Chapter 174

Chapter 174 I’ll Help You Protect Her

“I never said that, Your Honor’ Please don’t listen to him!” Ava shouted in desperation.

The judge’s gaze fell upon Ava, his scrutiny piercing “So, are you resolved to fight Ms. Chloe for her

late mother’s legacy? From what I understand, you and Chloe are half sisters sharing the same father

Since these assets were bequeathed by Chloe’s biological mother, you have no entitlement to lay claim

to them.”

The judge’s words cut through the air, leaving Ava pale and flustered She struggled to explain. “That’s

not what I meant 1 merely wanted to speak on behalf of my father

“You’ll have your chance to speak, but for now, please remain quiet,” the judge instructed firmly

Turning his attention to Benjamin, the judge asked, “Defendant, it’s your turn to speak. State your

demands.

“I seek to reclaim a portion of these assets, as they are jointly owned by my wife and me, Benjamin

stated, sensing a glimmer of hope as he noticed the judge’s contemplative expression

Thankfully, he had held onto this trump card.

Chloe bit her lip, tightly clenching her fist

“I’ve conducted my investigation on the matter, and these funds indeed constitute marital assets,”

Samuel interjected.

“Exactly! So, what’s wrong with my desire to retain the right of use Benjamin responded

arrogantly

After a brief pause, Samuel responded with a smile that was more like a smirk, “Under normal

circumstances, there would be nothing wrong. However, over the past twenty years, you have utterly

failed to fulfill the responsibilities of a father, so you’re unworthy of utilizing this

portion of the money

“If I failed to fulfill my duties as a father, then how did she become the person she is today?” Benjamin

maintained his composure “Young man, don’t go digging up old wounds.”

anuel remained calm and composed. “Your Honor, may I present my evidence?”

“Please proceed,” the judge allowed

*I have interviewed several of Chloe’s childhood friends, who can provide insight into Benjamin’s role

as a father,” Samuel stated confidently

“Very well,” the judge granted.

Immediately, Emily and several of Chloe’s university roommates, along with her former

colleagues, entered the courtroom one by one. As Chloe looked at each familiar face, her eyes could

not help but well up with tears.

Emily spoke first, addressing the judge, “Your Honor, I’m a close friend of Chloe. We have known each

other for seven years. I can testify that Benjamin has treated Chloe poorly to the point of being harshly

abused. Throughout the nine years of compulsory education, he never attended a single parent-

teacher meeting, yet he was always present at every meeting regarding Ava. How can he claim to have

fulfilled his responsibilities as a father by merely providing food?”

Benjamin’s face contorted with anger, his agitation mounting. He wanted to refute the accusations, but

the judge denied him the opportunity.

“Defendant, please be patient. Let the witnesses speak,” the judge commanded.

Next, one of Chloe’s roommates took the floor.

“During our college years, Benjamin frequently exploited the excuse of business matters to force Chloe

to work late nights at his company. She would return the next day exhausted and still have to attend

classes. On one occasion, she even collapsed from fatigue. We contacted Benjamin to inform him, but

he displayed no concern for Chloe. Instead, he blamed her for not successfully completing the

projects.”

“I used to work with Chloe at the company owned by the Johnsons. Chloe worked the hardest among

all the employees but received the same pay as an entry-level staff. I couldn’t bear witness to this

injustice and spoke up for her, which led to my dismissal,” another witness. added.

“As for me…”

After listening to all the testimonies, the judge and the panel of juries had already made their decision

regarding the verdict.

“Hurry up and do something!” Ava forcefully kicked Gideon’s foot under the table.

Gideon remained composed. He dusted off his pants, thoroughly relishing the drama unfolding before

him. “I never imagined your family could harbor such malice. It’s quite revealing to witness your guise

as a refined lady while concealing a vindictive heart.”

As long as it did not affect his interests, he did not mind sacrificing his client.

Gideon now felt fortunate about the choices he made in the heat of the moment. Luckily, he picked the

right side.

“Does the defendant have anything to say?”

Ava locked her gaze on Gideon, placing all her hopes on him.

Gideon cleared his throat theatrically and said, “After recent deliberations, my client has come to a

profound realization of his mistakes. He acknowledges the testimonies presented by the

witnesses, and his demands remain unchanged. He only hopes to obtain his daughter’s forgiveness

and reunite the family.”

“Bullsh*t!” Benjamin could not suppress his anger anymore, his face turning crimson. “Your Honor, this

man has violated my testament and twisted my demands!”

Ava hurriedly chimed in. “Yes, this lawyer must’ve been bribed by the opposing party. Everyone knows

that Samuel is notorious for his domineering behavior in the legal profession. Perhaps he threatened

and coerced Gideon into saying such things!”

The courtroom erupted into a frenzy at their words.

“We did no such thing! Stop hurling mud at us!”

Ava sneered, “Hah! Did it not happen just because you say it didn’t”

Samuel recalled the things Joseph told him and grew increasingly convinced of their validity. Chloe had

truly suffered at the hands of this family.

‘Don’t worry, brother. I’ll help you protect her!’

Unperturbed by Benjamin and Ava’s barrage of claims, Samuel maintained his composure and asked,

“You accuse me of secretly intimidating and threatening your lawyer. So, do you have any evidence? If

not, I can sue you for defamation.”