Female Novel
Chapter 160 Death Penalty
When Martha heard this, she looked coldly into Libby's eyes. She could sense that Libby wanted to put Hollie to death more than anyone else. If not, Libby wouldnot have disclosed the fact that Hollie killed Joann. Joann's death was labeled as suicide since there was no evidence of homicide back then. Now that Libby disclosed it, Hollie would face one more count. It was a homicide. This left Hollie utterly no hope. Martha stared at Libby and sighed. She had thought of Lilly and Hollie as a real family, and now it seemed that humans were selfish bynature. Maxwell and Bianca, who were sitting there, heard this and were both in a state of shock at Libby'swords. They did not expect Hollie to actually kill someone. Silence reigned, and everyone here was lost in different thoughts. Again Libby's voice broke the silence. She looked at Martha, guilt written all over her face, and bowed slightly as she said it. "Martha, I'm sorry. I should have stopped Hollie from trying to hurt you. I am guilty. Please forgiveme." Martha did not sense any sincerity in her words. She remained impassive, looking at Libby, who was apologizing, as if she simply took her words fora joke. Then the judge's voice rang out. "Hollie, do you confess to your crime of killing Joann Lowe?" Standing at the defendant's table, Hollie looked at the judge with bemused eyes, then giggledwithout saying a word. Her giggle was particularly abrupt in the hushed courtroom.
After waiting for a while without hearing any response, the judge had to say, "After verification, thecrimes committed by the defendant have been confirmed, the evidence is conclusive, and the resultwill be announced after the agreement reached by the jury." After that, the judge sat down and discussed with the jury. Everyone else sat there, waiting and thinking. Stefan looked grave, and unconsciously thought of Rupert's words. 'You never trust Martha.' Rupert was right. Whether she told him she was sick or pregnant, he didn't trust her at all. Even after he knew his feelings for her, he still didn't trust her when Martha told him that Hollie hadsomething to do with Joann's death. Why did he become so ridiculous? Stefan looked down, his eyes full of remorse. Eden, sitting beside him, sensed Stefan's mood. Until now, he could not say anything to relieve Stefan from the guilt. No one could have imagined that Hollie, who seemed weak, could be so vicious as to do so muchmischief. Maxwell, of course, was the most disappointed. His eyes were sad as he looked at the situation now. Even though Hollie had done so much wrong, after all, she was the daughter he had raised for somany years. He failed to get her back on the right track, and perhaps he should never have adopted her in thefirst place. Bianca could feel his sadness. She gently patted him on the shoulder and comforted him in a gentlevoice. Moments later, the judge struck the hammer and everyone stood up. "After unanimous discussion by the jury, I will now make the final verdict." Martha's eyes welled with tears, and her hands unconsciously clenched at her sides. She had been waiting a long time for this moment. May God not disappoint her. Then came the solemn voice of the judge.
"I formally sentence that the defendant, Hollie Doyle, accused of intentional injury and twointentional homicides, will receive lenient treatment for being underaged during one of thehomicides." Martha frowned. Did it meant that Hollie would be sentenced to life imprisonment? When she was wondering, the judge's voice sounded again, "The defendant, Hollie Doyle, will besentenced to death with a one-year reprieve." Martha's eyelashes fluttered. The result of the trial was unsurprising. Death penalty. Had Libby not told the judge about Hollie killing Joann, Hollie would have been imprisoned for life. But now, anyway, she had revenged her mother. Hollie deserved it. Martha drew a long breath, composed herself, and looked at Hollie, who had not spoken a word allthe time. novelbin