Her Return, His Regret by Natie

Chapter 164~ Undergoing changes After weeks of undergoing trial, Celeste, Ivy and Ivy's parents sat in the courtroom, waiting for the judge to deliver the verdict.

The courtroom was filled with thick tension as everyone waited to see what would becof the four criminals.

Ryan glanced at Jason who sat next to him and asked in a low voice, "Are you sure you're ok being here?" Jason sighed, sadness creeping into him as he replied, "I'm not ok but I need to be here. There's nothing I can do since mom made her own decisions. I'll respect whatever decision the judge makes." Ryan nodded, feeling bad for Jason. It must have been tough for him to watch his mother being referred to as a criminal. However, it was what Celeste deserved for what she had done.

He shared a look with Lora who was seated on his other side and she nodded at him, smiling in encouragement. She leaned in and whispered, "Today, we will get rid of the bad guys. Once they are locked up, we will be free from schemes and threats." Ryan smiled, squeezing her hand gently before bringing his attention back to the front.

Diane, Charles and Miles were seated on the srow, their expressions a mixture of anticipation and resolve.

Miles felt a little sad for Jason and Isabella. No matter what, Celeste was their mother. But she was evil and he was glad she would stay away from them for good. He had finalised his divorce with her and was now a free man.

At the stime, Celeste kept her icy glare on Ryan. Her eyes were filled with so much hatred and if her eyes could shoot fire, Ryan would be dead by now.

She was not the only one who was shooting daggers at Ryan. Ivy Williams was also glaring at Ryan and Lora. Her eyes fell on their intertwined hands and anger bubbled up in her chest.

How dare they show up there to mock her? Were trying to shove how happy they were in her face? Ivy clenched her hands into fists, her nails digging into her palms. She wished she could rush towards Ryan and Lora's side and stab them a thousand times.

The judge's voice cut through the silence. "After putting into consideration all the evidence submitted and all the testimonies given by witnesses, the court finds the defendants, Celeste Anderson, Ivy Williams, Celine Williams and David Williams, guilty on the following counts, kidnapping, attempted murder and conspiracy." "What? I'm not guilty!" Celeste exclaimed. She glared at the judge and pointed at her, "You! Have you been bribed by the Kingsleys?" Gasps echoed around the courtroom at Celeste's behavior.

"Miss Anderson, please refrain from disrupting the court proceedings or I'll add contempt of court to your crimes," the judge warned.

When the courtroom was quiet again, the judge continued, "Ivy Williams' arson charge has been proven beyond reasonable doubt, thus adding to her sentence." "As a first-toffender, Isabella Kingsley's involvement in the conspiracy had been considered separately. She is hereby sentenced to a one-year suspended sentence. This sentence will be reinstated if the defendant commits a crwithin this one year." Isabella who was seated near the criminals let out a sigh of relief. She glanced at her family and tears blurred her eyes. Ryan and Jason had hired a powerful lawyer who pleaded her case.

"This court sentences Celeste Anderson, Celine Williams and David Williams to twenty years imprisonment. Whereas, Ivy Williams gets life imprisonment befitting the gravity of her crimes," the judge concluded.

Ivy's eyes widened as she stared blankly at nothing. Life imprisonment? Tears rolled down her cheeks when she realised she would spend the rest of her life in jail. She had moved from riches to rags in the blink of an eye and this was all because of Lora and Ryan. Turning her head, she glared at the couple and jumped out of her seat.

"This is your fault! You're the reason for my downfall!" Ivy ran towards one of the lawyers, picked a pen and with a hideous look on her face, rushed towards Lora, aiming for her neck.

However, she was tackled to the ground before she could reach Lora. Still not wanting to give up, she yelled, "I'll kill you, Lora. I swear! I'll haunt you in your dreams! You will never be happy! I curse you!" Ryan hugged Lora protectively. He covered her ears and said, "Don't listen to her... curses from bad people don't work. You and I will be very happy from now on." The next day, Ryan was seated at his desk, going through a few proposals when the inteon his desk buzzed.

Lawrence's voice cthrough, "Mr Kingsley, Isabella is here to see you." Ryan furrowed his eyebrows, wondering why she wanted to see him. After the court session, she was nowhere to be seen. It was like she was still afraid to face the family. However, Ryan didn't hold anything against her. She was just a victim who was brainwashed by her mother.

"Send her in," he answered, putting away his documents.

The door opened and Isabella walked in, looking nervous and shy. She wasn't in her usual flashy clothes and her expression was that of a woman who had undergone schanges.

"Ryan," She began after taking a seat. "Thank you for agreeing to see me." "Do you have something to say to me," Ryan asked, looking at his sister.

Isabella took in a deep breath, her heart racing as she said, "I cto apologize to you. For everything. After being influenced by Mom for years, thought I was better than you guys and deserved the power you had. I shouldn't have let her manipulate me... now I know that I was wrong. I promise to be a better person from now on." Ryan studied Isabella's face, noticing how she really seemed remorseful.

"I was blinded by wanting mom's approval. I thought being obedient and following in her footsteps was Ο ΠΥ love. I ignored the damage we were causing and lived in my own world. After almost going to prison, I realised how wrong I was. Nothing in life comes for free... you too worked hard to be where you are right now," Isabella continued.

Ryan replied, "I hold nothing against you and I'm glad you've finally realised your mistakes and you're willing to change. It's never too late to start again look at me, I got a I second chance at life and I believe you deserve one too." Isabella's eyes gleamed with joy. She remarked, "Thank you, Ryan. I would like to go to college and study a course... Although I don't know which course yet. I want to do something with my life." "If you're ok with it, I would love to work in the company once I'm done with my course," Isabella requested.

Ryan leaned back in his seat, saying,

"As long as you're qualified, the company is open for you. However, would have to be aware that you woowever, start from the bottom and work hard to rise to the top. I was like that too... I started as an intern until I becthe CEO. I'll support you and if you have any questions, feel free to ask me." Isabella broke into a huge smile. She replied, "I'll do my best, thank you, big bro. I didn't know you were so cool!" "That's because you grew up hating me... but things will change now. Our family will be filled with love from now on," Ryan proclaimed.