Volume 3: The Rise to Power
Summary: Emily testifies against Richard in court, becoming the key witness that brings him down.
Richard paced like a caged animal in his room, hair disheveled, patches of baldness showing through his greasy scalp, eyes bloodshot and face pale as death. He roared and cursed, smashing everything within reach, trying to vent his rage and fear through raw destruction.
"Jack Chen! It's all you! You damned bastard! You've ruined everything! I'll kill you! I'll tear you apart piece by piece!" Richard screamed hoarsely, his voice cracking like a broken bellows, the cry of a wounded beast.
Collapsing onto the plush leather sofa, he covered his face with trembling hands, letting out a despairing wail. Years of painstaking effort, manipulation, and indulgence had culminated in this end. He refused to accept defeat, unwilling to believe he could fail so completely.
"No, I can't give up! I still have opportunities! I still have strength! I won't let Jack Chen, that vagrant, defeat me! Absolutely not!" Richard suddenly lifted his head, his eyes blazing with manic determination. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
"Calm! Calm! Richard, you must stay calm! You have many cards left to play! You have connections! You have money!" he muttered to himself, trying to find a glimmer of hope.
With trembling hands, he picked up the phone on his desk and dialed a number. After a long ring, a low voice answered, "Mr. Clayton, your call at this time is quite troublesome."
"Stephen, help me! I need your assistance! I've been framed by that scoundrel Jack Chen! I'm being wrongfully accused!" Richard pleaded desperately, as if grasping at straws.
There was silence on Stephen's end before he slowly responded, "Mr. Clayton, I understand your situation. Now that the SEC is investigating your company and has gathered solid evidence, there's little I can do."
"No! Stephen, you must have a way! You've always been my most trusted friend! If you help me, I can give you anything you want!" Richard begged almost pitifully.
"Mr. Clayton, you flatter me," Stephen's tone remained calm, devoid of any emotion. "The current situation exceeds my capabilities. I advise you to make preparations and try to secure leniency for yourself."
With that, Stephen hung up. Richard stared blankly at the phone, his eyes hollow and despairing. He knew Stephen was just a symbol, a sign of his isolation and abandonment.
His former friends, those who once fawned over him, now avoided him like the plague, fearing entanglement. They were waiting, watching, for his complete downfall and the division of his legacy.
Suddenly, he thought of someone—Emily.
Once his most trusted assistant and keeper of his secrets, if Emily would testify on his behalf, proving his actions were for the company's benefit, he might still have a chance.
"Yes! Emily! I must find her!" Richard clung to this final lifeline, immediately rising to leave his office.
At that moment, the door to his office burst open, and two FBI agents in black suits entered.
"Mr. Clayton, we suspect you of involvement in illegal trading and money laundering activities. We need your cooperation for an investigation," one agent stated coldly.
Richard looked at the FBI agents, his eyes filled with despair. He knew it was over, completely over.
Meanwhile, in a law firm in Midtown Manhattan, Emily sat across from her lawyer, tense yet resolute.
"Miss Emily, are you sure you're willing to testify in court against Mr. Richard Clayton?" The lawyer adjusted his glasses, his tone serious.
"Yes, I am certain." Emily took a deep breath, her eyes flashing with guilt and resolve. "I was used by Richard Clayton to commit many wrongdoings. Now, I must step forward and take responsibility for my mistakes."
Since Kevin told Emily about Richard's actions, she had been tormented internally. She realized she had been manipulated by Richard, becoming an instrument of his crimes. She felt immense anger and regret but also recognized the need to make amends.
After much painful deliberation, she decided to contact Jack, confessing everything. She provided substantial evidence of Richard's criminal activities, including offshore money laundering, stock market manipulation, and bribery.
"Miss Emily, your testimony is crucial and will play a pivotal role in the case," the lawyer nodded approvingly. "However, you must understand that testifying will put you at great risk. Richard Clayton won't let you go easily."
"I know, I'm prepared," Emily said firmly. "I'm willing to take all risks to ensure Richard Clayton faces justice."
Emily knew testifying was a gamble; she faced immense pressure and danger, potentially even endangering her life. But she believed she made the right choice. She would redeem herself and seek justice for those harmed by Richard Clayton.
A few days later, at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
The courtroom was packed with reporters and spectators, the atmosphere tense. Richard Clayton was led to the defendant's seat, his face pale and haggard, eyes filled with fear and anxiety.
Jack sat in the audience, quietly observing Richard. He knew today would be decisive for Richard's fate.
The trial began with the prosecution outlining Richard's criminal activities and presenting extensive evidence. Richard's defense attorney tried desperately to mitigate his crimes.
However, when Emily took the witness stand, the entire courtroom fell silent.
Taking a deep breath, Emily faced the judge and jury, beginning her account. She detailed how Richard used her for illegal transactions, manipulated the stock market, and bribed officials. Her testimony was clear and powerful, exposing Richard's crimes fully.
Richard sat in the defendant's seat, his face livid with anger and despair. He tried to interrupt Emily's testimony but was sternly silenced by the judge.
Under Emily's testimony, Richard's crimes were fully revealed. The jury deliberated briefly before unanimously finding Richard Clayton guilty.
As the judge pronounced Richard's sentence of several decades in prison, the courtroom erupted in thunderous applause. Jack watched as Richard was taken away, his gaze devoid of pity, only calm and relief. His revenge had succeeded.
Richard glanced back at Jack in the audience, his eyes full of hatred and despair. He wanted to lunge at Jack, but was held back by marshals.
"Jack Chen! I won't let you go! Just wait!" Richard shouted hoarsely, his voice echoing through the courtroom.
Jack merely looked at him coldly, a contemptuous smile playing on his lips. He knew Richard had utterly failed and no longer posed any threat.
Leaving the courthouse, Jack looked up at the sky, the sunlight warming his face. He knew his life was about to enter a new chapter. He would return to Wall Street, rebuild his glory, and find true love.