Bring in a Higher Official to Hold the Scene

"Contract?" Sophie Sun shot Grace a teasing smile, sauntered to the front, and called out cheerfully to Judge Johnson, "Judge Johnson, Lucky Star is actually mine!"

Judge Johnson's eyes flickered. "What? It's yours?"

Sophie Sun nodded with a little flourish. "So, whatever Samuel Saunders did, that's his own mess to clean up—it's got absolutely zip to do with the shop!"

Judge Johnson nodded. "I see..."

...

Grace listened to their back-and-forth, and honestly, she was starting to feel a little queasy.

Something tells her things are about to change.

She shot Tenner a look that clearly said, "You know what to do!"

Tenner got the message instantly and dashed off to find the Prime Minister.

You know the saying: when it comes to officials, rank trumps all—one level up and you can squash anyone.

When in doubt, bring in someone with a bigger title to keep things in check. Can't go wrong with that.

Sure enough, after Judge Johnson finished talking with Sophie Sun, he turned to Grace. "Miss Lawrence, since the shop doesn't belong to Samuel Saunders, any contract you hold—real or fake—is invalid. He can't sell what isn't his."

"Sir, shouldn't you at least check the deed to see who actually owns the shop?" Grace raised an eyebrow. "Just because Miss Sun says it's hers, does that make it true?"

In fact, Grace had already thought about this and discussed it with Old Wang.

Old Wang told her the authorities come by every year to check on taxes for the shops.

During inspections, they carry a form listing the owner and tenant info.

Since their families are neighbors, Old Wang had seen more than once that the owner and boss of Lucky Star were always listed as Samuel Saunders.

That's why Grace brought it up.

Judge Johnson coughed. "Someone, bring me the deed record for Lucky Star."

Naturally, the government keeps records of all property deeds.

Someone quickly brought over the deed record and placed it in front of Judge Johnson.

Judge Johnson immediately spotted the big name on it: Samuel Saunders.

"Well? Sir?" Grace asked.

"It really is Miss Sun's name on here." Judge Johnson slammed a book down over the deed record. "Samuel Saunders has no right to dispose of Lucky Star, so your contract is invalid!"

Grace frowned and stood up. "That can't be right! Judge Johnson, may I take a look at the deed record myself?"

"How dare you!" Judge Johnson snapped. "Do you know where you are? Important evidence like this isn't something you can just look at whenever you want!"

They'll just change the name on the deed later and it'll all be swept under the rug.

Even if the Prime Minister asks about it, there won't be any problems.

Sophie Sun smiled at Judge Johnson, bowed, and said, "Sir, it's simple. I have other things to do, so I'll take my leave!"

"Take care, Miss Sun!" Judge Johnson stood up and bowed respectfully.

Sophie Sun strode out in style. As she passed Grace, she shot her a sly, half-smile.

Then she suddenly leaned in and whispered, "Miss Lawrence, what's lost is lost. Why be so hung up on it? Judge Johnson's only son is seriously ill and needs my father's help! You can't win this case!"

Grace shot her a sideways glance and suddenly raised her voice, "Sir, I also have a witness—a very important witness! Please allow me to call him!"

"I've already told you, no matter if the contract is real or fake, it has nothing to do with Lucky Star. If you have any debts, take them up with Samuel Saunders! This trial is over! Court dismissed!"

With a shout of 'Court dismissed,' the officers on both sides started clearing everyone out.