Chapter 140: The Court Case III

Words : 1174 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

Chapter 140: The Court Case III Athena laughed then, a sound that echoed with reckless abandon. Her laughter enveloped the council hall, creating a heavy silence born from sheer shock. She laughed until tears streamed down her cheeks, unbothered by the glares of some of the townspeople or the veiled threats lurking in the eyes of others. She laughed, holding her belly, shaking her head at intervals, and reveling in the absurdity of the moment. Suddenly, she paused, fixing her widened eyes and laughing lips on Ewan. "You want full rights? Wow, Ewan, you are really asking for it." She laughed again, shaking her head as if lost in disbelief. "But then, that’s expected from a man who is set to die soon; greed and covetousness." Her laughter faded, and a chilling scowl replaced her playful demeanor, causing several people to gasp—starting to believe that she truly was the villain Ewan had painted her as. "Athena, stop threatening the plaintiff! What are you doing? Do you even know where you are?" Alfonso shouted, breaking the spell of shock that had settled over Elder Timothy. The latter’s sharp voice did well to rattle Timothy from his stupor. "Athena, if you do that again, you will be sanctioned!" "Of course," Athena replied, a smile blooming on her face as she gave a curt bow. Elder Timothy shook his head, a nagging sense of foreboding creeping in. He glanced over at old Mr. Thorne, who seemed utterly unfazed, much like the people surrounding Athena. What trickery were they plotting? Were they planning something sinister once this was all over, like blowing up the hall? He shuddered at the thought and redirected his focus to Ewan, who, as he expected, was fuming under the weight of the threat over him. "You dare threaten me, Athena? Is that because I came to you for help with my health?" Sandro facepalmed himself, while Zane shook his head in disbelief. Margaret frowned, sensing an underlying tension, especially as she noticed Fiona shaking her legs anxiously, as if struggling to keep herself from panicking. What in the heaven’s name was going on? "Ewan, calm down. We are still in a court session." Ewan heaved a rough breath and turned to Elder Timothy. "I am done here. I’m sure you all know the right thing to do at this point. Surely, you can see that she is not fit to raise my children, any children at all." Elder Timothy nodded gravely. "Of course, Mr. Ewan. But I must hear her side first before drawing any conclusions." Ewan tsked in irritation. "Sure, but be careful. She has a way of charming her way into people’s hearts. Look at my friends..." He pointed at Sandro and Zane, whose eyes widened as they unexpectedly became the center of attention. "She already has them wrapped around her little finger—Don’t be fooled by their presence beside me. Judge truthfully." Elder Timothy nodded soberly. "I will, Ewan. You can trust me on this. I want your children to receive justice as well." Ewan nodded, satisfied, and took his seat. Elder Timothy exhaled deeply, placing the case file beside him before turning his attention to Athena. "Doctor Athena, it’s your turn. Please state why you should have custody of the children, along with your evidence." Athena smiled and stood up. "Thank you, Elder Timothy, for this wonderful opportunity. I have been waiting for a long time..." She punctuated her ’long time’ with a thick southern drawl, her lips curling into a smirk as she glanced at Ewan. Ewan balled his fists, displeased that she still bore that smile under such dire circumstances. "But before I start with my case..." Athena continued nonchalantly, "I would like to make a plea." Alfonso and Ewan angrily slammed their right hands on the table in unison, prompting a smile from Aiden. "Oh, that’s enough of your pleas, lady!" Alfonso declared, while Ewan remained silent. But Athena held her gaze steady on Elder Timothy. "What is it that you want, Athena?" Elder Timothy inquired gruffly, triggering murmurs from the crowd, with some suspecting the elder was showing partiality. "I only want Fiona to sit with Ewan in his seat. After all, aren’t they engaged?" Athena requested, her words catching everyone off guard. The hall fell into a hush then; the people clearly unprepared for her request. "And why is that?" An elder asked, as Alfonso remained tight-lipped, beginning to contemplate the possible implications of Athena’s request. What scheme was this wicked woman concocting? His confusion mirrored Fiona’s, who felt increasingly restless, especially with the twins’ penetrating stares focused upon her, as if they could see right through her. "Well, the case I must present involves her. It would also help the people to understand better..." "I don’t..." "That’s okay then. Fiona, join Ewan at the stand." Elder Timothy interjected, cutting off whatever objection Alfonso had formed. Alfonso had to wrestle with himself to suppress a glare directed at the chief elder, perhaps even resisting the urge to knock him on his bald head. Meanwhile, Fiona was pep-talking herself, assuring herself that all was well—that Ewan had all the necessary grounds covered. She thought there was no way Athena had anything on her; nothing was left unchecked in whatever schemes she involved herself in—Morgan had ensured that. There was also no chance Athena would win this case either, not when the townsfolk viewed her as a mass murderer. Fiona could bet her ass off that a police officer was present too, ready to pounce when the moment demanded it. She smiled as she stood from her seat—Athena was destined to lose... just like she had, six years ago. "Now, Athena, you can proceed..." Elder Timothy said after Fiona took her place beside Ewan. "Thank you so much, Elder Timothy." Athena responded, retrieving her laptop from her bag. Skillfully, she set everything up and powered on the projector. Gripping a remote in her right hand and a sleek black cane in her left, she surveyed the quiet hall, ensuring she had everyone’s attention. "Thank you all for coming," Athena began, her eyes perching on every corner in the hall containing people. "Six years ago, I was banished by Ewan and this council for supposed adultery, based on a shitty evidence riddled with holes. And now, six years later, he has once again sued me, this time for custody of the kids, with even a shittier evidence—one more riddled with holes than the last. And judging by everyone’s expressions while he delivered that garbage, it’s clear you’ve all swallowed his nonsense, even the elders, just like six years ago..." Athena tsked, shaking her head. "Well, the difference is that I am a changed woman now, no longer the pitiful creature I was years ago. This time, I have my facts straight and well-documented." A chuckle escaped her lips as she tilted her head toward Ewan, who wore a bland expression. "On that note, my people, let us commence by addressing the points our dear Ewan has listed..."

Chapter 140: The Court Case III

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