Behind the Veil Vengeful Spirit

The courtroom buzzed with the energy of a dozen whispered conversations. Jia Liu sat at the plaintiff's table, her slender fingers flipping through the case file for the hundredth time. The words blurred on the page, but her mind remained sharp. This case, though minor in the grand scheme of her career, was personal. The small shop owner she represented reminded her of her late mother's resilience-fighting for dignity against impossible odds.

She exhaled, steeling herself as the opposing lawyer sauntered into the room. Her professionalism masked the nerves beneath, but her heart sank as she noticed someone seated in the gallery-an unfamiliar man with a sharp suit, a commanding presence, and the kind of confidence that came from being untouchable. His gaze bore into her, calm yet unnerving.

The trial began, but the man's presence pulled at her focus like a thread unraveling a tapestry. When the judge called for recess, Jia wasted no time leaving the room. She needed air, space to shake off the strange pull of his eyes.

Outside, the autumn wind bit at her cheeks, but it did little to calm the unease curling in her stomach. As she turned the corner of the courthouse, she nearly collided with him.

"Miss Liu," he said smoothly, his voice like silk brushing against steel.

"Who are you?" Jia asked, instinctively stepping back, her professional mask slipping slightly.

"Wei Zhang," he introduced himself, extending a hand. She didn't take it. "I've heard about you-a lawyer who doesn't shy away from standing up for the little people."

"I'm flattered," Jia replied curtly, trying to gauge his intentions. "But if you're here to discuss a case, you'll need to schedule an appointment."

He smiled, a faint curve of his lips that didn't reach his eyes. "This isn't about a case, not directly. I admire your work, Miss Liu, and I have a proposal. One that could benefit us both."