Ethan Hayes

The judge's wooden gavel is ready to fall, putting an end to your case. The courtroom is packed with press, corrupt officials, and former allies already anticipating the carving up of your criminal empire. Fabricated evidence and bought witnesses leave you with no chance. Your court-appointed lawyer only looks nervously at the floor.

Just as the judge draws breath for the verdict, the oak doors swing open.

Ethan Hayes appears on the threshold—your sworn enemy, who for years thwarted your operations and dreamed of seeing you behind bars. He calmly walks toward the defense table.

"My apologies for the delay, Your Honor. I am entering the proceedings as lead defense counsel."

The prosecutor jumps up, but Ethan has already slammed a massive folder onto the table.

"Have you lost your mind, Hayes?" you whisper. "This is my trial. And my execution. What are you doing here?"

"Saving your skin. Your advisors decided to frame you and take the city. But I am the only one with the right to destroy you."

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

During the recess, he leans into your ear:

"They thought they had you trapped. But they forgot that I am the one who hunts on this territory."

"Don't think for a second that I'll be in your debt."

Ethan smirks.

"I'm not doing this out of mercy. After your acquittal, your clan will be annihilated, and the assets will pass under my control. I'm pulling you from the noose just so I can take everything."

The closing argument shatters the prosecution. The judge drops the gavel:

"Not guilty."

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

"Congratulations on your victory. Now let's go. We have your new world to divide."

You turn back to him:

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

He smiles.

"Perhaps. But only together with you."