Chapter 561 The Video

The truth about the alleged bribery emerged, shocking those who believed the established facts were immutable. Charles, seated in the gallery, felt his anxiety spike. He never anticipated Oscar possessed sufficient evidence to exonerate himself. Having meticulously planned his scheme, Charles had believed it foolproof. Clenching his teeth, he tried to remain calm, despite the additional, difficult-to-refute accusation of rape leveled against Oscar.

At that moment, the prosecutor declared, "The defense claims the defendant was wronged, but by whom? There's no explicit statement."

Josh, the defense attorney, smiled scornfully. His contempt irritated the prosecutor, a renowned figure in Kensbury City, especially when contrasted with Josh’s relative obscurity.

"Shouldn't the Investigation Department determine who wronged my client?" Josh retorted. "Our task is to prove his innocence. If we find the perpetrator, what need is there for you, the police, or the Investigation Department?"

"How dare you!" the prosecutor exclaimed, offended.

The judge interjected, "Counsel, watch your language."

"Your Honor," Josh replied respectfully, "we will present exculpatory evidence. Determining who wronged my client requires further investigation by the Investigation Department."

The judge remained noncommittal. However, the fraud accusations were easily refuted by the overwhelming witness testimony and evidence. Josh swiftly shifted his focus. "Regarding the rape accusation, I reiterate that my client did not rape Mary Cooper. The prosecutor, lacking proof, has manufactured justifications, falsely implicating my client. I plead Mr. Wells not guilty."

Turning to Oscar, Josh asked, "Mr. Wells, did you meet the deceased on the night of her death?"

"Yes," Oscar replied. "I was at a City Hall dinner with colleagues."

"Specifically, who was present?"

Oscar mentioned Charles, among others.

"Did anyone else interact with Mary Cooper that night?"

"I believe everyone at the dinner, as she was at the doorway," Oscar answered. "I don't think anyone else interacted with her."

His answer eased suspicions, though the tension remained palpable.

Josh continued, "Did Mary approach you?"

"Yes. She offered to drive me home."

"Were you intoxicated?"

"Slightly, but I was conscious."

"Could you have driven yourself home?"

"I think so."

"Did Mary intend to seduce you when she approached?"

"Yes," Oscar affirmed.

"Objection!" the prosecutor interjected. "The defense and defendant are colluding. The video I presented shows intimacy between the defendant and the deceased. Her alleged advances are absurd."

"Sustained," the judge ruled, clearly favoring the prosecution. "Counsel, do not waste the court's time."

"Your Honor," Josh appealed, "the conversation demonstrates Mary Cooper's premeditated approach, corroborated by a video. Please allow me to present my evidence."

The judge could not refuse. Josh instructed the staff to play the video.

The video showed Mary guiding a seemingly inebriated Oscar into a hotel room. Oscar leaned against the headboard, clearly uncomfortable, while Mary remained composed. She removed his tie. Her desire for Oscar was palpable.

In the gallery, Susan swore, "Shit! I knew that bitch had ulterior motives! Damn it, this is infuriating!"

Hannah pursed her lips, acutely aware of her own irritation. She couldn't bear Oscar allowing Mary's touch. Damn it! Jerk! Her anger burned. She knew Theodore possessed evidence, but its nature remained unknown. Now, witnessing the video, she felt a surge of rage.

The courtroom watched, breathless. On screen, Oscar whispered to Mary, who bashfully left the bed and went to the bathroom. Oscar, shirt unbuttoned, revealing his physique, followed.

"Oh, my gosh!" Susan exclaimed, thrilled. Her reaction affirmed Hannah's attraction to Oscar. His appearance was undeniably captivating.

Oscar left the room, followed shortly by an emotionally distraught Mary. The video showed Mary's attempt to seduce Oscar, his resistance, and her subsequent search for him. The scene shifted to Oscar in a car with Theodore.

"What happened?" Theodore asked.

"I was drugged," Oscar replied, his voice cold and sober. "Possibly by someone from City Hall."

"Fuck!" Theodore cursed. "Where are we going?"

Oscar smiled. "To shower my wife with affection."

A murmur rippled through the gallery. Many felt they were watching pornography. Susan's laughter caused Hannah to blush deeply.

Was it necessary to show the entire video? Hannah thought, mortified.