Chapter 253

Just like Carola’s lawyer expected, the prosecution was relentless. There was really nothing he could do to fight back.

Halfway through the hearing, it was obvious there was no way out. The evidence was overwhelming. Videos, witness statements, the victims’ injuries… Everything was solid. And Carola had been over sixteen when it happened, old enough to be held responsible.

When the judge asked if she admitted her guilt, Carola just nodded, silent and resigned. It was the only thing her lawyer could do to try and get her a lighter sentence.

Dorothea lost interest before it was even over. Watching Carola like this didn’t bring her any satisfaction. The pain those victims went through-nothing could erase that.

“Let’s go,” Dorothea said, scratching Latham’s palm with her pinky.

He laced his fingers through hers, smiling. “Okay, whatever you say p>

As they walked out, Carola’s blank face flickered with some emotion. Alonzo noticed and turned, catching a glimpse of Dorothea’s back as she left. His eyes darkened and he followed.

While Latham ducked into the restroom, Dorothea waited outside, not really paying attention to anything. Then she looked up and saw Alonzo glaring at her, anger all over his face.

“Dorothea, look at what you’ve done to Carola. Are you happy now p>

Dorothea looked away, her voice cool. “She’s the one who hurt people. It’s not like I forced her to bully anyone p>

Alonzo couldn’t stand it. “Stop twisting things. I don’t care about your excuses. You set Carola up, you planned this. She would never bully someone p>

Dorothea let out a laugh. “Honestly, I’m amazed you even got into college. Anyway, I’m not wasting time arguing with you. Save it for the judge. Or what, you want to sue me too p>

Alonzo’s eyes were cold and dangerous. “Dorothea, you’re going to regret this. Just wait p>

She smirked. “I don’t regret anything. Carola’s the one who’s going to have regrets, once she’s in prison p>

Alonzo turned on his heel, storming off, his anger obvious even in the way he walked.

Latham came out, hands in his pockets, following her gaze. “Did he bother you?” Dorothea shrugged. “Not really. All he can do is get mad. He’s powerless now.” Latham made a mental note to keep an eye on Alonzo too.

“Come on, I’ll drive you to the office. Or we could go home and relax this afternoon, just us p>

Dorothea shot him a look. “I’m going to the office, thanks p>

Like she’d go home with him now. As if they’d actually get any rest.

Latham looked disappointed. “Alright, you’re always so busy p>

Dorothea smiled. “Just a couple more days. Then I’ll finally take a break p>

Outside the courthouse, Latham

slipped his arm around her waist and leaned in for a kiss Before

could go anywhere someone nearby started complaining.

“Seriously? Who makes out in front of the courthouse p>

Dorothea felt her cheeks heat up.

She quickly pulled her mask over her chin avoiding the stranger’s.

laughing eyes, and tugged at

Latham’s waist. “Come on, let’s go p>

Latham shot the man a chilly look, his eyes icy, but when he turned back to Dorothea, he was gentle again. “Fine, we’ll kiss in the car p>

The passerby just stared at them, speechless.

Right before noon, Carola’s trial wrapped up. The sentence would be announced later.

After the lawyer finished the bail paperwork, Carola’s father pulled her close as they left the courthouse.

“Come on, let’s get in the car. If this doesn’t work out, we’ll get a new lawyer for the appeal p>

Layton couldn’t hide his disappointment. This was the best lawyer who’d take their case, but the outcome was still a mess.

“Dad, is there really nothing else we can do p>

“She already pleaded guilty. Now we wait for the verdict. If we don’t like it, we appeal p>

“What if we get a doctor to say Carola’s mentally unstable p>

Layton thought for a moment. “We can try p>

At this point, they were desperate.

you worry, Carola. If you behave,

be out in three or five

el.nét

years. After that, we’ll move abroad and forget all about this, okay?