Chapter 157

The president strode out of the courtroom into the crowded streets, his shoulders dragged down by the load of public disgrace. The city, once a theater for his political skill, had changed into an arena of judgment and derision. As he went through the gathering, murmurs and quiet discussions trailed in his wake.

"He couldn't even control his own son – what kind of leader is he?"

"The president's family is a disgrace. No surprise the city's in pandemonium."

A gathering of bystanders, fuelled by the viral nature of scandal, started to congregate. The once-respected leader found himself pushed into a harsh spotlight, his every action scrutinized by the same people he had vowed to serve.

As he moved through the throng, a cacophony of sarcastic words following him like an unpleasant shadow.

"Look at him! Can't even manage his own home, much alone the nation."

"President Turner, a failure on all fronts – family and politics."

The president, his face a mask of forced serenity, struggled to m