Chapter 283 Did You Get My Permission?
When she said this, the crowd went wild!
Both reporters and business people turned to Sandra.
Facing everyone's gaze, Sandra continued naturally, "Everyone, think about it; if Maple Real Estate's president didn't run away, why hasn't he appeared at the press conference? He hasn't shown up these past few days, either."
Hearing this, the crowd nodded and discussed among themselves, "That makes sense. The president must've run into trouble and fled!"
"Big bosses running away with money has become too common these years. Isn't there any way to curb their arrogant behavior?"
"Didn't the news say that he's gay? Could he have gone abroad to do some shady things?"
"What are we waiting for? Call the police and investigate Maple Real Estate! It's best to arrest them all and lock them up!"
Seeing the discussion turning unfavorable for Maple Real Estate, Sophia stood up at this moment, suppressing her anger as she said, "Mrs. Sandra, do you have any evidence to suggest our president is involved in money laundering and tax evasion? Just based on your words, we have the right to sue you for defamation!"
Hearing this, Sandra spread her hands confidently and said, "I never do anything without evidence. Since you want evidence, I'll prove it to you!"
Saying this, she gave Matthew a look.
Matthew quickly stood up, holding up a stack of documents as he said, "This document records information about Maple Real Estate's money laundering. Please, all journalist friends, take a look!"
As soon as he said that, the reporters sitting not far away immediately rushed to him.
Then, a reporter raised his hand and asked, "Ms. Anderson, I see a line in the document stating that two years ago, Maple Real Estate evaded over 680,000 in taxes when investing in Floral Sunlight Residence. Is that true?"
"Let me say something! Ms. Anderson, I see in the document that Maple Real Estate illegally transferred over 40 million dollars in cash earlier this year. What did you use this money for?"
"Here's another one! Last month, Maple Real Estate's president embezzled 100 million dollars to buy Villa No. 1 in Platan Height, moving in with his lover. Is this your corporate culture?"
This series of questions left Sophia stunned for a few seconds!
She clenched her fists, the anger in her chest almost bursting out.
She gritted her teeth and said, "Nonsense! You are slandering us!"
"Slandering?"
Sandra sneered, "Then let me ask you, is the villa in Platan Height your president's?"
"Yes! But..."
Sandra quickly interrupted, "No buts! The truth is your president used his power to gain benefits! He used the hard-earned money squeezed from homeowners and workers to satisfy his greed!"
"Exactly! Don't let her continue explaining! Maple Real Estate's true face has been exposed!"
"Ms. Anderson, get down! We don't want to hear your excuses!"
Seeing the press conference getting more chaotic, Sophia took a deep breath and raised her voice, "Shut up!"
She slammed the table hard!
The venue immediately quieted down, and everyone looked at her.
With a stern face, she coldly said, "Since you all like to slander, then provide substantial evidence, including witnesses and material evidence! If you can't provide it, your actions just now were broadcast live, and this will become evidence for Maple Real Estate to sue you for defamation!"
Seeing her confident attitude, some of the surrounding onlookers, unaware of the full situation, began to feel doubtful again.
Could Maple Real Estate really be innocent?
After all, to be fair, Maple Real Estate had been established in Houston for several years and always had a good reputation!
This incident happened so suddenly; it was hard not to suspect someone might be targeting them.
Of course, since public opinion was against them, those who were neutral didn't dare to speak up, fearing they'd be criticized by others.
At this moment, Sandra walked over and said, "Getting witnesses and evidence is very simple. I have here an accusation document from one of your partner companies, accusing you of using the partnership to launder money! It clearly records the despicable things you've done. As for this partner company, everyone here has heard of it—it's SR Group, and the accuser is none other than SR Group's president, Miss Johnson!"
As she said this, Sandra had already walked up to Sarah.
She said to Sarah with a fake smile, "Sarah, am I right in what I said?"
At this moment, Sarah's face was pale. Facing Sandra's threat, she could only suppress her discomfort and nod with difficulty.
In her heart, Sandra felt like she was being torn apart, constantly apologizing to Sophia and Maple Real Estate.
Seeing this, the press conference became lively.
Everyone knew about SR Group's close relationship with Maple Real Estate.
Large-scale bidding collaborations, building material transactions—the two companies were very tight partners.
There were even rumors that SR Group's president and the higher-ups of Maple Real Estate had some unspeakable shady deals.
No one expected that at Maple Real Estate's most dangerous moment, Sarah would suddenly stab them in the back.
People couldn't understand the meaning behind SR Group's actions.
After all, the Johnsons and Phoenix Group were already on the verge of monopolizing Houston's building materials market.
At this time, only Maple Real Estate had the strength to protect SR Group.
By tripping up Maple Real Estate, they'd only suffer more.
Not only the onlookers, but also the reporters, viewers, and even Sophia were all shocked!
She knew that Sarah was Ryder's wife, so she was even more surprised by her actions.
From their previous interacitons, she didn't think Sarah was a petty person.
For her to do something like this, could she have been threatened, or was it related to Ryder?
Realizing this, Sophia broke out in a cold sweat, sitting weakly in her chair.
If Ryder was being controlled, then it was useless no matter how much she explained.
This press conference was destined to fail!
And afterward,, Maple Real Estate would collapse under countless public opinions, investigations, and lawsuits.
The Houston real estate market would then be quickly swallowed up by Phoenix Group.
Seeing this, Sandra smiled confidently as she said, "Since Miss Anderson has nothing to say, it means you admit to Maple Real Estate's criminal activities. I urge the relevant authorities to investigate the company!"
As soon as Sandra said that, the doors of the press conference were pushed open.
A familiar voice rang out, "Investigate Maple Real Estate? Did you get my permission ?"