Chapter 543: The Trail (3) Defence

In the courtroom, Hannah watched as Oscar was led to his position. He slightly raised his head and saw her. Their eyes met, and tears welled up in Hannah's eyes. Oscar responded with a composed smile, seemingly unaware of the gravity of the situation.

Susan sighed, whispering, "He looks so gaunt and haggard. I can barely recognize him."

Swallowing her sadness, Hannah struggled to regain her composure. Susan murmured, "It must be torturous for a gentleman like him to be imprisoned. What a pity! His muscular figure must be worn down." She then added, with characteristic eccentricity, "But I have to admit, he's still darn handsome, even gaunt." Susan continued, "He used to seem like a playboy with a bit of a ruffian streak, but now he's much more refined and dashing. I don't even know when the change happened."

Although Susan's comments were unusual, Hannah found them strangely apt. Before, she'd shared Susan's view of Oscar as a charming ruffian. Now, however, she saw a different man—well-bred and elegant. Susan's amusing remarks somehow lessened Hannah's sadness. Yet, Hannah remained fixated on Oscar, who showed no fear and even tried to comfort her. His stoicism only intensified her worry.

While they gazed at each other silently, the Wells family—Robert, Venus, David, and Thomas—arrived. They had been following the case closely and keeping in touch with Hannah, but she had little to report, leaving them agitated.

The court session began at 9 AM. After the formalities, the judge entered and called the court to order. From the bench, the judge announced, "The prosecution's case is against Oscar Wells, the defendant, charged with bribery, murder, and rape. The prosecutor may begin."

The prosecutor rose, bowed respectfully, and stated, "In December, Oscar Wells, a former City Hall employee, was reported to have abused his authority to accept bribes exceeding fifty million. The Investigation Department found 52,450,000 in cash at Mr. Wells' residence, a sum consistent with his financial dealings. Furthermore, on December 24th, the body of Mary Cooper was found in a river. An autopsy confirmed rape and murder. The investigation indicates Mr. Wells was with Ms. Cooper shortly before her death, and video evidence shows their intimacy. Therefore, Oscar Wells is charged with bribery, rape, and murder. The defendant may now present his defense."

The judge asked, "Do you have any supplementary statements regarding the prosecution's case?"

"No," Oscar replied, his voice hoarse. Hannah's worry deepened, yet despite his haggard appearance, he stood tall and proud.

The judge announced, "The defense may begin its statement."

Josh Aaron rose, stating, "Josh Aaron, representing Mr. Wells, Your Honor. We plead not guilty. Mr. Wells denies the bribery charge. All evidence is fabricated. The prosecution claims bribes exceeding fifty million, an unreasonable sum considering the Wells family's immense wealth. The Wells family, one of Kensbury City's top four, possesses assets exceeding hundreds of billions. Fifty million is insignificant."

He continued, "Furthermore, Mr. Wells' spending has drastically decreased since joining City Hall. Before his marriage, his monthly expenses often exceeded fifty million—for example, he once spent thirty million at an auction. It's highly improbable he'd risk accepting a relatively paltry bribe."

Susan whispered, amused, "If I'm not mistaken, you were the beneficiary of that thirty-million-dollar auction purchase."

Hannah fell silent, remembering the sapphire he'd bought for her. She realized he might have been courting her for far longer than she'd known.

Josh resumed, "As for the rape charge, it's preposterous. Mr. Wells' appeal to women is well-known in Kensbury. Is it credible that a gentleman of his charm would need to resort to rape?"