Chapter 2490
An Understated Dominance
âOh? Really? Then, show them the evidence. Let everyone see for themselves.
âAustin said with a faint smile.
Langdon swallowed hard, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Had his entire past really been dug up in just half a day?
âFirst, I investigated Mr. Langdonâs assets and income sources,â Axel said, pulling out a stack of documents and placing them on the table.
He explained firmly, âHis spending far exceeds his salary. He owns 18 luxury homes, dozens of high-end cars, and a private collection of gold, antiques, and famous paintings.
âAltogether, his assets are worth tens of billions. Given his salary, it would take him several thousand years of saving every penny to afford that. So I have to ask-where did all this money come from?â
The moment those words left his mouth, all eyes turned to Langdon.
Everyone knew he was corrupt, but no one expected it to be on this scale. If his fixed assets alone were worth billions, his liquid assets must be even more staggering.
âLangdon, is this what you call being upright and innocent?â
Austin flipped through the documents and barely skimmed them before tossing them at Langdonâs feet. His words landed like a punch to the gut.
âNo! This is impossible. Someone is framing me!â Langdon barked, kicking the papers aside. But the forced bravado in his voice did little to hide his unease. âIâve always served with integrity. How could I possibly be involved in corruption? Every bit of this is a lie.â
âYou didnât even look at it. How do you know itâs fake?â Axel sneered.
âHmph! Everyone knows how your enforcement team twists the truth. Even the most innocent person would become a criminal in your hands. Your so-called evidence is completely unreliable,â Langdon snapped.
âSo, youâre saying none of these assets Axel mentioned belong to you?â Austin raised an eyebrow.
âOf course not! They have nothing to do with me. This so-called evidence is fake.â Langdon remained defiant.
âOkay. Since these assets arenât yours, theyâll be confiscated.â Austin glanced at Axel.
Axel grinned. âIâll send someone to take care of it.â
Langdonâs lips twitched, but he didnât dare protest.
With tens of billions in assets built over the years, he would be lying if he said it didnât hurt when they were about to be confiscated. But for now, he had no choice but to swallow his bitterness in silence.
As long as he kept denying it, he was safe. But the moment he admitted it, heâd be finished.
To him, wealth was just something to be gained and lost. As long as he wasnât caught, he could always rebuild his fortune through corruption.
âBesides these questionable assets, is there anything else?â Austin asked.
âThe assets are just one part of it,â Axel replied. âDespite his age, Mr. Langdon has maintained quite an active personal life.
He has eight mistresses and has fathered 17 illegitimate children. Some are already adults, while others are just learning to walk. The annual cost of supporting them is no small sum.â
âOh?â Austinâs gaze shifted toward Langdon as he spoke with a cold, insincere smile. âHeâs nearly 70 and still has so many children. Impressive.â
âYou⦠Youâre spouting nonsense!â
Langdonâs face flushed red as he scrambled to defend himself. âI have only one wife and one son. Where are all these illegitimate children coming from? This is pure defamation.â
âMr. Langdon, youâre truly heartless. You wonât even acknowledge your own children?â Axel scoffed. âWhy donât we do a paternity test and see if youâre telling the truth?â
âNonsense! Why should I entertain such ridiculous accusations?â Langdon turned his head away in defiance.
âSince these women and children have nothing to do with you, our castle will take them in,â Austin said with a faint smile. â Axel, arrange for them to be brought to the castle, and ensure they are properly cared for-no mistreatment or negligence allowed.â
âYes, Your Highness!â Axel responded immediately and began issuing orders to his subordinates.
âHold on!â
Seeing how things were escalating, Langdon could no longer hold back.
Losing his assets was one thing-there were always ways to embezzle more. But if his children were taken away, that would be the end of his bloodline.
âWhat is it, Mr. Langdon? Do you have something to say?â Austin asked.
âThere are plenty of social welfare programs. Is it really necessary to bring them to the castle?â Langdon frowned.
âThatâs not for you to worry about,â Austin replied with a smirk. âAfter all, they have nothing to do with you, right?â
âIâ¦â Langdon was at a loss for words.
His assets were confiscated, and now his children were being taken from him. If this continued, heâd be left with nothing.
âAxel, continue.â Austin snapped his fingers.
âYes, Your Highness!â Axel nodded and took out another stack of documents.
He continued, âBesides corruption, Iâve also uncovered Mr. Langdonâs dealings with various officials. Here are the ledgers detailing those transactions. Your Highness, please have a look.â
Axel handed the ledgers to Austin.
Austin skimmed through them before tossing the ledgers at Langdonâs feet. â Care to explain? And donât even try to deny it-every entry here is in your own handwriting. Letâs see how you talk your way out of this one.â