Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
At the opposite end of the hallway, bathed in a stream of sunlight, stood the Taylors. They had observed her humiliating display.
Betty, who once relished provoking Alyssa whenever she crossed her path, now refrained from uttering a word. She hastily retreated with her tail tucked between her legs.
“What a wretched family.” Colene clicked her tongue. She crossed her arms and mocked, “Was there some sort of genetic mutation? How could Sophia end up having two daughters who are worlds apart?
“Ms. Lauren is such a sweet and lovely lady. As for Betty… She’s like a character straight out of The Witcher. She’s vulgar, dumb, and evil!
“Even her obnoxious mother would’ve been better than her when she was 20 years younger!”
Mandy looked confused. She said, “Speaking of this, Colene, I felt strange too. There are four children in the Walsh family.
“I’ve seen Justin, who’s living in Mosgravia long-term when he was younger. He, Jeremy, and Lauren are such outstanding and glamorous people. Among the young people in Solana City, that is.
“Betty, on the other hand, is like a feral child plucked from the streets. Her demeanor is less than favorable, and she lacks any hint of refinement.”
Upon hearing that, the gaze in Alyssa’s eyes dimmed slightly. She couldn’t help but feel a hint of suspicion.
Betty didn’t bear much resemblance to Javier, whether personality-wise or even by how she looked.
When they stood together, one wouldn’t even think they were father and daughter.
“Lyse? Are you okay? What were you so focused on?” Jeremy whispered. He gave her a slight tug on her waist.
Alyssa leaned on him. She pressed her lips together slightly and replied, “It’s nothing.”
The court session resumed at 3:00 pm sharp.
The entire session was still being live-streamed. Everyone was now familiar with the presiding judge, the prosecutor, the plaintiff, and the defendant.
In the morning, the public gallery was packed to the brim. Now, it was just Alyssa, Jeremy, and their family and friends. The quietness was chilling.
None of the other Walsh’s were present. Even Sophia’s daughter, Betty, was too embarrassed to attend the session.
Sophia and Jeffrey walked out one after another. Their hands were cuffed. Once again, they were led to their respective seats in humiliation.
Metal railings separated Sophia and the rest of the courtroom. Her hair was in disarray. She was expressionless. She scanned the gallery with a blank look in her eyes.
She observed that only the Taylor family remained. A twisted expression took over her face, and she couldn’t help herself and burst out laughing.
Steven frowned. He tapped the gavel. He coldly instructed, “Please be quiet, defendant!”
Simultaneously, Simon struggled to maintain his composure. His face was rigid, as if a light touch might shatter him.
In essence, he was experiencing defeat.
Sean was assisting Gemma, holding onto her arm as they proceeded to the plaintiff’s seat. He offered gentle pats on her back in an attempt to provide comfort.
She was already 80 years old. It was hard enough for her to get through the tumultuous session in the morning. She barely had anything to eat at noon because she was too worried.
She waited all the way until now for the court’s final verdict on both Sophia and Jeffrey.
Sean took note of all these. His heart ached, and he felt terrible for her. He had been preparing for this hearing day and night. He swore to be in his best condition. He wanted to do his very best to make Sophia plead guilty.
However, he knew it was insufficient to rely on his capabilities. This time, Alyssa and Jeremy had helped to strategize. Other than that, Silas had helped to turn the tide. Sophia wouldn’t have confessed to her crime in court if it weren’t for them.
They noticed that Steven now looked slightly different than when they were in the earlier session. He now had glasses on.
The Lynch brothers knew their brother, Steven, very well. Unbeknownst to the public, he was someone who paid attention to his image. He was severely short-sighted. So, he would usually have contact lenses on in public.
He reserved the use of his glasses for moments of gravity and significance, treating it as a personal ritual.
The room was silent.
Steven stood up. He had a stern expression on his face. He lifted the written verdict with his hands. He read it out in a clear and strong voice, “I hereby announce the verdict on Jeffrey Snyder for first-degree murder.”
Everyone held their breath. They were focused. Jeffrey, on the other hand, didn’t look as gloomy. He even looked slightly relaxed.
Being a foreigner in this country and with Sophia sharing the blame, he anticipated receiving a 20-year sentence before ultimately being deported back to Tsulu.
He wasn’t concerned about being in his fifties 20 years later. At least, he would only be middle-aged. He would still have a life to live after his release.
That thought made him smirk slightly. He was pleased.
Steven paused. He then continued with confidence, “From the trial, we have found the defendant, Jeffrey Snyder, guilty of the charge of murdering the victim in his own self-interest.
“We believe that the defendant showed no remorse after committing murder in exchange for money. Subsequently, he fled the country.
“After escaping abroad, he vehemently resisted authorities during arrest, which are considered aggravating circumstances. His actions pose a significant risk to society, warranting severe punishment.
“I hereby declare that the defendant, Jeffrey Snyder, will be sentenced to death for first-degree murder. His political rights will be permanently revoked, and all his personal assets will be confiscated in their entirety.”
Sentenced to death… He was sentenced to death?
Jeffrey’s mind felt like it had been struck by a massive explosion. He couldn’t hear what Steven was saying next, and he didn’t want to either.
He grabbed onto the railing and shouted hysterically, “How could I be sentenced to death? I’m not a citizen of your country! Are you bullying me because I don’t understand the law?
“Even if I’m sentenced to death, it shouldn’t be by you. I should be deported back to my country and be judged by my country’s court! You can’t sentence me to death!”
Steven glanced at Jeffrey’s pale and sinister face with a faint smile, then coldly raised his voice. “You’re talking to me about the law? Okay, I’ll give you a simple lesson in law, then.
“According to the Diplomatic and Consular Immunity Act, the criminal responsibility of foreigners who enjoy diplomatic immunity is resolved through diplomatic channels. Jeffrey, what qualifications do you think you have to enjoy this right?
“Furthermore, foreigners who commit crimes within our country are subject to our country’s laws, equal to our citizens. However, some foreigners who enjoy diplomatic immunity may be given a chance of survival. But Jeffrey, you’re clearly not one of them.”
Jeffrey trembled. “No, that’s not possible.”
“Also, the Tsulu Embassy contacted us after the trial this morning. They said they wouldn’t interfere in your case and gave us full rights over it. Since you don’t enjoy diplomatic immunity, according to the principle of jurisdiction, our court has the right to judge you according to the law.
“Now, you’re convicted of first-degree murder, so we can lawfully sentence you to death.”
“I did kill, but Sophia threatened me! I was forced!”
Jeffrey glared fiercely at Sophia. “I was just an accomplice! Sophia is the mastermind! She manipulated me. She should be the one sentenced to death!”
Sophia stared at Jeffrey with bloodshot eyes and spat rudely at his face.
Although the occasion was inappropriate, the Taylors almost burst out laughing when they saw Sophia’s frenzied demeanor. It starkly contrasted her former dignified and elegant persona as the wife of a wealthy tycoon.
“She has quite a good mentality. Even at this point, she’s still acting arrogantly.” Alyssa squinted her eyes.
“If not, how could she be a villain?” Smirking, Jeremy stared at the two sinners arguing with cold eyes.
“Let her be mad. It’s probably the last time in her life.”
Sophia and Jeffrey were about to start fighting, but fortunately, the court officers subdued them in time. Steven’s eyes were filled with disgust. After so many years in this profession, he had seen all sorts of rampant, evil, and sick criminals. But these two were definitely among the worst, making him so annoyed that he wanted to throw the gavel at them.
“Now, I’ll announce the trial result of the defendant Sophia Kirkman for the cases of contract killing and first-degree murder.”
Sophia stopped entangling with Jeffrey and instead stared fixedly at the judge. Her reddened eyeballs seemed to want to pop out of their sockets.
In a daze, besides the smell of rust, she also smelled a nauseating odor of decay.
It was like a dead animal had been buried under her feet for a long time. Ominous odors rose in waves, wrapping around her tightly.
She crinkled her nose, sniffing around like a dog, searching for the source of the smell.
“After trial and investigation, it’s confirmed that Sophia Kirkman tried to cover up the truth of her murder of Anne Bartley 20 years ago by hiring Jeffrey Snyder to cruelly kill Nina Carle to silence her. Her methods were extremely brutal, and the nature of the case was extremely vile.
“Therefore, the High Court of Solana City has decided to sentence the defendant Sophia Kirkman to 30 years in prison for solicitation of murder and contract killing.”
Steven’s tone was even colder and more solemn when announcing the sentence this time compared to when he was dealing with Jeffrey.
Sophia shuddered all over. Would she still be alive after 30 years?
Sophia believed that she would survive her 30-year sentence. But did she really have to serve a full 30 years in prison?