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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 deep ! 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 at 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 misted .
On the stand , Benny declared . “ I swear under path 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 .
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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 . ‘
years in prison for multiple offenses . The sentence was five years l Ultimately , Charlie was sentenced to twenty – five 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 .
nan expected . Overwhelmed
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
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