Chapter 16 - THE FATHER TAKES THE STANDWhen Ethan's father entered the courtroom, everyone became silent.
He walked slowly.
But he walked without assistance.
The man who had once been carried into a coffin now stood before the nation.
The judge asked:
“What happened?”
He closed his eyes.
“I trusted my wife.”
His voice was weak.
“When I woke up, I couldn't move.”
A pause.
“I heard people praying over me.”
The courtroom was silent.
“I screamed.”
His voice cracked.
“No one heard me.”
He looked toward Maria.
“Except my son.”
Maria's face hardened.
“You're lying!”
The judge struck the gavel.
“Mrs. Hayes!”
The father continued.
“She wanted my company.”
He looked at Ethan.
“But she underestimated the one person she thought wouldn't come.”
Ethan's eyes filled with tears.
May you like
His father smiled.
“My son.”
Related Stories
Chapter 17 - THE FINAL PIECE OF EVIDENCEThe prosecution introduced the final evidence.
Chapter 18 - THE VERDICTThe jury returned after several hours.
Chapter 19 - THE LIFE THEY GOT BACKMonths passed.
Chapter 20 - THE DOOR THAT WAS NEVER REALLY CLOSEDOne year later, Ethan stood on the balcony of the rebuilt Hayes headquarters.
