Inheritance of Two Trillion Chapter 2467 - 1828: The Tables Turned (3)

The secretary's follow-up statement instantly brought the entire courtroom to a standstill. Even the judge looked up, his gaze filled with suspicion. What had he just uttered? Tike's smile faltered as he fixed his stare upon the secretary. It wasn't just him; Fiewood and his own secretary wore identical expressions of disbelief.

"Your Honor, I am prepared to accept the repercussions for all that I have stated. At that moment, I was merely coordinating a dinner arrangement over the phone with the other party; it had absolutely no connection to Mr. Cilio!" Cilio's secretary firmly declared.

The proceedings had abruptly taken a startling turn! It was evident to everyone that the sudden appearance of Cilio's secretary was a calculated move by Fiewood's side, poised to deliver a devastating blow to Cilio. However, in an unexpected twist, the individual had suddenly shifted his allegiance.

"With the way you're speaking, you'd best consider the potential consequences!" Fiewood, still on the stand, couldn't suppress a gasp of surprise.

"Objection! Counsel for the plaintiff is employing threatening language to intimidate the witness!" Cilio's lawyer promptly interjected.

"Objection sustained." The judge, with a sober expression, directed his attention to Fiewood, "Mr. Fiewood, kindly exercise restraint in your words!"

Fiewood continued to glare at the secretary, utter bewilderment etched on his face. This individual was not only one of their own but someone they held leverage over, trusting he wouldn't act rashly, which was why he'd been entrusted with such a crucial role. How could he possibly betray them now? Was he not concerned about his own indiscretions being brought to light?!

Fiewood's profound shock and confusion were a mirror of Tike's own feelings. At this juncture, Brown turned his head to regard Tike, his demeanor remarkably calm. He casually remarked, "There are myriad methods to coerce or entice someone into compliance, and even more ways to instigate a change of stance. Little Tike, I ought to instruct you more thoroughly in these matters, for the techniques I possess number in the countless hundreds of thousands, if not more!"

Tike's eyes widened in astonishment as he stared at Brown. Brown then turned away, settling back comfortably in his seat, his fingers interlaced. "Whatever strategies you possess, feel free to deploy them," he stated. A flicker of apprehension crossed Tike's gaze as he looked at Brown before him.

This critical piece of evidence was swiftly neutralized, and Fiewood, regaining his composure with remarkable speed, proceeded to present further evidence. However, in the subsequent moments, whether it involved witness testimonies or tangible evidence, every carefully prepared exhibit went awry. The situation was disconcertingly dire, akin to meticulously setting a trap for others, only to discover that the intended location had been booby-trapped by the adversary.

The most alarming aspect, however, was yet to come. During the latter half of the trial, Wen Yan proactively submitted evidence to the judge, conclusively proving that all the previous corporate heads, the so-called witnesses, had provided fabricated testimonies and presented falsified evidence. Witnessing this development, Tike's entire body tensed.

Even if, at the commencement of the entire trial, Wen Yan had publicly announced an investigation into these individuals, implying the involvement of the organization's headquarters' Investigation Department, it would have been impossible to conclude such an investigation so swiftly before the trial's conclusion! Issues had been unearthed within their testimonies and evidence... It could only be inferred that a detailed personnel roster had already been secured, and the investigation had been initiated! Wen Yan's prior declaration was merely a tactic to mislead, fostering a sense of complacency.

Contemplating this, a deep chill permeated Tike's entire being, as if he had plunged into an icy abyss. Numerous connections coalesced, setting his thoughts racing at an incredible pace. Tike, far from being a fool but exceptionally astute, experienced a sudden flash of insight, immediately turning his attention towards Bai Xiaosheng's location.

The individuals who had appeared to testify today were previously identified through Fiewood to the investigation team. Therefore, aside from official channels and Tike's clandestine operations, no one else should have been privy to this information. The Lekram investigation team would undoubtedly notify the Zhenbei Group, but they would not divulge specific details. Brown, even less so, would have had any prior knowledge.

Yet, reflecting now, not only had Wen Yan's side produced investigation results with astonishing speed, but Brown had also remained completely unfazed upon seeing those individuals, as if... he possessed foreknowledge! Who else could have known in advance and consequently informed them! Tike deduced the truth.

Rumors had already circulated that the Lekram investigation team, in order to reassure the apprehensive Bai Xiaosheng, would grant him access to review every interview transcript. Bai Xiaosheng, therefore, could have been the source of this information! Had he passed it on to Wen Yan, and even to Brown?! But for what reason? Wouldn't this act serve to eliminate his rivals, Brown and his son, thereby benefiting himself? Why would he instead lend aid to the opposition?!

Tike's heart was suddenly thrown into turmoil. He recalled receiving Bai Xiaosheng's second-stage investigation report, intended for dispatch to headquarters, but it had instead appeared in his personal email, with no indication of the sender. Bai Xiaosheng clearly had no awareness of this private email address; Wen Yan might have discovered it, but it was unnecessary. Brown possessed a far more convenient means of obtaining this information!

...

Tike felt an icy gust of wind sweep down his spine.

Some realizations are truly terrifying!

The names Bai Xiaosheng, Brown, and Wen Yan swirled in his mind, a confusing tangle that made coherent thought nearly impossible.

"The court declares all presented evidence invalid; Cilio’s intention to attack was born of impulse and does not qualify as premeditation," the judge announced in a booming voice.

A wave of relief washed over Cilio, and he almost collapsed onto the floor.

Tike abruptly raised his head, casting a displeased gaze towards the judge, his attention drawn to a huspered conversation beside the bench.

Following this, the judge's voice boomed, "Mr. Bai Xiaosheng and the Huaxia Business Group both concur that Mr. Cilio's actions were impulsive and request no legal repercussions. Considering Mr. Cilio caused neither harm nor financial loss, this court hereby sentences Mr. Cilio to a six-month prison term, suspended for six months."

A suspended sentence meant no actual time served behind bars!

This verdict stunned Tike into action, causing him to leap to his feet and exclaim, "I refuse to accept this ruling!"

All eyes in the courtroom turned towards Tike.

Bai Xiaosheng's eyes conveyed a sense of understanding, Brown offered a knowing smirk, and Wen Yan stretched languidly.

The judge, visibly annoyed, looked down at Tike and stated icily, "Sir, should you continue to disrupt court proceedings, I will impose a sentence upon you!"

Indeed, any semblance of order had long since vanished; today's trial had been fraught with disturbances.

If no firm example is made, how can the court's authority be upheld!