Chapter 516
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Right up until the Zamora Group’s lawsuit against Cloudstorm Group and Garret was about to go to trial, Daron didn’t post a single thing online that could help them out.
Matthew was still playing the nice guy in front of Harris, acting all innocent.
He kept saying he’d never let Garret get convicted, but he never lifted a finger to actually help.
Martin jumped at the chance to request a public trial, all just to publicly shame Daron and put him on the spot.
Daron’s lawyer immediately objected to Martin’s request.
With no other option, Martin had to reluctantly give up.
But on the day of the trial, Daron pulled a fast one and requested a public hearing, totally blindsiding Martin.
At the same time, word about the Zamora Group’s move to make the trial public went viral online and shot straight to the op of the trending list.
By now, everyone could see it for what it was, a showdown between the current and former CEOs of the Zamora Group.
But netizens had given Martin’s actions a romantic twist, turning him into a lovesick hero.
Iveryone was saying Martin had requested a public trial just to defend Zara’s honor and take her side against Daron.
After all, Daron had used his past favors to pressure Zara into stealing data from the Zamora Group for him, basically etting her up to take the blame.
With the way Martin had shaped the narrative, Daron was now seen as the big bad of the story.
Why the hell did Daron suddenly ask for a public trial?’ Martin couldn’t wrap his head around it, and a sense of dread nawed at him. ‘If I back out now, all the persona I’ve built up will collapse in an instant.’
The post about the public hearing barely made a ripple at first, but now it had blown up overnight. Someone was definitely
ulling strings behind the scenes to push it to the top.
Matthew was feeling uneasy. He called Martin and insisted that he refuse the public hearing.
But Martin wouldn’t budge.
Grandpa, you know Daron’s personality better than anyone. If he had any proof that could clear Garret, he would’ve dropped it ages ago. He cares so much about that project, but ever since it got put on ice, he hasn’t made a single move to ight back. He’s just bluffing at this point,” Martin said.
‘If we chicken out now, we’re basically letting him win the mind games.”
‘I want to see what tricks he’s really hiding.”
Matthew’s expression soured, and he was just about to snap back at Martin when his assistant slipped into the room and quietly whispered to him.
“Garret’s parents just arrived,” the assistant murmured.
Matthew’s tone was frosty as he addressed Martin.
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Chapter 516
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“Martin, you know better than I do what’ll happen to you if this goes south. Don’t blame Grandpa if I have to turn my back on you,” he said coldly.
Martin just said, “I know.”
Matthew ended the call.
Meanwhile, Garret’s parents stepped into Matthew’s office.
Seliv’s eyes looked a bit swollen from crying. As soon as she came in, she walked right up to Matthew’s desk.
“Uncle, didn’t you say Garret would be totally fine? Why hasn’t the case been dropped yet? And now the trial’s about to start this afternoon!” Seliv said, her voice trembling.
Matthew’s eyes showed a hint of helplessness as he listened to Seliv.
“Seliv, I’ve told you before. Martin is just so stubborn, always set in his ways. And Garret still refuses to admit he did anything wrong. Martin’s the type who just won’t accept defeat, and now things have spiraled out of control. Honestly, at this point, I’m just as helpless as you,” Matthew said, sounding defeated.
Seliv’s expression changed in an instant.
Uncle, you said no matter what, Garret would be safe! Now you’re telling me there’s nothing you can do? Were you just making us think everything was fine this whole time, so now we’re totally unprepared?” Seliv demanded, her voice trembling with frustration.
Matthew let out a weary sigh and spoke up quickly.
‘Seliv, I know you’re worried, but you can’t just put it all on me like that,” he said.
I’ve been trying to get through to Martin all this time, but he just won’t listen. What else can I do?”
I’ve poured so much energy into this, but honestly, I’m out of options right now.”
Seliv couldn’t hold back anymore. She swept all the documents off Matthew’s desk in a fit of rage, yelling at him, “Do you even have a heart? How could you do this to us!”
Matthew’s face darkened with anger. He slammed his hand on the desk and barked at his staff, “Get security. Escort her out,
now!”
Garret’s father stepped up, gently telling Seliv to calm down. He said he wanted a private word with Matthew.
Matthew took a deep breath and turned to Garret’s father.
“Mr. Lopez, you’re always the calm one. When things get tough, you can’t just act on impulse. You have to keep your cool. Seliv’s only like this because my brother spoiled her growing up, that’s how she ended up with such a temper,” Matthew said.
“Do you really think getting angry is going to solve anything right now?”
As he spoke, Matthew shot a glance at Seliy and went on.
“Seliv, I’m not trying to be harsh on you, but did you see yourself just now? What do you think you looked like?” he said.
Seliv didn’t say a word. She just curled up in Garret’s father’s arms, her shoulders trembling with silent sobs.
Matthew snorted dismissively and motioned for Garret’s father and Seliv to take a seat, acting all concerned and pretending
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Chapter 516
he was going to help them figure something out.
He was deliberately keeping them occupied, making sure they couldn’t reach out to anyone else for help.
By the afternoon, the trial started.
Martin showed up flanked by his legal team.
Meanwhile, Daron and Garret were backed by just one person, Mario.
Martin’s legal team took their seats beside him, and the lead lawyer leaned in close, whispering in his ear.
Just before the trial started, Mario submitted new evidence,” the lawyer said quietly.
Martin’s face darkened instantly, and he snapped, his voice icy. “Didn’t you object?”
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The lawyer quickly replied. “We did, but the court took one look at the evidence and overruled our objection on the spot,” the lawyer replied.
They’re reviewing the new evidence as we speak,” he added.
A dark look flashed across Martin’s face.
When the time came, the judge called the court to order.
Sticking to their plan, Martin’s side put Zara on the stand first, trying to get her to say that Cloudstorm Group and Garret had tempted her into stealing the Zamora Group’s core data.
Before Zara could speak, the judge explained the rules she had to follow as a witness.
If she lied while testifying, she’d face legal consequences.
Zara, do you understand the witness rules we just went over?” the judge asked.
Zara nodded, straightening her back, her whole expression set and determined.
Got it,” she said.
‘I’ll stand by every word I say here, no matter what it costs me,” she added.
As she spoke, Zara met the judge’s eyes head-on, her look fierce and unflinching, like she was ready to risk it all, no matter what happened next.
Since the trial was open to the public, the place was crawling with reporters. Seeing Zara’s determined face, everyone could tell she’d really had to hype herself up for this. After all, Daron was the guy she’d had feelings for ever since she was young.
But now, the man she’d loved for years was the very one who landed her in court. No matter how you spun it, she looked downright tragic.
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