"All the superhero characters we created this far have still not left my mind. I swear to God if you even planned on ruining a single character or movie in the future," The guy sighed in sadness. It was obvious how much he cared for the movies and characters they had released. In fact, his love for superheroes just kept on increasing. "The potential is still so high, man," He said and shook his head avoiding Ian's eyes.
Ian wanted to meet the guy who was trying to talk against selling the rights to Ian during the meeting with the CEO. Which was why they were both in Ian's office the same evening.
"What if I said that you can work with us for the upcoming superhero movies?" Ian asked and twisted his head a bit.
"What?" He couldn't believe his ears.
"Yeah, you can join the company, and be in charge of the superhero movies. To be honest, someone with great passion and dedication for the genre would be a loss to not have. So, I'm making a deal with you, do you want to join? Or not?" Ian asked, trying to make himself clear.
"Have you signed the contract yet?" Martin questioned back.
"Hmm… Not yet, my legal team is trying to find any loopholes to see if the deal is real or not. Nevertheless, I will try my best to work on the idea I have. And you must have heard about me, when I start something it hits the peak. It can be the same for the superhero movie I have planned, so what do you say?"
"Alright, we will be seeing each other for some more time I guess," He stood up and shook hands with Ian. After he went Ian asked the assistant to make the necessary arrangements.
-
It had been several days since the talk show Ian participated in. After that Ian had filed a lawsuit against the black man, Boye because of several reasons. Reasons such as defaming, accusing him of false information and his company's reputation being at stake were some reasons that made him file the case against Francis Malubi Boye.
"Sir, here's the Subpoena which just was directed to our office from the court," Ian's assistant came inside saying. Ian took it and went to Mason.
"Here, open it, uncle," Ian said and cross folded his hands in front of his chest.
Opening the little notice, Mason's eyes frowned reading some sentences.
"What is it?" Ian asked.
[... Francis and William opening the notice]
"Due to many reasons including the case is already famous among the public, there will be a one day trial but it'll be televised. Because the case is solely talked about due to your confession in the newspapers, and the other party has said they have the necessary evidence to prove their innocence, the court thinks the trial won't go beyond a day, but they said it'll be dependent on the day. So, the trial will be televised," William said while taking the paper and going around his desk.
"What the fuck, though? This is like… Not what we expected. You do know that I might even go to jail because of this?! If I'm proven guilty, this will ruin my life!," Francis shouted in horror, knowing the consequences were going to be bad.
"Trust me, kid. Nothing like that would happen," William soothed him.
[...Back to Ian and Mason]
"This whole thing is a huge plus for us, Ian. The thing is, if it doesn't happen like this. No actor firm would willingly give any actors, the fans might hate you and talk bad about your works and stuff, so regardless of any of the things that might happen on that day, we have to win and prove your innocence. With all the evidence, I'm sure it is possible. Or else, it's your entire career that's at stake," Mason said while explaining the depth which Ian knew already. They both were comparatively happy knowing something was finally going how they planned.
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
[...]
"All rise," The man announced while everyone stood when the Judge came in.
"Good morning your honor," Everyone sat on their chairs.
"Your honor, the first case on your list this morning is number two-two-one. Can I have the name of the prosecution and defense, please?"
[..] After a bit of the formalities from the court, Francis Boye was asked to represent himself at the stand and the charge was read to him, and he was made to swear an Oath.
"You have been accused of Defaming Mr. Ian Renner, using the media, The PM Times, in particular. Please tell us what happened on the 14th of July 2013, in the 'Marine Drive' bar."
Thus the trial started and it started to screen on almost every television and media networks where people were able to view whatever happens, live.
Francis was quick to repeat exactly what he said in the newspaper, and his statement was taken in court.
Soon, Ian's Lawyers were asked to cross-examine and present counter evidence.
"Your honor, first may I represent the CCTV footage from that night, July the 14th, 2013, can we please watch it? It has already been submitted as evidence, as Plaintiff's evidence 310." The lawyer said while the footage played on their screens separately.
After taking a warrant from the court Ian got the opportunity to check in the club and search the footage. Much to his luck, William was able to just get a copy but not the whole CCTV footage. Ian first thought it must be something fake because there would be no way that someone left such important evidence in the club itself for Ian to take, but it looked like they did not even try.
"As it is clear in the footage itself your honor, it was not Ian Renner who threw the first punch, but Francis. In the newspaper, Francis had said and I quote, 'Ian Renner punched me and tried to kill me. That day I was just serving at the nightclub, like any waiter would do and this man who was with a bunch of girls came towards me and punched my face~' But in fact, it is evident how it was not Ian who started the fight, but Francis,"
"Objection, your honor, cause for speculation." The lawyer stood up immediately.
"Objection overruled, please continue with the evidences,"
"Thank you, your honor. Next, I would like to call up Mr. Francis's ex-wife Diandra," Jordan Wright, Ian's lawyer said while inviting her to come to the stand.
They first decided to show verbal recording evidence to the court, but later, Diandra insisted on presenting herself to the court because of some old argument between her and Francis. If she was fine with it, Ian had nothing against it. Because proving his innocence was important for him more than anything.
After giving the oath in front of the court judge and on the book, Jordan got permission to question the evidence.
"Please state your name clearly, And what is the connection you have with this case?" Jordan questioned.
"I'm Diandra Jones. The ex-wife of Francis Boye." She said and took a breath.
"What is your connection to this, Diandra?" Jordan questioned again.
"Francis fought because of me!"
"Objection your honor, speculation." The lawyer of the opposite party stood up again.
"Objection overruled. Please continue," The male judge said and continued her story.
"I was cheating on him. I had slept with Ian when he used to come and go to that bar quite often. I was caught and when Francis got to know it was Ian, a rich kid who just played around, he got furious. He went saying, 'Imma beat the shit outta that dude' and went off even when I cried saying no. The clip that was presented, yes, Francis threw the first punch," She said while tears were pooling in her eyes. Francis who sat right across her was glaring daggers at her.
"Thank you, Diandra, you can go back. Your honor, just like she said, the reason Francis hit Ian Renner was because he found out that his wife was cheating on him with Ian. Other than that, there was no reason for Ian to fight back in that night club on the 14th of July 2013. Ian Renner was accused of Racism which he would never think of doing due to personal reasons. One of them is that his mom, is a Black woman herself. Hence, I rest my case." Jordan said and sat.
It was evident from everyone's face that Francis made a fool out of him with the whole newspaper scandal. Finally, the verdict was given that the newspaper should pay 5 million dollars in damages and 2 million in punitive damages. Francis was sentenced to five years in jail.
[...] The reactions were pretty obvious for the case just like Ian had expected. The social media hashtags and information were trending on how they had doubted Ian's humanity and how they regret it. This was taken as a chance by the PR department of Ian Renner which asked permission to spread a little information about how his next movie will be about Racism.