Chapter 0783
After a round of introductions, everyone took their seats. Maximus reserved a spot for Magnus Evans, his father, who arrived just minutes before the trial began. But Magnus wasn’t alone–he entered the courtroom alongside Vincent Moriarty.
Maximus hesitated. What interest did the father of the judge presiding over the trial of the year have in this case? It was a question he wouldn’t get an answer to at least not yet.
“Order in the court! The Honorable Judge Moriarty, along with the Honorable Judges Forster and Conway are now entering the courtroom. These will be the professional judges. Now, for the lay judges, Mr. Weston and Mr. Chapman.,” announced the officer in charge of maintaining order.
Numerous well–known families were present, showing their support for Frank Levett Jr.–the son of the infamous Judge Levett. These families couldn’t believe the so–called injustice being committed against such an upstanding man like Frank Levett Jr.
Shortly after the introductions, the defendant was brought in and seated. Frank Levett Jr. wore an expensive black suit, a crisp white shirt, and a perfectly matched tie. Looking at him, no one would suspect he was a criminal. How could they? A man like Frank couldn’t possibly be guilty. This had to be a witch hunt–someone bitter toward his father, Judge Levett. That was the general sentiment whispered throughout the courtroom.
Then came the opening statements from the prosecutor handling the Bartz family’s case–statements that left everyone in the room stunned.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the court, today we are here to present evidence in this criminal proceeding. This is not just about a massacre committed thirty years ago–no, that case is a separate matter. Today, we will show you how the Levett name is stained with blood and violence in every sense of the word.
“The man you see sitting before you in his elegant black suit is one of the most notorious white–collar criminals in Valentia’s history. This man–just as he appears before you–is the mastermind behind a vast network of human trafficking, organ trafficking, drug trafficking, and, most notably, he is responsible for numerous deaths. Not just indirectly–directly.
“Months ago, this man orchestrated the imprisonment of Marcus Bartz based on false accusations of kidnapping and attempted murder against Frank Levett Sr. Today, I will present undeniable evidence proving how this man twisted the narrative to paint himself as the victim.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am not here to make baseless accusations. I bring a mountain of evidence, and I sincerely hope the defense is prepared to explain it.”
After a series of arguments that painted Frank Levett Jr. as the worst person in Valentia, it was time for the defense to respond. But they had little ground to stand on, given the sheer weight of the accusations.
“My client, Mr. Frank Levett, is the target of a witch hunt. A group of businessmen–such as the Bartzs and Palmers–are the masterminds behind this show, and we are fully prepared to refute every single accusation.
“Just remember–my client is the son of Frank Levett, the great Judge Levett. Think about that. How could my client possibly be the most despicable man in Valentia when he is the son of a judge who brought peace and stability to our beloved country for years? That peace only ended when he was kidnapped by Marcus Bartz!”
For a while, the defense continued to glorify the Levett name.
Then, the trial began.
The prosecutor was relentless, presenting one piece of evidence after another. The revelations left the entire courtroom in shock. Even Marcus, Peter, and Maximus were caught off guard seeing photos and documents they
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0783
had never seen before.
Anthony Moriarty wasn’t just anyone. He had built on the investigation Peter had handed over to him, but he didn’t stop there. With more resources at his disposal, he had dug even deeper.
As the trial progressed, it was time for the witnesses to take the stand. Everyone knew Marcus Bartz and Peter Palmer would testify.
But there were two other witnesses that no one had expected.
“Mr. Bartz, a few months ago, is it true that you were imprisoned under an unusual and irregular order?”
“Yes!” Marcus replied firmly. “A group of men and a lawyer barged into my home, threw me into a patrol car, a from that moment on, I didn’t see the light of day again for five months.”
