Chapter 213: The Sanction of the Law

After Nola picked up her necklace from the jeweler, it was time to head to court for the trial.

Elizabeth went with her to get the necklace, and then they picked up Alice before heading to the courthouse.

It had been a long time since Nola had dressed up so carefully. She wanted to look her best for this new chapter in her life.

Alice had even asked Elizabeth to prepare some flowers in the trunk, ready to be given after the trial.

On the way to the courthouse, Nola noticed that Elizabeth had been alone lately and couldn't help but ask, "Is everything okay with Matthew? You two seemed pretty close before. Did you guys have a fight or something?"

Elizabeth's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. She shook her head and smiled casually. "No fight, he's just been busy."

Nola seemed a bit disappointed. "I thought he was a good guy. If you two end up together, I'd be happy for you."

"I thought he would come to the trial today and be with us, but he didn't show up."

Matthew used to want to be by Elizabeth's side all the time. Now that their relationship was strained, it was no wonder Nola noticed.

Alice, sensing the awkwardness, tried to help by making up an excuse. "His cousin came back to Silvermist City for an assessment. Matthew, being the older cousin, had to take care of him."

Nola nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

Given the significance of the day, there should have been plenty of reporters outside the courthouse waiting for the latest news. But when Nola got out of the car, she saw only a few court staff and no reporters.

"Good thing there are no reporters today. I was worried we'd be swarmed after the trial." Nola said.

Elizabeth smiled but didn't say anything. She had already spoken to the court and made sure the media were informed not to come.

Such a beautiful day shouldn't be ruined by reporters.

As the trial was about to begin, the front row seats were reserved. Elizabeth sat down and, sensing something, turned to look back.

In the crowd, someone wearing a mask and hat was staring at her. When caught, they nervously pulled down their hat and looked away.

Alice followed her gaze but didn't see anything unusual. "What's wrong?"

Elizabeth frowned. "I think Jeremy is here, but he's not usually so low-key. I'm not sure if it's him."

Alice chuckled. "Who cares? Whether he's here or not doesn't matter to us."

"True," Elizabeth nodded and turned her attention back to the trial.

The outcome of the trial was already clear to everyone, but many still came to witness it firsthand.

There were business rivals of the Martin and Perez families, old friends of the Skye family, and many law students.

Elizabeth took a quick glance around and then focused on the trial.

Jessa and Ruby, the culprits in the case, were brought out. They were still in their detention center clothes, looking disheveled and exhausted. They must have had a rough time recently.

Unfortunately, Tomas was still in the hospital in a vegetative state and couldn't be present.

Seeing them, some people in the audience couldn't help but curse under their breath. Elizabeth, sitting in the front row, heard it clearly.

Jeremy, wearing a hat, firmly held down Lily beside him and warned her in a low voice, "This isn't the place to cause a scene. You better stay quiet."

Lily, also wearing a hat and mask, dressed in black, sat next to Jeremy. No one recognized them.

Angry at being restrained, Lily glared at Jeremy. "That's your mother up there, facing judgment. Aren't you worried about her at all?"

Lily grew more agitated. "Someone just insulted her, and you won't even defend her? Have you forgotten who gave birth to you and raised you?"

Jeremy ignored her, afraid she would disturb others. He covered her mouth with his hand.

His grip was too strong for Lily to break free. Eventually, she gave up and quieted down.

When the noise subsided, Lily glared at Jeremy, rolling her eyes.

The Jeremy she once admired had become someone ungrateful, which was disgusting.

The judge, seemingly uninterested in the commotion, glanced at Jessa and Ruby with displeasure and announced the start of the trial.

Nola took a deep breath, nervous. She had waited so long for this day.

Elizabeth held her hand tightly.

During the trial, Jessa and Ruby had lost their previous arrogance. They hunched over and cooperated obediently with the judge's questions.

As the trial neared its end, the verdict was read.

With the judge's final decision, Jessa and Ruby were sentenced to ten years in prison.

Tomas, still in a vegetative state, wasn't spared either. If he ever woke up, his fifteen-year sentence would begin.

Hearing the verdict, Nola was very satisfied and joined the others in applause.

The entire hall erupted in applause.

Sensing something, Jessa turned back before being taken away and locked eyes with Nola.

Three years ago, they had fought bitterly over a man, targeting each other.

Now, their situations were worlds apart.

Nola, who had lost so badly back then, had now won beautifully.

Seeing Jessa's downfall, the resentment and bitterness Nola had harbored for years began to dissipate. She smiled as she watched Jessa being led away by the bailiffs.

Jessa lowered her head and gave a self-deprecating smile, no longer feeling any hatred.

Ten years in prison was almost a death sentence for her.

At middle age, how many more decades did she really have left? She would be old and marked by this stain on her record when she got out. It was a dead end.

She had lost completely.