Chapter 983

At that moment, what Jonathan was thinking was, ‘Let it end here. Let this grudge finally be over. I’m tired. I’m really tired.’

Jonathan was the victim and also played a key role in this case. His forgiveness made all the difference, and his few simple words spoke louder than anything the lawyers could say.

At that point, both lawyers had nothing left to add. The judge had already understood the whole story, wrapped up the case, and was about to announce the verdict.

The judge said, “Defendant Jennifer Nelson, while working as a doctor, was suspected of perjury and fraud.

“According to Article 305 of the Criminal Law, the court hereby finds Jennifer is sentenced to nine months in prison and ordered to pay the plaintiff ten thousand dollars for emotional damages.”

Teresa whipped her head toward Jennifer in shock. They’d talked about it before. Jennifer was only supposed to get six months at most.

“If you have any objections, the defendant and her family may file an appeal within ten days.” With that, the judge brought down the gavel, marking the end of this farce.

Jennifer’s face showed no emotion as she was led away once more.

Before leaving, she cast a long, lingering look at the empty seat. Donald still hadn’t come. She turned away, her heart heavy with disappointment.

Some people were celebrating, while others could only sigh.

Teresa was completely drained. She and Gary walked out of the courtroom. Her legs almost gave out beneath her, and Gary quickly reached out to steady her.

Gary was just as shocked that Jennifer had been sentenced to nine months.

“How did it go?” Benny, who had been waiting by the door, rushed over, his voice full of concern.

Neither Gary nor Teresa said a word. When Benny saw the serious look on Teresa’s face, with tear stains still on her cheeks, he got a bad feeling about that. “So… How long did your sister get?” Benny asked.

“Nine months…” Teresa replied softly.

“What?” Benny’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “They actually gave her three extra months? How did that even happen?”

Gary gave Benny a quick rundown of what happened, and Benny finally got it.

“I didn’t think Irene would stir up so much drama. Even if Irene was making a scene, Jennifer should’ve just kept her mouth shut. How could she blurt out something like wanting to kill someone right there in court?” Benny said.

Benny thought, ‘That kind of outburst in court? Total disrespect. That’s basically asking for trouble. Those extra three months, Jennifer had a lot to do with her own impulsiveness.’

Gary let out a sigh. “So, what now? Should we try to appeal?”

Benny let out a helpless sigh. “Even if we want to appeal, Jennifer has to agree. It’s up to her. And honestly, I doubt the appeal will change anything. They’ll probably just uphold the original sentence.”

Nine months was neither too short nor too long. It felt like both a blink and an eternity. It was winter, and by the time Jennifer finished her sentence, it would already be autumn next year.

Gary clenched his fists. “Why isn’t Donald here yet? Didn’t he say he’d come?”

Teresa didn’t know either. She’d tried calling Donald, but he wouldn’t answer. The whole trial had come and gone, and Donald never showed up, not even once.

Just then, they heard footsteps approaching from behind. Jonathan and Irene came out through another door. Irene’s eyes were puffy from crying, and she was pressing a handkerchief to her eyes.

Even though Jennifer had been sentenced to nine months, Irene felt like the real victim here. She thought Jonathan wasn’t on her side.

Jonathan shook off Irene’s grip and walked over to Teresa, his gaze deep and unwavering as he looked at her.

Teresa didn’t know what to say to him, or even how to meet his eyes. Jonathan pressed his lips together; he felt the same way. With so many words in his heart, but none he could speak aloud,

Finally, his voice was hoarse and low. “I’m sorry.”

Teresa was just about to speak when a car suddenly pulled up in front of the courthouse.

Evelyn hurried out of the car, calling out, “Teresa! Where’s your sister?” as she rushed over.

Teresa was stunned for a moment when she saw Evelyn, then strode over. “Mom, why are you here? Who told you to come?”

“Never mind who told me! Just tell me. Did Jonathan’s mom really sue your sister? Is your sister really going to prison? Is this true?” Evelyn demanded.

“Mom, calm down, please,” Teresa said.

“How am I supposed to calm down? Just tell me, is it true or not? Where’s your sister? Has the sentence been handed down? How long is her sentence?” Evelyn pressed.

When Teresa finally said “nine months,” Evelyn’s eyes filled with tears. In Evelyn’s heart, Jennifer had always been her own child, Hannah. But her daughter was going to prison, all because of Irene.

At that moment, Evelyn snapped. She rushed to Irene, started fighting with her, yanking her hair, hitting and shoving her in a frenzy.

Teresa and Benny tried to break them up, but Evelyn was completely losing it, screaming at Irene, demanding to know why she would go after her child when their families had never even crossed paths.

“Teresa already got back together with your son. We’re family now. How can you be so heartless to us? Don’t you care about saving face at all?” Evelyn shouted.

Irene pushed Evelyn’s hand away. “Back together? They never even got back together. Your precious daughter faked all those DNA test results, and your younger one covered it up.”

As soon as Irene finished speaking, Evelyn slapped her hard across the face. “Don’t talk about my children like that. And what makes you any better?”

Irene snapped back, “I may not be perfect, but at least I’m not some twice–divorced woman that no man even wants.”

“And you, a widow, have the nerve to judge me? We’re both no saints, but at least I don’t go around cursing people like you do,” Evelyn shot back.

“You!”

“Enough, Mom! Stop it already, don’t make a scene here!” Teresa gripped Evelyn’s arm tightly. “Let’s go!”

Evelyn grabbed Teresa’s hand, shot a furious glare at Irene and then at Jonathan, and snapped angrily, “It’s better you never remarried. Mark my words, as long as I’m still here, our two families are finished. From now on, we’re enemies.

“Let’s go! From now on, we have nothing to do with them ever again,” Evelyn declared. With that, Evelyn dragged Teresa away.

Irene tried to go after them, but Jonathan grabbed her wrist and shot her a fierce glare. “Isn’t it humiliating enough for you already?”

Jonathan dragged Irene into the car. He slammed the car door shut and got in, his heart bleeding at that moment.

On one side was Teresa, on the other was his own mother. Deep down, he knew Evelyn’s words were really meant for him, too.

From that moment on, the two families would be at odds. Those words just wiped out everything Jonathan had ever done.