Chapter 177

Isabella and Juniper trudged up the courthouse steps, spotting Jasper and Mia, but neither group said a word.

Jasper just snorted and led Mia inside.

Isabella, looking pretty down, followed Juniper with a sad look on her face.

As the courtroom doors swung open, the staff showed everyone to their seats. Once they were all settled, the audience started to file in.

The reporters had their cameras all set up, ready to stream the trial live.

When the first audience member walked in, the reporters gasped.

"Oh my God, that's Mason Williams!" one of them blurted out.

Mason, leaning on a cane and helped by John and Charles, slowly made his way in. Even though he was old, his calm gaze made everyone a bit uneasy.

The old lion might have aged, but his presence still sent shivers down spines.

Jasper and Mia, already seated, jumped up in surprise when they saw Mason.

"I thought Mr. Williams didn't like Isabella. What's he doing here?" Mia asked, worried, looking at Jasper.

Jasper was nervous too but tried to play it cool. "Maybe John brought him along to show how awful Isabella really is," he said.

Mia nodded, looking convinced.

Truth be told, John had no clue why Mason wanted to be part of this insignificant broadcast.

After helping Mason to his seat, John whispered, "Grandpa, you should be resting at home. Why are you watching this? It's Isabella's family drama, not ours. And you being here could influence the judge."

Mason shot John a cold look. "Who do you think you are to tell me that?"

The authority in Mason's eyes made John's heart skip a beat. He didn't dare say more and quietly sat next to Mason, waiting for the broadcast to start.

Mason snorted. Ever since he found out John had secretly bailed Bianca out, his disappointment in him had been growing.

'I hope John realizes just how nasty Bianca truly is from watching this broadcast,' Mason thought with a sigh.

Not long after, there was another stir at the door.

This time, it was Paxton.

Paxton's face was blank at first, but he forced a smile when he saw Mason.

"Mr. Williams, didn't expect to see you here," Paxton greeted him.

Mason looked at Paxton coolly and said, "Shouldn't I be saying that? This broadcast doesn't seem to concern you."

"Mr. Williams, how could that be? The Taylor Family was one of the big four. Even though they've fallen, their legacy still matters. I had to come and see for myself. Besides..." Paxton paused, glancing at the reporters.

"There's this crazy rumor online that I tried to bury Isabella's parents alive. It's got me furious and flabbergasted. I've never even thought of doing something like that. I want to take this opportunity to set the record straight and go after the people spreading these lies. They need to face the consequences," Paxton said, looking straight at Jasper and Mia.

Jasper and Mia were taken aback. Isabella had told reporters she didn't know Paxton had tried to bury her parents alive.

Everyone knew the truth, but without evidence, no one could accuse Paxton. Yet Paxton could use this to sue Jasper and Mia.

"If you're here for the broadcast, then sit down and watch," Mason said coldly, giving Paxton a disdainful look.

Paxton shrugged off the look and sat down next to him.

Just then, the door opened again, and a third call was heard.

This time, a young guy named Joseph walked in.

Joseph was a big name, a young member of one of the top four families, and reporters loved to dish about him. They were always on the lookout for juicy gossip about him and other young elites.

Joseph walked in, surprised to see Mason and Paxton, and greeted them. "Mr. Williams, Mr. Brown, good morning! Didn't expect to see you both here."

Mason smiled at Joseph. "Your father didn't come this time?"

Joseph smiled and shook his head. "Dad's been busy, so he sent me to check things out. If he knew you two would be here, he'd probably be here himself. I feel a little out of my depth here."

Mason waved his hand with a smile. "No need to be nervous. This isn't a formal event. Don't worry about who we are. Find a seat and sit down."

Joseph smiled and agreed, then found a seat. Before sitting down, he saw Isabella and waved at her.

Isabella's pale face showed a faint smile in response.

The reporters were thrilled, practically shaking with excitement. Three of the big four families were here. Would the fourth family show up too?

But to their disappointment, the last family didn't send anyone. It made sense; it was strictly the Taylors' family business. The real surprise was that three major families actually showed up.

Meanwhile, Bianca, watching the broadcast at home, bit her lip and frowned. "Three of the top four families are here? Does Isabella have that much influence? No, it must be the Taylor family's lingering power. Looks like I underestimated how much my family still means."