Judge Rackham replied, "Permission granted."After both suspects were brought in and seated at the witness' stand, Sean immediately asked, "Mr. Jonas. What was your relationship with the defendant?""I've worked directly under the defendant in Levine Ventures' foreign branch, in the capacity of sales manager.""What about you, Mr. Stevenson?" "I'm the head of PR for Levine Ventures' foreign branch, working directly under the defendant as well."Sean then asked, "While you were both still working in said posts, has the defendant coerced either of you into illegal activities, such as manipulating futures and securities, or aiding criminal organizations with money laundering efforts?" "Objection!" Toby Yorkman, the defense counsel, sprang to his feet, sounding agitated. "The prosecutor is leading the witness to make a questionable assertion.""Objection sustained. Please watch your phrasing, Mr. Cranston," Judge Rackham snapped sternly."Yes, Your Honor," Sean replied respectful
The voice recording was played, and the entire courtroom listened.A middle-aged man's deep voice rang first. "Using John Levine's authority for market manipulation? He'll kill me if he finds out!" "Don't worry—he'll never find out," another man's voice replied, clearly younger and more composed."No. I can't.""You don't want to get paid?" the younger man asked threateningly. "Mr. Levine pays us plenty. And I’m not that ambitious," the middle-aged man refused again."Really? What if someone finds this?" The younger man appeared to be showing the middle-aged man another recording—everyone in the courtroom could hear erotic moaning, and it was obvious what it was.The middle-aged man sounded flustered. "W-Where did you get that?!""That's not the point," the younger man told him, "but I do wonder if you could stay in Levine Ventures if you’re found messing around with women. I've also heard about your mother's cancer, and being treated aboard was costing you several grand ea
The courtroom was once again restless, while Cordy was clenching her knuckles.She knew Sean didn’t take this case as a run-of-the-mill prosecutor. He came without caring if he would arouse suspicion, and there was no doubt that the Stuarts put him up to it."Calm down," Quinn whispered into Cordy's ear, sensing her nervousness. "The evidence John provided so far isn't enough to maintain his innocence, anyway. Sean was just telling it as he is, and if I were in his shoes, I'd make the same rebuttals as well. He's not being biased yet."Cordy bit her lip in restraint while Quinn continued, "Moreover, if John is really innocent, the best solution is to clear himself of all charges, to avoid any unnecessary issues in the future."Cordy nodded in silence. She understood that Quinn was right, but she was losing her cool because John was really at a disadvantage at the moment. She had no idea if she could accept an unfavorable verdict either, as the dam she kept over her emotions w
As such, Judge Rackham's words left the courtroom in a stalemate.He had the highest authority here, and if he said he rejected the evidence, the evidence would be rejected.And yet, everyone knew that at this very moment, the ledgers Toby wanted to submit carried the ultimate truth to the whole matter.In fact, everyone's hearts that were racing a moment ago screeched to a stop right then.After all, no one could take something like this. Someone snapped out loud, "Why is reasonable evidence being rejected?! Does the judge have problems facing reality?""Order!" Judge Rackham bellowed, glowering. "I will have order in this courtroom!"Right after he spoke, a bailiff approached the person who just spoke out and escorted him out of the court.Naturally, no one else would dare to make a sound at that point.However, just as Judge Rackham was ready to bang his gavel and give his verdict, a voice spoke resoundingly, "Your Honor."It was Sean, and he certainly caught everyone by
As Judge Rackham and the prosecutor read the documents solemnly, the spectators all held their breaths nervously.Cordy’s heart could leap out of her throat at this moment—even she was taken by surprise by the sudden reversal.All she knew was that John was innocent. She had no idea that the Stuarts were the ones who had committed the crime in the first place!She suddenly remembered that time when she visited John at the detention center—how he smiled confidently and told her that the Stuarts wouldn’t have the strength to retaliate.So, this was it.It turns out that he had been staying with the Stuarts all this time…because he was gathering evidence of their crimes.And she had misunderstood his intentions all this while!Cordy turned her eyes to Sean, unable to think about anything else.Right now, what she worried about was whether Sean would allow this trial to continue once it became clear the Stuarts were involved.Sean might have been unbiased before, but that was beca
After Fabian was brought back to the courtroom, Toby stood before him and asked, "Mr. Locke, the ledgers I was provided suggest that you were bankrupted under my client's manipulation by December 2020. Why would you only come forward to testify against my client after so long?" Fabian scowled right then, as if there was something stopping him from talking."May I remind you that you are in a courtroom, Mr. Locke?" Toby said sternly. "You are under oath to tell the truth." Fabian inhaled, as if preparing to spill everything right then."I had no choice—John Levine threatened me with my son's future just after he passed the exams and earned a place in a prestigious university in Astonia!" Fabian sounded more frustrated the more he spoke. "He's my only son, and he's always been the pride of our family. John told me that if I sued, my son wouldn't be able to graduate. He even gloated that I'm never getting back my money, and that I should just learn to cope with my loss!""Then why
Toby played two videos.The first showed a conversation between Jessica and Noel."Tonight's target is this man," Jessica was saying. "Here's a dossier on his preferences, so study it and satisfy him."She appeared indifferent as she handed Noel a document sheet, as if it was only natural.Noel took it reluctantly, and her face fell after she read the contents. "Don't worry," Jessica assured her just then. "My people will be watching. They won't let you really be hurt—just play along until then.""Your people are watching?" Noel exclaimed, clearly finding that unacceptable."How else would I get a video for blackmail?"It was clear that Jessica did not want to waste her breath with Noel—when Noel tried to speak further, Jessica told her, "Don't forget who made you board chairman of Sachs Enterprises. You are in no position to negotiate."Noel naturally had no choice but to accept the arrangement, and the video ended.Toby then played the second video, which showed a conversa
Here came the real bombshell! Everyone in the courtroom held their breaths as Toby played the third video, which showed James alone making a phone call."I heard through the grapevine that the authorities received an anonymous tip on John Levine's market manipulation and money laundering. I don't know who it was, but I'm sure they'll reach you soon enough, so listen clearly to what I'm about to say and relay it to Hunter as well.""You and Hunter are both to plead guilty right away and accuse John Levine of being the mastermind. The evidence we have would incriminate him, and he'd never weasel his way out of this, not to mention I'll also pull some strings with the court. Just do what I tell you to, and do not expose yourself at all costs."Don't worry—your prison sentences would be ten years at best, and I have ways to lighten your sentence. You would also be rewarded handsomely, not to mention that I'll be taking good care of your families," James added, though the last part was
Soon, another nurse emerged from the delivery room with a small bundle. "Is the mother's family here?""Yes!" John exclaimed loudly."The delivery was successful," the nurse said. "The baby weighs eight pounds—""How is she?" John asked in agitation, not caring about the child."She's fine. The doctor is just helping her clean up and she'll be out soon," the nurse replied.As John breathed a sigh of relief, the nurse reminded him, "Aren't you the father? Here's your child."John took the baby off her arms, staring at her for a moment as the others flocked around him. "Oh, she's so fair!" Zoe could not help exclaiming. "That's the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.""Are you saying that your son's ugly?" Bob teased."To be honest, yeah," Zoe replied without thinking.Jay cleared his throat—even if it was a subjective opinion, it still hurt to have his own baby called ugly."Let me carry her," Zoe volunteered just then, and John did not hesitate to hand her his baby.As Zoe
"What?!" Zoe exclaimed in shock.Beside them, John's face fell despite being usually stoic.Still, even before anyone could react, he scooped Cordy up in his arms and left.Zoe did not hesitate to follow, but Jay reminded her, "We're the hosts, Zoe.""Don't care." Zoe was completely unconcerned. "Ask my mom and your sister to handle the guests. I'm going with Cordy!"Jay hesitated for a moment before deciding to follow since there was no reasoning with Zoe.Sam and Quinn also realized that something was out of place.As they pulled away reluctantly, Bob shouted from below, "If you're done kissing, we're going to the hospital! Cordy's going into labor!"Quinn hurried after them as soon as she hurt, but Sam caught her. "Slow down. We can catch up."In fact, most of the guests were leaving as well—it was as if the banquet for Zoe's son was actually intended for everyone else.The poor boy was certainly unlucky to have such unreliable parents!-As everyone rushed to the hospit
"I'm swelling from my pregnancy," Quinn explained. "It's not your fault."Sam was left staring at her for a while before asking, "So, what should I do?""I'll put it on when I slim down.""Oh." Sam was a little disappointed, since he had always dreamed of having her put on the ring he had custom made.But this was fine—they had all the time they needed, and the most important thing for him is that Quinn was marrying him!He rose to his feet just then, and everyone was cheering as soon as he did. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"Quinn blushed right then, and Sam could see that she was embarrassed.He did not want to make things awkward for her, even if he was quite eager at the moment.Heaven knows how much he missed that night's drunken fumble they had. In fact, during the times he remembered it in dreams, he had to wash his pants when he woke up.Still, just as he took Quinn's hand and started to leave, he felt a softness on his lips—Quinn was kissing him! Sam's heart pounded thunderous
Everyone waited patiently for the final outcome.Quinn's eyes were welling up with tears, threatening to gush if she so much as blinked.She did her best to hold back her tears—to be strong!Sam pursed his lips in turn, his Adam's apple bobbing.A long while passed, and it felt like a century for Quinn when she finally heard him say, "Yes."Quinn's tears started falling in happiness as Sam declared loudly, "I'll marry you, Quinn—it's what I've always wanted to do! I won't let you go even if you regret it eventually! You only get to be with me, and I'll never let any other man claim you! I'll become very overbearing… eventually!""I won't regret it," Quinn said, determined.She certainly would not regret marrying him!Zoe walked up to them with perfect timing just then, and Sam did a double take.He finally remembered that Zoe was the host of this luncheon and was going to leave with Quinn when Zoe whipped out a small red velvet box."You know what's in here, don't you?" Zoe a
However, Sam had already pushed Quinn away before she could tell him. But even if he did not love her or did not want to be with her, she would never stay with Ryan.She had been disappointed in Sam, wondering why he would give up so easily.Was she that unimportant to him?Therefore, if it were not for Zoe and Cordy showing her that video or telling her so much, she would never have known that he loved her for years…Sam's heart ached even as he looked into Quinn's tearful eyes.He reached out a hand, but soon withdrew it—would he not burden her?Even so, it hurt to restrain himself as he watched her, and he was actually getting the feeling that Quinn loved him…But she already had Ryan's child…Well, he was fine with that, as long as the child was Quinn's.But would she not mind?"I will marry you, Sam," Quinn said slowly and clearly then. "Not because you're a good man, not because you prepared so much for me, and not because of how much you prepared for me, but because I
Everyone in the hall was staring at Sam and Quinn, while Quinn took center stage, staring fixedly at Sam.He stood in the middle of the crowd, watching her silently.She in turn felt fear that he would turn and leave, just as she did not know if she had the courage to stand before him again and to declare her feelings for him in front of so many others.Nonetheless, amid the deafening silence, Sam suddenly walked toward the stage.His pace was slow as if his feet were made of lead, but he was also unusually determined.Quinn's heart raced uncontrollably right then!Everyone else was watching them nervously, especially Cordy and Zoe, with the latter being especially concerned that the cowardly Sam would bail.Fortunately, he was a man who showed responsibility. He would not leave Quinn alone and embarrassed.Hence, as everyone looked on, Sam stood before Quinn, his gaze flickering as their eyes met.He gulped ever so slightly, his emotions clearly ruffled even as he did his bes
The guests were encouraging, loudly asking, "Why?!""Because of a woman," Sam's recording replied."Who is it?""Quinn Summer," the Sam on the screen said slowly and clearly, leaving the Sam who was in the hall stunned.What the hell?! That was the proposal video he prepared before! Why did it show up here? Did Zoe make a mistake?!He knew it—leave anything to Zoe, and she would mess it up!He started striding toward the stage, intent on stopping the recording, when John and Bob intercepted him with a look of utter guilt while the recording continued. "Quinn is my wife, and we've been married for years, but I've never really loved her—not because I don't, but because I'm afraid to. I feel too insignificant in comparison to the one she loves, so I'd always hurt her… painfully and childishly. I regret that so much now, Quinn. How could I have abandoned you for so long because of my own jealousy? I'd rather hold you in my sleep every night, but my damned pride denied me that for y
At the banquet hall, Jay and Zoe were thanking their guests with their children in their arms.Then, Zoe announced excitedly, "Please give my best friend, who is also my son's godmother, a warm applause as she comes on stage!"Sam stood at a corner of the hall, watching as Quinn walked up the stage, only realizing just then that her belly was clearly swelling despite her baggy clothes.Time flies—he had not left that long ago, but she and Ryan already had a child.She was not worried about giving him a stroke, was she?He watched as Quinn took the mic and looked around below searching, seemingly searching.After a while, he thought she was looking at him, but by the time he looked up, she had already turned away.Maybe she was looking for Ryan before remembering that Ryan was not there?Nonetheless, Quinn spoke into the mic, saying, "I'm honored to be chosen as the godmother to Zoe's son, and she's been saying he'd be engaged to my child if it's a girl. I already love my godson
As their eyes met, Sam turned frantic and averted his. "Of course.""Really?" Quinn asked."Would I lie to you?" Sam asked a little grumpily."And you didn't bring her back?" Quinn asked."I'm on a schedule, and it'd be taxing for her if I bought her along," Sam said, making things up as he went along. "I'll bring her along when things are less busy.""Is she pretty?" Quinn pressed."What, have I ever picked an ugly one?" Sam snorted smugly. "You know I prefer curvaceous types, and there are plenty of those abroad.""Do you have a photo?"Sam was silent for a while and eventually said, "Yeah.""Can I see it?""What, does she have to pass your assessment?""Just curious about the girl who can tempt you to settle down," Quinn replied. "You'd be humbled." Sam hastily came up with an excuse."I won't," Quinn said, determined."You'll see her when I bring her home." Sam refused nonetheless."I would like to see a photo now.""No, she's not that photogenic. It'd be slander a