Half an hour later, the session resumed. Maxwell was brought into the court. He never imagined his reckoning would arrive after leaving Cooper Group.

After the prosecution reiterated the charges, Jesse addressed Maxwell: “You are accused of conspiring with Dore to illegally extract private funds. Is this true?” Maxwell panicked. A year had passed. How had they discovered this? He’d considered his plan flawless, believing his assistance in Dore's escape with the money ensured impunity. But Dore—had he lost his mind? Why turn himself in? Why frame Miguel? What an idiot!

"Maxwell, please answer the question," Jesse pressed.

Nervous, Maxwell composed himself, stealing glances at Roger in the public gallery. Their conspiracy was exposed; Maxwell was in court, but what of Roger? Roger avoided eye contact, shaking his head in a clear signal to deny the accusations.

Maxwell fought to regain his composure. Before he could speak, Oscar rose. "Mr. Watson, before your defense, you should know: first, you illegally signed three private contracts facilitating bank transfers, irrefutably proven. The accounts involved match those used for Zhang's payments. Second, transfers between your account and Dore's totaling 600,000,000 have been documented. I'm simply stating the evidence. Lying will only worsen your penalty."

Terror gripped Maxwell. He hadn't anticipated such irrefutable proof. He couldn't deny the charges, nor could he fabricate a defense. Silent, he remained speechless.

Oscar addressed the judge: "Your Honor, if the suspect refuses to speak, shall we consider the crime confessed?"

"Silence constitutes acquiescence," the judge confirmed.

Oscar again addressed Maxwell: "Mr. Watson, did you conspire with Dore in this commercial fraud?"

Gritting his teeth, Maxwell remained silent.

"Mr. Watson, a confession may lessen your sentence. Are you sure you'll remain silent?"

Maxwell finally nodded. "Yes, I conspired with Dore to embezzle funds from the Group."

His confession shocked the courtroom. Miguel's innocence was now clear.

"Silence!" The judge banged his gavel.

"Did you embezzle the entire 600,000,000 construction fee?" Oscar asked.

"Yes, but I only took part. Roger took the rest," Maxwell revealed, betraying his accomplice. There were no true friends in business; self-interest always prevailed.

Oscar smiled. Roger visibly panicked, shivering at Maxwell's confession, completely unprepared for this betrayal. What a "friendship"!

"Mr. Watson, be specific," Oscar calmly requested.

"Roger complained about Miguel's control of the Group, abusing his power to embezzle funds. I oversaw the 'Huatan' Apartments project. During a dinner with Roger, we decided to embezzle a large sum. Our conspiracy began then," Maxwell confessed fully.

"Your Honor, shall we summon Roger, another suspect?" Oscar requested.

Terror consumed Roger. He blurted, "No, I was framed! I knew nothing!"

Lorie, Wayne, and Mary were stunned. Roger's involvement was unexpected. They’d anticipated Miguel's imprisonment; everything had changed. Roger was brought forward.

He screamed at Maxwell, "Stop lying! I never conspired with you! The evidence implicates you and Dore, not me!"

"I knew you'd deny it! That's why I kept evidence! I suspected foul play when you told me to negotiate with Dore, so I recorded our conversation!"

"You!" Roger raged.

"Mr. Watson, present your evidence," Oscar instructed. Maxwell's evidence was crucial.

Maxwell produced his phone, displayed a video after entering the password, and handed it to court staff. The video depicted Maxwell and Roger discussing the embezzlement, corroborating Oscar's claims. Maxwell and Roger were guilty; Miguel was innocent.

Murmurs rippled through the courtroom. Charles, enraged, clenched his fists. His victory had been snatched away.

"Suspects, any further defense?" the judge inquired gravely.

Both Maxwell and Roger remained silent.

"Any further questions from counsel?"

Jesse, clearly defeated, responded, "I'm finished."

"Your Honor, I have supplementary questions," Oscar declared, his voice strong and confident. Hannah felt a surge of reassurance; choosing Oscar had been the right decision.

"Any further questions?" the judge asked.

"While Maxwell and Roger's guilt is clear, doubts remain regarding Dore," Oscar stated, pointing at Dore.