Chapter 174
Chapter 174 I’ll Help You Protect Her
“I never said that, Your Honor’ Please don’t listen to him!” Ava shouted in desperation.
The judge’s gaze fell upon Ava, his scrutiny piercing “So, are you resolved to fight Ms. Chloe for her
late mother’s legacy? From what I understand, you and Chloe are half sisters sharing the same father
Since these assets were bequeathed by Chloe’s biological mother, you have no entitlement toy im
to them.”
The judge’s words cut through the air, leaving Ava pale and flustered She struggled to exin. “That’s
not what I meant 1 merely wanted to speak on behalf of my father
“You’ll have your chance to speak, but for now, please remain quiet,” the judge instructed firmly
Turning his attention to Benjamin, the judge asked, “Defendant, it’s your turn to speak. State your
demands.
“I seek to reim a portion of these assets, as they are jointly owned by my wife and me, Benjamin
stated, sensing a glimmer of hope as he noticed the judge’s contemtive expression
Thankfully, he had held onto this trump card.
Chloe bit her lip, tightly clenching her fist
“I’ve conducted my investigation on the matter, and these funds indeed constitute marital assets,”
Samuel interjected.
“Exactly! So, what’s wrong with my desire to retain the right of use Benjamin responded
arrogantly
After a brief pause, Samuel responded with a smile that was more like a smirk, “Under normal
circumstances, there would be nothing wrong. However, over the past twenty years, you have utterly
failed to fulfill the responsibilities of a father, so you’re unworthy of utilizing this
portion of the money
“If I failed to fulfill my duties as a father, then how did she be the person she is today?” Benjamin
maintained hisposure “Young man, don’t go digging up old wounds.”
anuel remained calm andposed. “Your Honor, may I present my evidence?”
“Please proceed,” the judge allowed
*I have interviewed several of Chloe’s childhood friends, who can provide insight into Benjamin’s role
as a father,” Samuel stated confidently
“Very well,” the judge granted.
Immediately, Emily and several of Chloe’s university roommates, along with her former
colleagues, entered the courtroom one by one. As Chloe looked at each familiar face, her eyes could
not help but well up with tears.
Emily spoke first, addressing the judge, “Your Honor, I’m a close friend of Chloe. We have known each
other for seven years. I can testify that Benjamin has treated Chloe poorly to the point of being harshly
abused. Throughout the nine years ofpulsory education, he never attended a single parent-
teacher meeting, yet he was always present at every meeting regarding Ava. How can he im to have
fulfilled his responsibilities as a father by merely providing food?”
Benjamin’s face contorted with anger, his agitation mounting. He wanted to refute the usations, but
the judge denied him the opportunity.
“Defendant, please be patient. Let the witnesses speak,” the judgemanded.
Next, one of Chloe’s roommates took the floor.
“During our college years, Benjamin frequently exploited the excuse of business matters to force Chloe
to workte nights at hispany. She would return the next day exhausted and still have to attend
sses. On one asion, she even copsed from fatigue. We contacted Benjamin to inform him, but
he disyed no concern for Chloe. Instead, he med her for not sessfullypleting the
projects.”
“I used to work with Chloe at thepany owned by the Johnsons. Chloe worked the hardest among
all the employees but received the same pay as an entry-level staff. I couldn’t bear witness to this
injustice and spoke up for her, which led to my dismissal,” another witness. added.
“As for me…”
After listening to all the testimonies, the judge and the panel of juries had already made their decision
regarding the verdict.
“Hurry up and do something!” Ava forcefully kicked Gideon’s foot under the table.
Gideon remainedposed. He dusted off his pants, thoroughly relishing the drama unfolding before
him. “I never imagined your family could harbor such malice. It’s quite revealing to witness your guise
as a refineddy while concealing a vindictive heart.”
As long as it did not affect his interests, he did not mind sacrificing his client.
Gideon now felt fortunate about the choices he made in the heat of the moment. Luckily, he picked the
right side.
“Does the defendant have anything to say?”
Ava locked her gaze on Gideon, cing all her hopes on him.
Gideon cleared his throat theatrically and said, “After recent deliberations, my client hase to a
profound realization of his mistakes. He acknowledges the testimonies presented by the
witnesses, and his demands remain unchanged. He only hopes to obtain his daughter’s forgiveness
and reunite the family.”
“Bullsh*t!” Benjamin could not suppress his anger anymore, his face turning crimson. “Your Honor, this
man has vited my testament and twisted my demands!”
Ava hurriedly chimed in. “Yes, thiswyer must’ve been bribed by the opposing party. Everyone knows
that Samuel is notorious for his domineering behavior in the legal profession. Perhaps he threatened
and coerced Gideon into saying such things!”
The courtroom erupted into a frenzy at their words.
“We did no such thing! Stop hurling mud at us!”
Ava sneered, “Hah! Did it not happen just because you say it didn’t”
Samuel recalled the things Joseph told him and grew increasingly convinced of their validity. Chloe had
truly suffered at the hands of this family.
‘Don’t worry, brother. I’ll help you protect her!’
Unperturbed by Benjamin and Ava’s barrage of ims, Samuel maintained hisposure and asked,
“You use me of secretly intimidating and threatening yourwyer. So, do you have any evidence? If
not, I can sue you for defamation.”N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.