CHAPTER 13 – A Legal Storm Approaches

Noah had grown accustomed to the rhythm of running his food stall. Every morning, he woke up early, prepared ingredients, and made sure everything was in order before customers started arriving. Despite the growing competition, business was steady.

Today seemed no different. The sizzling sound of pork frying in hot oil filled the air, blending with the rich aroma of garlic rice. Claire was busy at the counter, taking orders from a small but steady line of customers.

"Two orders of Bagnet Bites with extra garlic rice!" Claire called out.

"Got it!" Noah responded, his hands moving swiftly. His cooking had become second nature by now, each movement efficient and precise.

Tito Ben, their ever-reliable helper, chuckled. "You've really mastered this, hijo. Who would've thought you'd turn this little stall into a success?"

Noah smiled, flipping a crispy piece of bagnet. "I couldn't have done it alone, Tito."

It was true, he had come a long way from being a struggling young man just trying to survive. His business was his second chance at life, and he was determined to make the most of it.

But just as he started to feel comfortable, trouble arrived.

---

A tall man in a crisp polo shirt walked toward the stall, accompanied by two individuals in government uniforms.

"Noah Quinn?" the man asked, his voice firm.

Noah wiped his hands on his apron, a sudden unease creeping into his chest.

"Yes, that's me," he said cautiously.

The man pulled out a folder and flipped through several documents.

"My name is Mr. Santos from the Business Regulation Office. We received a complaint regarding your food stall."

Noah's stomach tightened.

"A complaint?" Claire echoed, her voice laced with disbelief.

Mr. Santos adjusted his glasses and read from the file.

"You are being accused of operating without proper permits and of violating zoning laws for food stalls in this district."

The words hit Noah like a brick.

"That's ridiculous!" Claire snapped. "We have all the necessary permits!"

Noah nodded quickly. "That's right. I registered the business properly before opening."

Mr. Santos remained expressionless. "Then you should have no problem proving it."

He handed Noah a legal notice.

"You are required to present your documents to the municipal office within three days. Failure to do so will result in the immediate closure of your stall."

Noah clenched his jaw.

This wasn't just bad news, it was a direct attack on his business.

---

After the officials left, Noah sat down, rubbing his temples.

Claire crossed her arms. "This isn't random, Noah. Someone must have reported us."

Noah nodded grimly. "The question is, who?"

Tito Ben scoffed. "Isn't it obvious? That big restaurant across the street must be behind this."

Noah considered it. Filipino Flavors Express had been losing customers ever since his stall started gaining popularity. Would they really resort to legal sabotage?

It was possible.

But without proof, he couldn't accuse anyone.

Instead, he needed to focus on saving his business.

---

The next morning, Noah headed straight to the municipal office.

He carried a folder containing all his business documents. Every permit, license, and zoning clearance was neatly arranged inside.

At the office, a tired-looking clerk motioned him to sit down. "What's your concern?"

Noah handed over the legal notice. "I was told my business is operating illegally. But I have all the proper documents."

The clerk examined his papers, frowning.

"These look complete… but let me check our records." She typed something on her computer, her frown deepening.

"There's a problem," she said.

Noah's heart pounded. "What kind of problem?"

"The system shows that your business permit was revoked two days ago."

Noah's blood ran cold.

"What?! Why?"

The clerk shook her head. "It says here that the area where your stall is located is now restricted for food vendors due to new zoning regulations."

New regulations?

Noah had never heard of this. Something was definitely wrong.

---

Claire paced back and forth as Noah explained the situation.

"This isn't a coincidence," she muttered. "Someone is pushing you out."

Noah exhaled sharply. "And if I don't fix this in three days, my stall is finished."

Tito Ben scratched his head. "Can we fight this legally?"

Noah nodded. "I need to file an appeal. But government processes take time… and I don't have much of it."

"Then we need help," Claire said.

"But from who?"

She grinned. "Camila Reyes."

---

Calling in a Favor

Camila Reyes was a freelance journalist known for exposing corrupt businesses.

Noah met her months ago when she did a feature on small food entrepreneurs. She admired his determination and even promised to help if he ever faced unfair competition.

Now was the time to cash in on that promise.

Noah called her number.

"Camila speaking."

"Camila, it's Noah Quinn."

"Oh? Noah! It's been a while. What's up?"

"I need your help. Someone is trying to shut down my stall using dirty tactics."

There was a pause. Then, Camila's voice turned serious.

"Tell me everything."

Noah explained the complaint, the revoked permit, and the sudden zoning change.

"That's too convenient to be a coincidence," she muttered. "Sounds like someone pulled some strings."

"Exactly," Noah agreed. "But I don't have proof."

"You leave that part to me," she said. "I'll make some calls. Give me a day."

Noah felt a small spark of hope.

"Thanks, Camila."

---

The next evening, Camila called back.

"Noah, I found something," she said urgently.

"What is it?"

"Your business permit was revoked after a private complaint was filed against you."

Noah's grip on his phone tightened. "By who?"

Camila hesitated. "Filipino Flavors Express."

Noah's eyes darkened.

"They claimed your stall was causing 'unfair competition' and 'blocking their view,' which influenced the zoning change."

Claire, who was listening, cursed under her breath.

"That's dirty."

Noah clenched his fists.

"So what can we do?"

Camila's voice was firm. "I'm going to expose them. If they abused their influence to get your stall shut down, I'll make sure everyone knows."

Noah exhaled sharply. "That's risky, Camila."

She laughed. "You think I became a journalist because I like playing safe?"

---

The next morning, Camila published an explosive article titled:

"Small Business Under Fire – How Big Restaurants Use Power to Crush Competition"

She detailed how Filipino Flavors Express had influenced the zoning laws to target Noah's stall.

Within hours, the article spread on social media.

People flooded the municipal office with complaints, demanding that Noah's stall be reinstated.

By noon, an official statement was released:

"After reviewing the situation, we acknowledge an unfair zoning adjustment. Noah Quinn's food stall is now officially reinstated."

Noah read the statement twice.

Then a grin spread across his face.

They won.

---

That evening, the stall was busier than ever.

People came in droves, supporting Noah after reading the article.

Claire nudged him. "Looks like people love an underdog story."

Noah chuckled. "And I love that my business is still standing."

Tito Ben raised his glass of juice. "To survival!"

They all laughed, relieved that they had weathered the storm.