Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 249: Finish? No, Not Yet.

Michael sighed, trying to steady his nerves. "I hope they see things our way."

Collins patted him on the shoulder. "We've presented a strong case. Now we just have to wait and see."

The courtroom buzzed with a low hum of conversation as everyone waited for the jury to return.

After what felt like an eternity but was only a couple of hours, the jury re-entered the courtroom. The room fell silent as they took their seats. Judge Anderson called for order and then addressed the jury.

"Have you reached a verdict?" she asked.

The jury foreman stood up, holding a piece of paper. "We have, Your Honor."

"Please read the verdict," Judge Anderson instructed.

The foreman cleared his throat and began, "In the case of VirtuReal Innovations versus Reyes Corporation, we, the jury, find in favor of the defendant, Reyes Corporation."

A collective sigh of relief swept through Michael and his team. They exchanged smiles and quiet words of congratulations. Bridget squeezed Michael's hand, her eyes shining with pride.

One of the executives from VirtuReal Innovations, Dr. Patel, visibly agitated, stood up and loudly protested the decision.

"This is an outrage! The evidence clearly shows similarities that can't be coincidental!"

Judge Anderson rapped her gavel sharply, bringing the room to order. "Sir, you will maintain decorum in my courtroom," she said sternly. "The jury has reached their verdict based on the evidence presented. If you wish to pursue this matter further, you may do so through the appropriate legal channels."

"How come that you commit to a decision so fast, especially in a case like this? Are you really protecting the interest of the American people?"

Judge Anderson's expression hardened as she rapped her gavel once more. "Dr. Patel, your accusations are unwarranted. The jury has made their decision after careful deliberation. This court has followed due process and the interests of justice have been served. If you have any further grievances, you are welcome to file an appeal."

Dr. Patel, undeterred by the judge's warning, continued to shout, his face flushed with anger. "This isn't justice! It's a travesty! The integrity of our innovations has been compromised, and you're letting them get away with it!"

Judge Anderson rapped her gavel again, her patience wearing thin. "Dr. Patel, this is your final warning. Any further disruptions will result in contempt of court charges."

Still fuming, Dr. Patel struggled to contain his frustration. Carter, sensing the situation escalating, quickly moved to Patel's side and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

"Dr. Patel, please, calm down," Carter whispered urgently. "We need to maintain our composure. We'll have a chance to appeal."

Patel shook his head, his anger still evident. "How can you be so calm? This is our work, our future at stake!"

"I know," Carter replied, his tone steady and reassuring. "But causing a scene here won't help us. We need to follow the legal process. We can file an appeal and present our case again with stronger evidence."

Patel took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Alright, fine. But this isn't over."

"Of course not," Carter assured him. "We'll regroup and come back stronger. But for now, let's leave with our dignity intact."

Judge Anderson observed the exchange, her expression was stern but relieved to see the situation deescalate.

"Thank you, Mr. Carter. Dr. Patel, I trust there will be no further outbursts?"

Patel nodded reluctantly. "No further outbursts, Your Honor."

"Very well," Judge Anderson said, her tone firm. "Court is adjourned."

As the courtroom began to empty, Patel approached Michael, his expression still hard with bitterness.

"This isn't over, Reyes," Patel said through clenched teeth. "We won't give up. You may have won this round, but we'll be back. Count on it."

Michael met Patel's glare with a calm demeanor. "Dr. Patel, I understand your frustration, but we developed our technology independently. The court saw that."

"Save it," Patel snapped. "You and your team might have convinced the jury today, but the truth will come out eventually. We won't stop until we prove it."

Collins stepped in, placing a hand on Michael's shoulder. "Dr. Patel, you have the right to appeal, and we welcome the opportunity to defend our case again if necessary. But for now, let's respect the court's decision."

Patel shook his head, his eyes still burning with anger. "Respect? We'll see about that." With a final glare, he turned and walked away, Carter following closely behind him.

Michael sighed and turned to his team, who were all waiting expectantly. "Let's get out of here," he said. "We've got work to do."

As they left the courthouse, the weight of the day's events began to lift. Michael felt a renewed sense of determination. VirtuReal's threat of an appeal was real, but they had successfully defended their integrity today. That was a victory worth celebrating.

However, they couldn't rest on their laurels as it was clear that public skepticism and suspicion toward Reyes Corporation's advanced technology was coming from.

Back at the hotel, the team gathered in Michael's room. Collins took the floor.

"We did well today," he said. "But we need to be prepared for an appeal. Let's review our case, identify any areas that might need strengthening, and make sure we're ready for anything VirtuReal throws our way."

Bridget nodded. "Agreed. We need to stay ahead of this and ensure our defenses are airtight."

Juliet added, "We'll also need to keep an eye on any new evidence they might bring forward. We can't be caught off guard."

Michael looked around at his team, feeling a sense of pride and confidence in their capabilities.

"Thank you, everyone, for your hard work and dedication. Let's take a moment to breathe, then get back to it. We can't let our guard down."

The team dispersed, each member diving back into their tasks.

An hour later, Carter visited Michael at his office.

Mr. Reyes, may I have a word?" Carter asked.

Michael looked up from his desk, nodding. "Of course, Mr. Carter. Please, have a seat."

Carter sat down, folding his hands in his lap. "First, I want to commend you and your team on the outcome today. It was a hard-fought battle, and you presented your case well."

"Thank you," Michael replied and added. "What's on your mind?"

"Well," Carter began, "there's the matter of payment for our services. Given the complexity and intensity of the case, our fee is substantial. We require $1.5 million to cover the legal expenses and the efforts put forth by our team."

Michael didn't flinch at the price. After all, lawyers such as Collins who came from a big law firm were known to charge high fees for their expertise and dedication.

"Understood," Michael said, reaching for his checkbook. "Can you provide a detailed breakdown of the costs?"

Carter handed over a document, detailing the various aspects of their work. "This outlines the hours spent on research, consultations, court appearances, preparation of documents, and evidence gathering. It's a comprehensive list to ensure complete transparency."

Michael glanced through the document, nodding in approval. "I appreciate the detailed breakdown. I'll ensure the payment is processed promptly."

Carter smiled a hint of relief in his eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Reyes. It's been a pleasure working with you. If you need any further assistance, whether for the appeal or other legal matters, please don't hesitate to reach out."

Michael extended his hand. "We will, Mr. Carter. Thank you again for everything."

***

Meanwhile, from the other side of the United States of America, specifically in Washington D.C.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the United States in Washington, D.C., the President was having a busy day in the Oval Office. President Thomas Greene was reviewing a series of national security briefs when his chief of staff, Emily Hartman, entered the room.

"Mr. President, CIA Director Elizabeth Turner is here to see you," Emily announced.

President Greene looked up from his papers, a look of curiosity crossing his face. "Send her in."

A moment later, Director Turner walked into the room.

"Elizabeth, good to see you," President Greene said, standing to shake her hand. "What brings you here today?"

"Mr. President," Turner began, "we have a situation that requires your immediate attention. It's related to the recent court case involving Reyes Corporation and VirtuReal Innovations."

President Greene gestured for her to sit. "I'm aware of the case. They just reached a verdict in favor of Reyes Corporation. What's the concern?"

Turner took a seat and leaned forward slightly. "The technologies involved in this case are incredibly advanced. We've been monitoring the developments at Reyes Corporation, and the capabilities they're demonstrating are beyond what we currently have on record. There's reason to believe that Michael Reyes is hiding something from the rest of the world."

"Like what?"

"Like how he develops the technology," Turner replied. "Based on his academic records, he was not a standout student in his earlier years. His grades were average and didn't suggest the kind of genius needed to develop such advanced technology. However, during his second year of college, his grades skyrocketed as if there was a sudden boost in his intellectual capacity.

This drastic change is highly unusual and warrants further investigation."

President Greene frowned, leaning back in his chair. "That is concerning. Are you suggesting that there might be some external influence or undisclosed assistance behind his sudden intellectual leap?"

"Precisely," Turner confirmed. "We need to understand what caused this dramatic change and how it has influenced his current work. There could be undisclosed technology, external aid, or even illegal activities that have contributed to his success. We must ensure that there are no national security risks associated with Reyes Corporation's advancements."

President Greene nodded thoughtfully. "What do you propose we do?"

"I recommend a covert investigation into Michael Reyes and his company," Turner said. "We need to gather more information about his academic and professional history, his connections, and the internal workings of Reyes Corporation."