Chapter 479: Chapter 479: Outsmarting Oneself (4)
Coupled with a vicious smear campaign from the party he’d clashed with, the charge was escalated to bribery—providing assets to a government official for illicit gain, an act considered detrimental to national development.
The amount involved was enormous, earning it the label of "especially serious circumstances." In addition to the complete confiscation of all assets, the sentence would be ten years to life in prison, depending on the court’s final judgment...
The mayor involved in this had already been removed from office and placed under investigation. A mayor accepting bribes was absolutely intolerable, a fact that highlighted the sheer gravity of Ryan Linton’s crime.
When Annabelle Linton saw Ryan Linton, he was dressed in a simple T-shirt and ripped black jeans. Though he was locked up, he still had a radiant, sunny air about him, showing no sign of anxiety or fear.
The small space contained a chair, a single bed, and nothing else.
Ryan was leaning back in the chair with his legs propped up on the bed. One hand was in his pocket, and his expression was cold and somber, his thoughts unreadable.
The moment Annabelle laid eyes on Ryan, her own welled up almost instantly.
Hearing the sound, Ryan looked up. When he saw Annabelle, he frowned deeply, a flicker of guilt crossing his features.
The door opened, and Annabelle entered the small room.
Ryan stood up and stared at her quietly for a moment. For a time, the two siblings said nothing.
After a moment, Ryan walked over and hugged her with one arm, saying guiltily, "Sis, I’m sorry."
Ryan was about the same height as Leona Grant—both were tall and lean. Even in high heels, Annabelle only came up to his chest.
Hugging him, Annabelle burst into tears. "Do you have any idea how much trouble you’re in?"
"Ryan Linton, are you trying to worry me to death? If something happens to you, how am I supposed to face Mom?"
He had ruined her wedding, yet she was more concerned about him.
Ryan closed his eyes and exhaled, repeating guiltily, "Sis, I’m sorry."
Annabelle cried for a little while before composing herself. She sat down in the chair and asked him what had happened.
Ryan gave her a simple answer. It was just as she’d suspected.
Annabelle’s brow furrowed, and she asked sharply, "Who was the one who reported you?"
Hearing this, a deep gloom settled in Ryan’s eyes. "I don’t know," he said coldly.
"You don’t know?" Annabelle looked at him in disbelief. ’How could he not know?’
Ryan lowered his gaze, hiding the coldness in his eyes. "Yeah."
Annabelle pressed her lips together and stared at him intently for a moment. Then she stood up and said with conviction, "Ryan, take care of yourself. I won’t let you go to prison. I won’t."
’Once he’s in prison, it’ll be for at least ten years. His whole life will be ruined.’
Ryan looked at her, his heart aching. He lowered his gaze, sighed, and said once more, "Sis, I’m sorry."
’You’ve suffered so much because of me.’
’If it weren’t for me, you never would have married that Grant. And now, just when you finally had a chance to start over, I’ve ruined it all again.’
Annabelle told him to take care of himself, then walked away in her high heels.
Ryan sat down on the chair and coldly spat out two words: "Ashley Grant..."
...
Irreversible.
No matter which lawyer Annabelle consulted, the answer was the same. Even Lawyer Ford had said it.
Annabelle’s voice was hoarse with anxiety. "Ford, Ryan didn’t do anything to harm the country or society! Can’t the judge consider his youth and give him a second chance?"
Lawyer Ford’s voice was grave. "What your brother has done is no small matter, Annabelle. We’ve known each other a long time, so I’ll be blunt with you."
"Please, speak freely, Ford."
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