Chapter 370 Mr. Hearst, what a clever move!
Although the Quantum Innovations Tech case involved two major conglomerates, someone was suppressing it from behind the scenes, so the news never broke out, and the public was unaware of the intense courtroom battle taking place.
Standing at the plaintiff's stand, Ashley opened the dossier and glanced at the calm-faced Dante.
She admitted that at this moment, she had a bit of admiration for Dante. Only years of practical experience could hone such unique confidence and intimidation. Even without doing anything or saying a word, he exuded a powerful threat to his opponent.
The gavel fell, and both sides made their statements.
The proceedings were no different from usual, but less than twenty minutes into the trial, Ashley gradually felt something was wrong. It seemed like Dante knew all her defense strategies and could even predict what she was going to say, precisely suppressing her every time and then making counterclaims.
The judge's face became increasingly approving of Dante's testimony, while Ashley's expression became increasingly grim.
Hannah whispered several times, "Ashley, how can they be so shameless! They even question the patient's medical records and claim that the patient's symptoms have nothing to do with the office renovation."
Not just shameless, but downright arrogant and overbearing.
However, Dante's sharp points made the judge nod in agreement. Several times when she tried to argue, the judge issued warnings.
"I object..." she stood up and raised her hand again.
The judge gave her a faint glance, "Objection overruled. The defendant may continue."
After several rounds, all of Ashley's testimonies were overturned. Every time she provided a piece of evidence, Dante would comprehensively refute it, even changing the jury's perception.
Ashley's inner turmoil turned to bitterness as she witnessed KM's power and Dante's prowess firsthand.
How wonderful, this seemingly fair world!
During recess, Ashley organized her materials, and a faint cold smile was always on her lips.
Recalling every step Dante took, she had reason to suspect that someone had been watching her during the evidence collection process and recording every word she said.
And she was completely unaware, not the slightest bit of suspicion!
To win this case, she had put in so much effort. Those who followed her in the dark must have reported everything to Dante and his backers, right?
Don't their consciences hurt?
Of course not, because they have no conscience.
Finally, after putting all the materials into her briefcase, Ashley nodded at the fuming Hannah, "Let's go."
Hannah tugged at her sleeve, cautiously saying, "Ashley, don't be angry. We can still appeal, gather more evidence, and appeal again! If that doesn't work, we can go to a higher court!"
Ashley smiled bitterly. "Higher courts won't take this kind of case; they'll send it back to the local court. Do you think KM would allow more people to see this?"
Hannah clenched her fists in righteous indignation, "Damn capitalists! We'll take them down!"
Almost simultaneously, Dante and his assistant Janet also walked to the door.
Dante smiled gentlemanly, "Ms. Astor, see you later."
Hannah almost rushed to curse him, but Ashley grabbed her wrist. She smiled and said, "See you later."
Janet nodded awkwardly and followed Dante out.
Each serving their own master, it even seemed foolish to be angry at Dante.
Dante was following Damian's orders, and he must have been under a lot of pressure, too. If KM lost, what would happen to him? Would he get kicked out?
In this gap, Ashley mustered the courage to call Hendrix, but he hung up.
Soon, Hendrix came out of the lounge in a wheelchair, "Ms. Astor, over here."
Hannah saw him and tearfully said, "Mr. Long, we were bullied!"
Ashley sat expressionlessly in her chair, "They monitored me, hitting every critical point today, making us very passive. I'm sorry, Mr. Long, for disappointing you."
Ashley slightly lowered her head, revealing only her delicate cheek after tucking her hair behind her ear. Her eyes darkened with emotion, and her fingers gripped the bag strap, veins intertwining.
Hendrix suddenly felt that winning or losing didn't matter; Ashley's feelings were the priority. "It's not your fault. From the looks of it, KM has already spoken with the higher-ups. Even if I were in court, I might not have had a better chance."
Hannah wiped her tear-streaked face, "They illegally followed and monitored us. We can sue them!"
Hendrix said sternly, "Suing requires evidence. Do you have any?"
"I..." Hannah mumbled, "No."
Hendrix patted Ashley's hand, trying to comfort her, "It's okay. Just do what you need to do. I'll explain to Infinity Enterprises Group."
Ashley was angry at their shamelessness and herself for not noticing she was being followed for so many days, and... almost having that kind of thing with Damian!
"Thank you, Mr. Long. The trial is about to resume; we should head back."
Hendrix wanted to take her place and teach KM's people a lesson in court. He said sternly, "Don't worry; I'll settle the score with him!"
Not them, but him!
Hannah sniffled, "Mr. Long, Ashley prepared very well today. She worked so hard and diligently for this case."
Hendrix said, "I know."
How could he not know? He often received her emails in the middle of the night, and his diligence and dedication were evident.
When the trial resumed, the situation did not improve, but Dante's words were not as sharp, showing some mercy.
But it couldn't change her fate of losing the case.
In the first trial, all of Infinity Enterprises Group's claims were dismissed.
As expected, Quantum Innovations Tech would likely file a counterclaim against Infinity Enterprises Group, demanding compensation for reputational damage, legal fees, lost wages, and other costs.
By then, Infinity Enterprises Group would suffer heavy losses.
Everyone else in the courtroom had left, but Ashley still sat in her chair, staring blankly ahead.
She suddenly began to doubt where the so-called justice was?
Do the underprivileged really have a chance to seek justice?
"Ashley?"
Hannah called out worriedly when she saw her motionless.
Ashley asked, "I didn't perform well today. Do you regret taking me as your mentor?"
Hannah replied firmly, "No regrets! Ashley, you're amazing and strong. Dante was aggressive, and if it were me, I would have been speechless. But you weren't afraid at all and argued based on reason!"
It's just a pity that the other side was too strong, with layers of evidence, like a demon.
Ashley said, "Let's go. Mr. Long is still waiting."
Hannah, holding a briefcase full of documents, looked back at the emblem on the wall with every step, "Ashley, is there really justice in the world?"
She had questioned this before when she saw unfairness while attending trials with her mentor.
She could still recite her mentor's words verbatim.
"Law is the minimum standard of morality. Whether justice is absent or not, we must defend the last line of defense."
Hannah felt a bit dejected, "I hope Quantum Innovations Tech goes bankrupt soon! And that bad people get hit by a car when they go out!"
Ashley's heart tightened, but she said nothing.
Hendrix finally saw them come out and said urgently, "I know everything. I've contacted the people at Infinity Enterprises Group, and I'll go explain in person later. You don't need to come."
If Ashley went, she wouldn't be welcomed.
"The loss is partly my responsibility. I need to show them my attitude, and we need to discuss the possibility of an appeal."
Hendrix said, "Given the situation, an appeal would be very difficult. You two should go back to the law firm and wait for my news."
At that moment, Ashley's phone rang.
Seeing the number, she walked to a secluded spot, held back her anger, and said through gritted teeth, "Mr. Hearst, well played! Inside and out, a perfect match. Impressive!"
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