Chapter 21 — Reborn: This Hell Is Mine

The Scales of Justice

The trial of the case took place three months after the night of that fateful anniversary party, attracting great public attention because it involved two famous business groups in the city.

Vệ Đắc Thịnh was indicted on charges of masterminding the destruction of property, planning an organized murder, and manipulating the stock market through illegal inside information. In court, he still tried to deny responsibility, blaming his subordinates and the mechanic, claiming he did not know about the specific murder plan. But the financial evidence, along with the detailed and consistent testimony of the mechanic under witness protection, and the recordings that Mr. Son had previously collected, were enough to convince the jury of his undeniable mastermind role.

Final sentence: fifteen years in prison for attempted organized murder, plus additional sentences for stock market manipulation and destruction of corporate assets. Hưng Thịnh Corporation, after information about the case was widely published, suffered a serious reputational shock, its shares plummeted, forcing the board of directors to replace the entire senior leadership team to save the situation.

During the days of Đắc Thịnh's trial, the media continuously exploited the story from many angles. Some newspapers focus on the business aspect, analyzing risk management lessons for family corporations. Others delve deeper into the sensational elements of the case - a conspiracy between adoptive sisters, a marriage nearly ruined, a young tycoon facing a crisis. Ý Vy, although uncomfortable with excessive public attention, still maintained the necessary composure, refusing most private interview invitations, only agreeing to speak briefly through the group's official documents.

Bích Ngọc, after learning the whole truth through public trials, came to find Ý Vy, hugged her friend, cried and gently blamed her. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? I thought that call that day at the hospital was you joking about something, who would have thought..." She shook her head, didn't finish her sentence, just squeezed her friend's hand. Ý Vy just smiled, apologizing for having to hide it from her friend for so long, explaining that she didn't want to drag anyone else into danger before all the evidence was solid enough.

For Kỷ Tuệ Nghi, the trial took place in a much more complicated atmosphere. She never denied her actions, honestly declared the entire truth right from the first interrogation sessions, and fully cooperated with the investigation agency to clarify Đắc Thịnh's role. Her defense lawyer clearly presented the complex psychological circumstances behind the crime - an orphan growing up with a sense of silent discrimination, being taken advantage of by a malicious person at the weakest moment.

Ý Vy, even though she was a direct victim, made a decision that surprised many people: she testified in court, not to further accuse her, but to present her situation, her sisterly relationship, and what she discovered at the orphanage regarding unintentional bias in the past. She did not ask for a complete reduction in her sister's sentence - that, she understood, would be unfair to the dangerous act Tuệ Nghi had committed - but she asked the court to fully consider the defendant's psychological context and sincere cooperation.

"My sister made a serious mistake, and she needs to be held responsible before the law," Ý Vy told the court, her voice calm but full of emotion. "But I also hope the court understands that behind that act is a person who has suffered psychological trauma for a long time, and part of the responsibility lies with the carelessness of the adults around him, including our adoptive mother, even though she did not intend to."

That testimony, along with full cooperation throughout the investigation, helped Tuệ Nghi receive a much lighter sentence than the maximum penalty for attempted murder — eight years in prison, instead of up to life in prison if tried with aggravating circumstances.

Before being taken to prison, Tuệ Nghi had a short meeting with Ý Vy in the court waiting room, under police supervision.

"Thank you," Tuệ Nghi said, her voice hoarse from crying so much during the trial. "I didn't think you would stand up and say those things for me, after everything I've done."

"I didn't do that because I forgave you immediately," Ý Vy replied, her eyes still complicated between pain and sympathy. "I do this because I understand that if it's simply punishment and no one is willing to look at the root of the problem, this tragedy will most likely repeat itself in a different way, with someone else in the future." Tuệ Nghi nodded, tears welling up again. "I will use the time in prison to think carefully about what I did. I don't expect you to forgive me right away, but I hope that one day, if I really change, you will give me the opportunity to atone for some of my mistakes."

"I don't promise anything," Ý Vy said, her voice gentle but sincere. "But I won't completely close the door. Use that time to truly face yourself, Tuệ Nghi. Not to please anyone, including me, but so that you can live peacefully with yourself in the future."

When Tuệ Nghi was taken away, Ý Vy stood silently watching, feeling a growing burden being lifted from her shoulders, although not completely relieved. She understands that justice has been served, but the wound between the two sisters, whether there is a chance to heal in the future or not, will take a long time to truly heal, if that is even possible.

Bách Nguyên walked over, put his arm around his wife's shoulders, and walked out of the court with her into the gentle afternoon sunlight. "You did the right thing," he said, "both in terms of justice and in terms of humanity. Not everyone is brave enough and tolerant enough to do that."

Ý Vy smiled slightly, resting her head on his shoulder. "I'm just trying to make sure that, no matter what the outcome is, I won't regret acting unfairly towards anyone, even the person who once wanted to harm me."

They walked out of the court gate, where the last sunlight of the day spread out on the road ahead, opening a completely new chapter in both of their lives - a chapter that no longer had the shadow of conspiracy, betrayal, or constant fear, but only a future that they, with their own hands and intellect, had regained.

That evening, Bách Nguyên held an official press conference at Chung Nguyên Group headquarters, announcing the full results of the crisis management, and publicly thanking the team who had quietly supported throughout the investigation process — including Phó Nhật Khang, promoted to the position of regional executive director for his outstanding contributions, and a special, discreet but respectful thank you to his wife, whom he called "an irreplaceable companion in every decision most important of the group".

Shareholders, initially confused by the news of the crisis, gradually regained confidence when they saw how the corporation handled the issue transparently and decisively while still maintaining the necessary humanity. Chung Nguyên stock price, after a short period of fluctuation, gradually stabilized and even grew better than before, as investors appreciated the crisis management capabilities of the young leadership.

As for Ý Vy, her reputation in the business world, although not something she actively sought, also changed significantly after the incident. No longer did anyone simply look at her as a lucky bride with a rich husband, but began to realize that behind that gentle appearance was a sharp intelligence and a rare bravery. A few business partners, after knowing the story, even proactively invited her to participate in strategic consulting for large projects, no longer seeing her as just the wife of the CEO, but as an individual with independent abilities worth cooperating with.

Ý Vy accepted those invitations with moderate caution, not rushing to accept immediately, but also not completely denying the possibility of expanding her role in the future. She understands that the journey ahead is still very long, and she wants to spend the most recent time healing, to stabilize her life after such a huge event, before thinking about any further steps in her career.