Chapter 270: Turning Point (5)

Dore appeared flustered at the judge's question. He avoided Oscar's gaze.

"What are the doubts?" the judge asked.

"As the prosecutor stated, Dore had no known feud with the defendant," Oscar explained. "Why would he falsely accuse the defendant of bribery and tax evasion? Such a fabrication seems unreasonable."

His sharp analysis immediately captivated the courtroom. The swiftness of his mind amazed the onlookers. While others focused on the case's details, Oscar had already identified a crucial point.

The judge nodded. "Indeed, there are doubts about Dore's testimony."

"Your Honor, may I question him further?" Oscar asked.

"Approved," the judge replied.

Oscar addressed Dore with composure. "Mr. Dore, why did you falsely accuse the defendant? Was there any conflict between you?"

Dore was speechless.

"Mr. Dore," Oscar pressed, his tone hardening, "your testimony directly affects your sentence. Consider the consequences carefully."

"Objection!" Jesse protested. "The defense lawyer is intimidating the informant!"

"I'm stating facts, not intimidating," Oscar retorted. "Mr. Jesse, as prosecutor, you shouldn't defend the informant. This suggests a possible undisclosed connection between you two."

"Mr. Wells, watch your language! You're slandering me!" Jesse fumed.

Oscar remained unfazed. "Your Honor, this is crucial to the truth. May I continue questioning?"

After a brief pause, the judge granted permission.

"Thank you, Your Honor," Oscar said respectfully. Turning to Dore, he asked, "Was anyone else involved in this accusation?"

Dore remained silent, trembling with fear.

"Let me remind you," Oscar continued, his voice low and menacing, "the mastermind bears full responsibility; accomplices bear secondary responsibility. Confess the mastermind's identity, and they will face the harshest penalty. Otherwise, that penalty falls on you."

Jesse remained seated, hesitant to intervene. As prosecutor, he couldn't afford to defend the informant and risk investigation.

Even Jesse had to concede that Oscar was a brilliant lawyer, adept at seizing crucial moments and turning the tide of the trial. Oscar now controlled the narrative.

"It's… Roger!" Dore blurted out.

Oscar frowned. Roger reacted defensively. "No! Why would I frame my own brother?"

"To usurp his position," Oscar countered. "You've coveted his position, haven't you? That's why you framed him, that's why you enlisted Dore!"

"I didn't! That's nonsense!" Roger insisted, but lacked a coherent defense.

"When did this begin?" Oscar asked calmly, his tone a stark contrast to Roger's agitated state.

Dore confessed, "A week ago, Roger asked me to report Miguel's embezzlement. In return, he'd pay my usury debts once Miguel was imprisoned. I squandered my construction funds and am heavily in debt. I had no choice but to obey him."

Oscar questioned Dore's account. "I doubt it. No one would frame another for a crime they committed themselves, risking a harsher penalty. Regardless of Roger's ambition, he wouldn't jeopardize his future." Oscar knew Roger was innocent.

"You're right! I'm not that stupid!" Roger exclaimed.

Oscar's gaze hardened. "Mr. Dore, be honest."

Dore, seeing the truth in Oscar's eyes, was overwhelmed by panic. He'd initially agreed to frame Miguel out of fear of his usurer, and the promise of payment after prison. But confessing would mean losing that money; remaining silent meant an uncertain, possibly life-altering sentence.

He was trapped. Suddenly, Dore collapsed, unconscious.

The courtroom gasped. Oscar looked frustrated. Dore's last-ditch effort had backfired spectacularly. From the moment he decided to frame Miguel, he sealed his own fate. Honesty might have offered a better outcome.

A doctor diagnosed a cerebral hemorrhage, and Dore was taken to the hospital. The trial against him was postponed. However, Miguel was exonerated and released. Roger and Maxwell, arrested for bribery and tax evasion, were taken into custody.

"Adjourn!" the judge declared.

Oscar left the courtroom with Miguel, meeting Hannah outside.

"Dad!" Hannah ran to them.

Miguel smiled. "Thanks to Oscar."

Hannah looked at Oscar, impressed by his performance.

Oscar smirked. "We're family!" he said, his gaze lingering on Hannah.