Chapter 517

The next moment, Vaughn took the stand. He presented an audio recording as evidence.

Vaughn stated, “Yesterday, Fiona regained consciousness for a few minutes. She explicitly said that she wouldn’t hold the woman accountable; she would only hold Charlie responsible.”

Everyone in the room exchanged puzzled looks. Vaughn said, “It was Ms. Teresa Johnston here.”

Vaughn explained, “Fiona’s sister is in the gallery. She is Mr. Lynn’s maternal grandmother. Ms. Johnston and Mr. Lynn were once married. Fiona is deeply grateful to Teresa for getting her to the hospital right away.

“Fiona’s position is clear. She doesn’t want any compensation; she only asks for Charlie to receive the maximum sentence.”

Charlie’s face went deathly pale. His defense attorney argued, “Since Fiona has already been declared to be in a vegetative state, we cannot rule out the possibility that these statements were made while she was not in a clear state of mind.

“Alternatively,” he continued, “she might have been coerced or deliberately guided by someone else to say them.”

Vaughn, with a mix of helplessness and urgency, retorted, “Fiona was perfectly lucid. The doctor had just examined her that morning, and the recording was made in the afternoon. She initiated it herself.”

Charlie’s defense attorney pressed relentlessly. “Your statements still fail to prove that this recording wasn’t obtained through threats or by deliberately leading Fiona on.”

Vaughn retorted angrily, “What exactly are you implying? Why on earth would I threaten Fiona? I have absolutely no motive.”

“Why then did you choose to testify in court for a woman you didn’t even know? According to my investigation, during the time Fiona was hospitalized after being hit, Ms. Johnston visited her several times.

“It’s possible that Ms. Johnston privately approached you and asked for your help. Seeing as Ms. Johnston is very... it wouldn’t be surprising if you were swayed by her request, possibly even coercing the victim to follow your version of events.”

Before Vaughn could retort, Jonathan, seated in the gallery, was visibly displeased. He gave a subtle signal to the lawyer he had found for Teresa.

Immediately understanding, Teresa’s lawyer countered. “That’s pure speculation. My client has had no private contact with Mr. Radcliffe whatsoever.”

The judge interjected, “Defense counsel, that is indeed baseless speculation. Do you have any other evidence or further statements?”

Charlie’s defense attorney pressed his lips together. In that brief silence, the spectators held their breath for the lawyer.

‘Openly insinuating that Jonathan’s ex-wife was having an affair with another man? This guy must have a death wish if he still wants to work in Nareigh,’ the onlookers thought.

Just as the opposing counsel fell silent, another witness entered the courtroom. This witness was pivotal to the case. Of everyone present, only Jonathan remained composed, his gaze steady on the new arrival. It was Benny.

Benny identified himself as an attorney, representing Fiona’s family. Because of her poor health, she had entrusted his law firm to handle the will reading.

At the will reading, when Fiona stated she would not hold Teresa responsible and accused Charlie of hit-and-run, Benny was present, along with two associates from his firm. Benny and his colleagues could all testify that Fiona was neither threatened nor deliberately misled.

On the stand, Benny declared, “I swear under oath that every word I say is true, and I am prepared to take full responsibility for my testimony.”

Charlie’s defense attorney finally fell silent. Everyone in the courtroom knew the truth: that Charlie’s drunk driving, hit-and-run, and utter lack of remorse had sealed his fate.

Chapter 517

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After carefully reviewing the materials, the judge declared, “The defendant, Charlie, did not engage in any fraudulent behavior towards the plaintiff, Evelyn.

“However, for driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated, injuring a pedestrian and fleeing the scene, and showing no remorse, he is sentenced to a term of imprisonment…”

Evelyn hung her head in disappointment. Although Charlie hadn’t caused anyone’s death, factoring in his large-scale fraud and the substantial sums involved, he was certainly facing twenty years in prison.

Just as the judge had barely uttered “ten,” the courtroom was suddenly interrupted again. It was Charlie’s former driver and accountant who stepped forward.

Most crucially, the accountant held the key evidence of Charlie’s fraudulent crimes. Charlie completely lost it, his eyes blazing crimson. “You betrayed me! How dare you betray me!”

“Charlie, what are you shouting about?” Evelyn jabbed a finger at him and snapped, “You betrayed me and Isabel first! Now you can’t stand others betraying you? You’re a swindler, and you won’t get away with it.”

The judge rebuked her, and Evelyn fell silent. Faced with this crucial evidence, the judge asked, “Defense counsel, do you have anything further to say?” Charlie’s lawyer fell silent for a few seconds, then slightly shook his head.

A few spectators in the gallery burst into cheers. Charlie admitted defeat. He shot Evelyn a cold sneer across the room and said, “I know who’s really helping you. If it weren’t for Teresa, you wouldn’t be so lucky.”

He left the sentence unfinished, glancing briefly in Jonathan’s direction before looking away. “Fine. Just sentence me however you want. Whatever! Bring it on.” He had completely given up.

He knew Evelyn wasn’t the only one truly backing the plaintiff. The real power was Jonathan. Charlie thought to himself, ‘I know damn well his men must have been bribed. They wouldn’t have exposed me for no good reason.’

Ultimately, Charlie was sentenced to twenty-five years in prison for multiple offenses. The sentence was five years more than expected. Overwhelmed with tears of joy, Evelyn burst into tears. As Charlie was led away, she stood up, only to suddenly collapse to the floor.

“Mom!” Teresa rushed to her side immediately, with Jennifer close behind, a mix of panic and concern flashing in her eyes.

The trial had just ended when Evelyn landed in the hospital. The doctor’s diagnosis temporarily relieved Teresa. He explained that Evelyn’s blood pressure had spiked from sheer excitement, causing her to faint.

After the doctor left, Teresa went to handle the admission paperwork. Jennifer walked alongside her. “Since Evelyn’s fine now, let’s just go,” she said.

Teresa didn’t want to engage. “You go ahead. I’ll stay until she wakes up.”

Jennifer shook her head. “Suit yourself.”

When Evelyn finally came to, it was already evening. Teresa was the only one by her bedside. Evelyn looked around, a bit bewildered. “Where am I?” she asked, her voice weak.

“You fainted at the trial because you got too worked up. Don’t you remember?” Teresa gently reminded her.

Realization dawned on Evelyn. “I’m not dreaming, am I? I remember Charlie really got sentenced to twenty-five years, didn’t he?” she asked, her voice laced with disbelief and hope.

“Yes, it’s true,” Teresa confirmed, enunciating each word clearly.

Tears streamed down Evelyn’s cheeks once more. She sat up and pulled Teresa into a hug. She whispered, “This time, we owe it all to you…”

Chapter 518