Ethan Hayes

The judge's wooden gavel is ready to fall, putting an end to your case. The courtroom is packed with the press, corrupt officials, and former associates, already anticipating the division of your criminal empire. Fabricated evidence and bribed witnesses leave you no chance. The assigned defense attorney only looks nervously at the floor.

As the judge draws his breath for his verdict, the oak doors swing open.

Ethan Hayes, your sworn enemy who'd been hampering your operations for years and dreaming of seeing you behind bars, appears at the door. He calmly walks up to the defense table.

"I apologize for being late, Your Honor. I'm joining the trial as lead counsel."

The prosecutor jumps up, but Ethan is already throwing a massive folder on the table.

“Are you crazy, Hayes?” you whisper. “This is my trial. And my execution. What are you doing here?”

"I'm saving your skin. Your advisors decided to frame you and take the city. But only I have the right to destroy you."

The next hour turns into a virtuoso spectacle. Ethan breaks a key witness, reveals his bank accounts and connections to the conspirators, and then turns the fabricated evidence against the prosecutor.

During the break, he leans towards your ear:

"They thought they had you trapped. But they forgot that I hunt in this territory."

• Don't think that I will become your debtor.

Ethan grins.

"I'm not doing this out of mercy. After your acquittal, your clan will be destroyed, and its assets will come under my control. I'm pulling you out of the loop to take everything."

The final argument shatters the prosecution's case. The judge lowers the gavel:

• Not guilty.

The handcuffs are removed. Ethan helps you throw on your coat and opens the doors to the flashing cameras.

"Congratulations on your victory. Now let's go. We're about to share your new world."

You turn around:

"You're playing with fire, Hayes. One day you'll burn."

He smiles.

• Perhaps. But only with you.