He could only pass this hot potato to Gabriel now.

Gabriel was the most tight-lipped among the four men. He didn't know about Bradley and Lucy's cooperation so that he couldn't say anything.

"Where is he then? I'll go find him."

Freya insisted.

She knew it was pointless to ask Gabriel, as he was a tough nut to crack.

If she didn't understand clearly, she was prone to overthinking things.

"I don't know, Freya," Patrick replied with a troubled expression. Bradley had instructed him never to expose his location.

Even if he wanted to tell her, he couldn't.

After all, Bradley was at Lucy's villa. Freya would make a fuss if she knew.

"I still have an experiment to finish," Patrick said, quickly retreating towards the laboratory.

Freya wanted to chase after him, but the laboratory door was already closed.

She stood there, feeling a sudden chill. Unsure if it was the air conditioning or her light clothing, her heat felt cold.

Freya knew that it was all her sensitivity acting up again.

Bradley would never betray her. He must truly be occupied with affairs in Solterra.

Damn, why was her heart so restless?

She clenched her fists and turned to leave the infirmary.

Her attempts to convince herself that it was all in her head were useless, as the dirty images in her mind wouldn't dissipate.

That night, Bradley didn't call to explain or come home.

She tossed and turned, staying awake until dawn broke.

She reached for her phone as soon as she woke up. No calls, no texts, not a single notification.

Ella had made a big meal downstairs when she headed there with panda eyes.

"Freya, did you stay up all night?" she questioned, concerned by her haggard face.

Freya fled in panic last night and Ella caught up with her as she left in despair. Ella later learned from Patrick about Bradley and Lucy's fake cooperation.

Ella was conflicted by Freya's distressed state.

She promised Patrick not to tell Freya, but she couldn't stand to see her friend upset.

Freya smiled up at her. "Ella, today is the trial. I must give it my all and not let anything distract me."

Seeing Freya's carefree smile, her heart finally relaxed. "Freya, I'm not sure what happened between you and Mr. Bradley, but I believe he would never hurt you. I noticed how he gazed at you, how he catered to you. I saw everything. He genuinely loves you, so how could he ever betray you?"

"Thanks, Ella. I have faith in him," Freya said reassuringly as she sipped the milk on the table.

Despite her sleepless night, she had gained clarity on many things.

Their relationship had taken many twists and turns, weathering countless storms and separations.

She understood his character well. He wasn't the type to change his mind easily.

There must be a valid reason why he was with other women. If he didn't answer her phone call, it might be because he was genuinely busy.

She couldn't suspect him over such a trivial matter. It wouldn't be fair to him.

After all, a relationship was built on trust. If she suspected him of cheating because of this, what about when he became king and was surrounded by more admirers? She'd end up feeling sour all the time.

After breakfast, Freya and Ella entered the car together and headed to the police station. As planned, the authorities would take her to court.

Selena would surely be ecstatic to see her in such a sorry state.

It was exactly the outcome she desired. The more smug Selena became, the more miserable her downfall would be.

...

Ten in the morning, the 'Julia Brand Alleged Use of Substandard Fabric to Harm Consumer Rights' case was brought to trial at Solterra Intermediate People's Court.

All the consumers bribed by Selena showed up. Even the reporters were out in full force.

Meanwhile, Selena's 'online trolls' gathered in great numbers outside the courts,

Given the exceptional circumstances of this case, the court decided to livestream the entire trial to allow for public scrutiny.

Selena discussed the case in the lounge with the defense lawyer and Mr. Clark, the deputy director of the industrial and commercial bureau.

"Don't worry. The evidence in this lawsuit is solid. Unless the defendant can provide evidence to prove his innocence, Mr. Clark will undoubtedly win. Whether the defendant will be convicted hinges on how much the victims' interests have been compromised. If they can present reports detailing the extent of disfigurement as evidence, the court is likely to convict the plaintiff."

Selena nodded, then turned to Mr. Clark. "You've been working hard lately, Director. This matter still requires your intervention, as your team has the expertise to produce these reports. Once submitted to the court, the Julia brand will have no chance of redemption."

Mr. Clark confidently stated, "This matter has been settled and the reports have been completed. We are all at Miss Selena's disposal."

A glint appeared in his eyes behind his gold-rimmed glasses as he finished speaking.

Dark Master told him to follow Selena's lead, collaborate with her, and then turn the tables in court to arrest her.

With Selena wanting to deal with Julia, anyone might turn the tables.

"Fine, just watch my cues when the time comes. After we succeed, Miss Lucy will ensure you are well-rewarded," Selena sneered.

"Thank you, Miss Selena," replied the Mr. Clark.

The defence lawyer interjected, "By the way, you can use her murder case to stir up public opinion and to provoke the judge's attention. Then, the chance of Freya being sentenced will be greater. After all ... no one can tolerate such a brutal method of murder before the law."

"Relax, I've already bribed the family members. They'll be willing to testify against Freya. She's doomed this time." Selena's lips curled into a sinister smile. No matter what, Freya would not step out of this place today.

Eliminating this woman would make Lucy happy and pave the way for her to climb to the top without any obstacles in the future.

Selena could already see the position of chief designer calling to her. With that thought, the smile on her lips could hardly be hidden.

Mr. Clark felt increasingly anxious seeing her like this.

These Selena and Lucy were simply digging their own graves.

...

The courtroom.

Freya was escorted to the courtroom by the police.

Selena, Mr. Clark, Beau, and some employees from Selena's stores were all seated in the front row.

Selena threw a flirtatious glance at Beau. "Beau, thanks to you this time. Once things are done, we'll both be rich. If you don't mind, we can continue our partnership."