Chapter 259
Honestly, Gabriel and the others were absurdly lucky. Even now—after everything—someone was still willing to spend a fortune on their defense, just so they could stay free and continue to make Abigail’s life misérable.
At the courthouse, Abigail’s lawyer and the attorney Blair had hired for Gabriel’s side were already locked in a heated legal battle, each fiercely defending their client.
Abigail sat in the gallery. Her gaze swept over Gabriel, Blanca, and Stephen. The elderly couple looked utterly haggard, keeping their heads bowed throughout the proceedings as if trying to hide from prying eyes.
Stephen had spotted her the moment she arrived. And when he saw her staring at him with the same cold indifference, it hit him hard.
He’d heard she wasn’t planning to come today, but something must have changed because she showed up anyway. He thought, “She must be worried we might not end up behind bars.”
“To my knowledge, the defendant, Bianca Gibson, suffers from severe insomnia and has been hospitalized multiple times because of it,” Ms. Prescott’s lawyer, Marcus Crane, said, turning to Bianca. “Is that correct?”
Blanca looked up, her gaze blank and unfocused, but she still nodded.
“Your Honor, here are Bianca’s medical records. Her insomnia is severe. According to the doctors I consulted, patients like her are about five times more likely than the average person to develop depression within three years.
“Back then, Daniella was her emotional anchor. The family’s decision to let Abigail take the fall was made with Bianca’s health in mind. Given these circumstances, I believe the court should show some leniency,” Marcus said, looking at Abigail’s lawyer, Todd Mitchell.
The judges silently exchanged documents among themselves.
Todd countered, “Your Honor, the defendant has no clinical diagnosis of depression. Even if such a condition existed, it would date back three years. Attorney Crane’s claims cannot serve as valid evidence for a not-guilty defense!”
Marcus declared in a booming voice, “But she suffers from severe insomnia, with medical records from three years ago as evidence. In fact, she frequently visited the hospital for prescriptions, all of which is documented. I can retrieve those records immediately and submit them to the court.”
Abigail realized something and thought, “So this is their defense plan. No wonder Ms. Prescott is so confident.”
Marcus continued, “People with depression are often overlooked, especially mothers. These women usually have it the worst. Postpartum depression is rarely taken seriously. They run the entire household, raise the kids, and carry the weight of countless invisible pressures.
“Most of the time, their children are their only emotional anchor. From what I understand, before the incident, Bianca and Daniella were incredibly…”
Gabriel finally caught on, thinking, “Wait, are we actually going to win this case?”
Bianca looked utterly bewildered. She wasn’t even sure if she suffered from depression. Gabriel glanced at Abigail in the gallery.
Though guilt gnawed at him, prison was the last thing he wanted. After a hesitant pause, he said, “Yes, my wife was deeply dependent on Daniella. When Daniella made mistakes, I insisted she be punished, but my wife even got into a fight with me over this.”
Marcus continued, “So when the Gibson family chose to shield Daniella back then, it was really out of concern for Blanca. Her condition may not have been diagnosed at the time, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t recognized.”
“That’s why I believe their actions should be seen as mitigating. They might still be guilty, yes—but their intent wasn’t malicious… they were just trying to protect Bianca.”
Abigail had heard enough of this nonsense. The first hearing ended without a verdict, so the court adjourned.
Abigail and Todd walked out of the courthouse together. Todd looked genuinely remorseful and said, “I really didn’t see that coming. I never expected the lawyer to take this perspective. I thought it was an open and shut case and we’d get a verdict after the first hearing, but then…” He trailed off, showing a note of defeat.
Abigail said calmly, “This isn’t your fault. All I need is a guilty verdict. As long as it’s clear…”
“I want this over with.”
“I’ll make sure we’re fully prepared,” Todd assured her.
Abigail nodded. As her lawyer walked off, Abigail turned to leave as well. Just then, Marcus emerged from the courthouse with several assistants in tow.
Spotting Abigail, he approached and sized her up. “Ms. Gibson, Ms. Prescott asked me to relay a message to you. She wants you to know if you know what’s good for you, break up with Sebastian and cut all ties with him.
“Otherwise, it won’t just be a legal battle in court. There will be other consequences.”
“Is that so? Then I can’t wait to see what tricks Ms. Prescott has up her sleeve,” Abigail retorted coldly, then turned on her heel and walked away.
She wanted justice—she wanted the Gibson family in prison. But she also understood the reality—if they pushed too hard under these circumstances, especially with today’s hearing being public, it could easily backfire and invite unwanted sympathy for them.