The Untouchable

Chapter 96

The trial was a media sensation, generating widespread coverage. The case of Sennoy, convicted in record time, was quickly muted by the Bystritskys's case. Outside the courthouse, a thick crowd of onlookers and journalists gathered, eagerly awaiting the sight of the prisoner.

Daniel fidgeted nervously, adjusting the long strands of his wig. His sunglasses and voluminous scarf hid much of his face, while trendy oversized clothes disguised his broad shoulders. The pink hat, mirrored aviators, and long blonde hair transformed his appearance dramatically, making him nearly unrecognizable as he shifted anxiously from foot to foot, eyes glued to the courthouse door.

Despite the disguise, he felt uneasy. The crowd pressed against him, jostling him closer to the steps, their foul breath hot against his face - he had to resist the urge to lash out. But Daniel held back; he was already taking a significant risk by being there. Mr. Mason had strongly advised him to stay within the consulate grounds while his documents were being prepared, and until now, Daniel had complied. But missing this particular moment was out of the question. He needed to see him one last time, to look into those troubled green eyes. He couldn't fully explain why - it was just something he had to do.

Alexander must have sensed his presence - he couldn't help but. Living in Moscow meant Sennoy kept Daniel close, and during the trial, Alexander likely managed to extract some information from him. Yet, strangely, he hadn't contested the money transfer. As soon as Alexander was charged, Daniel emptied the cryptocurrency account, compensating himself for the moral damages with a far larger sum than he could have claimed in court - $150 million. The very amount Daniel was accused of stealing, now legitimized by his status as a co-owner of the account, went uncontested by the other co-owner. Whether Alexander hadn't noticed the loss amidst the chaos or simply no longer cared was unclear.

"They're saying he'll get a light sentence, maybe just a slap on the wrist," muttered a nearby man to his companion. "He claimed Fedorov kidnapped him and presented some evidence to support it. Clever bastard, huh? They'll probably get it down to manslaughter, even if it was premeditated. The lawyers will push for early release - he might not even serve two years. These rich pricks get away with everything!"

"If his father hadn't fallen ill, that bastard wouldn't be going to jail at all, mark my words," the other man responded confidently. "They would've taken care of him. He had the media in his pocket, and with enough pressure, they would've buried the story. The only reason it leaked was because his father's on his deathbed. Otherwise, they'd be too scared to let it out. The old man had the courts in his pocket long ago."

"I'd shake the hand of whoever leaked it," the first man said cheerfully, nudging Daniel and apologizing. "Sorry, miss, wasn't my fault - someone pushed me."

"It's fine," Daniel replied in a low voice, stepping up a stair to avoid hearing more.

Finally, the courthouse doors opened, and police officers emerged, forming a short corridor. They could have discreetly taken him out the back, but instead, they paraded him in front of the crowd, showcasing the triumph of justice. Daniel instinctively pulled back, but the crowd surged forward, carrying him toward the prisoner.

Alexander walked slowly, eyes downcast, not looking at the sides or at the prison van waiting at the foot of the stairs. The strong wind tousled his carefully styled hair - he was playing the role of a good boy, likely on his lawyer's advice. His attire was understated, not his usual luxurious style - not mass-market, but certainly not Brioni either. He wore a nondescript gray suit, white shirt, and blue tie. Georgy walked beside him, occasionally snapping at the officers who pushed him, speaking fervently - probably assuring Alexander that he'd get him out soon, that he'd try to protect him. But Daniel shook his head in disbelief - Fedorov's associates now had more power than Georgy.