Chapter 215: Accident in the Laboratory

Henry had always been a steady guy, rarely showing such a worried expression.

Elizabeth trusted him with the lab because he could handle most things on his own, without her having to worry.

If Henry was saying this now, the lab must be facing some serious trouble.

Elizabeth glanced back at her mom and Alice waiting in the car, both waving at her.

She hesitated for a moment. "I still have some things to take care of here. I might not be able to go to Silvermist City right away."

Henry didn't push. "It's a big deal, but not super urgent. I'll keep things stable here. How about I book you a flight for three days from now?"

Elizabeth agreed. "Okay."

Three days would be enough.

The issues in Skyhaven City were almost resolved. The wrongdoers had been brought to justice.

With the Verdantia National Laboratory competition coming up, Elizabeth really needed to head to Silvermist City.

Before hanging up, Henry reassured her.

"I know what today means to you, so don't worry too much about the lab. I've got it covered."

"When you get to Silvermist City, I'll come pick you up myself."

Elizabeth nodded and hung up, then walked back to the car as if nothing had happened.

"Let's go."

Nola looked at her with concern. "You seemed a bit off during that call. Is everything okay?"

Elizabeth smiled and shook her head. "Just a spam call. It annoyed me a bit."

Nola sighed in relief, and Alice started complaining about all the spam calls she'd been getting lately.

The car ride was light and cheerful, but Elizabeth stared out the window, lost in thought.

Silvermist City was Moore family territory. She'd definitely have to deal with them once she got there.

Given her relationship with Matthew, she wondered if she'd get caught up in their family drama.

As the car drove off, Jeremy finally took off his mask and hat, standing at the courthouse entrance.

He watched the car disappear from view, feeling a pang of sadness.

His relationship with Elizabeth could never go back to what it was.

The little girl who used to follow him around, eyes full of admiration, was gone because of him.

It was too late to fix things now. They couldn't go back.

Jeremy's heart ached like it was being pricked by needles. He clutched his chest, silently wishing Elizabeth well.

"Now that you've avenged yourself, I hope your future is bright and full of happiness. I hope you meet someone better, not someone like me who has nothing."

He was painfully aware of the gap between them, which made him feel even more helpless.

Jeremy constantly regretted his past decisions. If only he hadn't been so resolute three years ago. If only he'd followed his heart when Elizabeth returned.

But time couldn't be reversed, and regret was useless.

Lily, who had followed him out, also took off her mask and hat. Seeing Jeremy's heartbroken face, she angrily threw her hat at him and pointed a finger at his nose.

"How can you still be thinking about Elizabeth when your mom just got sentenced to ten years? You didn't even shed a tear!"

"When I was trying to shut up those who insulted Mom, why did you stop me?"

Jeremy didn't want to argue with Lily at the courthouse. He shook off her hand and walked away.

But Lily wasn't unwilling to accept it. She chased after him, yelling.

"The Martin family raised you, and this is how you repay us? Mom worried herself sick over you, and I had to beg Francis for help!"

"We've done so much for you, and this is how you treat us?"

Jeremy's forehead veins bulged with anger. His fists clenched at his sides, and he finally snapped.

"Enough! If Mom hadn't done anything wrong, would the court have sentenced her to ten years?"

"She has to pay for what she did. And I had no idea she was favoring me!"

Lily was stunned into silence by his outburst, her anger simmering inside.

She bit her lip, tears of frustration welling up.

Jeremy didn't care. With that, he walked away.

Lily stubbornly wiped her tears, but eventually broke down, crouching on the ground and crying.

She had humiliated herself for the Martin family, begging Francis like a dog.

She thought her efforts would make her mom love her more, but her mom always put Jeremy first.

Now, Ruby's favorite son had turned against her, and Charles hadn't even shown up.

Their family was torn apart because of Elizabeth.

Lily cried until she was almost convulsing, but as she wiped her tears, she vowed to never let Elizabeth off the hook.

The sentencing was done. Ruby and Jessa were going to prison.

Emily, who had been waiting by the door, finally saw her.

Jessa now looked extremely haggard, her long hair had been shaved off, and the woman who used to love wearing beautiful clothes could now only wear the yellow vest of a prison uniform.

The once formidable and glamorous career woman now hunched her back, as if she has aged by more than a decade.

Just seeing this made Emily cry. She covered her mouth, trying not to make a sound.

A court staff member noticed her and guessed who she was.

Feeling sympathetic, they approached her.

"That's your mom, right? I know about your family's situation. I feel for you."

Emily wiped her tears and knelt, clutching the staff member's clothes.

"Please, let me see her. Just for a moment. Let me say goodbye."

"My mom did a lot of wrong things, but I'm still her daughter. Before she starts her ten-year sentence, let me at least talk to her."

The staff member was moved and sighed, signaling to a nearby officer.

"Give them a minute to talk."