Love Began with the First Meeting
Chapter 497 The Bubble Bursts (Part Six)

The tensed atmosphere froze the court before the judges arrived at the court. Mark opened his brooding eyes widely so as to ascertain the identity of the man who was sitting on the seat of prosecutor. It was indeed Brian! After he recognized that it was Brian, he was so astonished that he had no idea how to react to that. A while later he turned his head rapidly to his mother, wondering why it was Brian who was at the prosecutor seat. All members in Molly's lawyer group also looked at Brian. If it were not a serious matter, one would be forgiven for laughing at the comical expressions displayed on the lawyers' faces. Some were surprised, some looked aghast, some even looked scared and wanted to forgo fighting him.

"Is that Spencer? How is that even possible?" No one knew who had pointed out the harsh reality that their opponent was Spencer. Just looking at the formidable rival standing in front of them gave them great pressure!

"Court!" The court clerk's clear voice drew them back from surprise and fear. They turned back to the front, seeing the judges coming into the court. All the people in the court stood up to show their respect to the judges. They sat down after the judges took their seats and were poised to start.

The chief judge nodded slightly to signal the court clerk to begin. The court clerk nodded as reply and picked up the case document. He stood up, looked around the court and said, "The People's Court of T City, Case No. XX about the custody of Mark Su. Court hearing start! The prosecutor, please state now!"

Spencer stood up and bowed towards the judges and audience in a way that was neither too humble nor too pushy. Without consulting or referring to any record and material during his statement, he stated powerfully why Brian should own the custody of Mark. He gave very detailed statements and with compelling and adamant evidences from the prospects of both law and human emotions.

Time passed by slowly as the lawyers from both sides stated, argued and refuted. In the fierce court fight, which lasted over three hours, the court adjourned for only twenty minutes. The jury listened to the statements from both sides and lamented on how to make this hard decision. Today, they had their work cut out for them and the unenviable task of delivering their verdict.

As the court hearing proceeded, the air got more tensed as the judges and audience listened to the statements of the lawyers from both sides. It seemed that both sides had reasonable statements. The judges looked at the allegation handed in by the court clerk. Then the chief judge turned to the jury and said, "The jury may retire to have half an hour for discussion and deliberation. But please allow me to remind you that Mark's willingness should be taken into consideration in this case!"

The jury retired to have further negotiation. That half hour was the longest half hour in Molly's entire life. It seemed to go on and on. Her heart beat so fast that she was afraid it would jump out of her chest. Every breath she took was like a punch hitting her on the chest making it impossible for her to breathe.

Mark was assigned to sit on a separated seat. During the deliberation time of the jury, he felt alone, helpless and hopeless because his entire future was in the hands of a bunch of strangers. And his pitiful appearance made him look like a toy that everyone could play with...

Brian fixed his gaze on Mark. He felt sorry for Mark. Suddenly he began to hate what he was doing now. He didn't want to hurt his son. But he had no other choice, only in this painful way could Mark have his real and deserved identity. And only in this way could Mark not refuse his care and love.

Spark gripped Molly's hand firmly while her eyes were fixed on Mark during the long waiting time. She just wanted to bring him back to her side and not to let him stay alone. Now, as he sat there alone and looking lost, he looked like a stray cat who desired to be adopted. She blamed herself inwardly. She was not a qualified mother. She failed to be an eligible mother.

Eric threw a glance on Molly, then on Brian. Finally, he lowered his gaze on Mark, too. At that very moment, he suddenly feared that if the court awarded the custody of Mark to his cousin... Then he would really be beaten by Brian for the first time. 'No, I will never allow that to happen!'

During the past half hour, the court was filled with tension and mixed feelings. One thing was for sure, everybody was feeling sorry for the little boy. Whichever way it went, it seemed that he would lose, either he lost his mother or lost his real father! Then finally, the jury came back and sat down on their seats.

"Have you reached an agreement?" The chief judge asked peacefully and seriously.

The representative of the Jury stood up and answered, "Yes, we have the conclusion!" He looked around the court and continued, "After the secret ballot, we reached a verdict with the ratio of six to four!"

As he spoke, everyone got increasingly nervous. Time seemed to freeze as the clerk continued, "The custody of Mark Su, in our opinion, should belong to..."000000☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐