Chapter 544 - 540: Trial Day

「October 26.」

The organized crime case against Wesley Yates began trial at 9:00 AM in the Midpoint District People’s Court.

The trial was to be held in closed session. Aside from the prosecution and defense attorneys, no spectators, unofficial recording, or reporters were permitted inside.

Zelda Warner was up bright and early, just after six, putting on makeup and getting dressed. She wanted to look her very best. If Jeb got even a glimpse of her, she wanted him to know she was doing well and would be waiting for him when he got out.

Cecilia Sterling had also come home a day early and arrived first thing in the morning, all ready to go.

Mrs. Yates sat on the sofa, muttering nervously. She was quieter than her usual boisterous self.

Mrs. Lynn bundled up Phoebe and asked with some concern, "Phoebe’s not even a month old yet. Do we really have to take her?"

"He needs to see her. It’ll give him something to look forward to," the old lady said, looking up.

This had been her idea, so Mrs. Lynn didn’t dare object. She could only look helplessly at Cecilia.

Cecilia knew Mrs. Lynn was worried about the baby. After all, she wasn’t even a month old. It would be bad if she was exposed to the wind and caught a cold; an illness in a newborn was a serious complication.

"Auntie, let’s not take Phoebe. We’re not even sure if we’ll get to see my brother. Let’s not put the baby through this," Cecilia said bluntly.

Before the old lady could retort, she added, "If we can see him, we’ll all just shout that it’s a girl. He’ll definitely hear us."

Zelda Warner came downstairs, and overhearing Cecilia, chimed in, "Cecilia is right. Phoebe is too little to be taken outside. The weather’s turned chilly at the end of October; it’s easy to catch a cold."

The old lady opened her mouth, but then she caught Cecilia shooting her a meaningful look. She instantly remembered Cecilia had told her to go along with whatever Zelda Warner said, so she quickly nodded. "Alright, we’ll do as you say."

Seeing it was about time, Cecilia urged the old lady to head out to the car. "Let’s get there early. Lawyer Quincy said the transport vehicle usually arrives at the courthouse an hour ahead of time, but we don’t know which gate it will use. We’ll just have to try our luck."

"Yes, yes, alright. Let’s hurry and leave. We can’t be late."

Zelda Warner instructed Mrs. Lynn, "Take good care of Phoebe. If I see Jeb, I’ll video call you. You can point the camera at Phoebe so Jeb can get a look."

"Yes, don’t worry, ma’am. I’ll keep my phone on me. You’re still in your postpartum month; try not to get too emotional," Mrs. Lynn comforted her in return.

Zelda Warner nodded and walked out the door, holding hands with Cecilia.

In the driver’s seat, Duane saw that everyone had buckled their seatbelts, then started the car.

Around 7:30, the group arrived at the main entrance of the courthouse and found that Mr. Young was already there.

"Mr. Young, you came too!"

"Of course. No matter what, we have to find out the verdict." Mr. Young first greeted Mrs. Yates, then turned to Zelda Warner with concern. "Zelda, how are you? Are you feeling alright?"

"I’m fine. Thank you for coming today, Mr. Young." Zelda Warner was touched, and her eyes reddened against her will.

"Hey, now, none of that. Don’t you cry. Control your emotions; you’re still in your postpartum month."

Zelda Warner nodded, blinking hard to force back her tears.

Before long, Lawyer Quincy arrived, dressed in a black suit.

He had a serious expression and a meticulous air about him, exuding an intimidating presence even from a distance.

"Lawyer Quincy!"

Zelda Warner called out and took a few steps forward to meet him. Cecilia and the others hurried over as well.

Lawyer Quincy stopped, his gaze sweeping coolly over them. "You’re all here."

Mrs. Yates emotionally grabbed Lawyer Quincy’s arm, her voice choked with tears. "Lawyer Quincy, are we confident? You have to save Jeb! You can’t let him get a life sentence or the death penalty!"

"Auntie, please calm down," Cecilia quickly soothed.

’This old lady’s love for her son is the real deal, at least.’

Lawyer Quincy’s expression remained unchanged; he seemed quite confident.

"Rest assured, everyone. I will do my absolute best. You should wait here. The transport vehicle might not use the main gate when it arrives, but it will most likely use the main gate to leave. You’ll be able to see him from a distance then, but please, no extreme reactions."

Hearing that there was a good chance she could see Jeb, Zelda Warner’s eyes couldn’t help but redden again.

Even Cecilia’s eyes grew moist. It had been nearly half a year since her brother was taken away, and visitation had been forbidden the entire time. Today, she finally had a chance to see him.

Lawyer Quincy, carrying his briefcase, ascended the high steps of the courthouse, his back straight as he walked toward the main doors.

Duane ran back to the car and brought out a few small folding chairs. "Sister-in-law, you should sit and wait. You have to take care of your health. Auntie, you sit too. I’ll keep an eye out for you."

Mr. Young glanced at his watch. It was almost eight. "It should be about time. If it doesn’t come by eight, we’ll have to wait until it’s over."

But just then, Tony Yates appeared.

"Mom! Sister-in-law!"

He called out from across the street, causing everyone to turn and look.

Zelda Warner’s delicate brows furrowed, her face showing undisguised disgust.

The old lady was startled at first, then quickly explained, "Zelda, it wasn’t me! I didn’t tell him."

Cecilia was much calmer in comparison, only saying coolly, "It’s no secret that my brother’s trial is today. It would have been easy for him to find out. And he knew we’d definitely be here. He hasn’t been able to find Sister-in-law, so it’s perfectly normal for him to choose today to ambush us at the courthouse."

As she spoke, Tony Yates had already closed the distance. His eyes landed on Zelda Warner’s stomach, and he raised an eyebrow. "Well now, sister-in-law, you’ve unloaded the cargo? Congrats. Boy or a girl?"

"Tony!" The old lady glared at him, scolding, "Don’t you talk to your sister-in-law like that!"

"Mom, are you disowning me now?" Tony Yates said with a wronged expression. "I went home, and no one was there. I called you and texted you, but you never replied. I was about to call the police."

"Your sister-in-law had a baby. Shouldn’t I be taking care of her? You’re a grown man, why are you always looking for your mother?" Mrs. Yates said, displeased. Then she reminded him, "Your sister-in-law is still in postpartum recovery and shouldn’t get upset. If you’re here to see your brother today, then you’d better behave. Otherwise, you can go home."

"Of course I’m here to see my brother." Tony Yates curled his lip, then turned and noticed Cecilia standing to the side. He narrowed his eyes, his tone unfriendly. "And you’re here too, little girl!"

Cecilia looked at him, her expression blank, not bothering to acknowledge him.

Just then, Mr. Young sighed. "It’s past eight. The transport vehicle probably isn’t coming through the main gate."

As he said this, everyone’s expressions fell—except for Tony Yates, who was still pestering the old lady, "So, did my sister-in-law have a boy or a girl? Where are you guys living now? Mom?"