Chapter 267 Turning Point (2)

“Objection! The money is irrelevant to the case. The defense may not ask questions beyond its scope,” Jesse stated, rising to address the judge.

Before the judge could rule, Oscar interjected, “Mr. Jesse, may I ask a question? Both contracts included a five-million-dollar tax payment. Why would the defendant bypass a direct contract with Zhang, engaging instead in an apparently illegal agreement with Dore? Do you believe the defendant was acting irrationally?”

Jesse, Kensbury’s most renowned and highly paid lawyer, found himself momentarily stymied by Oscar, a rookie with limited practical experience.

Recovering his composure, Jesse retorted, “How can you definitively state that the value of those three contracts represents the land purchase price? Supplementary contracts are common in business to simplify financial procedures. The Cooper Group used these supplementary contracts to accommodate transactions unsuitable for formal legal agreements. This seems reasonable, doesn’t it?”

“I have proof to support my claim,” Oscar countered, maintaining a firm stance despite Jesse’s aggressive tone. He produced a file. “The prosecution’s statement shows that 100,000,000 from the private contract was transferred in five separate payments last year: March 3rd, May 12th, June 18th, July 5th, and September 20th. The recipients were Cooper Group employees. Coincidentally, payments from the three contracts between Maxwell and Ocean Building Materials Corporation, dated February 24th, June 8th, and July 1st, went to the same accounts. Prosecutor, can you explain this coincidence?”

Jesse appeared momentarily stunned. The law demanded facts and logical explanations; a simple coincidence was untenable. Though outwardly calm, he struggled to formulate a defense.

“Your Honor, do you consider this a coincidence?” Oscar asked the judge.

The judge, upholding the principles of justice, solemnly declared, “According to the defense, it cannot be a coincidence.”

“Then I presume the funds from the three contracts were transferred to Zhang?” “That seems reasonable,” the judge replied diplomatically.

“In that case, why didn’t the defendant use a legal contract with Zhang? Why this unnecessary maneuver, exposing himself to risk? Was the defendant irrational? Mr. Jesse, please answer my question,” Oscar pressed.

Hannah was momentarily speechless, amused by Oscar’s slightly humorous tone. Jesse, however, was again at a loss for words. For years, he had been the one relentlessly questioning opposing counsel.

“How can I know what he was thinking?” Jesse replied awkwardly.

“But I can,” Oscar stated confidently, his smile implying Jesse's awkward response highlighted Oscar's brilliance, much to Jesse's irritation.

“Because the defendant is innocent!” Oscar declared firmly.

“You conclude innocence based on presumption? Is this some kind of joke?”

“Mr. Jesse, please do not interrupt. As a less experienced lawyer, I might lose my train of thought,” Oscar said humbly, subtly satirizing Jesse's arrogance. Jesse's poor reputation among his peers was well-known.

Gritting his teeth, Jesse sat down, affecting a generous demeanor. Oscar, glancing at him, continued in his low voice, “The charges of tax evasion and bribery are a commercial conspiracy; Maxwell sought to extract money from the Cooper Group, hence the arrangement with Dore.”

“Initially, the Cooper Group planned to build a luxury residential development, negotiating with Zhang. However, Zhang’s asking price of 300,000,000 was deemed too high. The deal was temporarily tabled. Maxwell, eager to finalize the deal, falsely told the defendant the price had dropped to 200,000,000, which the defendant accepted.”

“However, abusing his authority, Maxwell used Ocean Building Materials Corporation to create three supplementary contracts, siphoning 100,000,000 from the Cooper Group for the private deal with Zhang, fearing Zhang would expose him if payment was delayed.”

“Thus, under Maxwell’s direction, Dore was awarded the ‘Huatan’ Apartment construction contract. Dore received 830,000,000, kept a portion, and transferred the rest to Maxwell.”

“In conclusion, that is the truth.”

“Are you making accusations without evidence? What proof supports your claim of a conspiracy between Dore and Maxwell?” Jesse challenged.

“I have records of bank transfers between Maxwell and Dore. While numerous accounts were involved, the funds ultimately reached Maxwell’s account, originating from Dore,” Oscar said, presenting a list of bank transfer records to the jury.

The jury began their examination.

“Your Honor, I find his assertions dubious and have several questions,” Jesse anxiously interjected.

“Granted,” the judge replied.

Jesse began his questioning, “I find your presumption unconvincing. What is the relationship between Maxwell and Dore? Why would Dore act on Maxwell’s orders? Why would Maxwell trust him? There's no evidence of a prior dispute between Dore and the defendant. Why would Dore risk a harsher penalty to frame him? He could have enjoyed a wealthy life without reporting the defendant. Finally, both material evidence and testimony are required to prove innocence. While you presented material evidence and your presumption, it’s insufficient legal grounds.”