Chapter 18: Case and Pran

                                    

                                          
The courtroom was alive with tension, every word spoken echoing in the heavy silence. The media's presence was palpable, cameras capturing every flicker of emotion on the faces of the Chaowat family and their legal team.
Korn stood tall, his calm demeanor masking the storm of determination within. Across the room, the Chaowats' legal team, led by one of the most ruthless lawyers in the country, exchanged calculated glances.
"Your Honor," Korn began, stepping forward with a folder in hand. "Today, we present irrefutable evidence of corruption, negligence, and abuse of power perpetrated by the Chaowat family and their affiliated business, particularly in the public transportation sector."
He laid the folder on the bench, the sound sharp in the quiet room. "These actions have endangered countless lives and silenced victims through coercion and fear. We are here to seek justice, not just for the plaintiffs, but for everyone who has suffered under their unchecked authority."
The judge nodded for Korn to proceed.
Korn turned toward the jury, projecting a calm confidence. "We have gathered substantial evidence, starting with financial records showing embezzlement of funds meant for public infrastructure. Exhibit A, Your Honor."
The screen lit up with projected documents—bank statements, ledgers, and records that showed how funds allocated for bus maintenance were siphoned into private accounts under Blue Chaowat's direct supervision.
A murmur rippled through the courtroom.
The Chaowats' lead lawyer, a sharp-eyed woman named Atchara, stood with a smirk. "Objection, Your Honor. These records could have been tampered with. Do we have credible verification of their authenticity?"
Korn turned to her, unflinching. "Indeed, we do. Your Honor, Exhibit B is the testimony of whistleblowers within the Chaowat corporation, corroborated by forensic accountants who independently verified these findings."
A witness was brought to the stand—a former Chaowat employee trembling under the scrutiny. Under Korn's guidance, the witness recounted how they were pressured to falsify maintenance records to cover up faulty bus operations.
"They told me... if I spoke out, they'd ruin my life," the witness said, voice shaking but resolute.
Atchara rose to cross-examine, her tone cutting. "And yet, here you are, conveniently forgetting how much you benefited from your position within the company. Isn't it true you received bonuses for these actions?"
The witness swallowed, but Korn interjected. "Your Honor, receiving coerced bonuses does not negate the fact that lives were lost due to this negligence. It only underscores the culture of exploitation within the Chaowat organization."
The judge nodded for Korn to continue.
Korn then introduced Exhibit C: video footage Mai had uncovered from victims' families. Tearful testimonies detailed the losses they had endured, the lives taken too soon, and the systemic efforts to silence them.
By the time Korn concluded his arguments, the courtroom was thick with tension. The Chaowat legal team whispered among themselves, their confident façade beginning to crack.
"Your Honor," Korn said in closing, "we are not just fighting for the plaintiffs today. We are fighting for accountability. For justice. Let us not allow power and privilege to overshadow the truth."
The judge adjourned the court for the day, promising to reconvene with deliberations after reviewing the presented evidence.
Later that evening, Min and Q found themselves back at the penthouse. The atmosphere was light, a welcome reprieve from the courtroom intensity.