Chapter 352 Fair-weather Friends
Jack chimed in. "Exactly! Why should we put up with this? Don't worry, I'll get a few buddies together and handle it in no time!"
Scarlett hesitated, "Are you sure you can count on those friends? The Russell family's influence has diminished. Will they still support you?"
"What are you saying?" Jack cut her off, irritation creeping into his voice. "I've been rubbing elbows with the elite for years, I have plenty of connections! Even if the Russell family isn't what it used to be, my charm is still there. They'll definitely help me out!"
Scarlett frowned, feeling a bit skeptical, but with no better options, she said, "Alright, go quickly, don't waste any time!"
"Don't worry, I'm on it!" Jack flashed a confident smile. He straightened his suit, grabbed his car keys, and strode out the door.
As he drove, Jack's mind was filled with the faces of his so-called friends.
He remembered how they used to flatter him at parties, always eager to please. Even though the Russell family had gone bankrupt, he believed his charisma remained intact, and those people would surely help him out of old loyalty.
He dialed a number, speaking casually, "Nash, it's Jack. Got some time to grab a drink? I need a favor."
There was a brief silence on the other end, followed by an awkward laugh, "Jack, what a coincidence, I'm swamped right now, so I can't spare a moment. Maybe another time?"
Jack felt a twinge of annoyance but kept his tone light, "Alright, you take care, we'll catch up later."
He hung up and dialed another number, "Zane, it's Jack. How have you been? Want to meet up?"
"Mr. Russell, I'm really sorry, I'm out of town on a business trip. Can't make it back anytime soon. How about we connect when I'm back?"
Jack's expression darkened, his frustration growing. He gritted his teeth and dialed a third number, "Flynn, it's Jack. Let's grab a drink, I need to talk to you."
"Mr. Russell, bad timing, I've got some family issues to deal with. Maybe another day?"
After several more calls, Jack's face was a mask of anger, a fire of discontent burning inside him. "Those bastards! They used to suck up to me, but now they're running away like scared rabbits!"
Jack pulled the car over to the side of the road and stepped out to catch his breath. He kicked a trash can on the sidewalk, sending it clattering loudly. Passersby glanced his way, but he didn't care, muttering through clenched teeth, "Just wait! When I make a comeback, I'll make them pay!"
After venting his frustration, Jack made one last call, "Preston, it's Jack. I know you're busy, but I really need your help this time."
There was a pause, then a deep voice responded, "Mr. Russell, what do you need?"
Jack's heart lifted, and he quickly explained the situation with Sophia.
Preston sighed, his tone tinged with regret, "Mr. Russell, it's not that I don't want to help, but you really don't have a strong case. I suggest you find a good lawyer and prepare for court."
"Even you can't help?"
"Sorry, Mr. Russell, my hands are tied."
After hanging up, Jack stood by the roadside, feeling utterly drained. He looked up at the gray sky, a sense of despair and unwillingness filling his heart.
"Am I really going to lose to that woman, Sophia?" he muttered, a fierce glint in his eyes. "No, I won't give up! Even without those friends, I'll find another way!"
He clenched his jaw, turned, and headed back to his car, determined to go home and discuss a new plan with Scarlett.
However, their discussions dragged on until the day of the court hearing.
On the day of the trial, the courtroom was tense, the gallery packed with spectators, all eyes on the plaintiff and defendant. Sophia appeared calm and composed, while Scarlett and Jack looked grim, clearly feeling the immense pressure.
The judge banged the gavel, announcing the start of the trial, "We will now hear the case of the Stuart Group stock dispute. Both parties, please state your claims and reasons."
Sophia's lawyer stood first, presenting a detailed account of how Anna had fraudulently obtained the shares, backed by solid evidence, including the stock transfer agreement and related bank records.
The lawyer's argument was clear and compelling, leaving Scarlett and Jack with no room to refute.
When it was the defense's turn, Scarlett's lawyer seemed less confident. He tried to argue that the shares were acquired legally, but his lack of evidence made his words seem weak and unconvincing.
The judge frowned slightly after hearing the defense, clearly unimpressed.
At that moment, Scarlett suddenly stood up, shouting, "Your Honor, we request to call Anna as a witness! She is crucial to this case, and her testimony will prove our innocence!"
Anna?
George, sitting in the audience, frowned. Wasn't Anna supposed to be locked up in his dungeon, long dead and turned into a pile of rot and maggots? How could she be here as a witness?
Scarlett looked smug as she scanned the faces of everyone present.
She had already taken Anna out of George's private dungeon and sent her back to prison. Not only that, she planned to protect Anna in the future, so she could confront that bitch Emma!
Even though Anna was also a bitch, she was a sharp and useful tool.
As long as she promised a little benefit, Anna would do her bidding.
Once Anna had repented in prison, she would find a way to set her free. Then she'd have her savior on one side and, on the other, the murderer of her parents.
As long as Anna wasn't a fool, she would know which side to choose.
Now, let Anna, this sharp tool, test her edge on Emma's parents!
The judge nodded, signaling the bailiff to bring Anna to the stand.
A few minutes later, Anna was escorted in. Her appearance caused a hush to fall over the courtroom.
The spectators gasped, eyes wide with shock.
Once, Anna had been the epitome of a wealthy heiress, always dressed in designer clothes, impeccably groomed, exuding elegance and arrogance. Now, she was a shadow of her former self, gaunt and pale, her eyes sunken, looking like a walking corpse. Her hair was disheveled, and her prison uniform hung loosely on her frail frame, devoid of any former glory.
"Oh my God, is that Anna? What happened to her?" someone whispered.
"I heard she suffered a lot in prison, looks like it's true," another murmured.
Scarlett's lawyer approached Anna, asking, "Anna, did you willingly transfer the shares to Scarlett?"
Anna let out a cold laugh, her gaze sweeping over Scarlett and Jack, her voice hoarse and icy, "What a joke! You people are all liars! I hate you all! I hate everyone!"
The lawyer was taken aback, clearly not expecting such a response. He tried to steer her, "Anna, please calm down and answer the question. Did you willingly transfer the shares to Scarlett?"
Anna's head snapped up, a wild look in her eyes, "You forced me! All of you forced me! I hate you! I hate Sophia! I hate this world!"
Her voice echoed through the courtroom, her raw emotion silencing everyone. The judge frowned, banging the gavel, "The witness is out of control. Bailiff, remove her from the courtroom."
The bailiff stepped forward, escorting Anna out. Her presence lingered in the air, her bitterness palpable.
Scarlett's face turned grim, she gritted her teeth, whispering to Jack, "What now? Our only witness is useless!"
Jack clenched his fists, a determined look in his eyes, "Don't worry, we still have one last chance!"
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