The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 884

When Dorothy caught sight of Heather, she couldn't help but do a double-take.

The once poised and professional chief attorney of the Lopez Corporation now looked like a shadow of her former self, her figure gaunt and haggard. Had Heather not been seated at the defendant’s bench, Dorothy might have struggled to recognize that face... a face that bore some resemblance to her own.

Compared to Heather, Amanda appeared much more dignified, yet she too had noticeably lost weight, perhaps due to the stress of the lawsuit. But her pride was intact. She wouldn't spare Dorothy the slightest glance, as if she were beneath her notice.

Not that Dorothy cared.

The trial dragged on since it was crammed with evidence. And some evidence needed to be verified on the spot, making cross-examination particularly challenging.

The Lopez family, eager to win and disassociate themselves from the scandal, had even summoned the doctors from the hospital to testify.

Throughout, Dorothy remained detached, her attention flitting between Ephraim and the parade of prosecutors and defense attorneys jostling with objections and accusations. Her gaze drifted to the gallery for the umpteenth time.

Everett wasn't there.

That was probably for the best. His presence would have only added to the awkwardness. But a part of her wished he'd come, just so she could catch a glimpse of him. Suddenly, the embarrassment didn't seem all that important.

"Now, the defendant will make a final statement," the judge announced.

This was it—the last part of the hearing.

Dorothy glanced at Ephraim, who nodded reassuringly at her to show that everything went fine. She offered a small, grateful smile in return.

Heather's final statement was tearful and full of remorse. As a lawyer, she knew the power of this moment. The juries held the keys to her freedom, and a moving speech could influence the sentencing.

Amanda's statement, on the other hand, was read verbatim from what her lawyer had prepared. It lacked emotion, lacked expression, as if she had never feared the outcome of this so-called trial. She seemed convinced of her imminent exoneration.

"Court is now adjourned. All rise."

She turned and saw Karen standing a short distance away, waving at her.

"What are you doing here?"

"How could I miss out on such an important day?" Karen approached and embraced her, handing over a bouquet of flowers. "Dorothy, when I said I'd always be there for you, I wasn't joking."

At last, the tears Dorothy had held back in the courtroom began to fall.

"Thank you, Karen."

"Enough of that! Shall we head to my place for a little celebration?"

Dorothy wiped her tears with the back of her hand and nodded, "Sounds good to me."