Chapter 249 Investigating the Facts
"Yes," Theodore quickly nodded.
He genuinely admired Cecilia's insight.
Cecilia said, "So, the tricky part is the tax evasion! We bought the land for thirty million dollars, but privately, there was an additional twenty-five million dollars that was gradually transferred into Wyatt Zelaya's personal account. The accounts used for the transfers were opened by several Lockhart Group employees in their own names. There's also a private contract with your signature on it. Although it doesn't have a fingerprint, the payment records make the evidence quite substantial."
"Is there no direct evidence that proves it was me who instructed this?" Theodore asked, "I did find it odd at the time. Why did the price suddenly drop from forty-five million dollars to twenty-five million? I should have been more cautious."
Cecilia said, "Let's not dwell on the past. The key issue now is that under the laws of the Yakurosean Empire, if both testimonial and physical evidence are present and you can't prove your innocence, you'll be sentenced guilty."
Theodore fell silent.
"I reviewed the witnesses and evidence. There is indeed a loophole with the missing fingerprint, but I don't think the judge will consider that as proof of your innocence. All the evidence points to you. Without sufficient evidence, we can't clear your name," Cecilia said frankly.
"Indeed," Theodore agreed.
"I think we need some time to investigate the truth," Cecilia said. "Did the prosecution say when will hold the court?"
Theodore replied, "They said they'd notify us after reporting to higher levels. Cecilia said, "Typically, cases with substantial evidence will be in court soon. If nothing else, it could be in a week."
Theodore was shocked. "That's too fast!"
"Because someone is manipulating things behind the scenes," Cecilia said bluntly.
Theodore looked at Cecilia. "You mean you know who's framing me?"
Cecilia replied, "Vincent knows."
"Vincent?" Theodore speculated.
Cecilia explained, "He doesn't have the capability, but he definitely assisted."
Theodore continued, "So..."
"The Kingsley family," Cecilia said directly.
Theodore disagreed, "They don't have that much power."
"Dad, the Kingsley family has always been complicated. They've been colluding with the noble family," Cecilia didn't hide anything. "So, it's the noble family backing them."
Theodore's face darkened. He said angrily, "I didn't expect the Kingsley family to hold such a grudge and come to take revenge on us like this!"
Cecilia said, "It's not revenge. They've always wanted to take down the Lockhart family. Marrying me was a ploy to seize our assets. Now that they can't get to me, they're trying other underhanded methods."
Theodore added, "That Kingsley family! Your grandfather must have been blind to want to ally with them."
Cecilia replied, "Maybe the Kingsley family was good back then. It's just the current members who have changed."
"In any case, we can't let the Kingsley family succeed!" Theodore said fiercely.
Cecilia nodded.
"But now... I don't know where to start," Theodore said worriedly.
Cecilia said, "Leave this to me. I don't believe they won't leave any flaws."
"Alright," Theodore agreed readily. "If you encounter any difficulties, let me know."
Cecilia said, "I will. By the way, until we clear of the charges, you'd better not go to work."
Theodore said, "I won't. I'm afraid Vincent and his cronies will make things difficult for you."
Cecilia said, "They can't trouble me, but if you go, they might deliberately harass you. Vincent might even incite the board to force you to step down. It's better for you to stay home and avoid unnecessary conflicts."
"I'll do as you say," Theodore trusted Cecilia unconditionally.
Cecilia said, "I won't waste any more time. I'm leaving now."
Theodore said, "Be careful."
Cecilia replied, "With Augustus by my side, nothing will happen."
With that, Cecilia hurriedly left.
She knew time was tight and couldn't afford to waste a second.
Genevieve came in with coffee and saw that Cecilia had already left.
Genevieve asked, "Why did Cecilia leave so quickly?" Genevieve wanted to call her back, but it was too late.
"I think the best decision I ever made was marrying you and having such a wonderful daughter," Theodore said, looking towards the door, unable to help but sigh.
Genevieve smiled.
Cecilia truly deserved their pride.
Cecilia left the Lockhart Mansion and went straight to the Lockhart Group.
On the way, she pondered deeply, 'The key issue seems to be why the contract was for $30 million, yet $20 million has been funneled privately.'
'If Dad was unaware, where did that $20 million come from?
'No private individual would casually come up with $10 million just to frame Dad for tax evasion.
'If it's a setup, why wait until now to expose it?
'Or is it a private profiteering scheme behind Dad's back, now being used against him?'
Cecilia's eyes narrowed.
She picked up the phone. "Rose, come in for a moment."
"Yes."
Rose knocked and entered.
Cecilia asked, "The Flower Beach International project was signed last year?"
Rose replied, "If I remember correctly, it was last March."
Cecilia commanded, "Get me all the paper contracts and approval processes from last March to now."
"What do you need them for, Ms. Lockhart?" Rose couldn't help but ask.
Cecilia replied, "They're useful."
"But they're all with the General Department, which Andrew is in charge of. Given your relationship with Mr. Lockhart, it might be difficult to get them," Rose reminded.
Cecilia stunned.
She was indeed too anxious.
And it might alert the enemy.
"Does the Lockhart Group have scanned electronic copies of the contracts?" Cecilia asked.
"Yes. All contracts have scanned electronic copies and approval process records. But they're also in the General Department's computer files, and usually require the manager's signature to access," Rose said frankly.
Cecilia uttered, "Alright, I see. You can leave now."
"Certainly." Rose started to leave but paused, turning back.
She couldn't help but ask, "Ms. Lockhart, is the chairman's situation serious? The company seems a bit unsettled."
"I know," Cecilia said calmly.
Cecilia had an uncanny ability to handle even the gravest situations with a sense of composure.
Rose decided not to press further and left.
Cecilia picked up the phone and dialed. She said straightforwardly, "Dashiell, hack into the Lockhart Group's security system for me."
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