The facts of the poisoning case were clear, and the evidence was solid and overwhelming. Joseph was charged as the instigator, while Vivian was named the direct perpetrator. The prosecutor’s office officially filed murder charges against both of them.
At the same time, Sean submitted additional evidence of Joseph’s other crimes. The charges included kidnapping, illegal firearm possession, and running a criminal organization. These offenses, all committed in Jersey City, would be prosecuted together.
When the prosecution filed charges, their sentencing recommendation was immediate execution.
Sean ended the call and turned around.
The lunch tray in front of James remained untouched.
“Was that about the charges against Joseph and Vivian?” James asked weakly.
Sean gave a curt nod, his expression unreadable.
“What did the police say?”
“The poisoning was classified as attempted murder,” Sean replied evenly. “On top of that, Joseph is also being charged with kidnapping, operating a criminal syndicate, and several weapons volations. The prosecutor has recommended the death penalty. As for Vivian, she’ll face life in prison, since her attempted murder charge will be added to her previous sentence.”
James lowered his gaze and said nothing.
Sean glanced at him briefly, his expression cold, but didn’t speak.
After a long silence, James finally said, hesitantly, “I want to see Joseph.”
Sean’s heart skipped a beat. His eyes darkened instantly.
Even after everything Joseph had done to him, James still wanted to see him? Was that how deep his feelings ran for ar illegitimate son?
Sean’s expression stayed cold. A flicker of bitterness flashed in his eyes.
In that moment, he wanted to ask, “All these years, have you ever once cared about me? Have you ever loved me at all?”
But he didn’t say any of it.
“You can’t,” he said flatly. Then he turned to leave.
Behind him, James called out suddenly, “Sean, I’m begging you. Let me see him. Just once!”
Sean froze in place.
His hands, hanging by his sides, clenched tightly into fists.
“It’s my fault,” James choked out. “I failed you and your mother. I know that now.”
His voice broke, thick with tears. Sean could feel the pressure building in his chest.
“I don’t have much time left,” James said hoarsely. “Maybe this is my punishment but before I die, there are things I need to say to Joseph. Please—just once.”
Sean stood at the door, his back still turned. His eyes were cold as ice, burning with silent fury.
“In your next life,” he said quietly. His voice was deadly calm.
That afternoon, Charlotte had just finished lunch and was chatting in her hospital room with Lena and Mia.
1/3
Chapter 374
+25 BONUS
Suddenly, there was a commotion outside.
Screams rang out in the hallway.
“What’s going on out there?” Mia frowned.
Charlotte looked toward the door. “Sounds serious. Something must’ve happened.”
“I’ll go check,” Mia said as she stood up. “Lena, stay here with Charlotte.”
Lena nodded. “Got it.”
Mia left the room, but Charlotte felt a growing sense of uncase. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible had just happened.
A moment later, the door burst open with a loud bang.
Mia rushed back inside, panting hard. Her face was ghostly pale, eyes wide with panic. Her lips trembled, but no words came out.
Seeing how shaken she was, Charlotte and Lena exchanged a worried glance. Both their faces went tense.
Charlotte spoke first. “What happened?”
