Chapter 11 — Who Gave You the Right to Take My Home?

The call ended. That is the "last card" that Ton Tu Anh can pull out. Even the elders in the family couldn't sway me— Then she must have understood. There's no turning back. Date of opening of trial. I was present in person. Ton Tu Anh came alone. Trieu Diem Diem did not appear. She was wearing an old, wrinkled outfit. His face was gray. There is no longer any arrogance from the day I stood in front of my house. In the courtroom. Face the judge's question. Faced with every clear piece of evidence from Tran Minh— She spoke in disarray. Sometimes they say they just "stay here". Sometimes the absurd "debt" story is repeated. He even lost control and criticized the judge:

“Favoritism!”

“The rich bully the poor!”

Becomes ridiculous. And pitiful. Before the law— There is no room for acting. The judge repeatedly warned. Directly interrupt. There weren't any surprises. After deliberation— The verdict is announced on the spot. My entire request— Granted. Ton Tu Anh and Trieu Diem Diem— Must jointly compensate: House occupation fees. Property damage. Mental loss. More than eighty thousand. Within ten days from the effective date of the verdict— An apology must be published in the newspaper. Clarifying the truth. Restore my parents' honor. All litigation costs— Also borne by them. The sound of a hammer hitting. Ton Tu Anh seemed to have all his bones pulled out. Sit down. Empty eyes. Mouth mumbling:

“It's done…”

I stood up. Adjust your shirt. Don't look at her again. Walk out of the courtroom with Tran Minh. The sunlight from the hallway shines in. But in. Like washing away all the filth that has passed. The blow of the law— Has fallen. That compensation— Will weigh heavily on them for the rest of their lives. Demanding a public apology— Will tear away the last bit of dignity. It's not the end yet. I'm very clear— With the current situation— They can't pay. So will they choose to be "non-executors"? I… am quite looking forward to it. Because once they are put on the discredited list— Their lives will be strangled step by step: Do not spend too much. Not allowed to fly. Do not take high-speed trains. Impact on children's future. And behind— There is still Ly Triet's lawsuit. And that loan— Waiting for them. Just keep struggling. I took the phone. Call your assistant.

“Contact the best rehabilitation center.”

“I will take my parents back to the city.”

“The house has already begun to be renovated.”

“Almost livable.”

It's time— This house— Truly returns to its true meaning. And those who destroyed it— Will live long with the consequences they caused. Judgment of the court— As a final statement. Destroy all illusions of Ton Tu Anh and Trieu Diem Diem. More than eighty thousand. Not money. It's a deep abyss. Request to publish an apology in the newspaper— This is the final blow. After receiving the verdict— They did not appeal. Don't hire a lawyer. No response. Not because of acceptance. No longer possible. The evidence is enough. Is certain. The appeal deadline has passed. The judgment takes effect. They didn't pay a dime. No sorry. Do nothing. I don't push. No reminder. Waiting for an ending— It was predetermined from the beginning. News from Tran Minh came very quickly.

"Ms. Lam, because the defendant did not fulfill its obligations under the judgment within the prescribed time limit, we have officially filed a request for enforcement."

“The court has accepted the case.”

“The process will begin.”

“In the immediate future, all bank accounts in their names will be inspected and blocked, and any assets that can be processed will be distrained…”

“At the same time, put it on the list of discredited people—that is, the list of ‘non-executors’.”

I only replied with one word: This is exactly what I was waiting for. Just the outer layer. As for the name "discredited" - It's just a dull knife. Almost at the same time— Ly Triet's lawsuit also opened. Trieu Diem Diem still did not appear. Select absent. Based on the evidence submitted— The court considers each item. Some ambiguous transactions are not fully accepted. But accounts with clear signs of fraud—For example, making up stories about a relative being seriously ill—are still forced to be refunded. More than twenty thousand. A number— Enough to crush anyone without a foundation. For Trieu Diem Diem— It was another rock pressing down on him. Meanwhile— Lenders began to tighten. No more beating around the bush. No longer gentle. Incessant calls. Threats.

“We will be there.”

The mother and daughter tried to escape. Change places continuously. But to no avail. Debt collectors— Like smelling blood. Always follow the trail. In the photo the detective sent— Their faces look different every day. Panic. His eyes were like an animal cornered. They began to live like people without a place. Wandering. Don't dare stay anywhere for too long.