Chapter 590: Death Penalty

The court session for Charles's case commenced at 10:00 a.m. Melvin, representing the prosecution, detailed Charles and Loretta's crimes. Victims, witnesses, and other relevant individuals then testified, including Sarah.

Sarah relentlessly accused Charles of all his crimes, particularly the abuse she suffered at the hands of his family during her hospitalization.

It likely never occurred to Charles that he would die at a woman's hand. He had always believed he held complete sway over women. He never anticipated that Hannah and Sarah, the two women who had consumed his thoughts, would now be instrumental in his downfall.

The defense offered little in Charles and Loretta's defense, resulting in a swift trial. Despite their pleas of innocence, the overwhelming evidence led to immediate sentencing.

Charles received a death sentence with a twenty-year reprieve; Loretta was sentenced to life imprisonment. Their lives were irrevocably ruined.

After the verdict, Hannah avoided Charles's gaze, ignoring his disbelief, emotional collapse, and Loretta's weeping.

As Hannah prepared to leave the courthouse and enter her sedan, she heard someone call her name.

Turning, she saw Sarah. Hannah found it slightly surprising that Sarah had approached her. She knew that even if Sarah realized Hannah had saved her from Charles, gratitude wouldn't follow. Sarah understood Hannah had acted in her self-interest—to secure Oscar's acquittal and exact revenge on Charles.

Furthermore, Sarah's child's death was almost certainly Hannah's doing. Though Sarah had successfully avenged herself on Charles, she had done so at Hannah's behest. How could such a proud and arrogant woman peacefully accept this?

Yet, here Sarah was, initiating contact.

Hannah remained composed, smiling slightly as she asked, "Miss Collins, is there something you wish to discuss?"

"Could we have a minute?"

Hannah turned, glanced at Jimmy, and said, "Wait for me in the sedan."

"Yes, ma'am," Jimmy replied.

"Miss Collins, be direct," Hannah stated bluntly.

Sarah cut to the chase. "Mrs. Wells, would you be willing to cooperate with the Collins family?"

Hannah's brows furrowed slightly.

Sarah continued, condescendingly, "The Collins family hopes for your support."

"I'm flattered," Hannah replied, sidestepping the question.

"My father believes your handling of Oscar and Charles's cases demonstrated exceptional competence. He holds you in high regard. You wouldn't refuse us, would you?" Sarah asked with a smile.

"I appreciate the Collins family's high opinion, but my family is merely mercantile. We lack the experience to work with you. Now that Northfield is under the Collins and Balderston's control, we simply follow your lead. We'll naturally comply with your directives," Hannah said, subtly expressing subservience while maintaining a neutral stance.

Displeasure flickered across Sarah's face. Despite Hannah's seemingly grand words, she had effectively refused. Sarah herself had only agreed to this meeting after her father's persuasion; they intended to utilize the Cooper family. This rejection was unexpected.

Who did Hannah think she was? Even as wealthy as the Coopers were, they were insignificant compared to the Collins family.

"Please tell your father I appreciate his compliments. I will continue to uphold my civic duties as a good citizen," Hannah stated, subtly elevating herself with politeness before entering her sedan and departing.

Sarah's face darkened. Even Charles had once groveled before her. Now, she had humbled herself to approach Hannah, only to be met with disrespect.

Gritting her teeth, Sarah turned and left, vowing to make Hannah pay.

Back in the sedan, Hannah checked her phone. A new message read, "It's okay to meet." She replied, "Thanks," then instructed Jimmy, "Go to the detention house." He drove without question.

Hannah gazed out the window at the cityscape of Kensbury. The New Year had passed, winter was waning, and she thought, Charles would never see another spring.

They arrived shortly.

As they approached the detention house, Jimmy was stopped. A staff member declared, "Only Mrs. Wells is permitted entry."

Hannah nodded, instructing Jimmy to wait. Since Melvin had granted her access to Charles, she wouldn't push her luck. She followed the guard to a cell.

The Collins family, it seemed, had treated Charles leniently; at least he hadn't lost a limb. Considering Oscar's brutal treatment at Charles's hands, this was perhaps unsurprising, though Charles's prison life would undoubtedly be harsh. His greatest fear now was public judgment.

Charles was surprised to see Hannah, though he masked his emotions. He sneered, "What are you doing here?"

"Enjoying your humiliation," Hannah replied bluntly.

This enraged him. His scarlet eyes blazed with hatred. "Hannah, you'll die for this!"

"That was my last life," Hannah replied coldly.

Charles stared, furious.

Hannah laughed. "Don't you want to know why I've changed?"

"What do you mean?" Charles, seething, seemed to want no further interaction. "I admit my defeat!"

"Admitting it isn't enough. You need to understand everything before you die," Hannah said coldly, deliberately rubbing salt into his wounds, knowing his pride would prevent him from accepting defeat.

"Charles, let me tell you a story," Hannah ignored his anger. "It's ridiculous, but true."

Charles trembled, suppressing his rage.

Hannah spoke in a low voice, "In my last life, I loved you, believed everything you said, gave you everything, endured humiliation from the Sawyers. I thought you loved me. But you only wanted my family's fortune!"