Chapter 175

Chapter 175 Did Joseph Bully You?

As soon as those words were uttered, a heavy silence engulfed the room.

The mere possibility of being sued by Samuel and the looming threat of losing everything cast a

palpable unease over

everyone present.

Ava’s body went rigid, her once radiant face now drained of color. She swiftly realized the folly of her

words and attempted to rectify the situation.

“I never said such words to Gideon, and our demands were completely different. Therefore, I have a

valid reason to harbor suspicions,” she hurriedly explained, seeking to clarify her stance.

“You have the right to be suspicious, but you must provide evidence,” the judge acknowledged her

statement with a nod.

“I…I don’t have any evidence.”

In a fit of anger, Benjamin pounded his fist on the table and yelled at Chloe, “Do you have to tarnish our

family’s

reputation just for the sake of money?”

Chloe sneered contemptuously in response, “How could you shift the blame onto me? It has always

been you who schemed to seize the assets Mother left behind!”

In the past, Chloe would have been willing to lend a hand if the Johnsons faced hardships. However, as

they refused to return what rightfully belonged to her, she saw no reason to show them any mercy. She

owed them nothing. Even if Benjamin

played a part in raising her, she had more than repaid him

long ago.

Benjamin’s gaze bore into Chloe, his eyes filled with an

intense desire to choke the life out of her right then and there. It had been months since he last

punished her, and now she dared to speak to him this way.

Samuel glanced at the Johnsons, savoring the sight of their mounting frustration and impotence. This

was the very joy he derived from being a lawyer. Rising to his feet, he gestured to the judge, indicating

that the proceedings should resume.

The judge nodded solemnly, his gaze fixed upon Ava.

“Without physical evidence or witnesses to support your claims, your claims are not supported,” he

stated firmly.

Following that, the judge pronounced the verdict. Benjamin was ordered to relinquish the assets left by

Chloe’s mother in full within three months as stipulated in the agreement. Failure to do so would result

in a direct deduction from

Benjamin’s personal assets.

Ava trembled with rage, her entire body shaking as she gritted her teeth in frustration.

‘Just you wait, Chloe! Though you’ve managed to reclaim the money, I’ll never let you find your old

folks! I heard they run a small business on Jade Street in the southern part of the city. Very well. I’ll

arrange for a few individuals to create some ‘buzz

for those old fools.‘

Benjamin understood the situation and realized that further words would be futile. He stood up and

stormed out of the courtroom in anger.

Ava followed closely behind, lowering her voice to speak to him, “Daddy, I want to make a high–quality

replica of that diamond necklace…”

Benjamin ignored her words, raising his head to glare at Jake and Icarus on his way out. He frowned at

them and said, “I’ve already returned the money to you. Get out of my sight!”

“Jake, it’s impossible between us. Stop clinging to me stubbornly,” Ava interjected, “It’s just some

money. If people didn’t know better, they’d think you had given me a lot of money.”

“Don’t try to whitewash your actions. I gave you a lot of money, but I haven’t seen a single dime from

your side.”

Benjamin’s mood worsened, the buzzing in his ears intensifying. He no longer wished to hear anymore,

so he forcefully pulled Ava along and made his way out.

Icarus did not even spare a glance at the father–daughter pair. When Chloe and Emily emerged from

the courtroom, he immediately approached them.

“Congratulations on reclaiming what rightfully belongs to you,

” he said.

“Thank you. Are you here today just to see me?”

“Yeah, but I got here a little late and wasn’t allowed in. I’m sorry.”

Chloe responded sincerely, “It’s all right.”

She felt grateful for the presence of her friends and former colleagues who had come today. She made

up her mind to treat them all to a lavish meal another day.

At this moment, Icarus noticed her pale complexion and signs of fatigue in her eyes. “Chloe, are you

feeling unwell? You look pale.”

“No…” Chloe touched her nose and her gaze flickered. “I accidentally fell into the water…”

“You went swimming? But you can’t swim, right?” Jake asked curiously.

“Oh, never mind about that. It’s not important,” Chloe said, dismissing the topic.

Icarus pursed his lips and remained silent for a moment. Then he said, “Chloe, come with me for a

moment. Let’s go talk over there.”

Jake lapsed into silence, torn by conflicting emotions. He desired to speak up, but the words eluded

him. He felt a mixture of regret and a sense of powerlessness witnessing his own uncle openly

pursuing his former girlfriend. But besides regretting his past actions, he understood that he had no

authority to intervene or express his thoughts.

Meanwhile, Samuel finally managed to free himself from Gideon’s grip and emerged. As he looked

around, her eyes fell on Chloe and Icarus, who were engrossed in their private conversation.

Samuel paused for a moment, then intentionally walked a few steps closer.

After contemplating for a while, Icarus asked, “Did Joseph bully you?”