I was touched when I read your comments on the previous chapter. Really, thank you for following this story with all your patience.
On that afternoon, on the way to the Skyline Summit Press Center, the only thing on Catherine Wilson's mind was fantasizing about what she would do after receiving five million dollars from Louis White.Despite Louis stating that the financial assistance he provided was an investment, not a grant like before, Catherine didn't care. As long as she got the money, she believed she had the full right to squander it.Observing Catherine grinning throughout the journey, Jacob patted his wife's thigh and squinted, "Catherine, watch your demeanor!" Jacob said with a serious, threatening expression."Uhm..." Catherine stammered, took a deep breath several times, lifted her head, and, when nothing happened, she punched her own thigh. "Damn! In such a joyous atmosphere, it's hard for me to fake crying. What should I do, Darling?"Jacob glared. "I don't care; all I know is your tears must flow, and you must appear sad because both of us are playing the role of victims! If you keep grinning like e
One of the television stations in the city of Eastland willingly agreed to broadcast the mediation between Catherine and Lily at the Skyline Summit Press Center.The reason behind the station's willingness to invest time, effort, and costs into the live broadcast was the request of their chief executive officer, Dr. Louis White.Upon the arrival of the Capital Broadcast Network (CBN) team at the auditorium, everyone was taken aback. Catherine and Jacob couldn't believe that a television network was willing to air their agenda.Initially, Catherine and Jacob thought that only local magazine and newspaper journalists would attend, also, assuming a local journalist would moderate the mediation.Contrary to their expectations, they were surprised to see the presence of Lysa Nadjrov, a renowned presenter. In Catherine and Jacob's minds, there was no reason for Lysa to be there other than to act as the event's moderator."Isn't Capital Broadcast Network a nationally recognized TV station? W
A team from CBN TV approached Lysa Nadjrov, extending a tightly sealed brown envelope. All the journalists whispered speculations about its contents, while Jacob and Catherine struggled to conceal their anxiety.If the envelope contained evidence, such as a record of bribes given by Catherine to some hiring managers, their reputations would crumble overnight."Mr. and Mrs. Wilson," greeted Lysa as she walked back to her talk show chair, holding the sealed brown envelope, facing Jacob and Catherine. "If you believe you never cheated Mr. Henry James, you don't need to worry about this envelope."A forced smile appeared on Jacob and Catherine's faces. They nodded simultaneously and almost shouted, "We're not worried!"Louis White applauded enthusiastically, followed by several journalists in the auditorium."The confidence of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson must be based on honesty!" murmured a journalist from a renowned newspaper.Other journalists nodded in agreement, one responding, "Yes, such fi
Henry loosened his grip on Catherine Wilson's wrist and slammed it forcefully. Although Henry maintained a calm and somewhat flat expression, the muscles in his hand couldn't deceive. It was clear that Henry was angry every time he found someone intending to harm his wife.Before Catherine could curse or groan for sympathy, Lysa Nadjrov quickly asked her to sit on the sofa."Now that everyone is settled, how about Mr. and Mrs. Wilson answer Mr. James' question earlier? In case you've forgotten, Mr. James asked, what mistakes has your daughter ever made towards you that made you demand an apology from her?" Lysa directed towards Catherine and Jacob."Countless!" Jacob replied quickly."Like stars in the sky, uhm, like grains of sand in the ocean. That's how many sins Lily has committed against me," Catherine replied curtly, but a moment later her expression changed. With softened eyes, she said again, "Even though her sins are as numerous as grains of sand in the sea, my heart is still
John Wales's oath felt like a lightning bolt striking Catherine and Jacob's hearts."Remember! I have testified according to the facts. If in the future you find my testimony false, you can also throw me in jail!" John Wales emphasized. He looked entirely serious, with no hint of deceit in his facial expression.In an instant, Catherine's lips were tightly sealed, while Jacob, still standing, felt the muscles in his legs starting to weaken.As the audience and journalists' whispers grew louder, Jacob unconsciously found himself slumped on the sofa, feeling utterly drained of energy.At the same time, Lysa Nadjrov asked the audience to be quiet and thanked John Wales profusely for his presence and testimony. Ignoring Catherine and Jacob's pale faces, Lysa Nadjrov turned back to them."Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Lily has proven that she indeed financed her own education without your interference. So, do you still insist on claiming that you financed Mrs. Lily's education? If you refute M
Of course, the figure who had just stood up to testify was Louis White. Jacob and Catherine had always assumed that Louis White was on their side. But after hearing the brief speech from the man, Jacob and Catherine began to lose their spirits."I, Louis White, am willing to risk my reputation to support Lily. I have sufficient evidence regarding Lily's goodness and the wickedness of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson. Lily is a victim of...""Stop! Mr. White, please stop... We will handle this matter in our own way," Catherine screamed hysterically, not willing to lose face. She immediately grabbed Jacob's arm and urged him to kneel down and apologize to Lily."Now?" Jacob asked in sign language.Catherine glared at her husband as if his gaze held significance. "Of course, now! When else?" she replied.Jacob swallowed hard, and together with Catherine, they knelt before Lily. They struggled to shed tears and show remorse in front of Lily and everyone else.At that moment, Catherine bowed her head t
Before leaving the auditorium completely, Henry made sure to hand Lily's phone over to Lysa Nadjrov. "There's evidence of threats made by Mrs. Wilson on my wife's phone. I hope Miss Nadjrov and other volunteer journalists can use this evidence to strengthen Mrs. Wilson's punishment," Henry said, glancing towards Catherine and Jacob, who were growing paler by the moment. Lysa nodded as she received the phone from Henry James. "We'll make the best use of this evidence. We've heard that Mrs. Wilson's daughter and nephew are also involved in this case, and we promise to bring them to court as well, Mr. James." Henry smiled satisfactorily, confident that this time the Wilson family wouldn't have a chance to escape the legal grip. After Henry James's departure, the journalists agreed to escort Jacob and Catherine to the police station as soon as possible. They were all willing to oversee the case and ensure that the Wilson family received the harshest punishment possible. However, when
Twenty-three years earlier...Julian James was enthusiastically preparing for his son's birthday party, Henry James. Diligently, he arranged balloons and various party decorations. Although Julian seemed to struggle with the work, he appeared enthusiastic and happy to do it."Mr. James, you haven't rested since returning from work. Lately, you've been very busy. Please don't involve yourself in trivial matters like this. We will take care of everything," said Sofia Moore, the young woman who served as the head maid at the James Family Mansion.Julian James furrowed his brow as he looked at Sofia Moore. "Trivial matters, you say?" Julian James pinched Sofia's earlobe sharply, giving her a sharp look. "Since when is anything related to Henry trivial?"Sofia Moore chuckled as she rubbed her slightly reddened earlobe. "Oh, you're truly a caring and devoted father to your son. I admire that, but please open your eyes wide, Mr. James," said Sofia Moore, pointing out each of Julian James's p