The Secret Obsession of the CEO-Chapter 257: The Verdict

After dinner, Rory waited for some time to learn more about the situation. But there was no news. Liam looked tired and they went to bed.

In the morning, there still was no news and they finished breakfast. Liam had someone bring a change of clothes for them, so they had fresh clothes to wear for the court.

They had to wait for a long time. Rory regretted returning home. Ellie would be missing her parents. She couldn’t even eat lunch, but Liam forced her to eat something.

Rory was insisting on visiting home to meet Ellie as there was no decision reached by the jury even by lunchtime. But Liam insisted on them staying in the hotel as he didn’t want to miss anything.

She was annoyed with him for insisting. She didn’t want to listen to him anymore.

Just as Rory decided to get a cab, there was a knock on the door. Liam asked her to check who that was. Rory opened the door and was surprised to see Frank and Claire with the kids.

Rory hugged Ellie and she almost teared up feeling Ellie’s squeeze. Claire said that Ellie was a doll the whole time. But Rory could feel that Ellie had missed her.

And yet her little munchkin managed to not be a nuisance. Her Ellie is the most precious and brilliant baby in the whole universe. She didn’t think that she could love any other baby just as much as she loves Ellie.

Liam came to her and rubbed her back before getting Ellie from her embrace. "Don’t squeeze her too much," he kissed her cheek.

"You could have told me if they are joining us," Rory slapped his butt.

"Wanted to surprise my Cherrypie," Liam winked and walked to the living area with a wink.

"I hope you’re not tired. What do you want to order?" Rory asked as she got into hospitality mode.

Even before they got settled, Liam got a text. Rory walked to him. "It’s Matt," he said as he opened the text.

[They’re ready]

"That’s our cue," Rory took in a deep breath. She was short of breath as a wave of anxiety hit her.

This is it. This is going to be the big reveal.

Frank and Claire wanted to join and with the kids, they got to the courtroom. Everyone got seated and the tension on everyone’s faces was very visible.

Liam held her hand as the jury got seated. Lennon was brought in for sentencing. He wasn’t even in a suit and was wearing the prison jumpsuit he was wearing for the trials.

That visual gave Rory some peace. Lennon would be the guy who wouldn’t get caught with a hair on his head out of place. And right when he is getting the attention of millions and probably billions of people, he is in such a wretched state.

It must be killing him. Good!

"Have you reached a verdict?" the judge asked the foreperson.

"We have," the foreperson said.

The bailiff got the verdict from the foreperson and brought it to the judge. The judge read the entire verdict patiently. There were instances where he seemed surprised. But then he nodded as if he agreed with everything.

He then read the verdict.

Liam clutched Rory’s hand as the judge read "guilty" for every charge on Lennon. The jury found that Lennon was guilty of all the charges. They gave him nine death sentences for each of the proven first-degree murders and eighteen life sentences for the other counts. There were other sentences too.

But no one cared about that.

Lennon--William Caroll was sentenced to death. He is a convicted felon on death row.

The entire courthouse was filled with various sounds. Some of the victims’ families celebrated, some let out a cry as justice had been served finally, and there were some reporters who were astonished because this was the first time they were witnessing such a verdict.

The judge hit the gavel asking for silence as the verdict was not over. Apparently, the jury found that it would be better for the victims’ families to be compensated by Lennon for all the mental anguish he put them through.

Apart from being marked for state-sponsored death, Lennon also became more bankrupt than he already was. And since Lennon tried his best to frame Liam, Liam was offered more settlement than the others.

Hundred million dollars!

Rory didn’t know how Lennon is going to pay them. But... hey, why refuse money!

Lennon was standing with his head bowed for the entire reading of the verdict. The judge asked the jurors if the verdict was unanimous, and they affirmed.

So, it all ended.

Everyone got the closure they deserved. There is a possibility that Lennon could appeal, but she didn’t think he will. He will not appear weak by postponing his death. He will face it like the brave man he thinks he is.

And Lennon did not betray her belief. When the judge asked him if he needed to say something, maybe something for the victims’ family, he said only one thing.

"Kill me as soon as possible. Otherwise, I will escape, and I will kill again. Your daughter Rosa will be my first kill after my second coming, honorable judge!"

No one could see Lennon’s face, but the judge. Everyone only saw the judge’s face going pale and his hands trembling.

As expected!

Rory turned to the side. Liam was hugging Frank and Claire was rubbing Frank’s back as he was sobbing like a boy. Rory let out a sigh.

It’s over. It’s over for Lennon. For real this time.

She didn’t think the judge will take this open threat lightly. None of the law enforcement officers will. Lennon would be kept on high guard. And just like he asked, his death penalty will be executed soon.

She did wonder though. How will they execute him nine times? But nine times... She laughed. It’s ironic. He won’t survive nine executions even if he were a cat. Because even cats have nine lives.

The judge adjourned the court as the details of the death penalty have to be considered. The entire court was still in chaos with everyone walking around hugging each other and some were sobbing incessantly having gotten the results they hoped for.

Liam with Ellie in his hand hugged Rory. He felt a boring stare and he looked back. Lennon, who was getting dragged back was turning to glare at him.

"I’m coming, son..." he mouthed.

Liam’s blood flowed backward and his heart almost froze with fear seeing the murderous aura in Lennon’s eyes.

He felt marked by a dangerous predator. But he didn’t look away. He stared back.

And he smirked with a shrug and kissed Rory’s head.

Lennon gritted his teeth and tried to lunge at him, but the officers dragged him out of the courtroom.

Yeah, no matter who might come, even if he’s frozen with fear, he won’t give up. He will protect his little family.