Chapter 10 Closing Arguments

After the netizens heard Michaela’s testimony, they were up in arms. They scolded Thorne for failing to provide for his wife and hurled insults at him and his mistress.

When Thorne Ferguson walked outside the courtroom, he was ambushed by the reporters. Ben, the reporter, approached him and asked, “President Ferguson, is it true that for the past two years, you failed to buy your wife even a lollipop?”

Thorne’s face darkened. He looked at Ben, the reporter, coldly but didn’t utter a word. His lawyer, Jeff Cliff, looked at Ben, the reporter, and said, “No comment.”

Then Thorne Ferguson’s bodyguards shielded him from the reporters and escorted him to the parking lot. He sat in his car for a long time without uttering a word.

He couldn’t believe the person who used to look at him with eyes full of love would give up on him.

Even though he didn’t have any feelings for his wife, hearing her say he was just a passerby, those words hurt him deeply.

Countless women were dying to marry him, but his wife indicated that it was her deepest regret to marry him. His ego was deeply bruised.

His personal bodyguard, Leo Williams, sat in the driver’s seat but didn't start the car. He looked at his boss and asked, “Mr Ferguson, should I take you to your beach house?”

Mr Ferguson shook his head and replied, “Please take me to Havana Club.” Then Leo drove his car to the club.

When Thorne arrived at their private room, David May was alone drinking whiskey. A few minutes later, Jeff Cliff walked into the private room.

Thorne looked at Jeff coldly and asked, “Why did you mention the Ferguson family wealth in court, knowing full well that Michaela doesn’t care about my money?

Even the divorce agreement was drawn up by you, and it was clearly stated that she would leave with nothing. I am confused. What stunt were you trying to pull in the courtroom?”

Jeff furrowed his brows and replied, “I am sorry, I went overboard. I allowed my emotions to control me. I was furious at her for stealing you away from Paula. I wanted to humiliate her and label her as a gold digger.”

Thorne’s face darkened and said, “Please leave. Are you not supposed to prepare the closing arguments for this case? Don’t let Paula down.” Jeff took his suit jacket, then he left without uttering a word.

Later, Ben, the reporter’s newspaper’s first page was written in bold, “Durban Tycoon abandoned his wife for his mistress.” The other local newspapers published the story as well.

The following day, Judge Harris walked into the courtroom and sat on the bench. He banged his gavel to indicate that the court was in session.

Judge Harris addressed the court and said, “I will allow both sides to provide us with their closing arguments. Thereafter, I will review the evidence, and then I will rule on the matter. I will ask Mr Cliff to begin with his argument.”

Mr Cliff approached the bench and said, “Your Honour, we have all heard the testimony of Miss Ball. She is a reliable and credible witness. 

It is clear to me that Miss Miller wanted to remove Miss Cage because she was pregnant. She didn’t want any obstacles which would affect her unborn child.

During the trial, Miss Miller didn’t show any remorse despite the overwhelming evidence against her.

I suggest the court sentence Miss Miller to thirty years in prison because she is a danger to society.” Mr Cliff thanked Judge Harris and walked to his seat smiling.

Mr Blaze looked at Judge Harris and said, “Your Honour, I feel that this matter was rushed. We don’t even have a detective report. What is the rush?

My gut feeling tells me that Miss Ball is lying through her teeth. No one knows what happened on that day because Miss Cage is lying in the hospital fighting for her life.

Your Honour, please disregard Miss Ball’s testimony. There is no evidence to convict my client besides the so-called eyewitness testimony.

Mrs Ferguson didn’t commit the crime. She is innocent, Your Honour.” Then he walked to his seat with a heavy heart.

Michaela touched her lawyer’s hand and smiled. She trusted the Lord that one day the truth would come out.

Judge Harris indicated that the court would resume after two hours. Then he went to his chambers.

Mr Blaze looked at Michaela and asked, “Do you want me to get you something to eat or drink?” Michaela shook her head and replied, “I don’t have an appetite, Uncle Blaze.”

Two hours later, Judge Harris walked into the courtroom and sat on the bench. He banged the gavel. The courtroom became quiet.

Judge Harris looked at Michaela and said, “Mrs Ferguson, please stand.” Mr Blaze and Michaela stood up and looked at Judge Harris.

He looked at Michaela and said, “Mrs Ferguson, you are such an intelligent and gorgeous young lady and I don’t understand why you didn’t leave a loveless marriage.  It is clear to me that your husband loves Miss Cage so dearly.

In your testimony, you indicated that your husband had never respected or protected you, but you still stayed.

It would be difficult to prosecute this case without Miss Ball’s testimony. Life is the most precious gift a human being can receive. When it is taken away it can never be returned.

Attempting to cause the death of a human being is a serious crime. Dr Bond testified that Miss Cage had suffered serious injuries, and it would depend on her willpower to wake up.

However, I didn't even see you show any remorse. You are so heartless at a young age.

I concur with Mr Cliff, you are a danger to society, and you deserve to be locked away for a long time.

After weighing all the relevant factors, I found you guilty of the attempted murder of Miss Cage. Therefore, you are hereby sentenced to twenty years in prison without parole.” Then Judge Harris walked to his chambers.

Tears streamed down Michaela’s stunning face. Pain surged through her heart. The Ferguson family and the Miller family couldn’t believe their ears. They felt that Judge Harris was too harsh.

Michaela turned her head and looked where her mother was sitting. Amanda Fox was hugging her tightly, both were crying softly.

Thorne welcomed the judgement and hugged his lawyer tightly. He was over the moon. He looked at his grandfather with gloating eyes. He had proved to his family how vicious Michaela's heart was.

Mr Blaze had arranged with the prosecutor to annul Mr and Mrs Ferguson’s marriage.

After Judge Harris left, Mr Blaze accompanied Michaela to Judge Harris's chambers. A few minutes later, Thorne walked to the chambers smiling brightly. Mr Blaze hugged Michaela and left with a heavy heart.

Do you think Miss Ball was the credible witness?