When the news about the senator's case broke, social media erupted — and so did Dranred's name. Old clips and articles resurfaced, exposing his past involvement and questioning why his grandfather had never been imprisoned.
Reports claimed that years ago, the rising basketball star had publicly defended his grandfather, denying all allegations despite clear evidence linking the senator to the couple's death. Many turned against Dranred, furious at his long silence. Others, however, sympathized — saying blood was thicker than justice, and that no grandson should be forced to choose between truth and family.
Rosette watched the news unfold, her heart pounding with worry. The finals had just ended, and Dranred hadn't even had time to rest before facing a new storm. Her brother James confirmed that a subpoena had already been issued for the senator — their long-awaited day in court had finally come. For years, they had prayed for this moment, for their parents' names to be cleared. But Rosette couldn't shake the fear that Dranred might get caught in the crossfire.
On the first day of the hearing, the senator's legal team arrived, trailed by a swarm of reporters. Dranred came too, but quietly, taking a seat at the back of the courtroom — away from the spotlight he had long avoided.
As the trial progressed, the senator firmly denied every accusation, especially his involvement in the death of the former police lieutenant. Yet the evidence presented by James's lawyer was compelling. Documents and testimonies revealed the senator's role not only in the murder of the couple but also in the corruption case the lieutenant had once investigated.
"The evidence is strong," James's lawyer told the press afterward. "No matter how much he denies it, justice will be served."
More and more people began stepping forward — victims and witnesses of graft and abuse, emboldened by James's persistence. Each new voice further tainted the senator's once-untouchable image.
Enraged, the old man accused his political rivals of orchestrating a smear campaign. But this time, his words carried little weight. The truth had finally started to catch up to him.
"Use your influence to—" the old man began, but he never finished his sentence.
Before he could, Charlie appeared at the doorway of the mansion.
"Why can't you accept that your lies will end eventually?" he said, his voice cutting through the heavy silence.
Earlier that day, the senator had summoned Dranred after the first trial, urging him to use his fame as a basketball superstar to discredit the accusations against him.
When the old man saw Charlie, his expression darkened.
"What are you doing here? Who permitted you to come?" he barked.
"Relax," Charlie said coldly. "I didn't come here for you. I'm here to make sure you don't hurt my nephew—just like you had my mother killed."
Dranred turned to his uncle, confusion in his eyes. He had never heard about any of this. All he knew was that his mother had lost her sanity and was taken to a mental institution. He didn't even know she was dead.
Charlie took a step closer. "Are you going to deny that you had her murdered?" he pressed.
One of the old man's bodyguards stepped forward, blocking his path. Charlie only smirked.
"You can't trample on the weak forever, Senator. You'd better prepare yourself—because soon, you'll be sleeping behind bars. Every sin you've buried will catch up to you."
The old man stayed silent, his fists tightening at his sides.
"You know nothing about what really happened," the bodyguard growled.
Charlie turned his eyes on him, his tone dripping with contempt. "And who are you supposed to be? Just another henchman? You'd do well to keep your mouth shut."
The man's jaw clenched, but he said nothing. Charlie faced the old man once more.
"Stop using Dranred for your own gain. For once in your life, act like a decent grandfather. Do you even realize what he's sacrificed for this so-called family? If there's even a shred of decency left in you—stop before it's too late."
The room fell silent. The old man's gaze dropped to the floor, his fists still trembling, the weight of unspoken guilt thick in the air.
Because of the strong evidence and the witnesses who came forward, the senator was found guilty of orchestrating the murder of James's parents—as well as several other crimes, including graft and corruption.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment. His right-hand man, who had taken part in the killings, received the same fate.
James, Estelle, and Rosette couldn't hide their tears of joy. After ten long years, justice had finally been served for their parents.
After the final trial, the senator was immediately taken to prison. The story trended on every television network and social media feed.
People praised James for never giving up on his fight for justice. Many found new hope, believing that justice was not reserved only for the rich—that if you stand up for what's right, truth will eventually prevail. The siblings had proven exactly that.
Outside the courthouse, reporters surrounded James and Estelle, eager for their statements.
Rosette noticed Dranred standing a few meters away, watching them quietly. He wore a cap and a jacket, trying to blend in.
Excusing herself from the crowd, Rosette slipped away and walked toward him.
"Red," she called softly when she reached him.
He smiled faintly. She could see the sadness behind his calm expression. She knew this victory came with a cost for him—the senator was still his grandfather, after all. However cruel or corrupt, he was still family.
"Hey," Dranred greeted, forcing a small smile.
"Are you okay?" she asked gently.
"Yeah. I'll be fine."
She didn't answer, only looked at him, unconvinced.
He chuckled under his breath and reached out to rest his hand lightly on her head. "I'm fine," he said again.
Rosette still said nothing. And when he finally admitted, "Maybe a little sad… he's still my grandfather. No matter what he's done—" she pulled him into a sudden hug.
Dranred froze. "Hey, there are people watching," he whispered. "They'll get the wrong idea."
Rosette didn't reply. She only tightened her arms around him. There was nothing she could say to erase his grief, but at least she could share it.
Dranred exhaled, the tension leaving his shoulders. He smiled and slowly returned the hug. "Thank you," he murmured.
When they finally pulled apart, his eyes had softened. "I won't be around for the next few months," he said quietly.
Rosette frowned. "You're leaving?"
He nodded. "Training. I need to prepare for the baseball tryouts. If I want a shot at the national team, I have to focus."
Rosette's smile returned. "Then I'll be waiting for the day I get to watch you pitch again."
"Of course," Dranred said, his grin now genuine. "I won't disappoint you."