Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

In the end, though, she was still their daughter. No matter what, they had to do something about it. Leah and Ann clung to each other, tears streaming down their faces. For all these years, they never imagined they'd find themselves in this situation. Deep down, they knew Lisa was their shared burden to bear. Leah felt like her heart was being carved out with a knife. If only she hadn't been so rash in her youth, hadn't let resentment take root and grow. Maybe Ann wouldn't have been expelled. Maybe she wouldn't have met John. None of this would have spiraled out of control. But there was no turning back-life could be brutally unforgiving.

Jacob and his friends quickly made their exit. Chloe quietly slipped back into the diner. The sweet and sour pork ribs on the table had long gone cold. She picked up a piece and popped it into her mouth. What was supposed to be sweet now tasted bitter and harsh. Tears fell unexpectedly. She had seen this coming. She thought she was ready for it. But hearing Jacob's curses, feeling the weight of Leah and Ann kneeling in front of her, her heart felt like it was being squeezed unbearably tight.

Connor came over, and Diana wrapped her arms around Chloe. "If you need to cry, just let it out." Chloe finally broke down, sobbing into Connor's embrace. She knew she hadn't done anything wrong. She knew she had no reason to feel guilty. But seeing them there, she felt like she was being grilled over hot coals.

Connor gently stroked Chloe's hair, soothing her like a child. "You've got me now, and you've got a home. No matter what happens, I'll always be by your side. Even if the whole world thinks you're wrong, I'll always support you, always love you."

Chloe allowed herself a moment of vulnerability. Connor's presence gave her strength and courage. She wiped away her tears. "Let me reheat the meal. We can't waste those delicious sweet and sour pork ribs you made."

"I got it," Connor replied.

When the food was back on the table, Chloe had fully composed herself. She took a sip of the chicken soup and spoke casually, "I think I'll go with you to Eldridge City."

Connor understood her willingness to leave Riverbrook behind. He gently tousled her hair. "Alright, let's move and start fresh somewhere new."

Chloe added, "Tomorrow, I want to go to Lisa's trial."

Connor understood her meaning right away. He sighed, "Okay, I'll come with you."

The next day, the trial was set for ten in the morning. Chloe sat in the front row of the gallery. When Lisa was brought in, Chloe could barely

recognize her. Her hair was cut net

short, her eyes were vacant. She looked so frail, her cheekbones jutted out sharply. She glanced at Chloe but didn't seem to recognize her.

The trial was swift. With the evidence being so clear, the judge quickly delivered the verdict. "The defendant, Lisa, charged with premeditated murder and poisoning, is found guilty. The evidence is conclusive, and the crime is Severe. In accordance with the law, she is sentenced to life imprisonment..."

ise

When Lisa heard the sentence of life imprisonment, she slowly lifted her head. Her eyes scanned the room and finally landed on Chloe's face She had been certain she'd face the death penalty. Her lawyer had told her she had no defense, that death was inevitable.