C180 I will Remember Your Kindness

While Chris was settling into his new office at Wood IT Company, another new beginning was taking place across the city. At Nova Blaze Jewelry, Laura Gomez stepped out of the car and took a slow, steady breath. Today was her first official day at the company. As she entered the magnificent reception hall, every employee immediately stood up. A round of warm applause echoed throughout the building.

Laura froze in surprise. "W-Why is everyone clapping?" One of the senior managers stepped forward with a welcoming smile. "Welcome to Nova Blaze Jewelry, Mrs. Gomez." "We're honored to have you join us." Laura's cheeks instantly turned pink. She had expected a simple introduction, not such a grand welcome. "Thank... thank you." She bowed politely, causing several employees to smile even more.

Prince Gomez soon appeared from his office. "There she is." "Our newest Chief Inspector." Laura hurried toward him. "Father..." "I still think this position is too important for me." Prince chuckled. "Every expert starts somewhere." "You've always had an eye for beauty and detail." "Trust yourself." Laura nodded softly. "I'll do my best." Prince gestured for her to follow him.

As they walked through the various departments, skilled craftsmen were polishing gemstones, cutting diamonds and shaping precious metals into elegant jewelry. Laura's eyes sparkled with fascination. "They're incredible..." Prince smiled proudly. "Every piece tells a story." "And from today onward, every design must earn your approval before it reaches production."

Laura widened her eyes. "My approval?" "What if I make the wrong decision?" Prince stopped walking and looked at her seriously. "A good inspector doesn't rush." "You'll learn." "And when you're uncertain..." "You ask questions." Laura smiled. "I understand." They eventually arrived outside a beautifully decorated office. Mounted on the polished wooden door was a silver nameplate. Mrs. Laura Gomez, Chief Inspector

Laura stared at it in disbelief. "My own office..." Prince nodded. "Go inside." She slowly pushed the door open. The room was elegant yet welcoming. One wall displayed samples of the company's finest jewelry collections. Another held design sketches from previous years. A large desk overlooked the showroom through a glass window, allowing her to observe the production floor whenever she wished.

Laura slowly ran her fingers across the polished surface of the desk. "It's beautiful..." Prince smiled. "I hope you'll make this office your own." Laura turned around with gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Father." "I won't disappoint you." Prince laughed. "I know you won't."

After giving her a brief explanation of her responsibilities, he left her to settle in. Laura sat quietly in the chair for several moments. She couldn't help remembering the difficult months she had endured. From heartbreak... To uncertainty... To finding acceptance within the Gomez family. She smiled softly. "It really is a new beginning..."

Meanwhile... At the prison. Jack leaned casually against the wall inside the exercise yard, waiting. The moment Ben returned from the visitation room, Jack immediately noticed the expression on his face. "So..." Jack smiled knowingly. "They finally told you?" Ben frowned. "Told me what?" Jack chuckled. "That you're going home." "Your father's already sorting out your bail."

Ben froze. "My father..." "Really?" Jack nodded confidently. "I have my own sources." "You'll be leaving today." A smile slowly appeared on Ben's face. "I..." "I'm finally getting out." Jack folded his arms. "I protected you while you were here." "You haven't forgotten that, have you?" Ben quickly shook his head. "Of course not." "I owe you."

Jack stepped closer. "Good." "Then repay that favor." Ben looked confused. "How?" Jack smiled. "If your father can arrange your release..." "What's stopping him from arranging mine?" Ben stared at him for several seconds. "You want me to ask my father to bail you out?" Jack nodded without hesitation. "Exactly." "You keep your promise..." "I'll remember your kindness." "But if you forget me..." His smile slowly disappeared. "I'll remember that too."

Before Ben could answer, the heavy prison gate opened. A correctional officer stepped inside. "Benjamin Wood." Ben immediately stood. "Yes." "Go back and Pack your belongings." "Your release has been approved." Ben's heart raced. "It... it's real." He quickly went to his cell. He gathered his few personal belongings. Before leaving, Jack called after him one last time. "Don't forget what we talked about." Ben nodded seriously. "I won't."

After completing the final paperwork and collecting his personal items, Ben slowly walked toward the prison gates. As they opened, bright sunlight poured across the entrance. Standing outside were Kelvin and Tracy. The moment Ben saw them, his eyes became moist. "Dad!" "Mom!" He hurried forward and embraced them tightly. "I'm sorry..." "I'm so sorry." "I'll never do something like this again." "They bullied me..." "They beat me..." "They humiliated me..."

Tracy's eyes instantly filled with tears. She wrapped her arms around her son. "My child..." "You're finally free." Kelvin gently placed a hand on Ben's shoulder. "It's over now." "We're taking you home." Ben wiped away his tears. "There was one prisoner..." "His name is Jack." "He protected me." "If it wasn't for him..." "I don't know what would've happened." "He asked me for one favor."

Kelvin looked at him carefully. "What favor?" "He wants us to help him get out." Kelvin remained silent for a moment before responding calmly. "We'll discuss that after we get home." "First, your mother wants to make sure you've eaten properly." Tracy forced a gentle smile. "The maids prepared all your favorite dishes." Ben smiled faintly before suddenly saying, "But before that..." "I want to see someone."

Kelvin looked puzzled. "Who?" "Mike." "I want to see Mike." Tracy and Kelvin exchanged surprised glances. "You want to see Michael?" Ben nodded sincerely. "I have to greet him." "He is the one who put me in prison." "So he has to know that I am out." Kelvin sighed. "Your release today happened because Michael and Alicia agreed not to oppose your bail." "If they hadn't shown mercy..." "You'd still be inside."

Ben stood frozen. "They..." "They agreed?" "But..." "I'm the one who framed him." "I'm the reason he was imprisoned." "Why would he help me?" Kelvin looked directly into his son's eyes. "Because, Ben..." "Not everyone carries hatred in their heart." "Some people choose forgiveness." "And today..." "You were given a second chance." Ben lowered his head.

For the first time in a very long time... He truly understood the weight of everything he had done. And deep inside... He wondered whether he would ever deserve the kindness that Mike had shown him.