu Bich Hoa.

Along with the matter of gathering evidence and pursuing legal liability for threats made against the personal safety of yourself and young Diep Noan Noan.

The moment Lawyer Tham finished speaking, the hallway fell into a silence so profound that one could almost hear a pin drop. The bitterness and arrogance that had moments ago defined Chu Bich Hoa’s expression were instantly replaced by shock and frantic panic. Lam Vy Vy instinctively tightened her grip on the older woman’s arm, her nails digging deep into the flesh. The gentle, practiced smile had vanished from her face, leaving behind only a pale, rigid mask. Co Tu Thuy continued to sob, the sound now piercing and laughably incongruous in the suffocating atmosphere. I held Noan Noan tightly, her small frame still trembling in my arms, and patted her back gently. Then, I raised my head to look at Lawyer Tham standing in the doorway. He had arrived ten minutes earlier than the time specified in our email. It was perfect.

Lawyer Tham, please come in.

I shifted to the side, calmly clearing a path as if the two women before me, whose faces had turned a magnificent shade of defeat, were entirely invisible. Tham Du Minh gave a slight nod and stepped gracefully into the cramped apartment, seemingly indifferent to its modest surroundings. He placed his briefcase onto the only piece of furniture in the room: a clean, small dining table.

Who... who are you? And what kind of lawyer is this?

Chu Bich Hoa finally regained her senses after the initial shock, her voice turning shrill and clearly betraying her guilty conscience. This is a private family matter! Outsiders have no right to interfere! Diep Thanh Uyen! How dare you hire a lawyer? What exactly are you trying to do?

Lam Vy Vy forced a smile, desperately attempting to salvage the situation. That is right, Thanh Uyen. If there is a problem, we should just close the door and talk about it amongst ourselves. Why go through the trouble of bringing in a lawyer and making everything so unpleasant? A harmonious family leads to a peaceful life. If Dinh Tham finds out about this, he will be even more furious.

Whether Master Co is furious or not, Tham Du Minh began opening his briefcase, responding with detached, professional indifference, is not within the scope of my considerations.

He withdrew a stack of documents, his voice remaining cold and clinical. I have been entrusted by Ms. Diep Thanh Uyen to handle the dispute regarding the settlement of her rights following her divorce from Mr. Co Dinh Tham. Based on the preliminary evidence, we have determined that during the period of the marriage, Mr. Co Dinh Tham committed numerous serious violations of his marital obligations. Furthermore, the divorce agreement itself shows clear signs of having been reached by exploiting Ms. Diep's state of deep confusion, and it contains blatantly unjust terms, providing sufficient grounds for us to request its annulment.

Having reached this point, he looked up, his gaze as sharp as a blade as he locked eyes with Chu Bich Hoa. Additionally, Madam Chu Bich Hoa, your previous remark about the, quote, 'poor security in the neighborhood lately,' has constituted a threat to the personal safety of the child, Diep Noan Noan. My assistant waiting downstairs recorded the entire conversation. This is an unlawful act. My client reserves the right to pursue legal accountability against you.

Recorded? You recorded us?

Chu Bich Hoa gasped, inhaling sharply, her entire body trembling with rage. You are blackmailing us! This is slander! I will sue all of you!

Please, feel free to do so, Tham Du Minh said, lightly adjusting his spectacles. His tone remained as calm as ever. My client and I will cooperate fully with any legal proceedings you choose to initiate. While we are on the subject, let me remind you of something. According to the provisions of the Criminal Code, if one uses violence or threats to obstruct a lawyer from performing their legal duties, they may be subject to a fixed-term imprisonment of up to three years, or may face detention, surveillance, or fines.

Chu Bich Hoa’s face cycled through shades of red and white. She raised a shaking finger and pointed it directly at Tham Du Minh.