Chapter 139 Deception and Trickery Targeting One's Own
"Is it you?" Ashley said.
Without anything to defend herself, Ashley quickly stepped back. At that moment, she saw the menacing man with a switchblade, the same police officer who had confiscated her driver's license, and the son of the aunt who ran a small restaurant.
The man's mouth twisted, and he angrily accused, "You wicked woman, what nonsense did you spout? You wanted to kill my mother! Destroy our whole family!"
There was no one around the courthouse entrance at that moment. The knife in his hand could easily pierce her. Ashley's priority was to stabilize his emotions.
Forcing herself to remain calm, Ashley replied, "I didn't know she was your mother. In fact, when I saw her riding a tricycle alone that day, I thought she was struggling and wanted to help her."
The man shouted, "Nonsense! Helping? Sending someone to prison is your idea of help?"
Ashley had yet to see the verdict. Hearing his words, she realized that the sentence was imprisonment. He was unable to compensate for the substantial amount of money. Damian's actions were indeed ruthless, but looking at this man's reaction, she felt he deserved it!
Ashley said, "Do you think the court's decision is unfair? You can appeal within a week. There are many excellent lawyers. As long as you have sufficient grounds, the court might modify the judgment. By the way, how is your mother's health? Have you considered medical parole?"
Gritting his teeth in resentment, the man reached forward, the sharp blade almost at her neck.
The man shouted, "Shut up! My mother is in prison, and I lost my job. I hope you all have a miserable life!"
Out of a survival instinct, Ashley raised her hands to catch the blade.
On the brink of life and death, a thought flashed through Ashley's mind. Ashley thought, 'I hadn't brought my parents back to the country, hadn't repaid their debts and restored their reputation. Am I going to die just like this?'
Slowly lifting her head in surprise, Ashley saw a pair of legs clad in black trousers, a belt with a metal buckle, and a white shirt tucked in. The suit jacket was unbuttoned.
Damian asked, "Ashley, are you okay?"
Ashley doubted her eyes. She thought, 'Wasn't that Damian's face?'
Snapping back to reality, Ashley asked in relief, "I'm fine. He didn't hurt me. Thomas, what are you doing here?"
Thomas kicked the man to the ground, his foot on the man's back, who resembled Damian. Thomas said, "The CEO send me to check on the verdict. I haven't even entered when I saw this bastard looking for trouble."
Ashley's forehead beaded with cold sweat. If Thomas hadn't arrived in time, she might have been injured. Ashley said, "He's the son of the aunt who runs a small restaurant. Your legal department has investigated his background. He's a police officer."
Thomas looked down at the man and said, "This is the best a police officer can do? A few years in prison might reform him a bit."
After a moment, security guards came and prepared to take the man away. Thomas took a few steps forward and gave some instructions.
The security guards looked horrified, their faces turning pale.
Thomas patted one of them on the shoulder and smiled.
Ashley didn't hear what was said, but judging from the security guards' reactions, the police officer's future seemed bleak.
When he returned, Thomas smiled. "Ashley, thank you for testifying in court today. The legal department is having a small celebration tonight. Will you join us?"
During yesterday's dinner, the legal department had subtly criticized her. She decided not to attend the celebration. Ashley said, "I'm just a witness. I'm not involved in the investigation or trial of the case. There's no need for me to go to the celebration."
Thomas said, "The so-called celebration is just a networking opportunity. You'll cooperate more with KM in the future. It's good to show your face, right?"
Ashley quickly realized that Thomas seemed to know about what happened last night. She couldn't go tonight. They were internal members of the same system, and she was an outsider. If something happened, they would stick together, and she would be left out.
Ashley refused and said, "I appreciate your kindness."
Thomas said, "This is what the CEO meant. Just let the CEO know if you're going or not. I'll go inside and check the situation first."
Thomas had learned a lot from Damian. He knew when to stop talking and leave the real problem for the person involved to figure out.
Ashley brushed her bangs. As she descended the last step, her phone rang.
Ashley greeted, "Hendrix, what a coincidence?"
There was a lot of noise on Hendrix's end, the sound of a printer running loudly, along with conversations and arguments. Despite the noisy background, it didn't affect his clear speech. He said, "I have something urgent at the law firm. Do you want me to pick you up?"
Ashley replied, "No need, I'll take a taxi back. Weren't you supposed to be in court this afternoon?"
Yesterday's meeting seemed to mention a criminal case that was scheduled for trial at the District Court this afternoon, and Hendrix was the defense attorney.
Hendrix said, "The plaintiff suddenly fell ill, so it's postponed to next week. I happen to have something that prevents me from appearing in court. Do you think the plaintiff is deliberately giving me a break?"
Ashley laughed, "If the person who fell ill was your client, it might be possible, but for the plaintiff, you're overthinking it, Hendrix."
Hendrix said, "But I have another case here, with a trial scheduled for tomorrow. Both the plaintiff and the defendant are unlikely to fall ill suddenly, so I can't get out of it."
Ashley asked, "What do you mean?"
Hendrix replied, "You go to court for me."
Thirty minutes later, at Sky Balance Law Firm, in the conference room.
After reviewing the case file, Ashley said seriously, "I only have one day, and I'm not confident, especially in handling a criminal case and providing a defense of innocence. Without sufficient communication with the client, changing defense lawyers suddenly is a big taboo!"
Harold also looked worried, "I'm involved in another case tomorrow afternoon, a financial dispute in another court. I want to take it, but I'm overwhelmed."
Ashley said, "The client's interests should come first. Hendrix, it's just a bruise on your face, not a serious injury. Wear sunglasses and a mask; it won't affect your performance."
Hendrix tapped the table with a ballpoint pen, "Watch your mouth to your boss!"
Ashley touched her nose, "In any case, I can't go to court for you."
Hendrix took out a thin folder from under the case file and threw it smoothly across the conference table to Ashley, "Then take this, and don't tell me it's not possible."
Ashley bypassed the coil and opened the first page of the cover, which made her squint her eyes. After scanning a few pages, she gently put it down and asked, "Has the Police Station clarified everything? From filing to prosecution, only three days? Don't you find it suspicious?"
She suspected that Hendrix's first request was a decoy intended to make it impossible for her to refuse.
Using deceitful tactics on her, his people!
Hendrix tapped his palm with the pen, and his bruised face smiled sinisterly, "Ashley, you still lack real-world experience."
The Procuratorate has insisted on the death penalty; there is no room for negotiation, and this is clearly targeting someone."
Ashley pursed her lips, "Senior, do you have any connections in the Police Station? I need to see the defendant."
