Chapter 1082 Play You? Are You Even Worthy? (Part 2)

In the meeting room, several court officials were questioning thoroughly; it was Joshua Hughes’s first time undergoing an inquiry.

He sat in the most central chair in the room, his intimidating eyes glinting with sharp and icy light. Beside him sat the group’s lawyer, and so far, they hadn’t been able to extract even a hint of valuable information from him.

"Mr. Hughes, why were all the properties under the Hughes Clan mortgaged within the past three years? If this substantial amount of money was invested and failed, why were the shareholders unaware?" One of the court’s economic crime investigators asked astutely. It was apparent to the observant that Joshua Hughes was involved, albeit executed with flawless skill. Despite sifting through all the Hughes Clan’s financial data like sieving rice, no particularly useful evidence had been found. The inquiry with Joshua Hughes was conducted only in his meeting room, accompanied by lawyers; this was the largest case they’d handled in terms of amount involved, and the man sitting behind this table controlled wealth that made everyone look up to him......

Joshua Hughes’s thin lips curved into a sarcastic smile, seemingly mocking their inadequate questioning skills.

"Before the inquiry, please carefully read the constitution of the company where Joshua Hughes previously worked. At that time, Mr. Hughes held the position of president, possessing absolute decision-making power, able to make any decision independently without board approval. This detail is clearly stated in clause two of the company’s constitution." The lawyer nudged his gold-framed glasses with his middle finger, speaking earnestly and solemnly.

"Of course, we have thoroughly researched this, but this absolute decision-making power requires holding more than fifty-one percent of the shares, and Mr. Joshua Hughes clearly did not possess such a proportion of shares." The court officials were naturally well-prepared, though the Hughes Clan’s lawyer was not straightforward; he was sharp.

"We will naturally present this when the case goes to court." The lawyer spoke confidently; behind him stood the vast group, and Joshua Hughes was that kind of person; they seemed very assured. However, at present, Joshua Hughes didn’t hold that many shares—did he still have some hidden shares? But based on the market share, there should have already been no more, except for the elusive eight percent of shares that had never manifested.

Joshua Hughes’s fingers lightly tapped the tabletop, coldly observing everything unfolding before him, as if it was no longer largely related to him. His special assistant standing behind him, expressionless like an ice block, mirrored this demeanor.

Julian Carter’s face was calm, but internally he felt a slight anxiety. Had the boss revealed anything? A proud man certainly wouldn’t want to ask a woman for help, yet now producing the rights to use that eight percent of shares was the best and simplest solution. It was like an anxious eunuch when the Emperor remained unperturbed. Clearly manageable matters, yet in his hands, he would rather expend immense resources and energy to fight this lawsuit. Once those eight percent are shown, Luis Hughes would probably immediately withdraw the case, knowing victory was unattainable. Luis Hughes had also been searching for the eight percent, but Joshua Hughes’s luck seemed far better; that eight percent had always been by his side, and Miss Jane appeared quite fond of him.

The phone suddenly rang at this moment. Joshua Hughes glanced at the number and answered. Julian Carter couldn’t see the number and didn’t know who called, but sensed that his entire demeanor changed, emanating a cold and terrifying aura that deterred anyone from approaching. His whole body rigid, spine tensed, then suddenly stood up, face contorted, rushing outward like a madman.......

Everyone was stunned by the unexpected turn of events, observing Joshua Hughes’s face showing unprecedented anxiety and panic. Court personnel blocked the meeting room’s exit: "Mr. Hughes, our inquiry isn’t finished; could you cooperate with our work?"

"Move aside......." His voice was as cold and cutting as a bone-chilling wind from a frigid land, ominous and fearsome.

"Mr. Hughes’s time is so hard to schedule; it’s better to cooperate with our work." The higher-up’s notion was not to overly fear Joshua Hughes. Though how to handle wasn’t precisely stated, the move had to be significant. Today’s visit was to deliver a strong message; however, if he utterly refused to collaborate, it would be less about them imposing on Joshua Hughes and more about his complete disregard for their authority.

"Get out of my way immediately...." Joshua Hughes’s expression had reached the apex of danger, with a hint of hysteria in his voice. Julian Carter felt a looming sense of unease; having worked with the boss for years, he had never seen him like this. This was a first; something crucial must have happened.

Ordinarily, these people wielded certain powers, familiar with showing authority to others. Now, being reprimanded like this brought a significant emotional disparity. Joshua Hughes was alone, but they had come in a group of seven, so with exchanged glances, they summoned courage and stood firm at the meeting room’s doorway......

"Mr. Hughes seems to not take our court personnel seriously, agreeing to today’s inquiry, yet you’re cooperating very little. We see no semblance of cooperation from you; are you playing us?" The few youthful court personnel, unaware of depths, began to raise their tone aggressively.

"Playing you? Do you even qualify?" His icy face bore a daunting expression for anyone who looked upon it, his hand reaching towards his lower back. Julian Carter sensed misalignment and quickly stepped in front of Joshua Hughes: "President Hughes has an urgent matter; I’m his special assistant, fully authorized to speak on his behalf. I’ll accompany you all here." Now wasn’t the time for impulsive actions—these inexperienced youths might wield official positions, but handling matters here within Hughes Clan wasn’t suitable; a second delay might truly lead to bloodshed.