Chapter 476 A Ledger Named 300 Million
Emelie clutched her chest as she felt something squeeze her heart.
Was this what it meant to be connected by blood?
Even though she had never met Xander and had only seen a blurry picture of him in her investigations, Emelie felt like her heart was torn apart after hearing Wesley’s brief description. It hurt badly.
In her daze, she pictured a majestic lion in the forest, and it had fallen into a hunter’s cunning trap. Despite its valiant struggle to escape, the lion was wounded and weakened, so it became an easy target for its rivals that were hungry for its territory.
These rivals used every dirty trick in their books and worked together to kill the lion. Finally, they tore it apart, claiming its land and dividing its wealth.
Meanwhile, the lion lay forgotten in a corner, rotting away until it died and only its bones remained.
Emelie couldn’t continue eating. She felt like a bone was lodged in her throat.
The image of Xander, who looked dignified and kind, began to distort into something evil in her mind.
She was unable to contain her emotions and blurted, “If he was framed, why didn’t he fight back?”
Wesley responded gently, “The trap was so flawless that it was impossible for him to escape. Even if he fought to the bitter end, he might not have been able to win.
“Moreover, he had a family and was afraid that others would seek vengeance against them, so he chose to shoulder all the blame, hoping his death would end everything.”
Family… Family meant her.
For the first time in twenty–five years, Emelie learned the heartbreaking truth. Her biological father had sacrificed himself to protect her.
She held back her tears and asked, “But why target my father after everything was over?”
Emelie curled up defensively.
Wesley stood up, increased the temperature of the air conditioning, and went to grab a blanket. He then wrapped it around her and gave her a comforting hug.
It wasn’t meant to be intimate in any way. It was done so she wouldn’t feel alone.
Emelie indeed needed a pillar of strength to lean on at this moment. Wesley’s pine scent calmed her down, and she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
His low and hoarse voice rang in her ear. “The death penalty isn’t handed out lightly, but Xander received this sentence for embezzlement. They claimed he embezzled 10 million dollars during the construction of several railroads where 300 million dollars was invested.”
Emelie’s head snapped up, her eyes wide with shock.
10 million? No wonder Xander was given the death penalty. The embezzled amount was so massive that it jeopardized the country and the public’s well–being. Who wouldn’t be sentenced to death?
However, Wesley said, “But Xander never took the money.”
Emelie’s breathing became erratic, and she gripped Wesley’s sweater subconsciously.
Wesley noticed her knuckles and spoke softly, “Back then, Xander was cautious about the project, fearing to make any mistakes. He even kept a ledger where he meticulously recorded every transaction.
He jokingly referred to it as being worth 300 million dollars, hence the name of the ledger became ‘300 Million.‘”
Ledger…
Emelie’s mind raced. “Could this ledger prove Xander’s innocence?”
“Not only would it clear his name, but it would also expose the true culprits behind the embezzlement scheme,” Wesley said.
Emelie exclaimed, “Then this ledger is a ticking time bomb!”
Wesley said, “The four families who brought down the Pierce family couldn’t find the ledger no matter where they looked. It became a constant worry, but since no one could find it, they thought it would forever remain a mystery, until three years ago.
“Because of his greed, your father was set up and owed a huge debt. Reggie had asked Ronan for money. When Ronan saw Reggie, he recognized his resemblance to James.
“Even though James was no longer alive, he had told Reggie about Ronan’s abduction of Xander’s daughter. While begging for mercy, Ronan revealed his identity as an old friend. “Reggie exploited Ronan’s desperation. He revealed someone was protecting you and hatched a plan with Reggie to use you to pay his debt, intending to flush out your protector. They planned a scheme involving a three million dollar debt. However, that night, you met William first.”
Emelie listened in a daze, her eyes fixed on Wesley. His features weren’t particularly sharp, but the smooth lines from his forehead to his nose and chin lent him a retined air.
She stared at him for so long that his gaze flickered and he looked away. Unexpectedly, she reached out and grasped his hand.