Chapter 349

Evelyn prepared an elaborate lunch for Olivia.

After the meal, Evelyn washed the dishes and scrubbed the kitchen spotless.

She then went to the grocery store to restock the refrigerator. The snowy roads were dangerous, and she didn't want Olivia going outside. With the fridge fully stocked with fresh produce and meat, Olivia could easily cook for herself.

Olivia was deeply touched by Evelyn's thoughtfulness.

"Since it's almost New Year's, you shouldn't go to work. I'll have Dominic approve your leave until after the holidays," Evelyn suggested before leaving.

Olivia shook her head. "I've already missed too much work. You know I can't just sit around at home. Tell Dominic I'll return when I'm ready. Staying idle makes me overthink things..."

Evelyn reluctantly agreed. "Rest at home first. We'll discuss work when you're ready. Call me anytime - my phone is always on for you."

After Evelyn left, Olivia sank into deep contemplation.

Now that she'd decided to keep her baby, she needed to plan for their future.

This new life would bring her companionship. She had to make preparations.

The next day.

Sunlight glittered on the snow-blanketed city.

A City Court sparkled under the winter sun.

Evelyn's somber mood contrasted sharply with the beautiful weather.

Today was Victoria and Sophia's trial.

Evelyn wore no makeup, her face expressionless.

Dominic sat beside her in the front row, wearing sunglasses. His icy demeanor matched hers.

Victoria and Sophia stood listlessly in prison uniforms at the defendant's stand.

Jail had aged Victoria noticeably - gray streaked her temples, her posture slumped.

Sophia's long hair had been cut short. She looked gaunt, with sunken eyes and unhealthy pallor.

Their suffering in prison was evident.

But Evelyn felt no pity.

They'd caused Robert's death. This was their deserved punishment.

When the women spotted Evelyn, hatred burned in their eyes. Only the bailiffs' restraint prevented them from attacking her.

Victor Langley's crisp voice echoed through the courtroom. "The defendants knew Robert Sinclair was terminally ill yet deliberately provoked him with cruel words. Their immoral actions directly caused his death when they refused to call for medical help. They must bear full legal responsibility! Your Honor, I request maximum sentencing!"

"Objection!"

Serena Delacroix stood sharply, her dark robe emphasizing her cold demeanor. "Robert Sinclair had advanced cancer. The defendants' words, while harsh, merely spoke truth he couldn't accept. This should be a civil matter at most!"

Victor studied Serena with sorrow. How had the proud woman he once knew fallen so low?

Her vendetta against him made her oppose him in every case, morality be damned.

She'd taken this case pro bono just to defeat him.

Victor had witnessed Serena's legal prowess in previous trials.

Her cunning exploitation of loopholes had nearly bested him several times.

Out of pity, he'd let her win before.

But this case involved Evelyn - Dominic's woman. He couldn't afford mercy now.

"Ms. Delacroix, security footage proves the defendants knowingly provoked a dying man with cruel taunts. Their deliberate actions constitute homicide!" Victor countered.

Their legal duel intensified, each refusing to yield.

Both top-tier lawyers, their arguments volleyed back and forth.

Evelyn's breath grew shallow with anxiety.

She hadn't expected any lawyer could rival Victor. What if he lost?

She couldn't bear the thought of Victoria and Sophia receiving leniency.

Dominic covered Evelyn's hand with his, sensing her distress. "Don't worry. Victor won't lose," he assured.

He trusted Victor's abilities completely.

Serena was skilled, but no match for Victor.

True to form, Victor delivered.

The judge's gavel fell. "Victoria Montgomery and Sophia Montgomery, your deliberate provocation directly caused Robert Sinclair's death. This court sentences you to ten years imprisonment and fines of $90,000. You may appeal within ten days..."

Sophia, silent until now, suddenly erupted. "Evelyn, you wicked witch! This is all your fault! If you hadn't been a surrogate, none of this would've happened! I'll appeal! I'll make you pay!"