Related Cases (1)
Related Novels (1)
Related Chapters (2)
The Logical Deadlock
Words: 3224 · Source Novel:: The Hoarded Trousers
In the climactic trial session, Ethan recalls Michael Tan to the stand. He confronts Tan with the safe log and the scarf's "granted" timestamp—recorded, according to Zhao's ledger, without the mandatory witness signature. Ethan poses the lethal question: "If Mr. Zhao would never, under any circumstance, award even a paperclip without a countersigning witness, how could he have given Lena this scarf alone? The only person who would believe such a grant possible is someone who didn't truly understand his maniacal discipline—you." Tan's alibi shatters; the jury recognizes the logical deadlock. Under pressure, Tan breaks down and confesses that he killed Zhao for embezzlement exposure, then staged the frame-up, unaware of Zhao's ironclad ritual.
The Hidden Exhibit
Words: 2794 · Source Novel:: The Hoarded Trousers
The prosecution presents the silk scarf, found in Lena's bag with traces of Zhao's blood, as proof of a personal, conflicted relationship. Ethan, however, obtains the safe's electronic access log, which shows it was opened *after* Zhao's time of death. The scarf was planted. But who else knew the code? Suspicion shifts to Zhao's business partner, Michael Tan, who stood to gain controlling shares. Ethan learns Tan was seen near the house, but has a solid alibi—unless the security footage timestamps were manipulated. A forensic IT expert confirms the timestamp glitch, yet the judge demands proof of motive for the tampering. Ethan realizes the key lies in Zhao's pathological rule: a reward given without a witness is an impossibility.