American Tax Officer

Not to mention the formidable inspection system of the National Revenue Service, even assigning a couple of cops would confirm it quickly.

"Bensum, let me have a look!"

Sitting in the dock, Sharp sensed trouble at Bensum's demeanor and immediately wanted to see what content was on the documents.

Bensum sighed in resignation, walked over to the dock, and placed the files in front of them.

The two immediately flipped to their respective documents and began to rapidly skim through them.

But soon, their complexions turned as unsightly as Bensum's a moment ago.

Sharp, in particular, became infuriated and cursed loudly, "Damn that Archer..."

"Order!"

Sandy on the bench struck the gavel and said, "Defendants Sharp and Clement, as well as the defense attorneys, do you have anything else to say?"

"Your Honor, these documents... I believe some details are not sufficiently thorough. To give Henderson City's citizens an explanation, I think further investigation is required. We can't just conclude the case hastily; only then can we satisfy the public!"

Bensum of course knew that the content on these documents was indeed true.

His actions were nothing more than an attempt to secure an adjournment.

If the court adjourned, he would immediately suggest to the high-ranking officials at city hall that they should either admit their wrongdoing to the National Revenue Service or beg for mercy—anything to stop further proceedings.

Otherwise, Sharp and Clement were assuredly doomed!

And the image of city hall might suffer a blow just like Sparks City, with everyone else bearing the misfortune as well!

"Since you believe the details are insufficient, very well, let's summon the witnesses!"

At Sandy's words, Bensum froze instantaneously.

He hadn't anticipated that not only had the National Revenue Service obtained these documents, but they had also arranged for witnesses.

His plans for an adjournment to allow city hall to plead for mercy were likely to be dashed.

Lost in thought, five men were brought out.

Those five were none other than old acquaintances of Sharp and Clement.

Archer, the man who had provoked Sharp's outburst, was among them as well.

"Witnesses, please introduce yourselves one by one and then state what you will testify,"

Archer stood up first, glanced at the viciously scowling Sharp, then looked at Director David sitting cross-legged in the audience, before he began, "Your Honor, in January 2020, when the Valley District was planning a city construction project, I got to know Mr. Sharp, the city manager, through a friend's introduction."

"And on December 16, 2021, through a bribe of 300,000 US dollars, I obtained the planning document from Mr. Sharp in advance, and after that..."

Archer detailed every transaction he had with Sharp.

After his testimony, the members of city hall in the audience felt as if all strength had drained from their bodies, slumping powerless in their seats.

They knew Sharp was finished, utterly finished!

"Your Honor, my name is Garcia..."

"Your Honor, my name is Fosbury..."

"Your Honor..."

"..."

In the following time, the remaining four witnesses also took their turn, detailing their relationships and deals with Sharp and Clement.

"You damn bastards, I'll kill you, I'll kill all of you!"

Sharp, looking at each person pointing the finger at him, not only roared but also charged forward.

Luckily, the inspector guarding him was quick to act, immediately grabbing and pressing him back into his seat.

As for Clement, after being stunned for a while, he suddenly came to his senses, quickly looking towards Director David and pleading in a sobbing voice, "Director Jennifer, Director David, and gentlemen of the National Revenue Service, our city hall knows we were wrong, we will abandon the crackdown, please... just give us a break..."

He knew that Bitcher and Adelaide of Sparks had each been sentenced to 1,200 years.

That's 1,200 years without any possibility of parole!

He didn't want to go to prison and live a life akin to the living dead.

Therefore, even if it meant losing composure in front of so many people in the courtroom, he did not care at all.

Since it was the National Revenue Service's courtroom, as long as his plea for mercy could move the officials, he wouldn't have to worry about prison, and perhaps he could even continue his official duties!

In comparison, what were face and dignity worth?

Watching Clement, the Deputy Mayor, now practically begging for mercy, the onlookers in the audience exchanged bewildered glances.

But they did not mock or despise Clement.

Because if they were in the dock facing such severe punishment, most of them would also choose to set aside their dignity and seek an agreement.

And the city hall members in the audience now felt their cheeks burn with shame and embarrassment.

Even so, they did not blame Clement too much.

Their hopes lay, perhaps even more so, with Director David and the senior officials of the National Revenue Service accepting Clement's surrender on behalf of city hall.