Chapter 267
Evidently, the real explosive moment was about to unfold. Everyone present held their breath, watching as George began to play the third video. It was a video of Brandon making a phone call alone.
“I heard some rumors that someone anonymously reported Ethan for illegal securities manipulation and money laundering. I haven’t identified the informant yet, but it will definitely lead back to you. Listen carefully to what I’m about to say, and make it clear to Stevenson too. At that time, you and Stevenson should confess directly, then firmly accuse Ethan of instigating everything. All the evidence we have can confirm that everything was done by Ethan. He won’t be able to defend himself, and in court, I will privately manage relationships. Just follow my lead, and be careful not to expose anything. And rest assured, even if you are sentenced, whether it’s ten years or five, I can find a way to get you out the fastest. After you’re out, you’ll definitely have your share of the inoney, and your families will be well taken care of. I’ll make sure of that.” This statement clearly carried a threat. Brandon continued, “And one last reminder, you cannot mention my name or the names of anyone in my family. If you encounter questions you don’t know how to answer or uncertainties, don’t respond. After everything is settled, you won’t be treated unfairly.
The video ended, and it was indeed conclusive evidence. In the high-definition video, everyone could even see the screen on Brandon’s phone lighting up occasionally, displaying Keith’s phone number. No name was shown, just a series of digits.
After George presented the most favorable evidence, he didn’t immediately prompt the presiding judge to proceed with the
trial. Instead, he calmly and unhurriedly presented several additional pieces of evidence. These were also obtained through hacking techniques, monitoring Keith’s calls, and recording conversations. The audio from Keith’s phone matched the content of Brandon’s call, once again proving the collusion between Brandon and Keith.
Having done all of this, George faced Ethan. From start to finish George didn’t say a word to the defendant, not even an extra expression. Whether in a disadvantageous position or an advantageous one, he remained calm, composed, and unflinching.
Before the presiding judge could speak, Adam spoke up first, “Your Honor, may I ask a few questions to the defendant?”
“You may proceed,” the presiding judge promptly responded.
Adam walked up to Ethan. Taking advantage of the moment, George took a step back..
“Ethan, there are many questions surrounding this case that I need to clarify face-to-face,” said Adam.
“Sure, Ethan replied. His voice was somewhat deep. He stood straight up and no hint of weakness could be seen.
“Regarding your involvement in this case, from 2018 to 2021, did you notice any clandestine activities between Keith and Stevenson behind your back, involving illegal securities manipulation and money laundering? Or did you actually know about it and silently endorse its occurrence, considering your deep ties with the Garner family?” Adam’s gaze was sharp.
Kylie tensed up again at once, wondering, “Isn’t Adam setting a trap for Ethan? If Ethan admits it, he will be implicated in covering up the crime!”
Despite the inappropriateness of the question, George did not interrupt but refrained from accusing Adam of intentionally leading the conversation in a certain direction. He stood by calmly. In fact, it was trust. He would worry about others being led by Adam’s words, but not Ethan. Ethan was able to provide a substantial amount of evidence, presenting a well-founded and even, in the eyes of a lawyer of twenty years, seemingly impossible proof. Ethan was so meticulous in his thinking that there was no way anyone could outsmart him.
“I didn’t know,” Ethan said, slowly adding, “To be precise, about a month before I returned to the country, I had some suspicions. However, it’s evident that by then, they had already started loosening their grip because the number of people they could defraud using such methods was decreasing
“As far as I know, you returned to the country at the beginning of this year. Why didn’t you report it earlier? Was it because the Garner family was shielding you?” Adam pressed on.
“No. At that time, I had no idea this was related to the Garner family, and I gained no benefit. I had no reason to cover up. But because it involved my interests and reputation, I couldn’t just stand idly by. Based on my understanding of my subordinates, Keith and Stevenson, they wouldn’t dare to do something so audacious. Moreover, they didn’t have the
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Chapter 267
capability and authority to keep everything calm and quiet after defrauding so much money. The only reason for the tranquility was that there must be a powerful force supporting them from behind,” said Ethan.
Adam nodded, seemingly acknowledging the logic in Ethan’s words, not suspecting him of deliberately distancing himself.
Ethan continued, “Therefore, I cautiously initiated an investigation, avoiding alerting them. Mr. Foster should understand that any slight disturbance can be swiftly covered up by certain powerful forces. Trying to truly uncover the facts is nothing short of a fantasy. To avoid shouldering the blame for that incident, I had no choice but to opt for a temporary concealment.”
“Your considerations were correct,” Adam affirmed.
“I started monitoring Keith and Stevenson, observing their every move, compiling a list of victims, investigating the flow of funds in their accounts. Eventually, I discovered that the ultimate source of this matter was the Garners. At that time, just like you, I found it hard to believe. Despite my deep ties with the Garner family, aside from my relationship with Stella, my grandfather and Timothy were comrades-in-arms and lifelong friends. I was reluctant to believe all of this. Not only did they use illegal means, but they also framed me with all the charges, making me their scapegoat. Before this, I always thought the Garners valued me highly, believing our relationship would span generations” said Ethan. His words sarcastically criticized the conduct of the Garner family; outwardly noble and charitable, but secretly, they were cunning and deceitful.
“Upon realizing the connection to the Garners, my investigation became even more cautious, fearing to arouse their suspicion, Ethan continued. “It took me over three months to make the Garners genuinely trust me, allowing me to stay in Toville and assist them in managing some of the Garner Group’s affairs. Leveraging my position, it became easier to inquire about the questionable financial transactions of the Garners, and I even installed surveillance around them. However, due to the Garner family’s perpetual wariness toward me. I could only monitor Brandon and Stella, and regarding the core figure. of the Garner family, Timothy, my capabilities were indeed limited.”
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