Too Late for Forgiveness

The trial concluded.

In the end, the judge acquitted the defendant, James Benton, and released him.

As for me, as the family member of the party deemed at fault, I was ordered to bear primary responsibility for the accident and compensate James 15,000 for his vehicle repairs.

Standing at the court entrance, I looked at Daisy and Caleb in disbelief.

"Why? You clearly knew he was the one who killed my mom, so why did you help him?" I questioned.

"I'm sorry. James' mother died in the mountains trying to save me back then. I'm in debt to him."

As she spoke, she handed me a bank card. "There's 15,000 in here. Consider it a small compensation from James to you."

"Compensation?" I snapped the card in half, threw it at Daisy's face, and roared hysterically, "Daisy, is my mom's life only worth 15,000 to you? She was a real, living human being!

"She was my mother! Why should her life be used to repay the debt you owe James?"

"That's enough!" Daisy snapped, fed up. "We're at the courthouse. Don't embarrass yourself here!"

Standing beside Daisy, Caleb echoed with obvious displeasure in his voice, "Yeah. Grandma's already dead, so just let it go. But if Mr. Benton gets arrested, who's going to play with me? Dad, how can you be so selfish?"

I froze as a chill ran through my entire body. I could not believe that the son I had raised for ten years had just called me selfish.

Just then, James approached us with a smug smile. "Luke, Caleb is your own son. Plus, he is young and just says whatever's on his mind. Please don't argue with him," he said.

"Mr. Benton!"

When Caleb saw James, he immediately ran up to him, grabbed his arm, and acted all affectionate.

"I'm a man now. Mr. Benton, I'll protect you from now on."

"Such a good boy you are, Caleb."

James picked Caleb up. At this moment, they looked as if they were the actual father and son compared to Caleb and me.

I watched this scene unfold and found it utterly ridiculous.

'So, this is the son I cherish so dearly and the family I sacrificed my career to protect wholeheartedly?' I scoffed inwardly.

Daisy calmly took an agreement out of her folder.

"This is an agreement to waive the right to appeal. Once signed, this case will be considered closed."

"You want me to sign this? No way in hell!"

I tore the agreement to shreds and shouted, "Daisy, don't forget, I studied law too. I was once a lawyer. I will never let my mother die in vain!"

When Daisy heard what I said, her gaze turned icy. "Then, go ahead and try."