The voice paused for a bit and eventually said, “If you’re unaware, then you’ll find out tomorrow. I’ll help you out. After all, you’re very useful to me.”The mystery person sounded a little impatient, but she did not hang up immediately like she used to.Chiara noticed that too. She quickly said, “Do you need me to do anything? Please tell me what’s really going on!”At this point, she seriously suspected that her parents’ unusual behavior and this mystery person’s strange message were prompted by the same reason.But Chiara knew nothing!The voice said calmly, “If I fail this time, I’ll need to get you a new identity. It’ll give you an even higher status, which allows you to wield your power with ease. Are you ready for it?”Chiara’s face paled. No, she did not want to be somebody else. She was Chiara, and she only wanted to be Chiara!But she did not dare say no to the mystery individual. She was afraid that if she turned down the offer, this person would give up on her comp
Speaking of that, Lyla could not help but sigh. “We never thought this would happen. We must endure the hardship. Things will get better!”Theodore sighed as well. But he could not say a word, nor did he know what to say. He was completely helpless.Lyla inhaled slightly. “Now that it has come to this, we are unprepared. All we can do is face it. Alright, Theo, you must live your life the way you used to, even though I can’t stay with you anymore. Hire a housekeeper so that they can look after you.”Theodore nodded with tears in his eyes. “Don’t worry about us. You, on the other hand… It’s all my fault! I’m useless!”He was still lamenting, while Lyla already started weeping in his arms.“I’m sorry, Lyla. I’m sorry… Don’t you worry. I’ll find a way to get you out. I won’t let you suffer in there. I won’t let you die!”Lyla nodded. “I know, I know… But you must take care of our daughter. Don’t let anyone bully her. Keep her calm. She is in a really bad place right now. After I’m g
Elio smiled faintly. He intended to prevent Ivanka from pursuing this matter. But at that point, she would not possibly back down. He could only help her unconditionally.He said nothing, while Ivanka stared at him and said, “I hope you won’t intervene in this matter again. I can take care of the rest myself. Thank you, and let’s avoid contacting each other for the time being.”A while ago, she reached out to learn some secrets from him. But as her enemies increased in number, she did not want to drag an innocent man into this mess.Elio glanced at her expressionlessly. “I’m not interested in your affairs to begin with. You may leave now.”That was all he said. He did not bother to speak to her again.Ivanka gazed at the man before her. Even though he did not say anything else, she knew what he was thinking.After a long moment, she thanked him again and got up to leave.Elio stared after her. As she closed the door, he took out a cigarette and lit it.He took a puff and let ou
The judge’s verdict was like a bolt from the blue. Chiara’s face turned pale instantly.“How could this be?” She thought.How could it be a death sentence?It could have been life imprisonment or even ten years of imprisonment. Why would the judge sentence her mother to death? Chiara refused to accept it!But before she said anything, Lyla said, “Objection, your honor.”The law was fair. If someone had an objection, they must present their case so that it could be solved. Even defendants could appeal against the court’s decision.Therefore, no one snapped at Lyla for what she said. Everyone turned their eyes on her as she slowly rose from her seat.“You may speak,” said the judge.Lyla simply said, “This matter has nothing to do with my husband. I planned and executed it myself.”Everyone was flabbergasted.Were she and her husband fighting over the chance to take the blame?They all were rather astonished but thought that it was normal. Lyla and Theodore must have loved eac
At that moment, Chiara slowed down her breathing. She even held her breath for a while. She did not want to miss any of her mother’s words.Lyla had a microphone with her. So, everyone could hear what she was about to say.“Firstly, Fernando was already in poor health. You can check his medical records at the hospital. I’ve brought a copy for you to see, Your Honor.” As she said this, she opened her bag and took out a stack of medical reports.The judge’s assistant walked over, took the records, and handed them to the judge.As the judge reviewed the medical records, Lyla continued, “His health was deteriorating day by day. He didn’t have much time left and was suffering immensely every day. He begged us to help him end his life sooner, which was why I tampered with his food. Fernando was aware of this.”Ivanka’s expression darkened, but she knew this was not the time to interrupt.Everyone was surprised when they heard this. Lyla then added, “I used a slow-acting drug because
Ivanka was not the only one feeling upset; Suki and Sandy were also furious!Sandy, especially, could not hold back her anger and exclaimed, “Nonsense! That’s absolute cr*p! Did Lyla even consider her conscience before saying that?! They’ve been targeting Iv and her position for years! The recording is biased! Using that as evidence is ridiculous!”Suki quickly grabbed Sandy’s hand as Sandy grew louder and said, “Calm down.”Sandy realized her outburst, took a deep breath, and tried to control her emotions. However, on the inside, she could not help but curse at them!D*mn Theodore! D*mn Lyla! D*mn Chiara!The recording ended there.Lyla looked sorrowful as she said, “I never expected things to come to this. I understand if Ivanka misunderstood me. But I’m speaking the truth. I admit, I’m the one who killed Fernando. I know I’ve wronged him and Ivanka. I’m willing to accept legal consequences.”Her expression turned sadder as she continued, “I know I deserve to die. But I have
Sandy did not finish her sentence, but Suki understood what she was trying to say.Theodore recently spent two billion dollars to hire Ivanka to breach Barkworth Group’s secrets. They never donated anything, not even a cent!Where did that come from?!Sandy had no idea where the list of charities Lyla presented came from.Meanwhile, Lyla took a deep breath and said, “I’ve said all I needed to say, Your Honor.”After she finished, the entire courtroom fell silent.Everyone waited for the judge’s final verdict as the judge reviewed the documents.The judge spoke in a low voice, “Ms. Lyla, further investigation is needed regarding your statement. Regarding the shares, the court has ruled that all shares owned by Mr. Lane are to be returned to Ms. Iris, along with the profits from the past few years, totaling $175 million and 47% of the shares.”The amount of shares and income Theodore had was actually disproportionate. He had only recently acquired all the shares.Theodore, seate
Theodore took a deep breath to stay composed. He then said, “No objections, Your Honor.”The judge nodded and said indifferently, “Court is adjourned.”He stood up and left. Everyone else began to disperse as well.Since Lyla had become a suspect, she was to be detained.Two court security officers approached her to put handcuffs on her.Tears streamed down Chiara’s eyes. “Mom...”Before the security officers got hold of Lyla, she swiftly grabbed Chiara’s hand and said in a serious tone, “Chiara, don’t worry. It’s not like I got a death sentence. I’ll be fine. It’s just that I won’t be able to be by your side for a while. You’re not in the right state of mind and emotionally stable right now. You must talk to your father before contacting that person, okay? If things don’t work out, come find me. We’ll discuss it together. You must not act rashly.”Chiara nodded with teary eyes. She could not bear seeing Lyla being taken away. No one knew what the final verdict would be. Even