Chapter 542: The Trial (2) The Court

She had to control her fury in front of the media. This was not the time to speak for Oscar.

She said peacefully, "To your questions, I have no answers. But I trust the impartiality and justice of the law to provide a final, correct answer."

The courtroom erupted. Hannah's statement hinted at her mistrust of Oscar and a possible contingency plan. Considering her previous dedication to his case, her recent return to normalcy suggested she might have given up on him. This guess seemed plausible.

Another question followed: "Mrs. Wells, do you regret marrying Oscar? Your wedding to Mr. Charles Sawyer was planned, but Oscar's arrival changed everything. Without him, you and Charles might have reconciled. Do you regret ruining your happiness for him—a scoundrel?"

Hannah clenched her fists, suppressing her anger. Theodore, at her side, punched the reporter violently. She didn't stop him; she would have done the same.

Theodore's action caused chaos. Hannah, seeing Jimmy, made a swift retreat under his protection. As she ascended the stairs, a voice halted her.

A reporter shouted, "It's Charles and Lady Sarah!"

This announcement diverted attention from the altercation. Theodore released the injured reporter, threatening, "I'll tear your mouth out next time."

The bruised and bleeding reporter mumbled, "I'll... I'll sue you..."

"Suit yourself," Theodore retorted, returning to Hannah. He saw Charles and Sarah—Kensbury City's most admired couple. His fighting spirit surged, his fists clenching.

"Let's go," Hannah said calmly, "Their happy time is dwindling anyway."

Theodore suppressed his anger and left. Charles sneered at them from afar, his gaze fixed on Hannah's retreating figure. He felt a surge of triumph; he'd completely defeated her.

The reporters' demeanor shifted dramatically in Charles's presence. They became enthusiastic, even fawning. "Good morning, Mr. Sawyer. Why are you here?"

Charles's power was undeniable. Born into one of the city's prominent families, he was now the Collins' son-in-law. He'd made a remarkable ascent.

Charles replied, "Given our past professional relationship, I felt obligated to attend. It's a matter of city business."

"Any comment on Oscar Wells' case?" a reporter asked. "It's unbelievable that someone as wealthy as Oscar would embezzle millions."

"This isn't about money," Charles stated, "but about succumbing to temptation and the allure of power."

"So, he crossed legal boundaries to indulge his lust for power?"

"That's a question only the court can answer," Charles cleverly replied.

"Given the circumstances, what sentence do you predict? Will he face the death penalty, considering the other charges?"

"I'm not a judge," Charles responded cautiously, holding his wife close. "Excuse us, we must leave."

He was dismissing the reporters, who readily obliged, clearing a path for the couple. They departed arm-in-arm, their affectionate exit capturing the attention of the press. Charles and Sarah were guaranteed to become the latest trending topic.

Hannah sat in the courtroom, scrolling through her phone, silent and outwardly calm. Beneath the surface, however, turmoil raged. She was finally going to see Oscar again. The news updates were unusually rapid, covering the events of the day—the reporters, Theodore's assault, and the affectionate couple.

Then, a distraction. She saw Charles carefully guiding Sarah to a nearby row. Sarah glanced at Hannah, their eyes met. Hannah saw triumph in Sarah's smile. Hannah simply looked away, remembering the past torments inflicted by Charles and Sarah—torments she would never forget or forgive.

"Hannah!" Susan exclaimed.

Hannah turned. The anger faded from her eyes.

"My God, the number of reporters outside! You can see the impact of the Oscar Wells case," Susan said excitedly.

Hannah remained silent.

"Are you anxious?" Susan asked, concerned by her friend's quiet demeanor.

"Yes."

"Don't worry. Oscar will be cleared; this is clearly a setup," Susan reassured her. This trial was far from easy; she also sought to bring down Charles and make him pay for his crimes.

Susan’s words were cut short by Manuel's arrival. He sat beside Theodore. Martina approached him. Susan looked away.

"Manuel, my brother says Oscar has no chance. Don't get involved with Hannah; it will ruin your reputation," Martina declared bluntly.

Manuel looked downcast. Theodore, angered, warned, "One punch from me could send you to hell. Want a trial?"

Martina paled, shrinking back. "Manuel, I'm trying to help you."

Seeing Theodore's displeasure, Martina left, promising to speak to him later.

Theodore scoffed, "Manuel, your taste in women is terrible."

Manuel rolled his eyes.

"One after another. All stupid and ungraceful," Theodore muttered.

Susan's face flushed; he was including her in his criticism. Before she could respond, a wave of people entered—staff, officials, witnesses, the accused, and lawyers.

Susan glanced at Hannah, whose gaze was fixed on the man being led away by police.