Billionaire's Regret: Losing Me And Our Son - Chapter 234: Chapter 234

I was startled as I had not expected this reporter to be here about Ben's case. The trial was set for the day after tomorrow. To protect Shirley, York and I had already discussed, and we had decided not to let her appear in court.
We had even deliberately kept the news tightly under wraps during this time, all to keep Shirley from feeling upset.
Behind the reporter, the cameraman had already aimed his equipment at the car. Annoyed and flustered, I was about to roll up the window.
However, the shameless reporter shoved half his body inside, thrusting the microphone so close it was nearly touching Shirley's face.
His eyes lit up as if he had struck gold. The reporter leaned in eagerly and said, "Mrs. Smith, please answer my question!"
"Get the hell out! Or I'm calling the police!" I swore, shoving him back with one hand while yelling for security.
Shirley responded calmly, "I'll attend the trial. The prosecution will disclose everything you want to know then."
Just then, the villa's security guards finally arrived and dragged the reporter out. I quickly rolled up the window, started the car, and drove straight into the Smith family villa.
In the garage, I looked at Shirley, stunned, and said, "Mom, you actually don't need to show up in court. Ben has already confessed, and the police and prosecutors already have solid evidence."
Even without witness testimony, there was more than enough evidence to convict Ben.
"I know," she said, smiling at me gently. "I know you and York mean well, but this is my decision. I want to attend the trial; not just to testify against Ben, but also to see him one last time."
I pursed my lips, unable to put myself in her complicated emotions. Since she had made up her mind, all I could do was respect her decision.
In the blink of an eye, the day of Ben's trial arrived. At 10.00 a.m., I accompanied Shirley to the courtroom right on time.
As the police escorted Ben and Bernie into the courtroom, Shirley's body visibly trembled. Her eyes locked onto Ben's face, a faint glimmer of emotion flickering in her gaze.
In a mere few short months, Ben looked as if he had aged ten years. His hair had turned gray, his posture stooped, with an unmistakable air of exhaustion.
Bernie looked no better. Her bare face was sallow, eyes sunken, and frame so emaciated, a stark contrast to her once meticulously made-up appearance.
The trial commenced, and Ben admitted to all charges brought by the prosecution, confessing to every crime he had committed.
I sat in the gallery, holding Shirley's hand tightly, and realized her palm was frighteningly cold.
My mind involuntarily flashed back to when I first returned to the Smith family. Ben's kind, fatherly face, and the way his expression lit up with joy whenever I called him "Dad."
The images appeared one after another, only to slowly fade away. If I felt this way, I could only imagine how Shirley felt after living with him for over 20 years. Complicated grief must have been churning deep within her.
"Given the irrefutable evidence, this court hereby sentences the principal offender Ben Smith to life imprisonment..." The judge's solemn voice rang out and Shirley's body trembled. I instinctively tightened my grip on her hand.
As the judge finished reading the verdict, Bernie and Leon collapsed to the floor, overwhelmed by the verdict.
"Does the defendant have any objections?" the judge asked.
Ben suddenly spoke, his voice low and solemn, "Your Honor, may I say a few words to the victim?"
I froze for a moment, then saw the judge's gaze fall on Shirley and me. He nodded and said, "Go ahead."