The courtroom was silent, every ear straining to catch the words of the next witness.
Gian Kayne sat in the defendant's chair, cuffs tight but his posture straight. He didn't flinch. His mind replayed every warning, every shadow that had followed him: the thug's words, the rooftop ambush, the sniper, the red letter. Everything had led him here.
The woman who accused him stepped forward again. She had rehearsed every line, her voice confident, eyes locked on the jury.
"I remember the night clearly," she said. "He… he hurt me."
The prosecutor leaned forward, emphasizing her every word. Cameras clicked, recording live for the city outside. Some citizens gasped. Others whispered among themselves.
Gian stayed silent, listening. Every detail she spoke, every motion she made—he memorized. He could see the cracks in her story, the inconsistencies she didn't realize she revealed.
The defense lawyer began questioning her. "Where exactly were you that night?"
The witness faltered, her eyes shifting. "I… I was…"
The prosecutor cut in. "Objection! She is certain, Your Honor!"
The judge nodded, letting the witness continue. Gian's heart sank as the words twisted in the courtroom. Heroic acts he had done for the city were being painted as evidence of his guilt.
Rico watched from the back, hands shaking. He whispered, "Boss… they're making the city see you as the monster."
Gian's jaw clenched. He didn't answer. Instead, he studied everyone—the jury, the reporters, the black-robed figure he imagined in the shadows. Someone was orchestrating this, he was sure of it.
The woman finished her testimony, tears streaming. "I only want justice," she said.
The courtroom erupted—some cheered, some booed. Gian stayed still, silent. His eyes burned with determination.
If I survive this… I will find the truth. Whoever is behind this… they will pay.
The gavel hit. "Next witness," the judge said.
Gian leaned back slightly, his mind already working ahead. The fight wasn't in fists tonight—it was in words, lies, and perception.
And in this battlefield, Gian Kayne had already decided: he would win. Somehow.