A Life Debt Repaid novel (John and Cordy) novel Chapter 517

Cordy blushed even harder, but that was not what she meant!

She was just worried about John's health. He looked so frail a gust could knock him off his feet, and he was definitely in no shape to drink!

Fortunately, Sam did not keep harassing Cordy and changed the subject. "That said, Johnny still gave up Levine Ventures just to take down the Stuarts… Don't you think it's a little too costly? It took several generations for Levines to establish its success, but Johnny is abandoning it just like that? Doesn't he regret it?"

"His grandfather would probably be hurting." Bob sighed.

Cordy sat beside them in silence, since all of that more or less has something to do with her.

Quinn was sharp enough to pick up on Cordy's feelings and turned towards Sam and Bob, snapping, "That's enough. We're still in a courtroom—keep it down."

Sam shot her a look in turn and growled in displeasure, "The court is in recess and you're not in charge here. Why do you care if I talk?"

"Can't you show some tact?" Quinn shot back, barely holding back.

"How am I tactless? Was I being loud? Someone was even thrown out just now, but was I?" Sam snapped with righteous indignation, rude to Quinn as he had always been.

Those who did not know would think that they were enemies, not spouses.

Quinn was scowling in turn, whereas Bob tugged at Sam's sleeve. "That's enough. Quinn is right—just be quiet. The courtroom is a serious place."

Sam rose to his feet and started to leave right then.

"Where are you going? The trial isn't over yet," Bob asked, watching Sam as he left.

"For a smoke," Sam snapped. "Or I'm going to smoke someone."

Once he strode off, none of those remained spoke, leaving things a little awkward.

Everyone became silent as the bailiff announced, "All rise."

Everyone stood up, and Judge Rackham started to announce the final verdict.

Cordy knew that the outcome would be ideal, but she became nervous just then.

She held her breath, staring at John and not Judge Rackham, and saw that John was looking at him too.

His gaze calmed her considerably.

"After conferring, the panel of judges have agreed on a verdict that there is no evidence of the defendant's involvement in market manipulation, money laundering, and blackmail. While he had resorted to radical measures to invade the privacy of others, that is not within the jurisdiction of this court to judge. In lieu of that, the defendant shall be released, cleared of all charges!"

At those words, the courtroom once again erupted in raucous applause.