Chapter 264: Well Prepared

Soon, silence fell over the courtroom. As both parties entered, the judge arrived and the session formally began.

Jesse, the prosecuting attorney, rose to make his statement. “On February 15th of last year, Cooper Group purchased the land for the ‘Huatan’ Apartment from Zhang. The market value was three hundred million, but the deal was concluded at two hundred million, with Cooper Group paying an additional two hundred million in land purchase tax. A series of private contracts totaling one hundred million were then executed, with payments made on March 3rd, May 12th, June 18th, July 5th, and September 20th, transferring the funds to Zhang’s private account. Subsequently, Miguel Cooper, Cooper Group’s chairman, bribed Zander with five million dollars saved from tax evasion.”

“Secondly, on March 15th of last year, Cooper Group initiated an open tender for the ‘Huatan’ Apartment’s construction. Miguel secretly colluded with the winning bidder, requiring them—the project contractor—to further bribe Zander, the director of the City Hall’s Construction Office, to ensure the project’s smooth progress. On May 21st of this year, the prosecuting authority received a letter from Dore, the contractor, detailing the tax evasion and the approximately twenty-five million dollar bribe paid to Zander. The letter included the relevant private contracts and a detailed bribery list, corroborated by Zander himself.”

“Therefore, on behalf of the prosecuting authority, Miguel Cooper is indicted.”

The judge nodded. “Approved. The prosecutor may submit the evidence.”

“Yes, your honor,” Jesse replied, handing the evidence to the court officer, who then passed it to the trial bench. Jesse continued, “Your Honor, may I present the individuals involved in this case?”

“Approved.”

Dore was called first. From the public gallery, Hannah observed the nervous, chubby middle-aged man.

Jesse approached him. “Don’t be nervous. Just answer honestly.”

“Okay,” Dore replied, quickly nodding.

“Why did you report Miguel? As far as I know, you embezzled construction funds and fled. Are you aware of the consequences of your return?”

“I know I’ll be imprisoned, and I admit to embezzling the funds. However, Miguel pushed me too far. I had no choice.”

“Please provide details.”

After a deep breath, Dore explained, “Initially, Miguel promised me at least two hundred million in profit. However, she continually demanded increased costs, despite the contract lacking specifications for construction materials. Regardless, she insisted on expensive materials, threatening a significant financial loss. Driven to desperation, I embezzled the funds.”

“Having fled with the money, why did you return?” Jesse asked.

“I intended to run away. That money could buy me anything. But it was illegal. Nightmares haunted me. I feared arrest. Turning myself in was preferable to the constant fear. Furthermore, I’d been planning to surrender. My decision was finalized upon hearing the ‘Huatan’ Apartment was under reconstruction. The thought of her sabotaging my sincere efforts, forcing my flight with illegal funds, fueled my anger. That’s why I returned to report her.”

Dore’s prepared testimony sounded remarkably plausible. In the public gallery, Charles, Lorie, Roger, Wayne, and Mary smiled complacently. With Miguel imprisoned, Cooper Group would be theirs. Even Hannah's abilities would be insufficient to fight them alone.

Jesse continued, “How did you learn of Miguel’s private contract with Zhang?”

“I facilitated the deal. I'd previously worked on smaller projects for Cooper Group. I overheard from their staff about their plan to acquire the ‘Huatan’ Apartment land, owned by a relative of mine. I helped connect them, hoping to secure the construction bid. The hundred-million-dollar private contract worried Zhang about Cooper Group’s payment. I negotiated on their behalf; hence my knowledge of the details.”

“The details are clear,” Jesse stated. “Your Honor, may I present the remaining witnesses for verification?”

“Approved.”

Zhang was called next. After Jesse’s question, Zhang quickly responded, “After signing the private contract, I informed Dore of my payment concerns. He provided a written guarantee, and I signed. Here are the contract and his guarantee.”

Jesse received the documents, presenting them to the trial bench. He then asked, “Do you understand the illegality of this private transaction?”

“I don't. I’m from a humble, illiterate family. Without this land, I’d be a farmer. Cooper Group claimed the private contract saved on taxes. I didn’t understand land purchase taxes; I never paid tax on farm produce. I saw it as unusual, but didn't expect it to be illegal. My only concern was getting paid.”

His explanation, too, sounded reasonable. Hannah watched coldly, thinking, ‘Charles, how well prepared you are!’