Chapter 8 Note

The morning felt heavier than usual. I sat at my desk, staring at the thick folder in front of me. Inside it were weeks of hard work-evidence, testimonies, and documents proving what the Grants had done.

Today, we were submitting the case to the court.

I immediately went to the meeting room to meet Mang Isko again. The other farmers sat around the table, waiting. I noticed some people are not here today. Actually, only five of them are here. Some had their hands clasped together, while others sat stiffly, their faces showing both worry and hope.

I took a deep breath and smiled. "Good morning, everyone."

Mang Isko nodded. "Good morning, Miss Amari. Thank you for seeing us before filing the case."

I shook my head. "No need to thank me. This case is for all of you. I just want to make sure you understand everything before we take this step."

Nanay Lita's voice was soft but worried. "Do we really have a chance? The Grants aren't just rich, they have powerful friends."

Marites leaned forward, her hands tightening into fists. "They already sent people to scare us. They said we're wasting our time."

I clenched my jaw. I expected this, but hearing it still made my blood boil.

I looked around the room, making sure to meet their eyes.

"I won't lie to you. This won't be easy. The Grants will fight back. They'll try to slow us down, make us feel hopeless. But we have proof. We have the law on our side."

Mang Isko nodded firmly. "We've already lost so much. Our land. Our homes. We can't just let them take everything."

I softened my voice. "And we won't. If anyone threatens you again or if anything happens, you call me right away. You are not alone in this."

Marites hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Okay."

Nanay Lita reached for her husband's hand. "We just want justice."

I smiled, even as I felt the weight of their trust settle on my shoulders. "Then let's fight for it."

That meeting ended very fast and now I am looking at the cityscape while waiting for the time.

I took a deep breath, but it didn't help. My chest still felt tight.

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.

"Come in," I said.

Thomas walked in, holding another set of documents. He looked calm, but I knew better. He was just as aware as I was of what we were getting into.

"It's ready," he said, setting the papers down.

I nodded, rubbing my temples. "And the team?"

"They're ready too. But Amari..." He hesitated, then sighed. "You know what happens next, right? The Grants won't just sit back and watch."

I knew. And yet, I had made my decision a long time ago.

You already threw me away for this, Thomas," I said firmly. "You gave me no choice."

He studied me for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Then let's get this done."

---

The courthouse was busy. People rushed in and out, talking and flipping through papers, focused on their own cases. To them, today was just another day.

We walked straight to the filing desk. A court clerk sat behind the counter, typing something on her computer. She barely glanced up when we handed her the folder.

"Filing a civil case," Thomas said.

The clerk opened the folder and started flipping through the pages. I watched her carefully.

She then stopped.

It was just for a second-her fingers hesitated over a document before she quickly moved on. But I saw it.

She knew.

She finished checking the documents and gave a small nod.

"It will be processed. You'll be notified when the trial date is set."

My fingers tightened around the strap of my bag. "Thank you."

We turned to leave, but the moment I stepped outside, something felt... off.

I had felt it before-the strange heaviness in the air, the sense that someone was watching.

It wasn't the first time. It's been lingering for quite some time now and I think that someone is observing my every move from afar.

I was right.

A man stood near the courthouse entrance, dressed in a dark suit. He wasn't moving, just standing there, like he had been waiting.

Waiting for me.

I kept my steps steady, but my pulse had picked up.

I knew it was him. I saw him plenty of times around the building.

As we reached my car, the man finally moved, walking toward us with slow, measured steps.

Thomas stepped slightly closer to me, his posture tense.

The man stopped a few feet away and gave a polite nod. "Miss Lopez."

His voice was smooth. Controlled. Too controlled.

"I was asked to give you something," he continued.

I stayed still. "By who?"

He didn't answer. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small envelope, holding it out to me.

I didn't take it right away. I just stared at it.

It was small, folded neatly. Innocent-looking. But I knew better.

The man smiled slightly. "No need to be nervous. It's just a message."

Something about the way he said it sent a chill down my spine.

Slowly, I reached out and took the envelope.

The man watched me carefully. "Be careful... Amanda Riley."

Then, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd like he had never been there at all.

I let out a slow breath, but my hands were tight around the envelope.

Thomas exhaled sharply beside me. "That didn't take long."

No. It didn't.

I carefully unfolded the note inside.

"This is your only warning. Walk away."

A cold feeling spread through my chest.

So, this was how they wanted to play.

They wanted me to feel small. To feel afraid. To run before this even started.

I folded the note and slipped it into my bag. Then, I turned to Thomas, my expression steady.

"They think they can scare me."

He watched me closely. "Can they?"

I met his eyes. He grinned.

"I wont be shock if someone just shot you on the road."

"You will be condemned by my family then because you forced me for this," I joked.

He just glared a me then walked away.

I grinned. I admit I am scared. But I know what I am doing. Because I had never learned how to back down from a case. Especially in this kind of case.