Chapter 254 I'll Make You Cry!
Lucas yawned and slowly made his way into the kitchen. After a short while, he emerged from the kitchen with a plate. The kitchen was sparsely stocked, but he had managed to whip up a decent meal.
"Go ahead and eat."
After he set the plate down on the dining table, he said as he walked back to the sofa, "Don't disturb me, or I’ll make you regret it!"
Lilian looked at the food in front of her with a hint of anticipation. She could not wait to eat. However, after a moment, she said tentatively, wary of upsetting him, "Hey, just one more thing! You can sleep on the bed. It’s big, and there are blankets. If you close the door, you won’t even hear me eating!”
In fact, Lilian ate very quietly. She took small bites, and her manners were flawless. However, the offer of a spacious bed and blankets was tempting. Lucas found no reason to decline.
Upon lying down in Lilian's bed, he immediately felt uncomfortable. Her bed was significantly softer than his, and he could smell the sweet lingering scent from Lilian. It was as though she was lying next to him. His face flushed red immediately when he thought about this.
…
The winter arrived abruptly, enveloping Paykston in a biting cold. Residents bundled up in coats to fend off the chill. This sudden drop in temperature seemed to signal an impending change, a prelude to a significant shift.
Just when it appeared the Windsor family's scandal would drag on, the entire saga quietly reached its conclusion.
A cold case from twenty-two years prior was reopened by Paykston's leading attorney, Antony. It involved Henry, who had murdered his second wife, Madison, making it look like suicide.
As Henry reveled in Oliver's downfall, he was blindsided by legal documents from the court before he was confronted with handcuffs.
The Windsor family’s affairs had generated widespread interest, with previously overlooked details now under intense scrutiny, bolstered by a wealth of evidence. The court acted swiftly to prioritize and expedite the trial.
Roger was the one who informed Natalie of these developments. He asked, "Natalie, would you like to attend the trial as an observer?"
The case had garnered national attention, potentially influencing financial markets and economic ties. Securing a spot in the courtroom required influence and status since it was coveted by many.
"Yes!"
…
Aware of Natalie's preoccupation with Oliver, Emily had canceled some television appearances on her behalf.
On the day of the hearing, Roger arrived to pick up Natalie.
Dressed in a gray overcoat, a white turtleneck sweater, plaid wide-leg pants, and high heels, Natalie presented an image of understated elegance. Her face was partly obscured by a small felt hat.
Roger was struck by the transformation. The young girl he remembered had become entangled in a complicated relationship, enduring hardships for the sake of her husband.
Sophia once reminded Roger that his actions were only helping Natalie and Oliver's relationship. At that time, she asked what he was getting out of it.
Roger himself also questioned his actions. His actions were akin to torturing himself. He found himself ridiculous and embarrassing. At that time, he had silenced Sophia with a look, and since then, she no longer spoke about this matter.
…
Reporters swarmed the court's entrance. Those with passes showed their credentials, passed security, and entered. The rest waited outside, hoping to catch jurors for interviews post-trial.
"Why are you here?!"
Jamie, upon entering the courtroom, spotted Natalie. Initially surprised, his gaze then shifted to the tall, indifferent man beside her. His expression briefly stiffened before he forced a smile and asked, "Mr. Wild, what brings you here?"
Roger had always been cold, particularly toward those associated with Oliver. He had no warmth for everyone, except Natalie. He replied with a tone dripping in sarcasm, "You all seem to be busy with work, so I accompanied Natalie here."
This response was a pointed jab at Oliver's subordinates, who had shown little concern for Natalie. When she had most needed them, not one of them was available.
‘Do these incompetent people even have the right to question Natalie’s and my presence here?’
Jamie managed a forced smile, already anticipating how jealous Oliver would be in a while.
In recent days, Jamie's responsibilities had included gathering evidence and keeping a vigilant eye on the Windsor family's movements, particularly now when they might underestimate Oliver, thinking him powerless within the detention center.
Given their connection to the case, the Harrington family's attendance was expected.
Noah's gaze on Natalie was charged with animosity; since her mother's passing, Natalie had become an enemy.
Adrian looked at Natalie fiercely as though he could not wait to tear her apart and devour her. He taunted, “Just you wait for Oliver's funeral! Once Oliver pays with his life for what he did to my mother, I'll settle our accounts in full!”
Adrian continued to say venomously, “Oliver's not even gone yet, and you’ve already found a replacement.”
He turned to Roger and said, “Let me offer some advice, Mr. Wild. Natalie’s no angel. Not only has she been used and discarded, but she’s also a hypocrite!”
Roger's eyes briefly flashed with a hint of killing intent. However, in Natalie's presence, he reined in his anger. He moved closer to Adrian and whispered ominously, "Be wary of the shadows on your path at night."
Though Roger's warning was cryptic and seemingly innocuous, it sent an involuntary shiver down Adrian's spine. He tried to shake off the uneasy feeling.
Natalie said dismissively, causing Adrian to grow angrier, “Roger, just ignore him. It’s beneath you to pay attention to someone like him.”
With Oliver’s absence, Noah wanted to scold Natalie. However, the cold, threatening look Roger gave her stopped her in her tracks. His gaze was eerily reminiscent of Oliver's lethal glare. The fear momentarily silenced her. By the time she regained her composure, Roger had already led Natalie away.
"What did you say to Adrian?" Natalie asked with a hint of curiosity.
Roger replied, “I advised him to be careful.”
Then he thought in mind, ‘Because he might not live to see the dawn…’
As the jury and spectators took their seats, the courtroom buzzed with muted conversations, a somber air enveloping the space. The plaintiff and defendant had yet to make their appearance.
Roger, seated by Natalie, noticed her looking at the defendant's seat, and he asked softly, “Are you nervous?”
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