Estelle recalled that Mr. Mysterious had previously exposed Gretchen’s photos and scandals to the public.
Since Mr. Mysterious is aware of Gretchen’s actions, it’s possible that he also knows about Melody’s wrongdoings.
Gretchen and Melody resorted to seducing and engaging with numerous wealthy businessmen to obtain money. As a consequence, the wives and children of these men harbored strong animosity towards them. It’s reasonable to assume that Mr. Mysterious easily obtained evidence in this scenario.
Thinking about Mr. Mysterious, Estelle felt deeply moved.
‘It must have taken him a considerable amount of time and effort to gather such substantial evidence.’
Finally, the judge delivered the verdict, “Gretchen is found guilty of intentional homicide and intentional injury. Melody is found guilty of intentional homicide, intentional injury, fraud, and theft. Now, I’ll proceed with sentencing…”
Due to the clear and compelling evidence, Gretchen and Melody had no option but to admit their guilt. The evidence presented was detailed and indisputable, leaving them with no other course of action.
“Wait!” Melody suddenly stood up and interrupted the judge who was announcing the verdict.
Based on the principle of justice and fairness, the judge asked, “Do you have any questions?”
Staring at Estelle, Melody suddenly chuckled. “Your Honour, my daughter is pregnant. According to the law, pregnant women and nursing women should be given a suspended sentence, right?”
“She is pregnant?”
After turning around, Melody shifted her gaze from Estelle to Cristofer and spoke, “Yes, Cristofer, please take care of Gretchen after I go to jail.”
Cristofer’s expression changed drastically.
“Don’t believe me?” Melody confidently smiled and continued, “No worries. You can go to the hospital for a paternity test if you doubt it. Gretchen is pregnant with your child. Even though you’ve broken up, I hope you’ll take responsibility for her and the child. It won’t be easy for her to raise the child alone.”
After saying that, she was escorted away by a bailiff.
As for Gretchen, several female bailiffs would take her to the hospital for a pregnancy test.
While passing by Estelle, Gretchen smiled complacently and whispered, “It’s not over yet.”
With a calm demeanor, Estelle replied in a monotone, “You should have told this to Cristofer, not me. Your pregnancy doesn’t concern me.”
“But… You’re his beloved woman. Now that I’m pregnant, he won’t be able to be with you anymore,” Gretchen smiled devilishly.
Estelle sneered and responded, “Well, he already has a new girlfriend and is planning to marry her soon.”
“Is that so?” Gretchen raised her eyebrows and retorted, “Then let’s wait and see.”
At this time, the female bailiff beside her urged, “It’s time to go now.”
Before leaving, Gretchen showed a meaningful smile and warned, “Estelle, just wait and see.”
After the trial finished, the judge and the jury left.
Estelle then held Aurora’s hand and slowly walked out of the court with her, followed by Peter.
The sky was clear and bright. Estelle breathed a sigh of relief and felt relaxed.
“It’s all over,” Peter said gently.
Estelle chuckled and stated, “Yes, it’s finally over.”
“Congratulations, Estelle. You’ve finally brought Gretchen and Melody to justice,” Peter said.
Estelle responded with disapproval, “Well, justice delayed is justice denied. The delay in justice may lead to more innocent lives lost, and those who have died will never come back.”
Peter nodded, acknowledging the validity of her words. Then he asked, “Miss Hudson, I have something else to do, so I have to go now. How will you go back home?”
“We’ll take a taxi,” Estelle replied. “Thank you for your assistance today, Mr. Jones.”
“The person you should thank is not me, but the person who collected the evidence and sent it to me anonymously. Miss Hudson, do you know who it is?” Peter inquired.
“Yes.”
“You know that person?”
“Yes,” Estelle said, nodding. “I should express my gratitude to him, and at the same time, I must thank you as well. He couldn’t show up directly, so he sent the evidence to you and asked for your help with the lawsuit. Thank you very much.”
Hearing this, Peter replied with a gentle smile, “I understand. When I received the package, I assumed it was from Mr. Hans. The handwriting really resembled his…”
“What? Weren’t all the characters in the reports printed texts?”
“Yes, but the sender’s address on the express waybill of the package was handwritten. I thought it was sent by Mr. Hans when I received it. However, later, I realized it was unlikely to be him. If he had possessed the evidence, he could have submitted it directly to the court without involving me. Based on what you just said, it seems someone else sent the package, and their handwriting might be very similar to Mr. Hans’.”
“Do you still have that package box?” Estelle inquired.
“Yes, it’s in my office.”
“May I have a look at it?”
“Sure. But I’ve got stuff to do. How about I send it to you this weekend? You are working in the Hudson Group, right? Is it okay if I send it to your company?”
Estelle thought for a few seconds and nodded. “Yes. Thank you.”
“No problem. Bye,” Peter said.
“Bye,” Estelle said and waved goodbye to him.
Seeming to have something urgent to do, Peter trotted to his car and drove off quickly.
Somehow, Estelle’s mind was in a mess.
She had known Cristofer for so many years and could identify his handwriting at a glance.
As soon as Estelle obtained the package box, she could determine if the sender’s address matched his handwriting.
It dawned on her that she had never seen Mr. Mysterious’ handwriting before…
Estelle hailed a taxi and accompanied Aurora back to the Hudson’s House. Afterward, she rushed back to Rose Garden anxiously to investigate the package further.
****
When Estelle entered the apartment, Mrs. Moorsum, who was holding Yvonne in her arms, asked, “Miss Hudson, is the court hearing over? What’s the result?”
With her heart in turmoil, Estelle said anxiously, “It’s over, and the trial is fair. Mrs. Moorsum, is there anything that was handwritten by Mr. Mysterious at home?”
“Handwritten by him?” After thinking for a few seconds, Mrs. Moorsum shook her head and said, “Mr. Mysterious goes out early and comes back late every day. And this apartment is small and doesn’t have a study. I haven’t seen him write anything. Nor have I seen anything with his handwriting here.”
Hearing this, Estelle sat on the sofa in frustration. After a while, she gradually calmed down.
‘What am I doing? Am I doubting Mr. Mysterious?’
‘Mr. Mysterious has done so much for me. How could I doubt him?’
Estelle rubbed her temples wearily and uttered while waiting for her hand in dismissal, “I see. Forget it. That’s not important.”