Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

The court session resumed at 3:00 pm sharp.

The entire session was still being live-streamed. Everyone was now familiar with the presiding judge, the prosecutor, the plaintiff, and the defendant.

In the morning, the public gallery was packed to the brim. Now, it was just Alyssa, Jasper, and their family and friends. The quietness was chilling.

None of the other Becketts were present. Even Sophia's daughter, Betty, was too embarrassed to attend the session.

Sophia and Jeffrey walked out one after another. Their hands were cuffed. Once again, they were led to their respective seats in humiliation.

Metal railings separated Sophia and the rest of the courtroom. Her hair was in disarray. She was expressionless. She scanned the gallery with a blank look in her eyes.

She observed that only the Taylor family remained. A twisted expression took over her face, and she couldn't help herself and burst out laughing.

Steven frowned. He tapped the gavel. He coldly instructed, "Please be quiet, defendant!"

His face was rigid, as

he

was assisting Gemma, holding onto her arm as they proceeded to the plaintiff's seat. He offered

for her to get through the tumultuous session in

for the court's final verdict on both Sophia and

for this hearing day and night. He swore to be in his best condition. He wanted to do his very best to

it was insufficient to rely on his capabilities. This time, Alyssa and Jasper had helped to strategize. Other than that,

they were in the earlier session. He now

their brother, Steven, very well. Unbeknownst to the public, he was someone who paid attention to his image. He was severely short-sighted. So, he would usually have contact lenses on

glasses for moments of gravity and significance, treating it as

The room was silent.

He read it out in a clear and strong voice, "I hereby announce the verdict