Chapter 268 Turning Point (3)

“Regarding your first question,” Oscar said, meeting the questioner's gaze without flinching. He appeared more assertive. “As Dore stated, he conducted business with the Cooper Group twice previously, under Maxwell’s supervision. They met privately in restaurants several times, and numerous company witnesses can corroborate this. I can present any of them in court if needed.”

“Concerning your second question, Dore acted on Maxwell’s orders due to severe financial hardship, a fact known to Maxwell. Dore had a crippling gambling addiction and substantial usury debts. Failure to repay threatened violence; hence, his risk-taking. I have evidence of his usury debt, including photographs of him gambling at the Oasis Casino.”

“Regarding your third question, while no feud existed between Dore and the defendant, another party did harbor animosity toward the defendant. This individual exploited Dore to frame the defendant. Dore’s willingness to risk imprisonment stemmed simply from his gambling losses and desperate need for money.”

“Regarding your final question, you requested testimony, correct? Maxwell himself can provide testimony. His residence is a half-hour drive from the court. My men are waiting there now; I'm confident he’s available. Your Honor, I propose we summon Maxwell for questioning.”

Oscar’s voice was confident and firm, his assurance visibly convincing some in the courtroom. Charles, however, looked visibly uncomfortable. He'd believed his preparations were thorough. Oscar’s swift acquisition of such substantial evidence baffled him. Had Oscar and Hannah simply identified the crucial details? Regardless, Charles couldn't fathom their methods, unwilling to admit their superior intellect.

After a brief judge and jury discussion, the judge announced, “The request is granted. Maxwell will appear in court. We adjourn for half an hour.” The judge’s gavel confirmed the adjournment, and the judge and jury departed.

The courtroom buzzed slightly. Before returning to his seat, Oscar glanced at Hannah, who had been watching him expectantly. After a few seconds of eye contact, Hannah gave him a heartfelt thumbs-up. She felt he’d surpassed even the seasoned lawyer, Jesse.

Jesse looked furious. He hadn't anticipated Oscar’s effective counter-strategy with such compelling evidence and potential testimony. The revelation would be humiliating for him. Even worse, he saw Oscar’s self-satisfied smile.

“Hey, Oscar is quite captivating when he smiles,” Susan whispered to Hannah.

Hannah, startled, collected herself, closing her eyes briefly to control her racing heart. Then, she suddenly stood.

“Hannah, where are you going?” Susan asked, confused. The most dramatic moments hadn't yet unfolded.

“Theodore, come with me,” Hannah said as she left, leaving Susan even more perplexed. Susan’s thoughts: ‘Is she going to cheat on Oscar? Hell no! Even if she wanted to, Theodore wouldn’t dare.’

Theodore followed Hannah out of the courtroom. Just as they neared the exit, Hannah stopped. It turned out she was trying to prevent Roger from leaving, having only just noticed him departing.

“Uncle Roger, are you leaving before the case concludes?” she asked.

“It’s none of your business! Get out of my way!” Roger exclaimed angrily.

“Uncle Roger, what’s wrong? Are you guilty?” Hannah pressed.

“Stop talking nonsense! Get out of my way!” Roger’s anxiety was evident; he knew Maxwell’s testimony would implicate him. He needed to escape Northfield. "There are journalists outside, Uncle Roger," Hannah persisted. "Are you abandoning Grandma? Aren't you afraid of accusations of filial impiety?”

“Are you trying to deliberately annoy me?” Roger gritted his teeth, restraining his anger for the sake of public decorum. “Uncle Roger, it’s for your own good. Please return to your seat.”

“How dare you! Get lost…” But before he could shove Hannah, Theodore grabbed his arm, his grip tightening until Roger’s wrist cracked. Before Roger could cry out, Hannah muffled his mouth. Discreetly, she whispered a threat, “Uncle Roger, return to your seat before Theodore loses his temper.”

Roger glared fearfully, and Hannah released him. Theodore followed suit. Roger, seeing he couldn't flee, gritted his teeth and returned to his seat, ignoring the pain.

Hannah then instructed Jimmy, who nodded respectfully before sitting beside Roger. Roger glared at him, still planning an escape, unaware that Hannah’s actions had effectively thwarted his attempt. He’d never told Lorie of his conspiracy with Maxwell. Lorie was completely unaware of the scheme involving both Roger and Maxwell. Roger hadn’t planned to leave, nor had he dared to tell Lorie the truth in order to leave with her. Roger's anxiety was palpable, a fact that amazed Hannah. Remembering the devastation Roger and his family inflicted upon her family in her past life, she felt a burning desire for retribution.