686. [NEXT MONDAY]

That Monday morning, reporters bustled outside the courthouse since they were banned from entering the courtroom. It was one of the landmark cases involving a chaebol heir, especially a purebred.

In a country where purebred were rarely acquitted for crimes like this, the entire nation, particularly the regular wolves. They observed the case with new hope because it would be the first time a regular omega had filed a case against a purebred and won. Oftentimes, the victim was never alive to do so and even if they did survive, the purebreds most often bought them off with money. It was one of the fucked up situations they lived in.

So when the news spread that the omegas refused to accept a settlement outside of the court, the public was curious. The air in the courtroom was charged with tension. Every seat was occupied with some attorneys standing against the wall.

Only lawyers and the ones related to the case were allowed inside the courtroom. Even phones were banned to stop people from recording the proceedings.

Attorney Kim sat stiffly beside the prosecutor's chair, observing the proceedings carefully. He could tell everyone was curious and he could also tell they were more curious about the two omegas that came forward to file a petition against a chaebol.

Jungkook and Kwan sat upright in the front row, ready to see this through. The attorney noticed the lack of nervousness and anxiety in their demeanor. They looked confident, eyes narrowed in determination. Such stark contrast when compared to the first time they were here for the trial.

Jun-Myeon on the other hand looked calm and composed as ever. Maybe a little overconfident too. It was as if he knew what was going to happen. Everyone knew he'd walk out of that courtroom today. Because his crimes weren't serious enough to lock him up for life.

They'd slap him with a hefty fine and a minimum prison sentence if it ever came to that. But Attorney Kim knew the legal system better and he wouldn't expect more.

The judge was a fair man, but the defense team knew how to jump through one loop hole to another, trying to avoid punishment. Their evidence was strong and hence the prosecution team hoped to finish this as soon as possible.

"Mr. Oh, you cannot make any new changes this far into the trial. The investigation is already over and you cannot complicate this further by providing new information. This court has given you enough time and you didn't use it wisely." The judge's voice carried throughout the room, cutting through the thick tension.

Attorney Kim's fingers rhythmically tapped on his thighs ready to hear the bullshit they were going to spew. His eyes flickered to the defense team's table where Mr. Oh stood, looking overly confident and smug as always.

If they took care of one asshole there was always another one ready to take up the mantle. Attorney Na Ha-Kun was facing severe charges for trying to threaten the witness, wrongful code of conduct, bribery, tax evasion to name a few. Jimin really did a number on him by releasing evidence to every crime he has committed throughout his career.

Jun-Myeon sat next to him, wearing an expensive suite and his entire attitude reeked of arrogance. He lounged back in his seat as if he owned that place and he was there just for entertainment. The entitled smugness and basically his entire presence made Attorney Kim's blood boil.

He didn't look like someone who was under detention for so long and his expression was bored, aloof and was also as if he was convinced that he was invincible. Oh, how much he would love to wipe that off his face.

"We cannot allow you to produce a new witness after the investigation has concluded," the judge continued.

"But this is very important to this case, Your Honor. This crucial witness will prove that Mr. Choi was there to meet the witness and wasn't looking for just any omega. My client withheld the information to protect the witness. It's understandable why he would do so. All we ask is for a chance to prove his innocence regarding this matter." He handed a document to the judge, who took it hesitantly.

"What's this bullshit now?" Prosecutor Jun whispered through his clenched teeth.

The judge perused the document he submitted. "Are you claiming that he was there to meet his girlfriend that night?"

Attorney Kim scoffed. A girlfriend? "Did you get a copy?"

"Not yet."

Mr. Oh put a copy of the document at the prosecutor table, spewing about some law that allowed them to produce witnesses this far into the trial. Attorney Kim glanced at the document and rolled his eyes internally when he saw the name of the witness.

"Yes, Your Honor. Mr. Choi Jun-Myeon might not have a stellar reputation when it comes to his personal life. We admit he's a bit of a rake but who isn't." There was laughter from his team and a few in the crowd. "But he has since matured and has been dating in secret. His partner wasn't ready to take on the public pressure that would come with dating him. So they agreed to keep their affair private. On the night of the party, my client was at the parking lot to meet with his partner in secret. He hid when he saw someone coming his way. Whatever happened that night was a clear misunderstanding on both sides. He only intended to silence the omega and tell him to be quiet. But his friend mistook the situation and things escalated. When Mr. Park intervened, Mr. Choi retaliated in an attempt to defend himself. And it's normal for alphas to release pheromones to intimidate each other during a fight. The regular omegas just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. That's all, Your Honor."

What a load of bullshit! Yet another spin of half-truth with deceit in a smooth, practiced ease that would make the majority of the listeners believe. Mr. Oh was in his element. Though his claim was laughable, it appeared the judge decided to entertain him for a little more even if he was unimpressed.

Attorney Kim glanced at Jun-Myeon, who pretended to not care. The bastard inspected his nails and adjusted his cufflinks nonchalantly. Even though all he wanted to do was to shake that asshole and punch him in the face, he remained still, tasting the bitterness of his anger.

"Prosecutor Jun, what do you have to say about this?" The judge asked.

"That's a convincing story, Your Honor. However, I'd like to point out that these regular omegas were working at the event venue and were part of the event management team. First victim, Ha Kwan, was taking out trash and the second victim, Jeon Jungkook, was there because Mr. Ha took longer to return. If anyone was in the wrong place at the wrong time, then it's Mr. Choi Jun-Myeon," his tone was defiant despite the calmth he radiated.

Attorney Kim could see the wheels in Attorney Oh's head turn, cooking yet another bullshit. He despised this charade.

"This is what we tried to clear up," the defense attorney claimed. "Please allow me to interrogate the new witness and we can prove this."

"This is a clear case, Your Honor. We aren't here to discuss why Mr. Choi was there in the first place or what he was doing there. We're here to deliver justice to two regular omegas. First victim passed out because he was scent drunk on purebred alpha pheromones that were emitted to disarm him. The CCTV footage we recovered from the site, second victim, Mr. Jeon's testimony against Mr. Choi and a doctor's statement prove this beyond doubt. The defense is now claiming this is all a clear misunderstanding, but that doesn't change the facts or the truth of what happened that night, Your Honor."

"I think the prosecution has misunderstood again," Attorney Oh intervened. "We're only saying that whatever happened wasn't intentional. Mr. Choi did not plan for this to happen. It was just the situation, which once again as I explained was all in a confused state of mind due to his intoxication."

Jun-Myeon's smile widened every time Attorney Oh spoke. But Attorney Kim's anger rose because he hated how he was using his wealth and connections like a weapon. Everyone in this room knew the truth, the public knew what happened that night. But still he tried to rewrite it in broad daylight, knowing well he could mostly get away with it.

"They cannot blame Mr. Choi's actions on intoxication and confusion, Your Honor. A blood test taken right after the incident proves his blood alcohol level was less than 0.05%. They've been running in circles since the beginning of this trial to prove he's innocent. They postponed this trial and wasted so much time giving us various excuses. Now even after we have proven his guilt beyond doubt, they're trying to weave a new story to deviate this case from the right track. I request this court refuses to accept this new excuse and see the victim's truth," Prosecutor Jun held his ground.

"Is it wrong for us to demand a fair trial?" Mr. Oh's voice carried a sense of mockery rather than sincerity. "All we want is to prove Mr. Choi Jun-Myeon isn't a pervert as he is painted to be. His reputation is already ruined by the media and the public. We're only requesting this honorable court to see reason and understand his intentions.

More bullcrap followed. It took everything in him to not roll his eyes. To Attorney Kim, it was obvious they weren't trying to win this case. They had something else in their mind. What is it?

"Your Honor, even if Mr. Choi was there to meet his lover as his attorney claims, it is true that he harassed the two staff working there on that night. Whether it was intentional or not, we have two victims who were affected by his actions. Justice must prevail. The entire nation is watching, Your Honor. I humbly request the court to punish the accused as per our law. And we will not accept any settlement from the accused. He must be penalized for his crimes," Prosecutor Jun persisted.

The judge nodded, writing down a couple of things before adjourning the court but not before informing them that they will announce the verdict after lunch break. The room erupted into murmurs as soon as the judge left the room.

Mr. Oh wasted no time to turn to face the prosecutor Jun with a smug grin. "Mr. Jun, you do realize there is no severe penalty for his mistake, right? The assault will cost him around five million won fine and as for the harassment, since there's no actual violation here it's gonna cost him probably fifteen million won. If those two had agreed to a settlement, we would have been compensated even more. What a waste."

Attorney Kim was glad Jimin wasn't here today to witness this atrocity. This wasn't over. Not yet. But the audacity of these assholes was appalling.

The prosecutor scoffed. "But the public will know he's an offender who is likely to repeat the crime." His response was sharp and unfazed. "Wonder if the law would be lenient for repeat offenders."

Mr. Oh lowered his voice. "Twenty million won is nothing to the Choi family. As for that reputation you speak of, there's nothing a little money can't do." He winked. "This will never happen again. He's gonna come out of this unscathed but I can't say the same for your victims."

"Are you threatening us now?" The prosecutor sneered. "You're too arrogant and overconfident. You could have gotten him out a month ago if he had just pleaded guilty but your team dragged it this long, keeping him detained longer than we intended." He smiled. "Don't think of going after those two. Trust me. If you don't then fuck around and find out."

"Talking in riddles as usual, huh?" Mr. Oh scoffed. "I'm the devil's attorney. What is the point if I can't handle a little hell fire?"

"Ever heard of a hellhound?" The prosecutor challenged. "Once it has your scent, Mr. Oh, it won't stop until it has devoured you. No place can hide you from it and no one is immune to its rage. I wouldn't touch those two omegas if I'm in your shoes."

Mr. Oh smirked. "Perhaps you missed what I said initially. I work for the devil and these hellhounds are inferior to them." He clicked his tongue. "See you on the other side, Prosecutor Jun."

Prosecutor Jun stared at his back seethingly as Attorney Kim came to stand beside him. "I heard you both," he said, adjusting his glasses with a smug grin. "He doesn't know hell has a new king while he's stuck in a time loop."

Prosecutor Jun chuckled. "I'm just bummed out that we couldn't get a higher penalty for him. He'd be out in a blink."

"Blame our laws for that," Attorney Kim said. "We expected this outcome and we still managed to keep him away for longer than we expected. He would have gotten out sooner if not for his stupid pride and their battle to come out unscathed by compromising."

"Mr. Choi is a big fish." Prosecutor Jun stared at him. "This wouldn't even put a dent to their wealth and people will forget all about this in a while. They will find other things to focus on. The regular wolves have their daily life struggles to worry about." He sighed. "I'm sure Mr. Park has his resources but..." He glanced at the two omegas, sitting obediently on the chairs. "What about them? Chois are cunning, manipulative and also vindictive."

"Don't worry, Prosecutor-nim." Attorney Kim grinned. "He's dating one of them. Jimin-ssi won't let anything happen to either of them. So you weren't wrong about him raining hellfire on anyone who goes after them. As for this society, change is inevitable, but it takes time."

Prosecutor Jun nodded. "It's almost over now. They have the tax fraud handled. Their auditor and CFO surrendered, taking the fall. This was expected. He'll be out in no time."

Attorney Kim nodded. "Thank you for your hard work, Prosecutor-nim. "This is still a victory for us. He already has a criminal record and no one would go lenient on him the next time."

"The next time?" Prosecutor Jun cocked a brow.

"People like Jun-Myeon can't keep it down for long. And he isn't the brightest peach compared to his father. He's gonna get caught in one thing or the other," Attorney Kim stated. He took a deep breath, watching the defense team laughing and chatting together. "He's also impatient. Let's hope he screws up very soon." He pushed his glasses up with his middle finger.

Together they stared at Jun-Myeon who was watching their interaction with extreme interest. He grinned victoriously and Attorney Kim wanted nothing more than to wipe that smugness off his face. But he suppressed his anger. This was not the place and not the time.

Then he watched in utter disappointment but also with an understanding smile as Jun-Myeon's gaze turned to Jungkook and Kwan. It lingered on Jungkook longer and Attorney Kim knew a predator when he saw one.

Don't worry, Prosecutor Jun. He has already taken his next step toward the doom. You'll have him in front of you sooner than you expected.