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
John's voice was a little quiet, but he showed no weakness as he stood upright.Sean's gaze was in turn sharp. "I would like to question you regarding your involvement in this case. From any instance between 2018 to 2021, did you already notice Wade Jonas and Hunter Stevenson conspiring against you? Did you know and allow it to happen without any response? You had close ties to the Stuarts, after all."Cordy became tense at that.Sean was clearly leading John into a trap, and John would be charged with misprision if he admitted to it!That line of questioning was simply inappropriate, but Toby did not raise an objection against Sean's leading.He simply stood at his corner, appearing calm.In reality, Toby simply trusted John—even if everyone else was worried that Sean would lure John into incriminating himself, Toby knew John would not fall for it.Moreover, John was able to provide him with so much concrete evidence and at a standard that Toby thought impossible in his twenty
Sean nodded in acknowledgment again. "Doing whatever you could in that situation was indeed your best option."John nodded. "Fortunately, just keeping an eye on Jessica and James alone was enough to cover the truth," he said, and started to connect the dots. "The first recording of Wade Jonas and James my lawyer had shown was actually obtained by having a hacker accessing Wade's phone, after which I singled out James as my target. There, I found the fake IP and dummy account he had under my name, and extracted the list of victims, after which I found the money trail through their bank account notifications on their phone and found the money. Lastly, I used my connection to the Stuarts to find the video evidence I needed."After that, he admitted, "When all of that was done, I anonymously reported the crime."The courtroom was once again left in an uproar once he said that.This had to be the first case of its kind, and would definitely make the history books especially since it w
There was a threatening edge in Toby's words, but the prosecution did not object.And with that, Toby asked Wade and Hunter solemnly, "Have you been involved in impersonating my client while carrying out illegal activities including market manipulation and aiding criminal organizations in laundering money?""Yes," both men admitted."Was everything that you have done exactly as our evidence has proven?" "Yes.""Was James Stuart your co-conspirator and the mastermind behind all your actions?""Yes."Neither would dare to hide anything now."Thank you," Toby said and turned toward Judge Rackham. "With the evidence that my side has provided and the confession of the suspects, I maintain that my client is innocent of any charges placed against him on this trial and thus request that he be released without charge. I have nothing more to add." "Thank you. Please return to your table, defense counsel."As Toby returned to his seat, Judge Rackham announced, "The court will be in re
Cordy blushed even harder, but that was not what she meant! She was just worried about John's health. He looked so frail a gust could knock him off his feet, and he was definitely in no shape to drink!Fortunately, Sam did not keep harassing Cordy and changed the subject. "That said, Johnny still gave up Levine Ventures just to take down the Stuarts… Don't you think it's a little too costly? It took several generations for Levines to establish its success, but Johnny is abandoning it just like that? Doesn't he regret it?""His grandfather would probably be hurting." Bob sighed.Cordy sat beside them in silence, since all of that more or less has something to do with her.Quinn was sharp enough to pick up on Cordy's feelings and turned towards Sam and Bob, snapping, "That's enough. We're still in a courtroom—keep it down."Sam shot her a look in turn and growled in displeasure, "The court is in recess and you're not in charge here. Why do you care if I talk?""Can't you show som
It was an earnest blessing and the satisfaction of getting a good outcome.Cordy heaved a heavy sigh of relief.It turned out that she was not actually as indifferent toward John as she had thought—she was already deeply in love with him, and she was just trying to avoid confronting her feelings. But now, she would not push him away again, ever."The trial is here concluded!" With that, the judges left before everyone else exited the courtroom.Cordy and the others stepped out from another exit.There were many journalists outside, but they were kept outside the courthouse and unable to enter.Cordy waited at an entrance, but soon enough wondered why John was not coming out.Reasonably speaking, he should be out already… Right now, even a second was grilling.As she kept peeking into the courtroom, Sam could not help teasing her, "You're really craning your neck there." Cordy felt slightly embarrassed but did not look away. She wanted to see him sooner.More people s
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