Chapter 267
Isabella applied the medicine. She knew Carly was shielding her from worry. Later that night, Carly told Adrian she wanted to refile the lawsuit. He immediately sprang into action. They had the evidence – bribery, perjury, the whole sordid mess. This time, they'd go after Leo Harrison, the scion who assaulted her, and the bought-and-paid-for witnesses.
Isabella and Carly waited, a strange calm settling over them. The stark contrast to their disastrous first attempt was palpable. Back then, overwhelmed and underfunded, they’d been utterly defeated.
The trial arrived. Carly, though initially terrified, quickly realized she was in good hands. Adrian handled everything; she merely answered a few questions. Unlike the last harrowing ordeal, where she’d been silenced, this time Leo Harrison, her attacker, trembled in the defendant’s seat.
His fear wasn't just about Carly. Adrian had uncovered a pattern of assault, involving several underage girls – two sixteen, one fifteen, and one barely fourteen. Add to that drug abuse, trafficking, and forcing minors to use drugs, and Leo’s fate was sealed. A death sentence.
The verdict stunned Isabella and Carly. They’d never imagined such depravity, yet a profound sense of justice prevailed. Leaving the courthouse, disbelief hung heavy. Only once home did the weight of years finally lift.
For Carly, the relief was immense. But that joy was short-lived. Connor appeared at the mansion. While Carly shopped, he ambushed her, demanding she return.
How could she?
He raised his hand, ready to strike. But this time, Carly reacted instinctively, faster than thought, shoving him away hard. He stumbled, nearly colliding with startled onlookers.
Carly hadn't seen Connor since moving out. Ronald’s school had been discreetly changed to a prestigious academy, Adrian and Isabella's doing. They feared Connor using Ronald against her. A regular kindergarten offered no protection. But the elite academy was different; its strict security kept Connor away. They hadn't told him about the transfer.
"Carly Graham, are you done? Living off someone else forever?" Connor snarled, his eyes narrowed. "And where's Ronald? He's not at Seahorse Kindergarten!"
Carly knew then: Connor had already been to the kindergarten. Adrian and Isabella had been right to worry.
"It's none of your business," she said coldly.
He lunged, but she dodged. "Ronald Zane is my son! I have a right to know!" he roared.
Tears streamed down Carly's face as she met his gaze. "Yes, he's your son. But Connor Zane, honestly, when have you ever cared? When have you ever shown him concern? You only know violence! You hit me, you hit him. How many times did you hurt Ronald while hitting me?"
A crowd gathered, their sympathy palpable. Carly, wanting none of it, turned and ran. Connor was hot on her heels.