A bitter smile crossed Andy’s thin face. “But Seven, the prison on the Virgin Islands… it’s a living hell.”

Seven asked, “Does someone like Rong Qing live in heaven?”

Andy raised an eyebrow. “If living exactly how he pleases counts, then yes, almost.”

Seven’s expression remained calm as he replied, “Then I’d rather live in hell than share the same space as him. If he’s in heaven, I’ll choose hell.”

“You hate him?”

Seven shook his head, closed his eyes briefly, and said, “I just don’t love him anymore. That’s why I don’t want anything to do with him.”

Andy began to understand Seven a little more. He seemed like the kind of person who gave his all when he loved, but when he stopped, there was no lingering attachment.

Did Rong Qing know this about him? Andy thought vaguely. He probably did.

“I only want the prison transfer form you have. As for everything else, you can handle it the way Rong Qing wants.” Seven added this with quiet resolve.

Andy knew that Seven was facing a potential ten-year sentence, but he ultimately didn’t say it out loud.

He suddenly realized that Seven had a way of turning things upside down. When you were around him, it sometimes felt like you weren’t yourself anymore.

Seven carefully read through the prison transfer form. Then, with those beautiful hands of his, he meticulously tore the document into thin strips. The thoroughness of the destruction made Andy think even a shredder couldn’t have done a better job.

At this moment, sitting in the defense attorney’s seat, Andy could feel Rong Qing seated directly behind him. The sensation left him uneasy, as if needles were pricking his back. Thinking about the shredded transfer form, a cold sweat began to form on his forehead. How could anyone stay composed under such pressure?

The trial itself was quickly spiraling out of control. Andy’s lack of intervention had skewed everything against them. Across the courtroom, Kiefer stood pale but resolute, his demeanor a blend of simmering anger and careful restraint. His accusations against the defendant carried an air of wounded dignity, every word delivered with the precision of a man who knew exactly how to wield his influence. The tailored suit he wore and the calculated gestures he made painted him as a victim, a nobleman unjustly dragged into the filth of scandal.

The Americans’ attitude toward the British was similar to an old man’s relationship with his waning virility, often frustrated by its inadequacies yet stubbornly compelled to defend it as a matter of pride. This sentiment was particularly evident with someone like Sutherland, a traditional aristocrat. Most Americans found it easier to believe that the mixed descent defendant had maliciously assaulted him rather than confront the uncomfortable truth that one of their nation’s most esteemed nobles had raped a minor of another race.

Prosecutor Donny was the embodiment of a typical American middle-aged man, with brown hair and a large frame. He looked down at Seven with a condescending gaze and said, “The fact is, you seduced my client. You concealed your age and used your seemingly innocent and pure… ha…” He let out a laugh as if he had just told a great joke. “You used your innocent demeanor to captivate my client. Then the two of you went to his villa and had sex.

“Gentlemen, if you have ever visited my client’s villa, you would know it is a sanctuary of art. Of course, to someone with malicious intent, it might appear as a golden temple of temptation. In the crime scene’s bedroom, there was a low antique tea table from China’s Ming dynasty, exquisite and priceless. This, gentlemen, became the root of my client’s misfortune. When this man tried to steal the table and sneak out, my client stopped him, only to be attacked. That is the entire truth of the matter!”

Andy raised his hand. “Objection. The prosecutor’s reasoning is baseless and without factual support.”

The judge nodded. “Objection sustained. Prosecutor, please proceed.”

Donny let out a dramatic sigh and leaned forward, placing his hands firmly on the defendant’s stand. “That night, the two of you were intimate, were you not? You didn’t resist at all, did you?”

Seven lifted his head and said calmly, “We were not intimate. Mr. Kiefer took off all his clothes just to have a conversation with me.”

The gallery erupted into laughter. Andy was momentarily stunned, and even Donny seemed taken aback. Seven continued in his unhurried tone, “If a thirty-seven-year-old man with three previous records of sexual abuse can be considered innocent, why couldn’t he strip naked just for a chat?”

Another wave of laughter swept through the gallery. The judge struck his gavel. “Defendant, please be mindful of your language.”

Donny took a deep breath and said, “Mr. Seven, I understand you are an orphan. How exactly did you support yourself while attending the Music Academy in Austria?”

“Through many means,” Seven replied.

Donny smiled triumphantly. “Afraid to admit it, are you? Then allow me to enlighten the jury. Mr. Seven made his living working as an escort at ‘Rainbow Bar.’ Escort… what an elegant term. Talking with clients, easing the woes of lonely gay men—it sounds almost noble, like the work of a psychologist. But what is it in reality? It is nothing more than a euphemism for a male prostitute!”

The gallery erupted into murmurs of shock, the sound rippling through the courtroom. Andy let out a deep sigh, his shoulders sinking slightly. Suddenly, Seven’s voice broke through the noise.

“Mr. Donny, you’ve recently been divorced, haven’t you?”

Donny’s slightly plump face froze for a moment, but Seven continued smoothly, “There’s a mark on your left hand where something used to be. You keep touching it absentmindedly, clearly not accustomed to its absence. Every time you do, you’re filled with anger. You blame the temptations of the Virgin Islands for your failed marriage, instead of acknowledging your domineering and overly aggressive behavior toward women.” As he spoke, Donny’s female assistant couldn’t help but glance up at him.

Donny stood there, completely stunned, while Seven continued, speaking quickly. “You wear a fake gold watch but try to act like you’re covered in designer brands. That’s because you don’t want anyone to know about your financial troubles. It’s clear you have a gambling problem, spending nights at the casino, leaving you sleep-deprived, with bad breath and a short temper. You obviously bet on horse racing too. Today is Tuesday, and every fifteen minutes, you check the messages on your phone. Each time you read them, your mood shifts uncontrollably. It’s now eleven o’clock sharp, the racetrack must have sent out the results for the first race. Can you tell everyone which horse won?”

The courtroom fell silent, broken only by the buzz of Donny’s phone vibrating at exactly eleven o’clock.

Andy rubbed his forehead and muttered, “Brilliant, absolutely brilliant, Seven.”

During the lunch break, Andy found Rong Qing. Letting out a frustrated sigh, he said, “Daniel, let him go.”

Rong Qing looked up, his brows slightly furrowed. “What are you talking about?”

“Daniel, you’ve already lost your chance. You executed your plan, and you should know by now that you’ve lost him. No matter where he is, even if he’s in a prison under your control, you can’t change that outcome.”

Rong Qing laughed, his pupils narrowing slightly, the deep black of his eyes sharp like needle points. “Andy, if we weren’t friends for ten years, I’d seriously doubt whether you’re the real Andy Wardos. My plan is for him to serve a ten-year sentence in Florida. Let me make it clear: there will be no changes.”

With that, he stood up and left the VIP room. Andy watched his back in frustration and muttered, “Too bad… your plan isn’t his plan.”

Meanwhile, a distinguished guest arrived at the courthouse holding cell. He wore a deep blue tailored suit that fit him flawlessly, striking the perfect balance between comfort and elegance. Though no longer young, his well-maintained physique spoke of discipline and care. His silver-gray hair and refined features had not faded with age but instead exuded a dignified maturity and undeniable charm.

A black gemstone ring rested on his impeccably kept right hand, and he carried an ivory cane with a rich patina, hinting at its centuries-old history. Yet, on him, these items did not seem ostentatious. Instead, they complemented his presence, imbuing him with an aura of nobility and authority. He carried himself with such command that it was almost impossible to meet his gaze as an equal.

“This way, Duke Sutherland,” the officer said respectfully, guiding him into the holding room.

Seven’s hand, resting on the table, clenched tightly. “Officer, I didn’t say I wanted to see anyone,” he said.

The officer seemed to ignore him completely. Donald Sutherland made a gracious gesture and said, “Please give us some time alone.”

The officer hesitated, but Donald reassured him, “Don’t worry. This child poses no threat to me.”

Once the officer left, Donald sat down in front of Seven and asked warmly, “How are you, Seven?”

Seven turned his face away without answering.

Donald remained composed and gentle. “Although there have been some… unpleasantness between us, you are still my child. I can’t stand to see you suffer.”

Seven’s voice was hoarse as he replied, “Then please disappear. Maybe my suffering will lessen.”

“What did you say?” Donald frowned. “Since you are my son, we will naturally be seeing each other every day in the future.”

Seven turned back to face him, disbelief written all over his face. “E-every day?”

“Yes, Seven,” Donald said with a smile, pulling a folded document from his coat pocket. “You’re still a minor. This is a guardianship application form. All you need to do is sign it, and we can be reunited as father and son.”

He placed his well-manicured hand over Seven’s and continued, “You don’t need to worry about anything else. I’ll get you out on parole soon. You enjoy studying violin in Austria, don’t you? Which tutor do you prefer? I know several directors of music academies.” He paused, frowning slightly as if in thought. “Of course, you’ll take on the Sutherland name eventually, though that will take some time. Still, I do like calling you Seven. It has a nice ring to it.”

At that moment, Seven felt as if he’d been bitten by a venomous snake. He yanked his hand back abruptly and said, “No, thank you. I’m not interested.” Pointing to the door, he added, “Studying violin in Austria? Don’t insult music. I’m not going to climb out of your bed just to go to school. Get out!”

Despite Seven’s strong resistance, Donald didn’t seem angry. He withdrew his hand and smiled calmly. “You’re very clever, but darling, you’re still so young. That’s why someone like Cruz was able to fool you. If you don’t agree now, I won’t force you. This form will always be here for you to sign. As my son, I’ll give you one piece of advice. A prison doesn’t trap others; it only traps you. Have you ever seen a caged animal that could protect itself?”

“Get out!” Seven shouted, his entire body trembling uncontrollably.

Before Donald could respond, the door burst open with a bang. Andy entered with a stern expression, followed by a visibly uncomfortable officer.

Andy’s face was cold as he asked, “I’m sorry, sir, but what exactly are you doing here?”

Donald smiled and said, “Just having a little chat with Seven.”

“You have no such authority,” Andy replied icily. “Even if you were more than a British duke, even if you were the President of the United States, my client is still protected under the Miranda rights!”

Donald picked up his hat and placed it gracefully on his head. “Thank you. I hope these rights continue to protect Seven.”

As Donald’s figure disappeared beyond the door, Seven suddenly said, “Andy, I think I’d like to give myself a Chinese name.”