Chapter 77 The Price Paid

The judge, having witnessed the defendant's admission of guilt, proceeded to publicly declare the sentence. As Nora was sentenced to five years and led away, Floriana, unable to contain herself, stood in the public gallery crying out 'Mom!' fervently. Yet, Nora did not glance back even once. Charlotte observed these unfolding events, noting that those deserving of punishment were finally facing their consequences. Bill was notably absent today, indicating his lack of desire to maintain any connection with Nora. Floriana watched helplessly as her mother was escorted away. She yearned to step forward, to take a closer look at her mother, but was ushered out by the court officers instead. "Lady, please calm down," a court officer said coldly before turning away. At that moment, Luke escorted Charlotte out. Floriana, in her state of despair, watched them from a distance, her resentment growing. However, Floriana, having learned prudence, silently watched them leave the premises before returning to her car. Floriana dreaded the future. Her father, being in his forties, was likely to remarry. If not for her complaints about Charlotte stealing her fiancé, her mother wouldn't have taken such a risk. She couldn't absolve herself from blame in these matters. The thought alone was overwhelming, causing her to break down, sobbing loudly over the steering wheel. If her father remarried, Floriana feared her life might be no better than Charlotte's had been. This realization sent shivers down her spine. The prospect of such a life was not what she wanted. Luke, with a touch of concern, asked, "Do you feel tired?" Charlotte, entangled in these affairs, felt weary. "It's alright, I can manage." "We should go back and rest. Let's not go to work today. There's nothing too pressing in the next couple of days, so I can stay home and be with you all." Charlotte nodded, exhausted. "That sounds good. The day after tomorrow is the preschool induction for the kids, and I need to prepare. I can't attend in this state." Luke noticed the change in her, a visible relaxation that was easy to spot. "Alright." Upon returning home, they drove into their villa and were met with an unexpected sight at the door – Bill. "I am truly her father. I just wanted to see her today. Why won't you let me in?" Denise, who had been playing with the children, heard the commotion and hurried out, leaving the children in the room. "I haven't received any notice from Madam, so please don't cause trouble here." Charlotte stepped out of the car, her gaze icy as she looked at Bill. "What are you doing here again?" Bill approached with a sycophantic smile. "It's all Nora's fault. Had I known what kind of person she was, I would never have married her. Now that I've divorced her, all our conflicts are resolved. Can you forgive me?" Charlotte knew he would say something like this. Without a word, she walked past him into the yard. "Denise, close the door. Don't let him in." "Of course, Madam." "Charlotte, you can't treat me like this. I was misled by Nora, and that's why I didn't believe you back then. Can you forgive me just this once?" Charlotte didn't even turn her head as she walked inside. "I'm a bit tired." Luke nodded and then turned to confront Bill. "Do you think it makes any sense to say these things now?" Bill, seeing Luke, thought there might still be a chance. "I'm just seeking my daughter's forgiveness. What else could I want?" "These aren't my decisions to make. You should leave now. She's tired, and your presence here is disturbing her rest." Bill sighed deeply, looking for all the world like a father seeking forgiveness. "Well, if that's the case, I'll leave for today. Please take good care of my daughter." Luke scoffed coldly. "Everyone knows that when she needed you most, you never helped her. I really don't understand why you've changed your mind now." "You're a father now; you should understand, right?" Luke shook his head. "Sorry, I really can't understand. If it were my daughter, I would have taken her back to protect her from any harm." Bill was momentarily stunned by Luke's response, as he had thought the same initially. But he had been worried about damaging his company's reputation, and thus, he kept Charlotte at a distance, fearing any association with her. This was why Charlotte still refused to forgive him. Regret filled Bill as he looked at the villa. "You indeed are a qualified father. I hope you'll continue to take good care of my daughter. Seeing how well you treat her, I can rest assured." Luke's expression showed impatience. "You don't need to tell me these things. It's what I should do. You better leave now." With those words, Luke turned and walked away. Charlotte nestled into the couch, her being engulfed in its cushions. She had always known what kind of man her father was – a person who would sacrifice anything for his business, including the woman who had stood by him for so many years. Bill, resolute and determined, chose not to attend the court session today. However, Charlotte felt these matters were no longer her concern. She had her children to accompany in their growth, and now, she had a life filled with happiness. The fates of Bill and Floriana were not hers to worry about. "Madam, did you have trouble resting last night?" Denise asked, placing a freshly brewed cup of coffee on the coffee table. Charlotte yawned, then took a sip of the coffee. "Yes, a bit. How have the children been these past few days?" Denise shared her concern for the children. "Andy and Lilya have been very attentive in their lessons with Carol, though Lilya seems to miss you a bit. They know you've been busy lately and don't want to disturb your and Sir's work. So they go to bed early every day, trying not to worry you." Hearing this, Charlotte felt a pang of sadness; even at their tender age of three, the children were more considerate than some adults. "They've always been so understanding. I wish for them to live carefree like other children their age, without having to think about all these things."