Chapter 483 Confession
The court clerk was busy jotting down notes on the sudden turn of events while also reporting the situation to the head of court security via walkie-talkie to ensure safety inside and outside the courtroom. As the bailiffs and prosecutors intervened, the commotion gradually subsided, and everyone's attention returned to the judge, awaiting the next steps in the trial.
Just as the tension in the room reached its peak, the courtroom doors were flung open with a loud, jarring screech of metal against metal, shattering the suffocating silence.
A group of plainclothes officers hurried in, led by a man who flashed his badge and spoke with a steady, authoritative voice, "We're from the detective squad. We have new evidence to submit."
He handed a sealed bag to the judge.
Nicholas's previously arrogant expression froze instantly, a flicker of panic crossing his eyes. Lila's confident demeanor also wavered slightly at the unexpected development.
The judge examined the new evidence carefully, the courtroom falling into a hushed silence, broken only by the rustling of papers. After a moment, the judge spoke with a serious tone, "This new evidence suggests there may be more undisclosed aspects to this case. We will recess for thirty minutes to allow the panel to deliberate before continuing the trial."
The gavel came down, and Anne was escorted out of the courtroom by the bailiffs.
Edward and I quickly stood up, wanting to check on her, but Daryl stopped us. "Don't disturb her now. Let her have a moment to compose herself."
We could only stand outside the courtroom, watching the hurried staff and the murmuring spectators.
Edward clenched his fists, his face full of worry. "I hope this new evidence can turn things around. Anne's current state is really concerning."
I patted Edward's shoulder, trying to reassure him, "Don't worry too much. If the detective squad brought new evidence, it means there's still hope."
Despite my words, I wasn't entirely confident. I had a feeling Nicholas wouldn't give up so easily, and Lila's attitude was even harder to read.
Just then, Lila emerged from the courtroom, her steps graceful but her brow still furrowed. She paused when she saw us, then walked straight over.
"Diana, can I talk to you alone?" Lila's calm voice carried a hint of urgency.
Edward watched her warily, positioning himself protectively in front of me.
I nodded and followed Lila to a corner of the hallway.
"Why are you defending Nicholas?" I asked bluntly, my tone accusatory.
Lila gave a bitter smile, took off her glasses, and rubbed her temples. "It's not as simple as you think. Nicholas has something on me. I have no choice."
"What does he have? Don't be foolish!"
I grabbed Lila's suit sleeve, "Do you know Anne is on the verge of a breakdown? You're helping a murderer get away!"
Lila looked up, her eyes full of helplessness. "I can't say, but I promise you, I have my own plan..."
She paused, "This new evidence might disrupt my plans, but it could also be an opportunity."
The sound of bailiffs' shoes echoed from the end of the hallway. Lila quickly put her glasses back on, the silver frames glinting under the emergency lights.
I wanted to say more, but she waved me off and turned, her coat flaring out. "Time's almost up. The recess is nearly over. Trust me, I won't let the bad guys win."
With that, Lila walked briskly back to the courtroom without waiting for my response.
I stood there, feeling a mix of emotions. Faced with my closest friend Lila, I didn't know whether to trust her. But for now, we had to adapt to the situation.
When the trial resumed, Anne had regained some composure, though her eyes still showed fear. The judge cleared his throat and announced, "After deliberation, due to the new evidence, the trial will continue. The prosecution may proceed."
The prosecutor organized his files, his tone more resolute, "The new evidence not only corroborates the previous charges but also reveals more crimes connected to Nicholas."
The courtroom buzzed with shock, while Nicholas's face grew darker. He stared intently at the evidence bag in the prosecutor's hand, his Adam's apple bobbing nervously.
As the tension mounted, Nicholas slowly stood up, the clinking of his handcuffs echoing in the room. He scanned the courtroom, his gaze lingering on Anne's pale face before locking onto the courtroom door, where Lila gave a slight nod.
"I plead guilty." Nicholas's voice was eerily calm, freezing the entire courtroom.
"All the crimes were committed by me alone. No one else is involved."
Following Nicholas's gaze, I saw Lucas standing at the courtroom door, impeccably dressed but with an unprecedented look of panic and anger on his usually composed face.
Nicholas's bloodshot eyes fixed on the jury, his voice strained as if dragged from deep within his chest,
"Lucas, stay out of this! Live your life. I'll take the fall for everything!"
"You're insane!"
Lucas suddenly surged forward, knocking over chairs as he rushed to the defendant's stand.
The bailiffs reacted immediately, two burly officers moving in to restrain Lucas.
Nicholas looked up, a rare softness in his clouded eyes. Seeing his son, who shared his features but had always walked a righteous path, he showed a gentle expression for the first time. "Lucas, you've always disapproved of my actions. My life is over, but you have a bright future ahead."
Lucas struggled fiercely, his suit sleeves stretching out of shape. "Let me go! This is between me and him!"
But the bailiffs held firm, gripping Lucas's shoulders and arms tightly. His voice, choked with emotion, echoed through the courtroom, "So you're just going to take all the blame? What about her—"
Lucas cut off Nicholas, pointing at Anne with reddened eyes, "Hasn't she done anything wrong? I've begged you countless times over the years to stop. Do you know how I've lived in constant fear?"
Lucas's voice broke, tears finally spilling over and splashing onto the defendant's table, creating tiny droplets. Nicholas remained silent for a long time, his age-spotted hand slowly lifting but stopping just short of Lucas's face before pulling back as if burned. He lowered his head, revealing the scarred nape of his neck through his thinning white hair.
"I've wronged you, and everyone I've hurt."
The jury sat in stunned silence. Watching this father and son, I realized this trial was uncovering not just the truth of the crimes, but also a father's misguided way of showing love.
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