Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 277

Chapter 277: Stella’s First Trial
Two Weeks Later…

The grand courtroom buzzed with hushed murmurs as people filled the seats, each eager to witness the downfall of one of Wing City’s most infamous women. The air was thick with tension, a suffocating weight pressing down on everyone present.

Journalists lined the back of the courtroom, their cameras and notepads ready, their eyes sharp with curiosity and hunger for the next explosive headline.

Unfortunately for them, they won’t be witnessing Stella Swift’s first court hearing as the wrong information was leaked to them in other to divert attention from the real courtroom.

The doors at the back of the main courtroom swung open, and heads turned as Aurora entered, flanked by Nene and two of Xander’s bodyguards.

She moved with quiet elegance, her posture straight, her expression unreadable, but beneath the cool facade, her heart pounded. This was the moment she had waited for—the moment her stepmother would finally answer for her crimes.

Aurora’s gaze swept across the courtroom until it landed on Stephanie and Olivia, who had arrived earlier.

Stephanie sat poised, her hands clasped neatly in her lap, her expression composed yet calculating. Olivia, on the other hand, was visibly tense, her fingers gripping her handbag tightly as she stared at the empty defendant’s seat.

Aurora took her seat and acknowledged her Aunt with a nod. Stephanie responded quietly, her gaze landing on Aurora’s small baby bump before shifting her gaze.

As for Olivia, she was completely ignored. Aurora only spared her a glance before looking away. But somehow, Olivia couldn’t help but clench her fists.

Aurora was the reason for everything. If it hadn’t been for her, then her mother wouldn’t have made plans to eliminate her which ended up killing their father.

—

A sharp voice rang through the courtroom.

“All rise.”

The entire room stood as the judge entered and took his seat. As soon as the room settled, the doors at the side of the courtroom opened, and two armed officers led Stella Swift inside.

She looked like a shell of the woman she once was. The confident, perfectly styled socialite was gone. Instead, a pale, weary-looking woman stood before them, clad in an orange jumpsuit. Her usually immaculate hair was dishevelled, and her once sharp eyes dulled by exhaustion.

But despite her worn appearance, Stella held her chin high as she walked to the defendant’s seat, her shackles clinking with every step, especially when her gaze accidentally met with Aurora’s.

Aurora’s fingers clenched into fists. ‘She doesn’t even look remorseful,’ she thought bitterly.

Stephanie’s lips curled in faint amusement as she studied her sister-in-law. Beside her, Olivia shifted in her seat, her face unreadable.

The bailiff stepped forward and read the charges.

“The defendant, Stella Swift, is hereby charged with three counts of felony: conspiracy to commit murder, obstruction of justice, and first-degree murder.”

A heavy silence fell over the courtroom.

The judge adjusted his glasses and turned to the prosecution. “The court will now hear the charges against the defendant.”

—

The lead prosecutor, a sharp-eyed woman in a navy-blue suit, stood and walked toward the jury.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, today, we bring forth the case against Stella Swift—a woman who, for years, has presented herself as a devoted wife and mother. But behind closed doors, she orchestrated a brutal chain of crimes that led to the death of her own husband.”

A murmur ran through the courtroom.

The prosecutor turned slightly, her eyes locking on Stella. “Let’s begin with the attempted murder of her stepdaughter, Aurora Swift.”

Aurora’s fingers curled tighter around her dress, but she remained still.

The prosecutor gestured toward the evidence board behind her, which displayed a collection of documents, call logs, and witness testimonies.

“Months ago, the defendant, Stella Swift, hired an assassin with the intent of eliminating her stepdaughter. However, instead of Aurora, it was Adam Swift—her husband—who was killed that night.”

Olivia grasped the hem of her dress as her heart thundered in her chest. Her breath hitched as she turned to look at Stephanie, whose expression remained impassive.

Aurora felt a sharp pang in her chest, but she quickly suppressed it. She was reminded of how her father was shot right in front of her, his life, snatched by that ruthless woman who was after her.

The prosecutor continued. “Upon realizing her mistake, the defendant took swift action. She silenced the man she hired—murdering him to cover her tracks and eliminate any evidence that could tie her to the crime.”

The judge turned to Stella. “How does the defendant plead?”

Stella lifted her head, her voice eerily calm.

“Not guilty.”

A heavy silence fell over the room.

Aurora’s nails dug into her palms.

Liar.

Stephanie arched a brow, while Olivia exhaled shakily, a mixture of disbelief and bitterness crossing her features.

The prosecutor’s lips curled into a faint smirk. “I expected as much.”

She turned back to the jury. “We have irrefutable evidence—phone records, witness testimonies, and forensic reports—that will prove the defendant’s involvement beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The defence attorney, a well-known, high-profile lawyer, adjusted his tie and stood.

“The prosecution makes bold accusations, but accusations are not facts,” he stated smoothly. “My client maintains her innocence, and we are prepared to challenge every claim made against her.”

Stella remained impassive, but her eyes flickered toward Olivia for a brief second.

Olivia looked away.

The judge glanced at the clock. “The court will reconvene tomorrow morning. Until then, the defendant will remain in custody.”

Bang!

The gavel struck, signalling the end of the first hearing.

—

By the time the court session was over, the journalists had already found out about the actual venue and flocked towards it in their numbers.

As soon as the judge left, the reporters surged forward, trying to enter the court house only to be blocked by court officers.

Stephanie stood up first, straightening her blazer. “Let’s go. Or do you still want to chat with your mother?”

Olivia hesitated for a brief moment before following her out of the courtroom. There was no need to meet her mother. She wasn’t in that mood.

Aurora remained seated, watching as the officers escorted Stella back into the holding area.

For the first time since the trial began, Stella turned her head and met Aurora’s gaze. A slow, bitter smile curved her lips.

Aurora’s blood ran cold. And then, just like that, she was gone.

Nene gently touched Aurora’s shoulder. “Ma’am, we should leave.”

Aurora inhaled sharply and stood to her feet.