Chapter 558: Defend Again

Everyone was ready in the courtroom. The judge announced the session would begin. The judicial officer reiterated Oscar's case.

"Counsel for the defense, please defend your client."

Josh rose, stating confidently, "Josh Aaron, on behalf of Mr. Wells, Your Honor. We plead not guilty."

The audience erupted, mirroring their reaction at the first hearing. Loretta, seated beside Charles, murmured with heavy irony, "Is he out of his mind? How could he say that?" Charles, seemingly amused, ignored Josh, checking his phone. He'd instructed Martina to execute the plan at 10:00 AM; one hour remained. Oscar's second hearing would climax within the hour, obscuring his clandestine actions. As planned, Sarah would die in a staged accident, seemingly by her own fault. A sinister smile touched Charles's lips. He looked at Hannah, his gaze lingering. Soon, he would force her to understand the consequences of her past rejection. He then dismissively turned away, watching Josh's seemingly futile defense.

"My client has achieved great success in River Town," Josh eloquently argued. "He built the healthcare system, aided the poor, and donated generously to schools. He is a clean official. Why would he accept a fifty-million bribe? He was framed!"

"Can you prove it?" the prosecutor countered. "Without evidence, your claims are empty. I stated clearly in the first hearing that Oscar Wells craved power, not money. His good deeds were a display of power!"

"Power?" Josh smiled wryly. "What would ordinary people choose: power or law?"

"It depends. Many break the law for power."

"Unless they benefit," Josh added.

"Good point," the prosecutor conceded, setting a trap. "Oscar had tasted power; that's why he accepted the bribe."

"False!" Josh denied. "Ninety-nine percent of corruption cases stem from self-interest. Only legal illiterates break the law for mere pleasure. My client, a skilled lawyer who once defeated Kensbury City's best lawyer, is a legal expert!"

The prosecutor's face fell.

Josh continued, "My client had no motive. Can you prove guilt solely with a questionable financial statement and cash found in his apartment? If he wished to flaunt wealth, he could display five hundred million, not just fifty. What's the significance?"

"Nonsense!" the prosecutor exclaimed, his face reddening. "We have witnesses and evidence. Oscar Wells is guilty. You're twisting facts and misleading the court! Your Honor!"

The judge and prosecutor exchanged a brief, planned glance.

"The defense's statements are illogical and lack evidence," the prosecutor declared. "Your Honor, I implore you to deliver a just sentence."

The judge nodded, seemingly swayed. He struck his gavel. "Defense attorney, provide relevant evidence. Otherwise, your defense will be deemed invalid."

Josh received a warning. The audience whispered, many believing Oscar had overplayed his hand. Hannah, hearing the slanders, looked distraught. Susan, though not close to Oscar, felt for Hannah and offered comfort, "Don't mind them. They're savages!"

Hannah, regaining composure, glanced at Theodore, who discreetly left the courtroom, following Charles.

The counsels continued their arguments, but Hannah's attention was elsewhere—Oscar was losing, yet she hadn't signaled Josh to present evidence, ensuring Manuel's plan proceeded.

In a restroom outside, Charles called Martina. "Do it now."

"Okay," Martina replied eagerly.

"Be careful. Don't fail."

"Consider it done," Martina assured him. "We rehearsed extensively. Nothing will go wrong."

"Be careful," Charles reiterated.

Charles hung up and hurried out. Theodore emerged from the restroom, contacting Manuel. "It's time."

"Okay, I've monitored their conversation."

"Be safe. Keep me informed," Theodore urged.

Theodore returned, whispering to Hannah, who nodded. Her outward calm masked a racing heart.

"Your Honor," the prosecutor stated, "since the defense lacks evidence, I urge you to sentence the defendant according to the law."

The desire for a swift conclusion was palpable.

"All jurors, let's deliberate," the judge announced. "Adjourn for thirty minutes."