Chapter 546 Trap
Venus, displeased by Loretta's mockery, retorted, "Mrs. Sawyer, I disagree."
"You still hold out hope for Hannah, huh?" Loretta pressed.
"Hannah is a Wells family member, Mrs. Sawyer. Are you trying to sow discord?" Venus countered coldly.
Loretta sulked. She had always been hostile towards Venus, fueled by jealousy. Venus, the respected hostess of the Wells family—one of Kensbury's top four—always seemed superior, despite Loretta's efforts to climb the social ladder. Loretta harbored a deep-seated desire to see Venus fall.
Sneering, Loretta said, "Mrs. Wells, I merely remind you that some ladies are adept at concealing their true selves."
"You set a fine example," Venus mocked, nodding.
Loretta, irritated by the direct mockery, exclaimed, "Venus!"
Venus, showing no inclination to continue, declared, "Mrs. Sawyer, the Wells family business is none of your concern," and left with her family.
Watching them go, Loretta trembled with frustrated rage. She'd hoped to humiliate Venus, a long-held desire born from years of feeling inferior. Ideally, she would drive a wedge between Hannah and the Wells, triggering conflict between the Wells and Coopers, ultimately benefiting the Sawyers.
Meanwhile, Charles, Martina, and Sarah witnessed Loretta's embarrassed expression.
"Let's go. They're just posturing. They'll regret this," Charles said.
Loretta, suppressing her anger, huffed, "I'll make them suffer!" Charles nodded, anticipating the Wells' downfall.
As they left the court, a throng of journalists surrounded them. Charles protectively positioned himself in front of Sarah, a gesture she seemed to enjoy.
"Mr. Sawyer, it's said Oscar fainted under pressure while denying the conviction. Is that true?" a journalist asked.
"Yes, that's why the court adjourned," Charles replied.
"Do you believe it was part of Oscar's plan? To buy time before sentencing?"
"I'm not a doctor to offer a professional opinion."
"It's said the defense lawyer used sophistry. Is that true?"
"Indeed, his defense lacked logical rigor."
"The defense attorney speculated your involvement in Mary's death. Is that true?"
"That's why I found his defense lacking in logic," Charles firmly refuted. He needed to avoid suspicion, especially in the media's glare.
"But the defense seems plausible. Everyone involved remains suspect until proven otherwise," a journalist interjected.
Charles's face reddened. He was here to prove his innocence, not invite suspicion.
"You're not the judge! You have no right to comment on the case!" he exploded.
"Mr. Sawyer, why the anger? Are you covering something up?"
"How dare you! It's nonsense!"
The journalist persisted, "Mr. Sawyer, you claim only the judge can comment. Then why is my doubt 'nonsense'?"
Charles's fury grew.
"Your baseless anger creates misunderstanding. Or… were you involved in Mary's death?" the journalist pressed.
"If you slander me, I'll sue!" Charles threatened.
The journalist showed no fear. This was all part of Hannah and Theodore's plan—intentionally involving Charles to give Melvin Balderston a reason to act.
The journalist continued, "Mr. Sawyer, I apologize if I offended you. But until the trial concludes, anyone who knew Mary is suspect. I don't mean to accuse you, only comment on the case. Please don't misunderstand."
Charles knew the journalist was implying guilt.
He stated seriously, "Only the court is responsible. No one should draw conclusions before the trial concludes. I'm too busy for more questions. Please leave." He pushed past the journalists and supported Sarah.
Loretta and Martina followed sullenly.
Hannah and Theodore watched from their car as the Sawyers dispersed the journalists.
"Let's go," Hannah instructed Jimmy, who accelerated.
Theodore, scrolling through his phone, said, "Those questions are being sent to the media. The headline will be ready soon."
"Tell Manuel to prepare for censorship by the Collins. If so, have him hack the media, release the news, and use his technology to increase public attention."
"Okay," Theodore replied.
Silence fell. They were all worried about Oscar, especially after seeing his haggard appearance in court.
Around 2 PM, breaking news hit: "Charles Sawyer Likely Involved in Mary Cooper's Death!" The news spread rapidly, enraging Charles.
The Collins helped erase related news. However, at midnight, a social media post—undeletable and able to bypass device security—went viral. Suspicion surrounding Charles's involvement in Mary's death grew.