Chapter 262: Attend the Court
After drying Hannah's hair, Oscar put down the hairdryer.
Hannah touched her hair, murmuring, "Thanks."
"Just thanks? No physical expression of gratitude?" Oscar seemed expectant.
"You offered to dry my hair; I didn't ask," Hannah replied simply.
Oscar looked sulky, but Hannah ignored him. She'd noticed his growing infatuation and wanted to avoid getting involved.
As she stood, Oscar suddenly swept her into his arms.
"Oscar!" Hannah exclaimed, surprised by his strength.
He placed her on the washstand and, before she could react, kissed her.
"Oscar, you jerk!" she muttered.
Afterward, Oscar released her. "I don't accept oral gratitude," he said. "Hannah, remember to be proactive next time."
"Oh, and Theodore said he'll give me the evidence later."
"But you said he'd give it to you at the court session," Hannah questioned.
"I know, but you seemed worried," Oscar replied, his concern evident to Hannah. She had simply been suggesting that irrefutable evidence would easily prove Miguel's innocence.
"Alright, let's go downstairs for dinner," Oscar said, taking her hand to lead her from the bathroom.
Their fingers intertwined, she confessed, "Oscar, I feel like I might fall in love with you someday."
"You definitely will," he replied confidently.
What a cocky guy, she thought.
"My love for you is like a storm—inevitable," he said simply, yet to Hannah, it felt like a vow. She believed he truly loved her.
Two days later, the court session began. News of the case, involving the Cooper family—one of Northfield's most prominent—had gone viral that morning. It was guaranteed to attract significant attention.
Oscar and Hannah arrived early at the Cooper Manor, awaiting Miguel's arrival. At the courthouse gates, a throng of journalists awaited them. Jimmy fought to clear a path.
"Mr. Cooper, is the bribery and tax evasion accusation true? How do you feel?"
"Mr. Cooper, your mother accuses you of falsifying your heirship. Your comment?"
"Hannah Wells, what's your opinion on the case against your father? What are your chances of winning?"
"Oscar Wells, as a public official, are you concerned about the impact on your career if your father-in-law is found guilty?"
They were besieged by questions and a massive crowd.
"Mr. Cooper, is your silence an admission of guilt?" a journalist shouted.
Hannah stopped, sullen. Miguel grasped her arm. "Don't waste your time arguing with them."
She restrained her anger, and Oscar signaled to Jimmy, who forcefully cleared a path, escorting them toward the courthouse.
"Old Mrs. Cooper is here!" a journalist announced, causing a portion of the crowd to surge towards Lorie. Seeing Miguel's unresponsiveness, others followed, thinning the crowd.
"Mrs. Cooper, are you here out of concern for your son?"
"No. If he committed a crime, he deserves punishment. I'm here for justice, to restore the Coopers' honor," Lorie declared firmly.
"So, you believe Miguel committed a crime?"
"Why else would the prosecution investigate? I trust the system."
"About your accusation of Miguel's betrayal..."
"Do you think an old woman would falsely accuse him? If it weren't for Roger, I'd be alone!" Lorie retorted. "I believe the unfilial son will be punished."
A journalist then turned to Roger, who steadied Lorie. "Roger Cooper, your opinion on your brother's case?"
"I feel sorry for him; he's my brother. But if he committed a crime, he deserves punishment."
"If Miguel is imprisoned, will you take over the Cooper Group?"
"I'm not sure. It's his. Even in prison, the decision is his. But I'll fulfill my responsibilities," Roger replied smoothly.
"How generous!" a journalist remarked.
"As the elder brother, it's my duty," Roger said. "Miguel inherited everything when Father died. I've never questioned it. I only want a peaceful family."
"Miguel Cooper should be grateful for such a generous brother," a journalist observed.
"We are family," Roger added politely. He seemed far more amicable than Miguel. "Alright, everyone, it's time for court."
He and Lorie entered, followed by Wayne and Mary, who affected an air of gentility. Hannah watched them coldly, anticipating a shift in events once they were inside.
Entering the court, Miguel paused. "Hannah, Oscar and I will go this way."
Hannah looked at her father, then at Oscar, who nodded subtly. A sudden surge of confidence washed over her. Sometimes, mutual trust bloomed in an instant.