Chapter 99

Jason suddenly brought up the topic, and Estrella glanced at him before responding with a smile, “What, you’re expecting me to make a scene? To hunt her down and get that necklace back?”

Jason hadn’t even opened his mouth to reply when Estrella continued, “Don’t tell me you were using Serene to get under my skin. If you fancy…”

She didn’t get to finish her sentence before Jason pulled her into his embrace and said, “Time to sleep.”

Wrapped in Jason’s arms, Estrella fell silent. After nestling against him for a while, shel lifted her head and looked at him. “Jason, you’ve got more on your mind than I do.”

After saying that, Estrella closed her eyes.

Jason looked down at her, noticing her long eyelashes as she lay with her eyes closed, not trying to pull away. He turned and trapped her in his arms, one hand cradling the back of her neck, the other sliding down toward her waist.

Estrella caught his hand. “I’m really on my period this time. I’ll make it up to you later.”

Pushing Jason away, Estrella thought about how people have an innate desire for what they can’t have. She hadn’t even tried to seduce him tonight, just some idle chat, and he was already getting

getting restless. Seeing her serious face and knowing she wasn’t lying about her cycle, Jason let her hand drift away.

Estrella felt a rush of frustration, but after Jason’s playful antics, she actually started to feel sleepy. Later, as he was wiping her hands, she drifted off to sleep.

The next day, when Jason woke up, Estrella was already gone from his side. As he got ready and came downstairs, Marie reported, “Sir, Ms. Estrella had a case this morning and left for court an hour ago.”

“Mm,” Jason acknowledged Marie and skipped breakfast at home, heading straight out.

In the courtroom, before the session began, Estrella had already arrived early. Today was the second hearing for Ryan’s case, and a verdict seemed likely.

you’re here early

Estrella greeted with a smile, and after chatting

minutes before nine, with the judge, jury, and prosecution all present, Estrella

Estrella’s breathing slowed, her gaze fixed

1/3

11:35

Chapter 99

eyes m

look brightened at the sight of Estrella. It was as if he was thanking her with his eyes for her respect, dedication, and all the efforts she had made on his behalf, regardless of the

2023,” the judge began, signaling the official start of the hearing.

some questions from the last session, Estrella stood up. She glanced at Ryan, then turned to the judge

accused of causing fatal injuries to his biological father and uncles ten years ago, following his mother’s death due to domestic.

want the blood of his relatives on his hands. If he could turn back time, he would wish for his mother to have never suffered that abuse,

another fact: Ryan grew up in a fractured and even cruel environment, without proper guidance, or anyone teaching him to be like the rest of us.

has he spent these past ten years? What has kept him going? After leaving home, his father never once looked for him. Ryan survived by scavenging and working odd jobs on construction sites. “He had no friends; teachers or classmates, not even someone to talk to.

psychiatric evaluation for Ryan, everyone here can see that this young

incident back then and their impressions of Ryan as a child. If the prosecution would like, we can listen

plea, the judge said, “The court agrees to hear the testimonies of the community witnesses.”

at Arden, who started

day. Nothing could stop the Manning brothers. They beat that poor woman to death-so brutally. The child was

were vicious. They threatened us too, saying a wife is there to be

so well-behaved, a good student, and his mother was a quiet

2/3

11:55

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255