Scene 1: The Courtroom Standoff
The air inside the courtroom was thick with tension. Rows of spectators—investors, reporters, and gaming industry insiders—leaned forward in anticipation.
Ethan sat at the defendant's table, his hands folded. His expression was calm, but his mind was razor-sharp, calculating every possible outcome.
Across from him, Vaughn Lancaster smirked, lounging in his seat like a man who already knew the verdict. He had an army of lawyers at his disposal, each one ready to bury Level Up Games in legal paperwork.
The judge cleared her throat. "Mr. Lancaster, you may present your case."
Vaughn's lead attorney stood up. "Your Honor, this is a clear-cut case of intellectual property theft and defamation. The defendant, Ethan Carter, used false accusations and slander to damage Titan Edge's reputation. Moreover, his company, Level Up Games, has directly copied Titan Edge's mechanics—"
"Objection."
Mason, Ethan's legal advisor, rose smoothly. "If they're claiming intellectual property theft, I'd like them to specify exactly which mechanics were copied."
The judge nodded. "Proceed."
Titan Edge's lawyer adjusted his tie, slightly thrown off. "The financial strategy mechanics in Money Masters bear a striking resemblance to Titan Edge's own economic simulation model. These similarities cannot be coincidence."
Ethan glanced at Mason, who gave him a subtle nod. Time to strike.
Scene 2: Ethan's Trump Card
Ethan leaned forward. "Your Honor, we'd like to submit new evidence."
A series of documents appeared on the courtroom screen. Confidential Titan Edge emails and financial records.
Gasps rippled through the room.
"This is an internal conversation between Titan Edge executives, discussing a strategy to sue competitors into bankruptcy." Mason's voice was calm but deadly. "And here's another one—Titan Edge actively stealing mechanics from indie developers, not the other way around."
Vaughn's smirk vanished.
His lawyer scrambled to object. "These documents—this is illegal—"
"No, it's not," Mason cut in. "This evidence was provided by a former Titan Edge employee—one who witnessed these practices firsthand."
The courtroom doors swung open. A man in a suit stepped in—a former Titan Edge developer who had been pressured into silence.
The judge studied the documents carefully. Then, she looked up at Vaughn. "Mr. Lancaster, do you wish to respond?"
Vaughn shifted in his seat. His lawyers whispered furiously, but there was no way out.
Scene 3: The Stock Market Backlash
As the court took a recess, the media exploded.
"TITAN EDGE EXPOSED IN CORPORATE SABOTAGE SCANDAL!"
"Ethan Carter's Legal Team FLIPS THE SCRIPT!"
"TITAN EDGE STOCK PLUNGES 30% AFTER COURT REVELATIONS!"
Ethan checked his phone. Horizon Interactive had just announced a public statement condemning Titan Edge. Investors were pulling out.
Alex whistled. "Dude. Their stock is bleeding."
Grace scrolled through her phone. "Vaughn is under pressure. If he keeps pushing this lawsuit, Titan Edge might collapse."
Ethan exhaled. Time for the final blow.
Scene 4: The Final Blow
Back in the courtroom, Mason stood tall. "Your Honor, in light of the evidence, we move to dismiss all claims against my client and counter-sue Titan Edge for $200 million in damages."
Titan Edge's lawyers looked at Vaughn, waiting for his answer.
Vaughn's jaw clenched. His face reddened.
"I—" He hesitated. "I propose a settlement."
Silence.
Ethan exchanged glances with Mason. They had won.
Vaughn's lawyer continued. "Titan Edge is willing to withdraw all claims and pay Level Up Games $50 million in damages."
The judge nodded. "Settlement accepted."
Scene 5: Victory & Aftermath
Outside the courtroom, reporters swarmed them.
"Ethan! How does it feel to take down a billion-dollar company?"
Ethan smirked, adjusting his jacket. "We didn't take them down. They did it to themselves."
Alex clapped him on the back. "Dude. We just made history."
Grace, standing beside them, smiled. "And now, we can finally focus on what matters—our game."
As they walked away, the next chapter of Level Up Games began.
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End of Chapter 20
Next Chapter Preview:
Ethan steps into the international stage, expanding Money Masters globally. With new markets, new opportunities, and a budding romance with Grace, his next challenge begins.
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