Chapter 257 Mr. Wild, Let's Go
Natalie was seated in the front row of the public gallery, where she could clearly observe Oliver. His expression remained unchanged as he stared at Henry. She could not imagine the pain of having to send one’s father to prison. After spending nearly six months living with Oliver, she had come to understand that Oliver was not as heartless as he looked.
At this time, Noah lost control of her emotions. She shouted, “This is not fair! I won’t accept this! Oliver is the one who committed a murder! Why is he being released without any charges while my grandfather faces life imprisonment? My mother was murdered, yet her killer remains at large. Oliver walks free while you condemn my mother! Are the courts in league with Oliver? I’ll sue all of you! This is unfair! It’s a cover-up!"
The judge responded with stern disapproval, "Outrageous! If you have legitimate complaints, present substantial evidence and file an appeal. The court operates with absolute fairness and justice. How dare you defame the court and question the integrity of our legal system without any basis?"
Whispers spread among the onlookers.
"The Harrington family really raised an ignorant daughter."
“The son's character is terrible, and the daughter is rash and ignorant. It seems like the downfall of the Harrington family is inevitable! Soon, there’ll only be nine prominent families left!”
Overwhelmed by her emotions, Noah continued to protest until the courtroom staff escorted her out.
Adrian, feeling humiliated by his sister's outburst, chose not to intervene. He quickly exited the courtroom, his head bowed to avoid further embarrassment. He was puzzled by the turn of events.
How had Oliver, on the verge of conviction and execution, managed such a remarkable reversal?
How had Oliver, once scorned, restored his reputation and glory?
How had Natalie, the woman he had forsaken, become Oliver's wife?
How had he found himself utterly defeated?
As the trial concluded, the once solemn and quiet courtroom buzzed with activity. Influential figures eagerly sought Oliver's acquaintance, hoping to forge connections.
The trial marked Oliver Windsor's triumphant return to the spotlight, reigniting his public image as the formidable Mr. Windsor.
Jamie promptly joined Oliver, handling the influx of social invitations with polite refusals, citing Oliver's busy schedule and need for rest.
“Sir, Mr. Oliver has other matters to attend to later. It’s really inconvenient today…”
“We can arrange for an interview another day. Mr. Oliver is exhausted…”
“I’m sorry. He truly has no time today!”
From her spot in the spectators' area, Natalie watched as the elite of Paykston gathered around Oliver, like the stars surrounding the moon.
This man, once known as the elite Simon Frost, admired by many for his brilliance, was now the focal point of admiration. Oliver Windsor, the prodigal son, had reclaimed his throne.
"Roger, let's leave," Natalie suggested quietly.
Roger asked in a hushed tone, "Aren't you joining him?"
He glanced at Oliver, noting Oliver’s unwavering gaze on Natalie. However, he chose not to mention it to her.
"No, it's too crowded over there. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to join him," Natalie replied, adjusting her shirt and wearing her small felt hat before she left. She finally realized what the inexplicable emotions she felt were: irritation and fear.
In such moments, her presence or absence went unnoticed, while Oliver invariably remained the center of attention. This disparity highlighted the distance between them.
The scenario Natalie had envisioned had come to pass sooner than expected, under circumstances she had not anticipated.
Without a word of congratulations or a smile for Oliver's victory, Natalie left.
Oliver's eyes narrowed, and a surge of frustration rose within him at her departure.
Sensing something was wrong with Oliver, Charles asked Jamie in a hushed voice, “What’s wrong with him?”
Jamie subtly nodded in Natalie’s direction.
Charles pondered inwardly, ‘Is it another emotional issue between Oliver and Natalie? Why is Natalie with Roger again?’
…
The moment Natalie and Roger exited the courtroom, they were blinded by the flashes from the cameras.
Natalie lowered her felt hat to shield her eyes while Roger instinctively protected her in his arms.
Reporters bombarded them with questions.
"Natalie, you admitted to being married previously. Is Roger your husband?”
"Roger, previously you denied any romantic links with Natalie. Aren’t you worried that your current actions would make her husband misunderstand?”
"Miss Watson, Mr. Wild, what prompted you to attend the trial of the Windsor family?"
"Natalie, are you here as Roger's companion?"
"Natalie, it's rumored you canceled a fashion show appearance to be here. Do you still have feelings for Adrian?"
Faced with the barrage of inquiries from the entertainment journalists who had caught wind of her presence, Natalie's frustration was evident. She wanted to respond, but the relentless questions left her with no room to speak.
Roger responded with a cold laugh; his demeanor instantly silencing the crowd.
"When did a female companion become a requirement to attend a trial? Is that all that’s in the mind of you entertainment reporters?”
The reporters momentarily fell silent, giving Natalie a chance to speak up.
"Roger and I are merely close friends. I have no connections to Adrian. And to the reporter who asked if I still have feelings for Adrian, do you think I’d like such a man?”
Natalie was not polite to the reporters with their intrusive and irrelevant questions.
The reporter who received the brunt of her criticism appeared displeased and was quick to paint Natalie as arrogant, lacking emotional intelligence, and offensive.
"I’m a professional in the fashion industry, and I speak based on my accomplishments. I hope the media will focus more on my professional work rather than unfounded gossip."
Natalie's gaze swept across the assembled reporters, settling on the one who had provoked her earlier before she said, "I'm not afraid to speak my mind, even if it offends. I’m not afraid of being targeted by the press."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
