Chapter 1049:
Paola appeared at the courtroom alongside Gatlin, ready to testify. The Owen family sat in rigid rows, while the families of the Malvren trafficking victims filled the gallery, their eyes sharp with expectation.
Seeing her daughter testify against them—and openly side with Rylie—Laurel lost control. In full view of the court, she lunged at the girl she had once raised.
“Paola! You ungrateful brat! I raised you with my own hands! This is how you repay me? You actually stand with Rylie!” Laurel’s scream echoed through the courtroom as guards restrained her, forcing her back into the defendant’s chair.
Rylie observed silently, a deliberate, satisfied smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
With Paola’s testimony, the searing indignation of the victims’ families, and Gatlin—the famed attorney—at the helm, the trial’s outcome was inevitable. Laurel was utterly vanquished. Given the gravity of her crimes, she was sentenced to death, stripped of all civil rights for life, and had her entire estate confiscated.
Terrance, while not the principal offender, was fully aware of the crimes. When the A7 and A8 plot accidents occurred, he had the power to evacuate the crowds—but he obstinately chose inaction, resulting in catastrophic loss of life. He was sentenced to life in prison, and every asset he owned was confiscated.
According to the will submitted by the Owen family, Detour Inc. legally belonged to Rylie. It was never Terrance’s personal property, and the court granted her full control of the company. After a lifetime spent clawing for influence, Terrance and his family were left utterly empty-handed, abandoned by fortune and allies alike.
Terrance slumped forward in his chair, every ounce of vitality drained, defeated in both body and spirit.
Through Gatlin’s intervention, the judge permitted Paola and Rylie a private meeting with the couple—one final exchange before the proceedings concluded.
𝘈𝘥d𝘪𝖼𝗍і𝘃e ո𝗈𝗏e𝗅𝘴 оո 𝗴а𝘭𝗇𝘰ve𝗅s.𝖼o𝗆
Paola entered first, maneuvering her wheelchair steadily into the room. Laurel’s voice pierced the air, accusing her daughter of cruelty and monstrosity.
“This is Rylie’s scheme! Paola, you idiot! Haven’t you learned? She’s deceived you again! How many times must she manipulate you? Confess that you lied! I’m innocent! If you don’t, I’ll never forgive you!”
Paola silently slid a folder across the table. “Examine it yourself.”
Laurel, still seething, ripped the folder open.
Within lay a comprehensive inventory of every one of Gregg’s personal holdings.
Her face faltered as she scanned the pages. “Where did you get this?”
Paola’s expression remained cold and unreadable. “You didn’t know? I assumed the financial advisor had already provided you with this information. If not, why would you have been so desperate to end me?”
Laurel feigned ignorance, her eyes wide. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Paola’s laughter rang icy and sharp. “No idea? Gregg’s children have no claim—only I do. And if I perish, everything defaults to my parents. Stop the act, Laurel! Twenty years as mother and daughter, and you think I don’t see the venom in your heart? I should thank Rylie for giving me a chance to set things straight.”
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